The Lucky Horseshoe and Other Items From Costa Rica
We just spent four nights in a row at the Cape of Dreams. Woo Hoo! That has not happened since June. In case you missed the last several posts, Douglas and I have been going to quite a few races this summer. He goes to compete, and I go to cheer. You can read about them here. It has been nice to relax, enjoy the comforts of my own bed and not live out of a suitcase for a while. I was also excited to finish a few projects. We are back in business, people! We have a lot we would like to do before our next trip.
If you read my post on Costa Rica, you know that besides traveling to competitions with Douglas, I was fortunate enough to leave the country this summer. When I travel abroad, I keep a lookout for small items that I can bring back with me. Sometimes, I go slightly overboard, like when I bought six large baskets in Senegal, but usually I show restraint. The best is when I find something that does not cost any money. That rarely happens, but I got lucky in Costa Rica. Not that kind of lucky! Get your heads out of the gutter.
We were on a hike through the mud when I looked down and saw a horseshoe. Score! It still had most of the nails that used to hold it on the horse’s hoof. I figured that horse did not need it anymore, so I brought it home with me.
It is now hanging over my front door. Hopefully, it will bring me luck.
At the very least, I hope it motivates me to paint that door. It is embarrassing that it has taken me so long!
The second item I brought home, I purchased. I had bought several gifts, but since I had already found the horseshoe, I was not planning to buy anything for myself. However, when I saw this little lady, I could not leave her behind. I collect artwork of women, and this figure is beautiful. The artist was a member of the family that I stayed with in Costa Rica, so that makes it even more special.
She makes a nice addition to my living room wall, don’t you think?
The night of our good-bye party, doña Rosa, my hostess for the trip gave me the gift of these beautiful wooden utensils. They were made by the same sculptor as the figurine and make a welcome addition to my kitchen.
I miss Costa Rica and enjoy having the little reminders of my time there. What are your favorite finds from your travels?
Happy Homemaking!
I am a teacher, traveler, artist, writer, homemaker and a whole lot more. In January 2009, I bought the Cape of Dreams. It was the second house that I had ever owned, but it was the first that I bought by myself. I now live in the house with my husband Douglas, our dog Kahlua, and Crème de Menthe, the cat. Because, what life is complete without a little Kahlua and Cream? I love arts and crafts of all kinds, and I refinish furniture as well. We are slowly redoing our entire house. You can read about my projects on my blog www.CapeofDreams.com
I like your little lady! Very special that she came from your host’s family. We don’t buy a lot of souvenirs when we travel, but we always seem to come home with rocks, shells, or dirt! I have red dirt from New Mexico, coral sand from Arizona, red quartzite from Wisconsin, and golden sand from Omaha Beach in Normandy. I knew Eric was the guy for me when we discovered we both had rock tumblers. I don’t collect anything in particular … I just like how ordinary beach rocks can become works of art!
Rocks, shells Ann’s dirt are great souvenirs. I have many from around the world as well.