Tuesday, June 22, 2010

A Terribly CHARMING White WOOD GATES View

I spotted these handmade , carved wooden gates during a early morning walk in Charleston , South Carolina last week. I recalled walking past them...stopping suddenly, backing -up...and wondering if I have seen these before as I walk through the historic neighborhood for many years when I visit ...and do not recall them.
I  mean look at this ! How could I have ever missed it before ?! Of course , delving into midlife has without a doubt softening my memory span...so have I seen these before and forgot ? 
Possible, not probable...but definitely possible..especially of late.
So much in life to remember.
Precious. Thick wood gates, with white picket fencing , obvious care went into the carving which is an original design.
Can't you just see the craftsman or carpenter, laboring over this design in his shop ?

 Old doorbell and historic marker as well.

 Solid, but peekable still.
Then guess what....as I am taking pictures, half out in the street of this gate, I look over about 10 feet to the left of the gate and see
this...
Another carved gate with different accents carved out !
Delightful.

I couldn't decide which one I liked better.
Which meant they were both special.
I liked the cracks in the wood too.

You can't read this , so I will tell you what it says.
It says, " Please close gate. "
Don't you want these somewhere around your garden ?
Tried to get these side by side, this is the best I could do.
You can see if you have a favorite.
I hope you liked these. Not fancy , not elegant , not formal...simply gingerbready-charming. My new made up word  to describe these.
Charm always surpasses elegance in a garden, to me.
Blessings in small ways for you today,
Gina 

Where The Gates Swing Outward Never Hymn

Just a few more days to be filled with praise,
And to tell the old, old story;
Then, when twilight falls, and my Savior calls,
I shall go to Him in glory.

I’ll exchange my cross for a starry crown,
Where the gates swing outward never;
At His feet I’ll lay every burden down,
And with Jesus reign forever.

Just a few more years with their toil and tears,
And the journey will be ended;
Then I’ll be with Him, where the tide of time
With eternity is blended.

16 comments:

  1. They DO look newly painted...did you think so up close?

    I like the old song. Heard it's tun in my mind. Keep the Charleston pictures coming. I really like them.

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  2. I don't think they were just newly painted, but possibly in the last few years. I just loved them ! thanks Rebecca.

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  3. I vote for gate number 46. The design is most pleasing.
    WOW, I just toured the Charleston gardens in your post below! What wonderful brickwork, everywhere, I simply would love to have a zillion old bricks to lay a courtyard such as the one in photo. How inspiring to see all these wonderful garden vignettes. Next time I am in Charleston, I am taking a long walk! In the meantime, I am so glad you are such a garden walker, with camera in hand.

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  4. I want all those old bricks too. But you know that in the charm category , your garden is at the very top.

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  5. Beautiful hymn! I like both the gates; My vote goes to #46, but I would be happy with either! I love the charm and workmanship in these gates. I would like to see the gardens behind them!

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  6. Gina,
    You remind me of myself. You see beauty is so many things that most people would just walk past without giving a second (or a first) look. I can remember my husband and I hiking a while back. I saw these tiny little flowers alongside the trail. I had to get down on my hands and knees and look so closely to see them. Their intricate design, color, and beauty was so amazing. I thought, "God, you are so incredible, down to the most minute of details!" And most people would just walk right by without stopping to appreciate them. I just want to get there attention, "Hey! This is really special, don't miss it!"
    Blessings,
    Terri

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  7. Me too Deb, but I was so enthralled by the closed gates, and could not see much of their small front garden anyway.

    Yes Terri, I am very observant , which is a big blessing and sometimes a curse ! I love the tiny flowers you saw story , thanks, Gina

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  8. I don't think I've ever seen gates like those, they are so charming. I've lived in the same neighbhorhood 11 years and still have times that I wonder if something is new or I just never noticed it before.

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  9. I love Charleston! It's such a fun place. Your right those gates are charming. They would have caught my eye as well!

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  10. Hi Gina,

    What a lovely surprise! I love it when I come upon the unexpected. The craftsmanship is just so impressive. I can see why they have two instead of just one.

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  11. We've been having a heatwave - peaking at 73 degrees. Far too hot to go visiting. I can hardly believe you're walking round taking photos in the temperatures you've got. You ought to be sitting in the doggie pond with Maxine eating ice creams.

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  12. Melissa Jo- I figured you may have been as you are also in the South Miss Fellow Charleston-lover.

    Noelle- Yes , I really loved them.

    Robur- 73 degrees ? That would be a cold front right now. I can take the heat, but not like I used to be able...and yes, I have been known to join Maxine in her pool , briefly, when my son begs me to come in.

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  13. Those are very pretty! I bet the house was beautiful, too. I would pick #46...they are all pretty!

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  14. It would be hard to choose a favorite here.

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  15. I would love to have these gates in my garden...either one. They are both gorgeous! I know what you mean about mid-life memory but it's hard to believe you would have missed these unless you were deep in thought.

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  16. I love both gates but the first one is my favorite. How wonderful to be able to tour an old historic town like you are able to do.

    Enjoy and have a great weekend ~ FlowerLady

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I love comments , please leave one if you like. I try to respond to comments,but if I'm running behind, please know that I read each one before they are published. Thanks much, Gina