Along Magnolia Lane
Although there are Magnolia Lanes that grace many towns
in real life, this one exists only in my imagination. It is a lovely little
street, lined with flowers and, of course, magnolia trees. There are cozy shops
and sweet cottages on both sides, all adorned with baskets and carts of flowers
in front of their windows or on their porches. At almost any time of day, there
are friendly folks offering a cup of tea or a plate of cookies. It's a true
delight to walk along the cobbled sidewalks and take in the sweet scent of the
stately magnolias.
A little girl named Magnolia is the namesake of three of
those shops…. she is called Noli by her friends and family.
There's Magnolia Surprise which has lots of
crochet goodies… Noli loves to play with the toys and pretend food when she
visits the shop and usually finds one or two that she just has to have for her
own play kitchen! Magnolia Surprise also has fun home goods like coasters and
pot holders and dish cloths. But Noli is really only interested in the toys!!
Then there's the vintage shop, Magnolia's Attic, which
is full of previously loved housewares, home décor and little treasures. The
sign on the door says Every Home Deserves
a Little Vintage! Noli enjoys coming along on thrifting trips -- as long as
she can get a toy or two, of course!
Magnolia's Sewing Basket is the
third shop and lots of vintage sewing patterns stock its shelves. There are
also crochet and cross stitch booklets and charts, plus vintage sewing supplies
and notions. Noli knows there's a big pattern book in the back just waiting for
her to cut out her own paper dolls and clothes, just like her Mumsie (that's
me) did when she was a little girl.
I invite you to visit
these shops, and have a look in their store windows. Noli just might be
there to greet you!
