Remembering the ghosts that passed this way

There are ghost that visit the Thomas Griswold House in Guilford Connecticut. Let me share with you my story.

During my recent trip to Connecticut I set out to solve a mystery. Over 10 years ago I drew a sketch in my journal that was later to become the inspiration for a hooked rug design. This drawing was of a tiny house that was the central motif on an old china plate that I saw in the Thomas Griswold House. However when I contacted the Guilford Keeping Society, no one knew anything about the plate.

I had made a note in my journal that confirmed the place and the date of 2002.

Living in Oregon made it difficult to research this further. But now my travels took me back to this lovely historic town, and I would go there and see for myself.

As soon as I entered this venerable house I felt a fullness of spirit, like a homecoming. I have often thought that I am a time traveller from another century, and so this deep resonance was not unfamiliar to me.

The ways of the past came alive again as I wandered from room to room.

Dusty spinning wheels stood patiently, as if waiting for wool and nimble hands to create yarn.

A timelessness came over me.

No computers or cell phones or electricity. Only simple living. Life has changed so much. And yet we are the same tribe of people. Are these changes truly for the good I wonder? Are we happier? More at peace?

As I take photographs I see my reflection in the glass. It strikes me that I look like a ghost.

I come into the room where I saw the plate. It was in this cupboard as I remember. But it is not there! I feel disappointed that it is gone, and I look around the room to the left hoping to find it.

And then I remembered that I drew another sketch in my journal. Across the page from the house drawing I drew a basket. It was from a motif on this mirror frame.

This sketch became the basis of my Compote With Camellias rug hooking pattern. Such a fond memory of creating the design swept over me! I felt connected in some otherworldly way to these everyday objects. Details that were overlooked by many sang out to me.

Another mirror in an adjoining room had a similar basket motif. Although I did not sketch this pretty design I must have kept it in my mind’s eye. It is so similar to my rug design.

As I took the photo, I was compelled to look into the mirror.

Might I be gazing through time and space? Why is it that I am so drawn to these old places?

Time is mysterious. And my story of the plate with the tiny house will continue to be a mystery. I hope that the future may unlock more secrets to me. For now the time has come for me to step outside again to my life in 2013.

I hesitate for a long while.

Thanks for joining me on my journey ~ Karen

PS: Many thanks to Pat Lovelace of The Guilford Keeping Society for her time and research.

Rug patterns mentioned in this post are Compote With Camellias and Le Petit Chateau, available through the Primitive Spirit Rug Hooking catalog available in my ETSY shop, or for your convenience below is a link to a secure server if you wish to order them with VISA or paypal. Simply click on the Buy Now buttons below. For orders outside the US, please inquire for shipping costs.

Compote With Camellias,
24″ x 38″ rug pattern on linen, $68 + $6 s&h US addresses only

 

 

Le Petit Chateau, 27″ x 39″
rug pattern on linen,
$81 + $6 s&h US addresses only