• Home
  • Contact Me
  • Policies

Housepitality Designs

it's all about the hospitable home

February 1, 2016 By Shirley

A Personal Valentine’s Story

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching

and one of my very favorite personal Valentine’s Day stories

could be one that you may have already read,

if you have been a follower of mine for some time.

However, if you are fairly new to my blog, I would love to tell you

about my very favorite personal Valentine’s Day story.

Red Velvet Plush Heart - Housepitality Designs

I had just left my job in the healthcare field.

I had enough.

My dear hubby said, “consider early retirement”

I replied, “consider it done!”

Winter Vignette/Stained Glass - Housepitality Designs

About a week after I “officially retired”,

I accompanied my hubby who had a client to see in Mt. Dora, Florida.

I ran into some antique shops while he worked.

I entered a shop and there it was!

A piece that I have been searching for years, to hang over my sofa.

Woodland Christmas Mantel - Housepitality Designs

I walked slowly toward this grand piece

as I did not want to make the store owner feel I was anxious.

My knees weak from the anticipation of, “how much was that beauty?”

Love at first sight!!

Stained Glass/Ironstone footbath - Housepitality Designs

I saw the price tag ….. OUCH!!

I tried to negotiate with the shop owner.

He would not budge much from the price.

I left and met my hubby for lunch.

I told him about what I had found.

He knew I had been looking for an architectural piece for quite a while

to hang over the sofa.

Stained glass/French Antique Buffet - Housepitality Designs

After lunch, we walked over to the shop so that he could see what I found.

He loved it too, but with me just retiring, the timing was not the best.

The hour ride home was a little sad leaving that piece behind,

but I snapped out of it as my hubby gave me the wonderful gift

of being able to retire early.

What more could I ask for? What I left behind was just a “thing”.

Antique French Buffet/Stained Glass

The next week, this amazing piece, this beautiful work of art, appeared in my living room.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Honey”, he exclaimed.

Needless to say, there were lots of happy tears shed.

He told me that the next day after we saw the stained glass piece,

he called the shop owner, and after much negotiating,

he went back and bought it for me . . . for Valentine’s Day.

This story will be on the back of this piece

so that my son can relay it to my granddaughter and hope that she will do the same.

Do you have a favorite Valentine’s Day story?

Have a most wonderful day, hopefully filled with sunshine from above

and with sunshine in your heart!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Antique French Buffet, Antique Stained glass, Christmas Mantel, Valentine's Day 42 Comments

Previous Post: « I am back and wearing new colors!
Next Post: Repurposing An Evergreen Wreath for Valentine’s Day »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Angie says

    February 1, 2016 at 6:58 am

    Beautiful story!!! You are like a ray of sunshine and it is so pleasant to wake and
    read your inspiring blog.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      February 1, 2016 at 8:07 am

      Oh thanks so much Angie…you made my day!!

      Reply
  2. Kim says

    February 1, 2016 at 8:00 am

    That is such a sweet story and that was such a special thing he did for his loving wife. No special story here. My hubby has no clue what to do for Valentine’s plus our anniversary is a week after.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      February 1, 2016 at 8:07 am

      I think it is Valentine’s Day every day in your home….he probably feels he needs no special day to show his love and I know how so very supportive of you he is…yep, Mr. S is a keeper….Happy Anniversary in advance!! 🙂

      Reply
  3. laura@duke manor farm says

    February 1, 2016 at 8:12 am

    oh what a perfect valentine he turned out to be!! love this story. what a great way to start the day.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      February 1, 2016 at 8:30 am

      Thanks Laura….we both have “keepers”!!

      Reply
  4. Amy Kaminski says

    February 1, 2016 at 8:13 am

    That is a lovely story and it made my day! My hubby has done a couple of things like that through our years too. The most special were the ones when we were newlyweds had no money. They are near and dear to my heart. Thanks for the reminder.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      February 1, 2016 at 8:33 am

      Thanks Amy…yes, you are right…the most special ones are the ones when we were young with little money…my first Valentine gift as a married couple was a card with a single red rose…I think I have that rose dried somewhere in an album…Have a great day!

      Reply
  5. Cindy says

    February 1, 2016 at 8:26 am

    Oh, Shirley, what a wonderful story! This piece always calls my name whenever I see it in your photos, it’s very special. And it was obviously meant to be yours! What a wonderful, special hubby!

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      February 1, 2016 at 8:40 am

      Thanks Cindy….this piece will always be so very special.

      Reply
  6. Nancy cox says

    February 1, 2016 at 8:28 am

    I have been following you for quite a whiale but somehow missed this story. I LOVE it! So sweet. I adore your blog. It’s absolutely one of my faves.

    Reply
    • Shirley says

      February 1, 2016 at 8:36 am

      Thanks Nancy, I always treasure your comments!

      Reply
  7. Mary says

    February 1, 2016 at 8:59 am

    I love your Valentine story Shirley along with your beautiful window! What a sweet gift to have and memory to enjoy. ♥

    Reply
  8. Yarlette says

    February 1, 2016 at 9:52 am

    What a wonderful husband you have. Love the stained glass window.Great idea to put the story on the back for future generations.

    Reply
  9. Des says

    February 1, 2016 at 10:11 am

    Such a sweet story…..it is a stunning piece!!!!!
    ~Des

    Reply
  10. debbiedoos says

    February 1, 2016 at 10:13 am

    That indeed is the sweetest story Shirley! What a wonderful and thoughtful husband you have.

    Reply
  11. Joann says

    February 1, 2016 at 10:17 am

    I always knew your hubby was special, but this beautiful story confirms it! How nice to have such a wonderful,piece in your home that evokes such a sweet memory!

    Reply
  12. Bea says

    February 1, 2016 at 10:50 am

    I have admired your stained glass since I started reading your blog. It’s beautiful and I’m green with envy! Now I know the backstory I’m so happy for you!

    Reply
  13. Penny at the Comforts of Home says

    February 1, 2016 at 11:02 am

    LOVE that story! How sweet and romantic.

    Reply
  14. Betsy@coastal-colors says

    February 1, 2016 at 11:25 am

    Shirley, what a beautiful story! I can see why you feel in love with this piece and your thoughtful hubby! The window has always been a favorite of mine. It looks amazing in it’s current location! It’s truly a beautiful piece of history!

    Reply
  15. Maritza says

    February 1, 2016 at 11:45 am

    It’s such a sweet and beautiful story…the piece is just gorgeous and looks great in your beautiful home….I’m new to your blog so I really enjoyed your story….

    Wishing you a wonderful day…

    Smiles~
    Maritza

    Reply
  16. Donnamae says

    February 1, 2016 at 12:00 pm

    That is so romantic! Sweet, sweet hubby you have there! And that’s a great idea, to write ithat story on the back of the piece….to be forever remembered! 😉

    Reply
  17. KATHYSUE says

    February 1, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    Love this story Shirley. I have a similar story about a plant stand and I have the sweet little love note he wrote in the drawer of the plant stand. Such a special gift and I am sure you smile every time you look at it, it is a beauty, but the sentiment behind it is the real beauty!
    Happy Monday, Kathysue

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      February 1, 2016 at 5:12 pm

      Thanks Kathy….should I venture to ask if that sweet note is still in the drawer?….how so very special!!!

      Reply
      • KATHYSUE says

        February 1, 2016 at 7:08 pm

        Yes it is still in the drawer! HOw did you know?

        Reply
  18. Cindy says

    February 1, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    Omg! You brought a tear to my eye! Your piece is STUNNING ! To say the least! Perfect spot and decor surrounding is perfect! Love that you will attach the story for your family !!That is so very special, love is in the air! Happy Valentines Day ! I was putting out a garden flag up on the front porch in our old house and the van pulled up with a dozen long stem red roses!!! I was very surprised! My husband is a romantic and we have been married 32 years ! OMG !! So long ago! We are still in love and now off on a new adventure! A dream come true! A 26 acre farm in Idaho! A new farmhouse! Goats,chickens,horses,dogs and a beautiful cat who adopted us last year as a kitten showed up in our garden ! Strolled in through the field ! Sooo! Keep Happy! Live in each precious moment! Thank The Lord with gratitude that we have such loving husbands !

    Reply
    • Shirley@Housepitality designs says

      February 1, 2016 at 5:11 pm

      Thanks Cindy….and what a great new adventure!!! I so happy that your dreams are coming true!

      Reply
  19. Nancy Brantley says

    February 1, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    What a sweet and memorable story! This made my eyes tear. I love a TRUE love story and this is what this story is!! Only TRUE love will last and be precious….My Mom and Dad were together for 76yrs. before death do them part. What a special husband you have! And he knows he has a special wife! Thanks for posting this because I had not heard the story of that beautiful architectural piece.

    Reply
  20. Pam Richardson says

    February 1, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    Shirley, what a sweet story! I love to hear personal stories that are so meaningful…and to hand down that beautiful treasure with the story attached will be a precious gift to your sweet granddaughter! Have a beautiful Monday!

    Reply
  21. cindy says

    February 1, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    Awww…Shirley that was so sweet;) What a good hubby! It’s absolutely gorgeous and I can totally see why you love it- it’s perfect! What a beautiful idea to share it with your granddaughter. She will cherish that story forever:)

    Reply
  22. Mary W Ferguson says

    February 1, 2016 at 3:24 pm

    Oh Shirley, what a touching story and such a beautiful Valentine’s gift. Your husband loves you so much and to surprise you on Valentines Day – that say’s it all – LOVE.
    Have a great week.
    Mary

    Reply
  23. Sherry Myers says

    February 1, 2016 at 3:44 pm

    Such an endearing love story. I have always loved that architectural piece. The story makes it even more beautiful.
    Thank you for sharing it with us. I love your fireplace decor. It is lovely. Your post brightened my day!
    Sherry

    Reply
  24. Pinky at designs by pinky says

    February 1, 2016 at 4:33 pm

    Wow, what a beautiful, romantic story. Your hubby is very special and obviously loves you very much. No special stories here, wish there was one. I loved reading about this so very special piece of yours. You have had good taste since the day you were born I think, both in decor and MEN!!!!:):)

    Reply
  25. Bonnie Morgan says

    February 1, 2016 at 6:39 pm

    What a sweet and romantic story. Warms my heart. Great idea to write down the story and attach to the back of the piece.

    By the way it is very beautiful and unique!

    Reply
  26. Mary Alice Patterson says

    February 1, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    This is a spectacular window, Shirley, and the story behind it makes it even more wonderful!
    Thank you so much for your very sweet birthday wishes. :-))
    Mary Alice

    Reply
  27. Linda says

    February 1, 2016 at 10:03 pm

    Your guy is a very sweet fella, but he knew that you would have exactly the right spot to show the piece off and that made it a win for him, too. Somehow I suspect you earn all his kindnesses.

    Reply
  28. KariAnne says

    February 2, 2016 at 9:08 am

    Awwww! Best story EVER!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your heart. 🙂

    Happy day friend!
    karianne

    Reply
  29. Richella Parham says

    February 3, 2016 at 2:39 pm

    What a wonderful story! You are just the best, Shirley, and clearly your dear husband knows he has a prize in you!!

    Reply
  30. Loi Thai Tone on Tone says

    February 3, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    That is a beautiful story, Shirley! Your mister is such a sweetie 🙂 Do you know the background on that window? Most likely from a church? It’s very cool. Please add that to my list….along with the footbath 🙂
    xoxo
    L
    PS – With your good eye, I think you should explore being an antiques dealer for a fun, new career.

    Reply
  31. Cecilia says

    February 3, 2016 at 6:52 pm

    That is so sweet! What a wonderful surprise! I think your husband may have won the “Husband of the Year” award with those two actions (early retirement and a beautiful window!). Wow. Love your story and how special to have it attached to the back for future generations. 🙂

    Reply
  32. Sheila says

    February 5, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    A beautiful story! I have a similar one but about an unusually shaped heart diamond necklace. I always wear it every day in Feb. it’s the story, or I guess they call that provenance, that makes the gift special. I learn do hat hubby drove through a huge rain storm both ways to lex and back. I am just glad he make it back safely. Enjoy your window!

    Reply
  33. LorB says

    February 8, 2016 at 6:22 pm

    What a beautiful touching story, Shirley… Wonderful memories for all the family to share… Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family…

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

About Me

Hi I’m Shirley and I am here to share my love of classic interiors, french country style, my passion for flowers and making our home, The Hickory Cottage, a warm and hospitable home for family and friends.

Subscribe Via Email

Pinterest

Archives

Copyright © 2022 Housepitality Designs · Design By: Creative Kristi Designs · Log in