making memorials

In the olden days, people called Memorial Day Decoration Day. Families visited graves and memorials, paid their respects to the war dead and adorned these sites with flowers. We believe the date was chosen as so much of our country is in bloom in late May.

In the modern age (that's us), we also mark the official start of summer, we approve the wearing of whites and we fly the American flag at half mast from dawn until noon.

my maternal grandfather, floyd e. johnson, 1909-1999, charlottesville, virginia

I've come to think of the holiday as a time to recall our personal and national history.  I use the day to tell the children about their extended and distant family. I tell them the basics, the legends and the lies (let's don't let the truth get in the way of a good story!)  As a child, my father amused and taught with stories whose characters came straight out of Big Fish or The World's Largest Man; that's entertainment. And to pull all these sentiments together, last year, my sister sent me this New York Times article that suggests that families that tell family stories stick together longer and better.

In the last ten years, my husband and I start one selected project on or about Mother's Day. We garden, plant trees or flowers, build something.  Sometimes we finish in a day, but we often finish on or about Memorial Day. Then we go fishing as a family.

Of course, all the fish take our sorry, undersized bait as soon as it hits the water. We spend all day and half the night passing the pole between our muscle fatigued arms. The monster won't tire!  The sand gnats swarm in island sized clouds. We land the beast on deck just in time before the tidal waters disappear. We've narrowly escaped being beached and with a hearty supper that will feed all of Vernonburg! True story!

2010: springhouse roof redux, 2013, spring house "porch", 2014 springhouse vertical garden, 2015 potting bench, sink (wip)

Also true, it strikes me as I write this post that I am making memorials to my family, passed (in service to our country or simply in service to our family) and present. I pay homage to Savannah and to the life that I am carving out. I'm also creating a standing memorial that refers to the past, present and future. Our projects are informed by and honors those around us, some dear, some strangers. Both the making and the associated story helps us to create our own traditions and to recall some part of our past.

I'm looking forward to torturing my children with history and projects this entire month, but especially on Memorial Day. Whose story will you tell? Who will you honor and what form will that endeavor take?

plant in vertical garden adopted from lynn serualla + adam kuehl in turtle shell found by family in the georgia woods 

Blogging this week for The Paris Market, artist and collaborative designer katherine sandoz makes abstract paintings, fiber arts, illustration, portraits and collaborative works of art in a barn behind her home in Savannah, Georgia. The flora and fauna of the low-country serve as fodder for her imagery. Sandoz, a former service member herself, is moved and inspired by soldiers and warriors of all kinds and times.  

Yearly Recap: The Best of 2013

As most people tend to do on New Year's Eve, we can't help but look back on the past year and remember all of its most wonderful moments! The new year isn't even here yet and we're already feeling nostalgic for last year's memories! 2013 was truly an amazing year filled with an amazing group of friends, exciting events and memories that we'll cherish for a lifetime. If 2013 is any indicator of a great year at The Paris Market then we know we can expect nothing but the best in 2014! Enjoy some of our favorite highlights from 2013!

The Paris Market Family

The ever growing, ever amazing crew of hard working creatives!

Artist Spotlights and Staff-Made Products

FOUND Jewelry - Erica Wilson crafts a wide variety of beautiful jewelry from found objects and materials that have become a Paris Market standard!

Lily Lewin - Lily enchanted us immediately with her hauntingly beautiful photographs, especially her taxidermy series. It wouldn't be The Paris Market without Lily's photos hanging on the walls!

Strawberry Moth - When it comes to greeting cards and paper goods, the shop of Strawberry Moth always steals our hearts!

Collin Garrity & The Pale Blue Atlas Club - Our favorite woodworker, Collin's brilliant products range all the way from children's toys and Christmas ornaments to lighting fixtures and furniture. Collin has certainly carved his niche in the Paris Market!

Our Favorite Barista - Susie's delicious homemade scones were an instant hit the second she brought them into our cafe and now we can't imagine sipping coffee without them!

Chef John Besh Book Signing

When it comes to great recipes and delicious cuisine, no one does it like Chef John Besh! We we're very fortunate to be able to host Chef Besh for a book signing for his third cookbook, Cooking from the Heart, and it was a true delight!

Farewells

It's never easy to say goodbye, and saying farewell to Monica and Cole this year was very difficult! We know Monica and Cole we'll do great things wherever they go so we're excited to see where life takes them next!

Window Displays

2013 brought on some of our best window displays yet, including classic film inspired displays, as well as those inspired by nature, camping, fashion, jewels and so much more!

Spongebob Squarepants comes to Savannah

By far one of the most exciting events this year was watching Antonio Banderas race up and down Broughton street in a pirate ship. The filming of Spongebob Squarepants 2 kept us plenty entertained for the couple weeks they were in town!

Weddings

Truly one of the happiest moments of the year - our beloved blog contributor and Parisian correspondent Reba tied the knot! Congratulations!

Presentations

And finally, we wrapped up the year with a few of our ideas on wrapping gifts for the holidays. Of course, there are so many other wonderful memories from 2013 but the new year is approaching and we need to save room for all that it may bring! Happy New Year! See you in 2014!

Behind the Glass: Fruits of the Season

As we approach the end of summer, and a season that is typically filled with get togethers of old and new friends, the urge to celebrate the beauty of such an occasion came upon us. A one last hurrah for the long warm nights that are soon to be behind us. Filled with the bounty of a late summer harvest and the final fruits of our season, our windows are a snapshot of what brings us together and what is important in life. A glimpse into a late summer gathering with your closest friends and family sharing experiences in the wake of this warm season.