Stillmeadow Friends

Dear Susan...

...and then there was the day that I hung my hat on Gladys' door. 

Last fall another of my dear friends (Susan T.) and I headed out on an adventure.  It's what my Aunt calls "daytripping".  That two Gladys people can live within minutes of one another is a blessing.  The fact that those same two Gladys people live within driving distance of Stillmeadow is oh so delightful. 

Susan (T) and I had been saying that "oh yes, we really should go to Stillmeadow before the weather turns" but you know how it is when you keep saying those things...time goes on and then the opportunity passes.  Sometimes you end up shrugging your shoulders and heaving a great sigh of regret.  Two words that should not go together are "regret" and "Stillmeadow".  

I remember calling Susan one day and saying "How would you like to go somewhere??"  I think she knew right away where the "somewhere" was.  She was definitely up for the journey!!  Somewhere in the hurried exchange of words (we were both talking at the same time) I said "Stillmeadow" and I think we both squeeled at once!! 

Gladys Taber's Stillmeadow.  When you love the writings of Mrs. Taber those are hallowed words. 

I think although we'd talked about it and hoped it would happen, we'd almost given up on going until the spring.  Looking back on the day, I'm so glad that we didn't wait.  Some days are like a ripe juicy apple...perfect, sweet and delicious.  A picnic at Stillmeadow was decided on and we each packed some scrumptious fare.  I brought the iced tea and Susan provided the lawnchairs. 

Loaded with our cameras, a sweater (just in case it's cool) and hats for shade we head out talking and laughing and enjoying the earliest part of Autumn in New England.  Connecticut is beautiful and Southbury and the surrounding countryside is filled with lush rolling hills and winding rivers.  It's no wonder to me that Mrs. Taber was able to paint the land with her words.  The beauty of Connecticut shines from every corner.

When you first approach Stillmeadow you're struck by the notion that it is a remarkable place.  At once I expect Gladys to come to the door and welcome us in because she's just put on a fresh pot of coffee.  I'm certain that Holly and a cocker will whiz past me and I'll hear Jill coming up from the garden.  I tell myself that it's wishful thinking.  It is, but oh it feels so real.

Susan and I relish in the afternoon and we take photos and walk the grounds careful to disturb nothing.  We are after all guests at Stillmeadow.  Sitting and chatting as we do, the day wears on and all too soon we see the sun starting to sink in the sky.  We start packing the car but there is one liberty that I decide that I can't leave without taking. 

The above picture is testimony to the fact that I indeed did hang my hat on Gladys' door at Stillmeadow.  I have to admit that I actually giggled while I took this photo.  I immediately felt a schoolgirl guilt.  I wouldn't trade this photo however for anything. 

Susan and I made it home and smiled the entire way. 

I don't know if I will ever have the nerve to hang my hat on that door again, but I will never forget the day that I did.

Love from New York,

Shelley