Dawn in a Cotton Dress

But tomorrow, dawn will come the way I picture her,

barefoot and disheveled, standing outside my window

in one of the fragile cotton dresses of the poor.

She will look in at me with her thin arms extended,

offering a handful of birdsong

and a small cup of light.

~William Collins

Rather than a small cup of light, the sun has entered my unadorned kitchen window like a strobe light in the early mornings of the recent oppressively warm days. My beloved window needed a simple cotton dress.

I can hear the handful of birdsong now.

This window is a favorite of mine. In the autumn, winter, and spring, the sun streams in unhindered. I love seeing the trees in the various seasons. I love the bright light it adds to the kitchen atmosphere.

Mid-summer is a different story. Our house has no air-conditioning to speak of. We try to open everything up at night to cool off, closing windows and blinds as soon as the mid-morning heat makes its appearance. The kitchen window is the only window in the house that has (had) no curtain. I realized that the sun was heating up this room much too quickly.

I wanted something temporary, so that I could take it down when autumn comes. I wanted to purchase items that I could repurpose in other areas when not in use in the kitchen window. I wanted something very simple because my kitchen is often more cluttered than I would like, and I didn't want to add to the chaos. I wanted something that would still allow me to peer over the top to keep an eye on playing children and view the trees and birds. I wanted something easy and inexpensive. (Do you blame me?)

Cafe curtains. Tension rod. Clip rings.

White cotton floursack kitchen towels. Perfect.

...Accented with quilted-glass jam jars,

simple flower bouquets,

and milk glass tea cups

I mysteriously found in my husband's office area.

Speaking of mysterious objects in my husband's office space, what do you think of this terrific glass batter bowl? I love it!

It seems he (my unpredictable husband) bought a few boxes of 'stuff' at an auction the other day. I never know what that guy is going to do next. Happily, though, I've made off with another exciting treasure that I can't wait to reveal to you. I know you are on pins and needles, but you'll simply have to wait until Monday. Not to mention that it will be a perfect segue to my guest post over at Simple Mom on Tuesday. For all those who have been waiting, I'll finally be giving you my best tips for hanging things on walls!