Sunday, May 31, 2015

C Is for Cow



~ C is for COW ~

I didn't grow up on a farm,
and though I did grow up in a small 
rural community,  I'm definitely more of a city girl.
Not to say that I don't adore the beauty, 
the quiet, and the sheer magic of country life.  I do!

My longtime real life friend and fellow blogger, 
lives in the most picturesque 
rural area of Normandy, France.

You can look out her windows
and gaze upon these beautiful creatures
that graze the green pastures which surround her home.

Pure Bliss !
  ~  Bovine Love  ~

Yes, I'm a Texas girl who lives in the big city,
but looks forward to the occasional get away to the country.
This longhorn lives on a friend's ranch in Fredricksburg.

The black and white Belted Galloways
greet us at the entrance.
I call them the "Oreo" Cows.
They never fail to make me smile with delight.

Image Used With Permission

I have a Pinterest Board ~ Bovine Love
The image above from Miss Mustard Seed
is my most popular pin.  
One look and you must know why.
You can follow my board here if so inclined.

This bovine pair with their keepers traveled home 
with me from France to live in my Texas kitchen.
They are hand-painted French faience 
from the Desvres region.

Image Used With Permission
My friend, Nancy @ Nancy's Daily Dish
is one of the best resources for
vintage transferware.

This Charlotte butter box is one of
my favorite pieces purchased from Nancy.

The cow creamer was a Round Top find, but
 Nancy has several cow creamers available in her web store.
This girl joined several others here in a tablescape entitled,
How Now Brown Cow.

Image Used With Permission
Another blogger friend, Jacqueline @ Cabin and Cottage
shares the most exquisite posts of vintage linens,
transfer ware, and other delights.

Image Used With Permission
When I first spied this butter tub on her site,
I was totally smitten.
It's one of those images that have stayed with me,
always in the back of my mind, holding out hope 
that I, too, might find one.

Image Used With Permission
What's not to love?
~ Vintage Brown Transfer Ware ~
~ Figural Finial ~
~ Embossed Lettering ~

Have you ever heard the old adage,
 "till the cows come home" ?
Cows are known for languidly grazing the green 
pastures before making their way back home.
It means:  for a long but indefinite time

I waited a long time!
I waited till the cows came home!
When I spied this charmer tucked way back in a 
glass case in a Dallas antique mall, 
almost hidden from sight,
I could hardly control my excitement.  
Yes, this sweet butter tub finally came home!

~ HOME SWEET HOME ~

~ C is for COW ~

Joining

on

67 comments:

  1. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleMay 31, 2015 at 9:46 PM

    Sarah, you know I love cows. What a great piece and I'm so glad you found it! I love Marian's painting, too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. handmade by amaliaMay 31, 2015 at 10:08 PM

    Didn't know cows could be so beautiful, in real life or on porcelain.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  3. MaggieMay 31, 2015 at 10:56 PM

    Dear Sarah, what an honour for our Normandy cows to be headlining your post, they'll be "chewing the cud" over this for a long time!
    We loved having you & Mr Hyacinth to stay and hope you'll come back again one day.
    M

    ReplyDelete
  4. LynnJune 1, 2015 at 4:47 AM

    Congrats on finding your butter dish Sarah, it looks great! I also like the oreo cows, never saw a hairy one before:@)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLizJune 1, 2015 at 6:03 AM

    What a fun post Sarah! Love the pictures of the cows in Normandy. The "oreo" cows are cute! I can see why you were smitten with that butter tub- what a great find!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Rita C at PanoplyJune 1, 2015 at 6:04 AM

    I thoroughly enjoyed this post, Sarah, and your shared favorites. Kindred soul. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  7. The French HutchJune 1, 2015 at 6:35 AM

    What a wonderful post Sarah. Love all your great photos of cows and rural beauty. I do like the Texas longhorn (except when my football team has to meet them on the gridiron) but the Galloways are really beautiful! So happy you found your butter dish for your collection.
    Happy week.........

    ReplyDelete
  8. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenJune 1, 2015 at 7:25 AM

    Oh my Sarah, I was hoping that this story had a happy, buttery ending, and it did!! The butter tub was a happy find, indeed. I have a butter bell and was wondering if your butter tub is similar on the inside? When we visit our friends on their ranch in Arkansas, I'm always mesmerized by the cows. There's something so relaxing about watching them.

    ReplyDelete
  9. ScribblerJune 1, 2015 at 8:12 AM

    "Oreo" cows! Such a kick. I have never seen any like this. I used to love going to Fredericksburg. Maybe we will put it on the agenda again next time we go that way. I am so glad you found your butter tub!

    ReplyDelete
  10. La Table De NanaJune 1, 2015 at 8:29 AM

    :)

    J'adore les vaches aussi!
    So peaceful..
    LOve your collection:)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Row homes and CobblestonesJune 1, 2015 at 8:48 AM

    Sarah,
    Me too a city girl at heart but I sure do love my country visits and adore cows. Loved this post, the photos of Normandy cows and all the fun cow accessories. Your find, OMGosh the cow butter dish I love it.
    Enjoy your day.
    xo,
    Vera

    ReplyDelete
  12. Rosie M.June 1, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    Oh, Sarah, love the fact that you found your cow butter dish! It's one of my favorite things about antique shopping: finding the perfect item you've been looking for hidden in an unexpected place; just like a successful treasure hunt! A great post today......makes me want to go exploring, too! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

    ReplyDelete
  13. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageJune 1, 2015 at 9:39 AM

    What a delightful post! And of course I am so happy that you found your butter tub! I am thrilled to have been part of the inspiration. I love cows too, of course. The rest of your cow collection is just darling!

    ReplyDelete
  14. chateau chicJune 1, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    Love the photos of the Normandy countryside...what a beautiful place to live!
    Mary Alice

    ReplyDelete
  15. Poppy @ With a Dash of ColorJune 1, 2015 at 6:12 PM

    Oh my, your bovine collection is absolutely adorable, Sarah! I have enjoyed going through your wonderful post! Love how you used your collection in each vignette, especially the collection of cow creamers filled with blooms...beautiful! And the pictures of Normandy entice me to travel there:) Thanks for the share! Happy week! Hugs, Poppy

    ReplyDelete
  16. SmilingSallyJune 1, 2015 at 6:44 PM

    Hi Sarah,

    What a neat collection! Thanks for playing today.

    Have a Beautiful Blue Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Debbie@Mountain BreathsJune 1, 2015 at 8:27 PM

    Love the photos of the Normandy countryside. I'm a city girl with a country heart ;o) What a fantastic butter tub! I couldn't help but notice the framed MacKenzie-Childs photo.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Pura VidaJune 2, 2015 at 12:52 AM

    We recently visited some vineyards in Portland Oregon, one had a herd of longhorns sitting on the hillside. What pure beauty

    ReplyDelete
  19. MaryJune 2, 2015 at 4:23 AM

    I have bovine love too Sarah! Love your sweet butter tub, what a wonderful find. ♥

    ReplyDelete
  20. MarthaJune 2, 2015 at 7:19 AM

    Love your cow post! And you did things with cow creamers that I would never have done. Do I need to collect them . . . hmmm -- you sometimes find "china" ones at flea markets for little money -- do I need another collection? I need to stop looking at your post! You'll convince me!

    ReplyDelete
  21. StaceyJune 2, 2015 at 7:25 AM

    This is such a fun post! You have beautiful pieces in your collection.

    ReplyDelete
  22. LL FarmJune 2, 2015 at 7:28 AM

    That cow tub is STUNNING! I love cow decor and hope to add a couple real ones to my little farm someday soon ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnnesphamilyJune 2, 2015 at 3:15 PM

    This is a great and cheerful post! Love all those cows everyone. I always enjoy a visit here. Have a great week and thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  24. 20 North OraJune 2, 2015 at 3:16 PM

    Love all of the bovine photos. The cow dish is a treasure for sure!!

    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  25. JuneJune 3, 2015 at 10:38 AM

    Beautiful post Sarah. I loved reading it and seeing all the lovely photos. I used to have kind of a bovine theme going on in the farmhouse we used to live in when we had our dairy herd :) I'm the same way about the oreo cows. I just love them.. Such a fun post!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Leslie HarrisJune 3, 2015 at 3:58 PM

    What a delightful post Sarah. Those first images from Maggie's land in France are simply magical. I can't explain why I get such a warm feeling when I see cows meandering on a hill. There's something so very sweet about them. Such gentle creatures. Thank you for transporting me from my beach community today. I needed this. I hope you're doing well and that the rains are calming down over there.
    hugs,
    Leslie

    ReplyDelete
  27. thepaintedapron.comJune 3, 2015 at 4:08 PM

    Cows are certainly rock stars in the decorating world these days, and I've always been a sucker for their adorable faces :) I love your new find Sarah, adorable! C is for cute too!
    Jenna

    ReplyDelete
  28. Linda @ A La CarteJune 3, 2015 at 4:49 PM

    Sarah, what a great C post. Love your cows and the butter dish is super special for sure. I really enjoyed 'til the cows come home'!!
    hugs,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  29. Botanic BleuJune 3, 2015 at 4:54 PM

    Sarah,
    Oh, yes, I do know the expression, " 'til the cows come home." The cows that came home with you are lovely. The brown and white transfer ware was just waiting in the back for you to find it. Can't wait to see what D represents.

    Judith

    ReplyDelete
  30. Angelina at Petite HausJune 3, 2015 at 5:50 PM

    I call the belted galloways "Oreo cows" too. I also love the Jersay cows with their cute face. Did you know in the Alps the Germans, Swiss, and Austrian have a party bringing the cows home from their Summer pastures? They put flowers on their heads! You have to check out this blogpost here about it, you'll love it: http://antiquestyle.blogspot.com/2013/10/fall-festival-in-alps-party-til-cows.html

    ReplyDelete
  31. Kim June 3, 2015 at 8:31 PM

    I love cows and the country, although I have always lived smack dab in the middle of suburbia. That Oreo cow is the best! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  32. ANNEJune 3, 2015 at 9:43 PM

    Cows are so beautiful! I love that Oreo cow!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Castles Crowns and CottagesJune 4, 2015 at 5:13 AM

    Oh, j'adore les vaches!

    I LOVE COWS! Like you sweet Sarah, I adore the bovine world. Not only are the gorgeous (and those black and white ones bring a smile to my face too), they give us the BEST FOOD. Love cheese, love yogurt and ice cream!

    That fabulous painting from Mustard Seed goes so well with the white pottery. And like you, I am a city girl, with no country background, but I NEED to see nature, daily. We don't live far from the Wisconsin boarder, and on our frequent drives to Stillwater, Minnesota, there are rolling green hills where we can see the cows and even some horses (my favorites). The peace that overcomes you when you see them....inspiring.

    Thank you kindly for coming to visit my post. Yes, I am back, and loving it all. Anita

    ReplyDelete
  34. SarahBethJune 4, 2015 at 7:56 AM

    How nice that you found the butter tub -- serendipity! I love the French cows too!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowJune 4, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    What a fun post! I enjoyed both the real cows and the others....I think my favorite is that Texas Longhorn!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowJune 4, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    What a fun post! I enjoyed both the real cows and the others....I think my favorite is that Texas Longhorn!

    ReplyDelete
  37. carol l mckennaJune 4, 2015 at 10:18 AM

    Wonderful series of photos for C for cow ~ Beautiful post!

    Happy Weekend coming to you,
    artmusedog and carol

    ReplyDelete
  38. Rocky Mountain WomanJune 4, 2015 at 11:49 AM

    There are some oreo cows in my little town and I always smile when I drive by at how cute they are.

    ReplyDelete
  39. BettyJune 4, 2015 at 2:51 PM

    Don't you love it when you find something you've been looking for? That little dish was just waiting for you in that Dallas antique mall. Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
  40. GaylaJune 4, 2015 at 4:57 PM

    Those brown transferware pieces are so beautiful, especially with that creamy, dreamy little cow perched on top. I love the look. I enjoyed all the cow pictures. We had registered Angus on our farm for many, many years. I loved riding on the tractor with my grandfather to count the cows. My dad fed them every morning in the winters. I miss them, but oh, are they a big pain in the toosh when they get through a fence. They will NEVER go back through the hole they made. Never ever. Then I wanted to shoot them with a gun. Oh, yes, I did.

    Love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  41. MarigeneJune 4, 2015 at 9:25 PM

    I have a friend in Vermont that has Belted Galloways, actually he lives the next house up from where we lived. I love the bovines at your friend's home, such odd markings.
    What a nice find in the butter crock.
    Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Debra@CommonGroundJune 4, 2015 at 9:44 PM

    absolutely LOVE that brown transferware cow butter keeper. adorable!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJune 5, 2015 at 7:25 AM

    Dearest Sarah,
    Lovely outdoor life with cows grazing. Looks like a famous Dutch painting; Potter's bull.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
  44. Decor To AdoreJune 5, 2015 at 9:11 AM

    M is for Moo and Marvelous! :)

    We are blessed that right around the corner from Storybook Cottage is a field of lovely longhorns. I smile every time I see them as well as their chicken and goat neighbors.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Rattlebridge FarmJune 5, 2015 at 11:31 AM

    Sarah, your cow-themed post is absolutely beautiful. I have a few old and new pottery pieces with a cow motif, and they always make me smile. Hope your move is going well!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Little Wandering WrenJune 5, 2015 at 12:14 PM

    I have always had a soft spot for cows too, love your porcelain cows looking special filled with flowers!
    Wren x

    ReplyDelete
  47. FrenchGardenHouseJune 5, 2015 at 3:21 PM

    In France, cows are featured on many pieces of faience, along with roosters. There is something so sweet about cows, they have the most beautiful eyes! I love your porcelain cows. Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  48. PoppyJune 5, 2015 at 3:57 PM

    Hi Sarah,

    You have a lovely and whimsical collection of cows. Whether they are porcelain or painted on canvas, they are all pretty and practical. Your friend is lucky to find beautiful bovines in her rural, French countryside - the pleasures of living in a pastoral dream!

    Poppy

    ReplyDelete
  49. The Little Yellow Corner StoreJune 5, 2015 at 5:52 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    Thank you for your post on The Little Yellow Corner Store informing me of your "C is for Cow" post on your blog. I love your post and especially your cow butter dish. I was born in the city, but I am a country-girl by heart. I love your collection of white cow creamers. So adorably cute.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Su-sieee! MacJune 5, 2015 at 8:36 PM

    The cows are outstanding in their field. I couldn't resist. By the way, now I want a butter tub with a cow gracing it.
    The View from the Top of the Ladder

    ReplyDelete
  51. Ricki TreleavenJune 5, 2015 at 11:58 PM

    I can't believe that I'm reading this post today because we drove around the lake today to go to a gourmet grocery store, and we passed a farm with Texas longhorn cattle on it! We were so surprised!

    LOVE this post, and BTW I've always wanted to visit Austin and Fredericksburg! And Round Top. Oh, and I want a milk creamer shaped like a cow!

    xo,
    RJ

    ReplyDelete
  52. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaJune 6, 2015 at 5:36 AM

    I do love all things cow and your treasures are very special! If you love cows then you must know about the 1895 poem about the Purple Cow.....come on over to my blog to see!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Nancy's NotesJune 6, 2015 at 6:47 AM

    Sarah, what a wonderful post!! Cows make me happy and those photographs are wonderful, so serene! Your creamers are just adorable and love them filled with flowers, too cute!

    ReplyDelete
  54. The Charm of HomeJune 6, 2015 at 11:29 AM

    I love cows too. I grew up with them right out my back door in KY. I love that painting at Miss Mustard Seeds. What a great piece you found Sarah! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeJune 7, 2015 at 1:25 PM

    Cows and roosters...love 'em!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  56. Kathryn Ferguson GriffinJune 7, 2015 at 6:31 PM

    Sarah, this is such a fun post! There's nothing better than a good lookin' cow! Thank you for sharing. You are one of the fan favorites at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link so you can check out your feature! http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/06/the-sunday-showcase-from-make-it-pretty.html See you tomorrow at the Make it Pretty Monday party! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    ReplyDelete
  57. Art and SandJune 8, 2015 at 12:24 AM

    I love your new butter tub with the cow on top. Now you make me want to head out looking for cow pieces.

    ReplyDelete
  58. AnonymousJune 8, 2015 at 8:48 AM

    Hi Sarah! Oh, what a lovely post. You know I just love transferware. I love your cows and the newly acquired butter bowl - darling! I love love love your cow creamers with the hydrangeas - gorgeous! Hope you're doing well.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  59. ℳartina @ Northern NestingJune 8, 2015 at 5:20 PM

    Sarah I love these photos...great choice for the letter "C"... I absolutely love your newest find!!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonJune 8, 2015 at 9:31 PM

    Sarah, I am so glad that the butter dish cow finally did come home! It is gorgeous and I would have snatched it up in one big hurry. Love your French cows and your friends wonderful home surrounded by pastures of cows. I have two cow creamers, one white and one blue transferware. Have never seen a butter dish till now. So, so sweet! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  61. xinexJune 9, 2015 at 5:47 AM

    Oh wow! How lucky of you to find the cow finialed butter dish. It truly is a beauty. I love your other collection too and love this post....Christine

    ReplyDelete
  62. KathyJune 10, 2015 at 8:13 AM

    I too love cows, Sarah - great post! I will be featuring your post in this week's Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  63. Kathryn Ferguson GriffinJune 13, 2015 at 1:58 PM

    Hi Sarah! The Weekly Feature Series is live on the blog where you are being showcased. Pop on over and check it out when you get a moment. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/06/weekly-feature-series.html Have a lovely weekend! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    ReplyDelete
  64. JennyJune 13, 2015 at 3:09 PM

    Your cows are so cheerful and charming!

    I used to collect the cow creamers, too. I wonder where the heck I put them?

    Thanks for a cool link for the letter C.

    A+

    ReplyDelete
  65. FABBY'S LIVINGJune 15, 2015 at 9:20 AM

    OMG! I love this post and yes! I too love cows, but have none. We did have three real ones back at our big farm where my girls grew up. I love your soup tureen collection and of course the transfer ware cows and the white ones. Love it!!!
    I'm pinning this.
    Have a super week my friend.
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  66. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonJune 17, 2015 at 11:19 AM

    Hi Sarah, just hopping by to let you know that I will be featuring you at SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  67. BeverlyJuly 19, 2015 at 8:51 AM

    Go ahead and laugh because I know I am extremely late, but I have been saving my reminder about these posts because I didn't want to miss them.

    I love this - I love cows. They are such endearing creatures. And, you have so many beautiful things. So glad you finally found your brown cow butter dish. It is gorgeous, and I know it was worth the wait.

    I have been hunting the "perfect to me" wood dough bowl for 30+ years, and it finally came home to me about two months ago.

    Sarah, thank you for sharing this with us for Pink Saturday. I appreciate your support.♥

    ReplyDelete

Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.