Willi, James and Monti, as in Williamsburg, Jamestown and Monticello- where we spent our 4th of July holiday. This was my first time to all of these places and as a person who enjoys American history, I enjoyed it tremendously. There was so much to absorb history-wise... there were fifes and drums, british soldiers, Benedict Arnold, Pocahontas, John Smith, Thomas Jefferson, I could go on; Wills must have been tired of me saying things like (as we walked along the James River in Jamestown) "Do you think Pocahontas stepped right
here?" as I slowly lifted my foot up and back down to the ground.
Even with all that history at each destination, I could not help but be drawn to the
gardens. To me, that sparked the most imagination in that I wondered how people in the 17th and 18th century tended their gardens, what did they use to water with, did they pull weeds, did servants take care of the garden, did they take pride in their gardens or only simply have them out of necessity? The above pictures are from random gardens we saw while in Williamsburg.
I love gardens. I love seeing other people's gardens, I love to talk about gardens and I love to learn about the history of gardening. I couldn't have imagined what an impact Thomas Jefferson's gardens at Monticello would have on me. Below are a few pictures from Monticello. To me, the picture of the garden pavillion is more iconic than Jefferson's house itself. I can just picture T.J. taking a long break to read or rest in the pavillion after a long stroll through his orchards, vineyard and vegetable garden.
I absolutely enjoyed every second I was there, taking it all in and just being there was special to me. While we toured the house at Monticello the guide pointed out amazing artifacts and paintings of patriots and presidents all of which I was happy to see; BUT as soon as she pointed out an 18th century wooden seed cabinet made by hand at Monticello in which T.J. kept his seeds that he gathered and labeled for the next year, I felt the tour was complete! The cabinet was plain, no frills, but to me it was the most interesting piece in the house.
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Above are my 2 newest acquisitions for my too bare walls. Both are vintage and fit perfectly into my home. I mean, I've only been living here for 8 years, isn't it about time I commit to hanging something on the walls? Good things come to those who wait, right?
These cool collages are made by my big brother, Mike Miller. He is a mixed media artist and these silhouette collages are made from vintage photos and are his latest creation. Mike and Karen, my sister in law, are also the proprietors of Lo & Behold! which is their business of procuring and selling antiques and cultural relics. 
Mike's collection of cultural relics is often of an odd sort but has attracted quite a following. His artwork can be found in John Derian's store in New York as well as at Yard Dog in Austin, TX. Check him out on the web at www.loandbeholdantiques.com and tell him that I sent ya!
