Monday, June 10, 2013

The TDY Coffee Table

Since it was raining...again, this morning, I decided to change things up a little in the living room. I'm in coastal mode, of course.


I found a summery photo holder that I had forgotten about it, until I was looking through a drawer.  It looks a little bit coastal, and has a photo of our first grandson.

I was just thinking...you've seen my coffee table lots of times, but I've never told you the story about it. So, I'll mix in photos with the story...don't want you to  get bored :)

When my husband and I were married in 1968, he was in the military. We were living in Germany, and when the men from his unit would go TDY (temporary duty) to Turkey, Pakistan and Italy, the guys would always bring home things like...camel saddles, safari chairs, Flokati rugs, and  brass top coffee tables. 
Well, I didn't want a brass top coffee table, and I told Hubby, "Do NOT bring home a brass top coffee table!" 
Everybody had one, and I just couldn't see myself polishing it for the next bazillion years.

Ok, here's another photo...

I found this cute little mother of pearl box at an antique/decor store. I l-u-u-v  decorative boxes!

I set a little shell on the top, to add a little extra something.

I'm trying to decide which way I like it better...with or without.

Anyway, back to the story. Have I lost you yet?

Well, when Hubby got back from TDY, I picked him up at the air port, and wouldn't you know...he was carrying a table with paper over the top and wooden legs sticking out. 
I thought, Oh, NO! Not a brass top coffee table! Aggghh!

Thankfully, he remembered, and bought this one instead. 
So, for sentimental reasons, we still have the table, plus the fact that it's practically indestructible and has stood the test of time, enduring several moves, a two year old who raced his Matchbox cars on it, crayons, juice spills, and dogs, and still looks presentable. 

So, now you know the story of my coffee table. Do you have stories to tell about your furniture? I'll bet you do. :)

Hugs,
Babs

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16 comments:

Sarah said...

Pretty table, Babs. Many of our furnishings have stories. ;-) Oh, and I like the box showing it's pretty top without the extra shell. Glad you are getting rain. You can send it back to Austin if you want. Ha!

Unknown said...

Bet there aren't many people who have one like yours! I really like it! I like your vignette too! Have a good week.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love your coastal vignette and I love the story of your coffee table. What a great piece to have. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

I like your story.... Very nice pics of your table. I am also a coffee lover. Kopi Luwak is my favorite one.


Regards,

Mary said...

Babs~ I enjoyed your coffee table story and the inlaid top! It looks so good for it's travels and age! I love your little shell box with and without the shell :)

Tricia said...

It's all about the story! I enjoyed reading the story behind your table. I know you are happy NOT to still be polishing a brass top table all these years later!

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

I like your coastal accents. That mother of pearl box is really nice! That's really neat about the coffee table! I don't think I ever noticed its detail before! I can remember where and why I bought furniture but I don't have anything with that kind of history!

Lady of the Manor said...

I love your table's story. Cherished items usually have a special history. Thanks for sharing this one!

On Crooked Creek said...

Babs,
I adore your coffee table, dear friend, and the story that goes with its history!!! When "Mr. Ed" was overseasd, I asked for 'teak tables' from Korea. . .instead I received brass urns!!! Still have them, sometimes they are displayed...other times they are stored!!!
Your vignette is adorable on your coffee table...especially the framed photo of your grandson!!! I love the pearl box!!! Keeping the shell on the lid adds to your theme, quite nicely!!!
Send some of that rain here on the Prairie...anytime!!!
Fondly,
Pat

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love your table, too! It's a perfect size for any room and what a treasure to have acquired and kept all these years. I love your vignette and the old shell on top of the box is just what I love to do! Of course I have shells everywhere! lol Sweet hugs!

Myra said...

Pieces with a story are the best! I love your story. The table is really pretty.

Kelly said...

I really like your coffee table! The design on it makes it very unique. I remember a friend of mine's parents having one of those brass topped coffee tables! Her father was a Lt. Col in the Marines and traveled all over. They had many things brought back from Africa (if memory serves me right). I didn't know those tables were so popular back then.

Donna said...

I enjoyed your coffee table story...it's a beautiful table! I like your coastal decorations too, so pretty.

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Good Afternoon Babs, Well how I laughed out loud when I read this post. My husband was in the British Army and we were statationed in Germany and George did bring me a camel saddle and a flokati rug. I escaped owning the brass top table though.
They are long gone, because I never really liked them, but I did not have the heart to tell him.
Have a lovely weekend.
Best Wishes
Daphne

Sheila said...

Love the story. It's a beautiful table and definitely a keeper.

Savannah Granny said...

Babs, I started commenting about your lovely table earlier but Bob had the nerve to want lunch.
I just wanted to make sure that I got to tell you how pretty it is and how sweet a gift it was. I can just imagine your heart did a flip when you saw him bringing it off the plane. For a couple of reasons, LOL!
Hugs, Ginger