When deciding on a name for my blog, I landed on “Leland” because it’s the first name of a man I never met. My paternal grandfather passed away when my daddy was only six-years-old. I’ve always loved his name and it’s the first part of my name, Leza. Leland was a creative; taking photographs, developing and hand-coloring them long before color photography made its appearance.

To me, the word “cottage” evokes images of a charming, casual, comfortable, friendly home. It’s my favorite type of house and aesthetic. The two types of homes my husband and daughters have lived in over the years have been more cottage-like than any other style. After visiting England two years ago, the idea of living in a cottage grew into a dream of, one day, living in an authentic cottage, beams and all, in the English countryside. English interiors and gardens have become one of my favorite design styles.

My daddy loved photography, as do I. I believe creativity and photography is in my dna. My paternal grandmother, affectionately-known to me as “Mema”, loved to craft, decoupage, needlepoint and I have a sweet memory of her teaching me how to cut paper dolls. My daddy, her son, Ken, loved to paint, as do I. My Mema and my mother loved to cook and bake and I treasure some of their recipes handed down to me. My Mema and daddy also loved to garden. Daddy’s roses were exquisite and if I close my eyes, I can still smell them. I also love to plant seeds and watch them grow into colorful flowers. I love herbs, such as rosemary, basil and lavender and love to use them in my cooking, baking and beverages. Daddy loved nature, camping, backpacking and I share his love of God’s breathtaking creation. Walking in the woods is one of my favorite ways to find peace, joy and feel closest to God. My mother had lovely taste when decorating my childhood home. I think she instilled in me the love of making pretty, practical, comfortable spaces with beautiful fabrics and furniture. This was even more special because we didn’t have unlimited resources to afford expensive pieces but they were pretty and soft and welcoming.

When I was a little girl, I loved going with my parents to local furniture stores, such as Fowler Brothers in downtown Chattanooga or the Ethan Allen showrooms. As a child with a healthy imagination, I saw these trips as a wonderland of adventures, seeing each floor or room as my own personal place; pretending each space was a different land or fort. I can still see the elevator, hardwood floors and charming oldness of the Fowler building. Hiding behind draperies, under tables and exploring was fun to me. The store employees may not have appreciated my “exploration” but I don’t remember breaking anything or being reprimanded by my parents or the other grown-ups in the stores. Being an only child and being taught at an early age to behave quietly and respectfully in public places may have helped. Being in places of interiors was a positive, happy experience. Don’t get me wrong, I also was very much a combination tom-boy and girlie girl, with lots of shin bruises from climbing trees and basically living outside all day, every day, yet also loving my Barbies, dress-ups and dolls. And I do remember breaking a few things at home and repeatedly getting in trouble for climbing on the furniture.

And so begins my venture into nurturing my creativity, whether curating beautiful moments in spaces, sourcing pieces, sharing recipes, travel, photography or outdoor adventures with you. I truly want to spread a little love, joy, peace and encouragement to all. I’m so excited to begin this new chapter of my life and welcome your thoughts, ideas and questions along the way!