The Old Green Man Desk

Living a solitary life, in an old stone cottage, amid three acres of planted woodland and garden, Colette O'Neill is a published author and passionate environmentalist, honouring and promoting Celtic indigenous wisdom and culture in all of her work.
Books: bealtainecotta...
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[@gail-elizabethengland7853]

I'm still smiling at how wonderful and uplifting this video is. Yes, please write down what your Granny said and did, we'd love to hear the wisdom and laugh at the stories. Too often we let the memories fade into the past when in fact future generations might long for more details about who they were. Your gardens are glorious, thank you for the look around, it's inspiring. The desk is amazing! I can only imagine all the wonderful things that are yet to be written on it. Your living room looks lovely, cozy, and comfortable, a perfect nest to retreat to when the work of the day is completed. Blessings to you dear Colette!

[@bealtainecottage]

Thank you my friend for your lovely words! I shall certainly write about my grandmother if only as you say for the memories to stay with the children to come! Stories about our loved ones allow a portal of immortality to infuse our lives with joy and a feeling of wellness, so missing from our world today!

[@Auntie7024]

The stories about your granny are delightful. Thank you for sharing them. Blessings to you.

[@user-fs6ou3fk9p]

Your desk is magical. It brings a delightful energy to the place.

[@bealtainecottage]

Yes, I agree it is magical!

[@KLF630]

That desk was absolutely meant for you Colette,so glad you have taken it into your home,loved your story about your Nana,what wonderful characters we have lost,i tell my little Grandchildren stories about their ancestors all the time, lol,while i can still remember 😀

[@bealtainecottage]

I believe storytelling to be one of the fundamental building blocks of civilisation and society. We need to honour our loved ones who have passed by reminding the younger generation of who they were, what they did, and our love for them.

[@Julie-bq6iz]

Absolutely, Colette! I couldn't have said it better.

[@lesleyobrien5842]

I love "she loved a drink or 2 but always kept her dignity" lol. Ah, if only I could do the same after a few. JK.😂

[@bealtainecottage]

I think that was what gave women a powerful aura. The sheer ability to not lose the run of oneself after imbibing.

[@tanyafleming404]

I would love you to write that book about Granny and her sayings, you could sit at that beautiful new desk and write it. Love to you and wee Patsy.

[@bealtainecottage]

I’m looking forward to writing the book and have been thinking a lot about my granny Maggie over the past few days.

[@radicalcartoons2766]

There was huge interest in pseudo-paganism and folklore in the late Victorian years, The Golden Bough was written in 1890! What a beautiful piece of furniture.

[@bealtainecottage]

Thanks for that heads up about the book the Golden BoughI will definitely look it out!

[@fionalewis5051]

Oh Collette you must write about your granny, she sounds like great gas!

[@margaretwade373]

What a delightful, wonderful video. I also laughed till I cried re: your grannys antics. Please write about her. Thank you, our beautiful Collette.

[@bealtainecottage]

Despite her tiny stature, my grandmother on my fathers side was an incredibly strong and powerful woman who was loved by all who knew her.

[@sandiemilthorpe8542]

Ooh stories about your granny told in your own unique way would be wonderful I love listening to stories. Your cottage is lovely and of course your woodland /garden/ wildlife pond and everything else that makes up the paradise we all feel a part of is out of this world and of course a partner would be useful from time to time but they are such hard work 😅 thanks Collette

[@bealtainecottage]

I was completely wrong in thinking that people would not be interested in my stories about my family, but it appears that I was wrong! I look forward to writing stories about them and telling stories on this channel.

[@dianerice9335]

I could listen to your stories all day. Such a wonderful way to spend my morning, laughing along with you. Blessings to you as well.

[@laurieoverton9797]

You are a Gem! How long were you married and do you miss having a partner? I married young...had 4 beautiful (and good children), funny, happy yet we were struggling financially as my husband was diagnosed Manic Depressive and after many years, parted ways but as women go our strength and resilience marches on...I remarried 17 years later at 51...rode on a motorcycle for the first time in my life, had so much fun! I lost my husband to cancer in 2020....I have to be honest this has been my most glorious of years, writing, reading, surrounded by plants indoors...my life and sweet apartment is my happy place and my bliss....I am forever grateful to God and the universe and my spirit angels for 9 beautiful grandchildren, awesome grown kids, true friends and my favorite things in the nature world....my lovely view of gorgeous trees every day along with my morning coffee. So Blessed and grateful.

[@sharenp3839]

You could get one of those statues of the waiter with him, holding the tray and have it over there by you so that he could be your waiter lol

[@JanWard-ih1iy]

I love the green man desk - what a wonderful find and treasure. I enjoyed your story about your granny. Both represent legacy to me. Thank you for inviting me in for this little chat. It will keep me smiling as I go about my day.

[@bealtainecottage]

I love to share stories about my grandmother and my family as I often think of events that have happened and that make me smile and sometimes laugh.

[@victoriawitte7672]

Oh, that is a beautiful desk. When my husband and I were just married and looking for furniture we got lots of things at auctions, we went most weekends and got really good sturdy furniture for not too much money. I love old furniture, it seems more real than something that you go to a store and buy new. I guess it's because there is usually a story behind it which sometimes you get to hear and sometimes you don't but somehow you can feel it.

[@kristagayton6788]

You do.make me laugh, you should write a book about your Granny ❤

[@angietully3270]

Your granny sounds amazing, yes please write the book, gorgeous desk.xx

[@lesleyobrien5842]

Please do write about your dear granny. We all would absolutely love to hear about her or stthe very least please tell more of her stories. Blessings.

[@bealtainecottage]

I promise, I will try to do both!

[@jmadsen6118]

I LOVED your stories of your granny and your giggling... absolutely precious! I treasure my Irish heritage and would love to hear more of your granny's sayings. Love to you and Patsy. ❤

[@jacqui9176]

The desk is beautiful. Please Colette write that book about your granny, she sounds like such a funny, wise lady. I grew up in Northern Ireland and I still laugh at the things my granny used to say and do! LOL xx

[@bealtainecottage]

I must admit, there is something very humorous about northern Ireland Grannies. They just love to tell it like it is. In other words they can be very blunt but in a kind and loving way.

[@priltheartist9007]

I don’t think I stopped smiling the whole video. :)

[@jennil7797]

Your desk is such a beautiful piece, Colette. It fits so well with the special feel of Bealtine Cottage, timeless, beautiful and serene. Both the house and land look as though they have been loved, cared for and evolving for centuries. Nobody coming across them for the first time and not hearing of the neglected little holding would suspect it's relatively recent rebirth.

[@bealtainecottage]

And this is what I find truly fascinating! I agree completely with your observations.

[@PatriciaDixon-o2h]

Love grannies and green man cabinet and you sweetsoul❤❤❤

[@greteasen5816]

What an amazing piece of furniture! Things are not made like this anymore..

[@treehouse3240]

Love Grandma's stories. The Greenmans desk is beautiful. Enjoy your videos ,always so relaxing. Terry Ont. Can.

[@bealtainecottage]

Glad you like them!

[@AuraDawn_Health]

You need a butler! 🤣. That desk is beautiful. Only you could have found that gem!

[@melaniesprouse8591]

Colette, that was a lovely video. Your stories of your Grannie made me laugh so hard. You should write a book about her. ❤️🤗 Or add some of her famous quotes in your regular books.

[@bealtainecottage]

I am, most definitely, writing a book about my grandmother. Her mother was even more fascinating, my great grandmother.

[@coffeewithroomforcream]

Also, I would absolutely buy a book about your Gran. I love those kinds of stories.

[@herrflick1244]

I still carry on with my nanas sayings, like its clean,mended and paid for about clothes if people say they don't like your clothes. Or if a child was grubby, she used to say, he looks like a tramps apprentice. Or look where you are going, not where you have been, when people keep turning around to look at something behind them. She also lived a drink and had a quarter of a bottle of brandy or whiskey in her bag, (for medicinal purposes, she used to say) That desk is beautiful, this looks like a unique piece also a hereditary piece than can be handed down the generations. I bet it could tell a few tales.

[@bealtainecottage]

I do believe that the generation of women who came before us were incredibly powerful and influential and we have failed to give them the recognition they deserve to have. Each woman seemed to be a full character in her own right!

[@bladehoner3185]

That desk!!!❤ What a find! It ended up in just the perfect location. Now we can all appreciate it's beauty.

[@bealtainecottage]

Totally! 👍

[@booth9666]

Blessed be Colette and Patsy much love and respect ..overgrow overshare overcare overseed everywhere worldwide...cheers more northern lights comin tomorrow i hear

[@bealtainecottage]

Thank you! My garden is certainly looking overgrown at the moment and I am quite happy about that!

[@annettemclean1922]

What a beautiful desk - I hope you have many wonderful hours, sitting in front of it, writing about your Gran - those stories are always worth telling... Blessings to you too Colette x

[@K.Lovelace1968]

I love the story and I love, love, love The Greenman Desk... So beautiful..

[@Nightowl-72]

That’s a gorgeous desk 😍

[@stephaniemcclellan2904]

Wow, that desk is a true treasure!❤

[@thelimeysretreat4976]

Love the desk, it’s beautiful. Your Granny sounds wonderful, you definitely need to write a book xx

[@janewright2800]

What a stunning desk.just love the green man on it too🌳💚

[@elsasmum6005]

Wonderful.Cosy,serene,funny.I love the beautiful handmade desk.Also,I loved seeing dear little Patsy's reflection in the long mirror.So cute.🤗🤗xx

[@Dusty56]

Your desk is amazing what a wonderful find. I have always admired your gardens of course but also your lovely cosy home 🏡 the chair and table in the corner look great. Also enjoy hearing about your Grandmother. Take care and thankyou for your videos. 😊xx

[@bealtainecottage]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@marylouleach8333]

WOW! ❤❤❤❤❤ Carved Greenman! You don't often find anything like that here in the US. Hubby would be blown away to see that! I have some barley twist and if I had more room, I would be collecting carved furniture! Everything looks beautiful! Love hearing the birds. ❤ A book featuring your Granny would be a great read! She sounds like a trip! My grandmother was a teacher. I wish I wrote down some of the things she would say. Some were funny. Some , good advice. I remember making a quilt a few years back and hearing her say as I nervously stared at the pieces on the table. "Always take pains, always take pains." Meaning think, measure twice and pin, pin, pin!

[@marikajohn6522]

Garden looks wonderful perfusion of colour. Story very funny. Lol. Green man unit strong will last another 100 years. Off to get my cuppa. 😊😊

[@bealtainecottage]

Old furniture is so often cast aside in favour of modern, chipboard furniture that does not last the test of time. I for one love old pieces and often imagine the homes that they once graced!

[@cynthiaOC]

what a find......caught a glimpse of patsy in the mirror.......blessings to you

[@ShannaRowell-uy3zh]

Your desk looks nice and they don't make things like that anymore. Your garden looks lush and vibrant. Hope you and Patsy are doing good.

[@bealtainecottage]

You are so right

[@kibibishaw1194]

LOL Colette you are so delightful! I was giggling about your “servant” and all the things you’d like him to do. I’d like that as well 😄🤭🫶🏽💖💕🌸 Thanks always for your fun stories! 🙏🏽✨

[@beverley1539]

Hiya Colette ohh what a fabulous find. Do love your stories of Granny. Blessings luv Ontario Canada 🐝🇨🇦

[@michelleibbitson1205]

Colette, please do write this book about your grandmother..it would be such a good read ! 🙏 😅 xx

[@marianfrances4959]

LOL Queen of the Castle chair! The desk is divine. I have a small one, not nearly as ornate, and I love it. You need a butler!! And a big LOL on your kids' ferel childhoods. 😂 Grandmother makes me smile...👍😎🇨🇦💜🐾💫

[@bealtainecottage]

I think that if I ever came into money where upon I could afford to employ a butler, I would! Nothing else in my life would change and I would enjoy the ridiculousness of it all!

[@therealmysticmoon]

WOW, what a beautiful unique piece of furniture! Just magnificent! Good for you to find something like this ❤

[@marysmyth8288]

Dear Collette, As always how marvelous your weekly vlog How I so love your gardens of flowers 🌸 And the woods , all the creatures that are there and wee Patsy now In your life. Oh the Irish humour just spills out of you All the giggles flowing forth Your story of your Grandmother so Entertaining . Here I am at 81yrs asking myself Oh where did the Years of my life fly to My own Grandmother ‘s dying words of a Whisper , (Ouch now Life is but a flash in the pan) My own Mother from Belfast Co Antrim came to Canada with us myself husband with our family , Of 4sons and our Daughter Lived in Bangor ,left for Canada 1982 Due to the encouragement of My Uncle in Toronto , the times of the Troubles in Northern Ireland How heartbreaking all that turmoil Canada has been good for my family Myself now a widow , two sons already passed Myself secured Grave sites for myself and family How much I treasure your vision of Hope The rewards of your Labour at Bealtaine Cottage Mary Vancouver Canada 🍁 ❤☘️

[@bealtainecottage]

It’s wonderful to hear that you find peace and solace in Canada. May you continue to live in peace and joy.

[@GraceWhyte-pv4sc]

Desk is fabulous 😍 your cottage is such fitting home for her! 💚

[@bealtainecottage]

Thank you!! 😊

[@Grassdancer-ib2lw]

I loved 'I Claudius', watched it when it was released, together with my dad. I was only a wee one, but never forgot it. Congratulations on the desk, it is truly beautiful. These old pieces are such treasures. Unfortunately I bought a small wood chest of drawers and found out it was home to a merry band of wood worms.

[@BrilliantLove2]

What a beautiful desk!!!

[@dawnnicholson9675]

I'm laughing away at your stories Colette.. I have most of your books.. and I will definitely purchase another about your tales of your granny and such.. So entertaining listening to your tales. 🌿🌿❤❤

[@bealtainecottage]

I’d better get writing then!

[@thecheethamcompound17]

Colette… Would you like a Whiskey and What-Not while I make you dinner and fluff your pillows? Great video! Nice to see you chillin’!🥃

[@pammatiti]

Lol

[@bealtainecottage]

Post that man to me ASAP!

[@pammatiti]

@@bealtainecottage Lol

[@ourfloridagarden4191]

That is without a doubt the loveliest desk I have ever seen. It was actually smiling to be a member of your family now. Blessings

[@ShirleyHilton-pr7hj]

Another lovely day at Bealtaine , I especially enjoyed your little chat in the corner. I felt like I was right there in the room with you listening to a close friend nattering away.

[@bealtainecottage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@brandyjean7015]

That desk is magnificent!

[@morrigans_cottage]

That desk is absolutely stunning! I love the carvings on it what a good find!

[@bealtainecottage]

It was a series of Lucky encounters that led me to this beautiful desk!

[@morrigans_cottage]

@@bealtainecottage it really is stunning such lovely craftsmanship!

[@corey3151]

Gorgeous desk! You can't go wrong with anything with a greenman on it.

[@bealtainecottage]

Yes, indeed! The green man brings wonderful energy!

[@SoulEzee]

What a wonderful find and fine workmanship.

[@Jacquiandteddy]

The desk is absolutely beautiful! So much work went into that all carving. A partner would be too complicated - a faithful butler would be perfect, haha.

[@bealtainecottage]

I totally agree!👍

[@debrabolduc9928]

OMG, the desk!!! I too try to decorate with antiques/preowned treasures. Do please write about your Gran, she sounds great fun and truly down to earth, as you are too. Your 3 acres has inspired me to turn my smallish town lot into a grove of sorts. There is no front lawn, but ground covers, a mixed shrub hedge row, hascap berries, roses, wild strawberries, perennials, tall grasses and so on. You can't see the house, lol! I've also taken over half the back yard with raspberries, a large mixed border, tomatoes and leafy things for salads... if I live long enough, I'll get the rest of the back! Thank you for sharing your joy and wisdom, I love to watch you sharing such a peaceful sanctuary and am catching up after planting season here in Canada. [I intend to ask for your books as my next birthday gift, or perhaps for Yule?] Blessings on you and yours! 🌼🍀🌳

[@lisapieper3598]

Love the desk and new arrangement!

[@kathrynriggs2489]

Oh my goodness! The desk is gorgous! What a find you have! Edit to add: yes please, stoeies of your Nan would be a lovely read. Oh I miss mine so much

[@bealtainecottage]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Holly_at_gypsyhollergardens]

I just adore you !!! That desk is everything ❤ !!!

[@JennyGarza-l8u]

You are such a fine and interesting lady. You crack me up. Never change. 😊

[@bealtainecottage]

😊 thank you

[@lindylou3519]

150 yr old green man desk! Wow! That’s really amazing they made them even back then. Very special. (I don’t know about you but the inside of my house suffers greatly this time of year…it’s all about the outdoors & gardening. So spider webs are welcome to stay until I get around to them.😊 Oh come on Colette. Don’t stop the Granny story now. I was so enthralled over hearing more about your family and your Granny. Nothing better than hearing someone speak about the past fond memories. Just assuming your husband passed away?❤

[@athomewithroma]

That desk is just stunning 😍

[@kathleenfredrickson8593]

I think the Green Man Desk is a treasure that absolutely belongs in your cottage like Patsy does.

[@NadineTouzet]

You want a butler, not a maid! 😂 what a lovely cottage you have 😍.

[@tinaluise9308]

I would love to read about your Granny. Thanks for the laughs. Good to hear you giggle.

[@DottieStanley]

I called my Grandmother Granny too! She was a hoot too! Such great memories of her. She had a great sense of humor and a kind heart. Your Granny sounds like a real character. You should write a book about her! Love the green man desk! It is stunning! I hope it inspires you to write and write and write!

[@KristiStraw]

What a stunning desk!

[@earlenaferrell3393]

Thank you ❤️ from America❤️

[@wandamyers2690]

Lovely secretary desk 👍

[@sandramariesolander]

😊 hello, newcomer here, old follower of Terry Conroy, My neighbor told me about your cottage and gardens - I had to see for myself. Thank you so much for the tour of your cottage- The Old Green Man desk is absolutely stunning! I saw his face (x4) immediately when I saw the piece ❤ Your place is so charming - And oh look at that woven heart hanging up on that lamp on the wall. I have a smaller version hanging on my wall as well! ❤ Blessed be and see you on the next vid.

[@RiverBirchSmallholding]

The green man carving is stunning..a very special find!

[@bealtainecottage]

I think so too!

[@graceinthegarden9151]

How fun to hear a story of your grandmother. Thank you for sharing. It is pouring down rain today in Northeast Missouri, USA. Have a lovely week.

[@bealtainecottage]

You are so welcome! 🙏

[@fiona12451]

"what was the use of bringing me out here". .. Such a delightful story... Thank you Colette for sharing this little memory of your Granny.. Priceless 😄💖😊

[@tanyafleming404]

Oh Colette what a magical video. The northern lights, your beautiful garden, the fox and birds so uplifting. Im in New Zealand and we saw the lights too, i said to my neighbour " Isn't the natural world fantastic " so many feelings of excitement and joy, at being alive at this time to witness this magic, its a dream come true. I find the older i get the more i need to be in nature with all the trees, animals and birds. Blessings to you ❤

[@JR-kz2xn]

What a stunning desk Colette. Can you imagine all the history it holds and all the special people who have written at it. It has landed in a wonderful home where it will be yet cherished. I still love your "pondering chair." It's just as special as you are . Have a beautiful day!! 💚

[@bealtainecottage]

And this is what I love the most about old, preloved, and even sometimes antique furniture.

[@JadwigaShiels]

It’s lovely that you gave that bureau a good home. Though it’s definitely a male and not a female piece of furniture. Give him some TLC with a beeswax with lavender scented wood polish and enjoy your beautiful bureau.

[@mareedawson8564]

That was a fun lovely video x

[@marie-ctunnicliff513]

WOW! I just love your Green Man Desk - I could certainly give room to something like that. Let's hear some more about about your lovely Granny - please. Take care...

[@myhillslife27]

Blessings from Australia dear Collette and Patsy! xo

[@SonyaGilfillan]

Life's too short.Go on & have that whiskey.😅.Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺.

[@bealtainecottage]

I used to love drinking whiskey when I chain-smoked!

[@OLaura3552]

Oh! It's so lovely to hear from your Colette! I started smiling at your pretty front door! And that Green Man Dusk is FABULOUS!! Love hearing stories about your Granny!! I was the first great-grandchild in my family and I adored my grandmother - and my two great-grandmothers - both born in the late 1800's. We have to write about them! Blessings, dear Colette to you and sweet little Patsy!!

[@bealtainecottage]

Yes, indeed Laura, we do have to write about them and keep their memory alive.

[@lunalu8753]

Oh my! What a beautiful secretary desk.

[@TanaConnelly]

Beautiful desk!🌞

[@anntennyson2493]

Hi Colette, your house and garden all looks beautiful,so peaceful and relaxing,what a lovely life you live there.♥️

[@jennifersmith3709]

This was a very uplifting video today🤣 I can remember when my Grannie stayed on a Summer with us and she got "caught listening" at my parents bedroom door, which was right next to my Grannie's bedroom. When Mom was coming out the door, Grannie was caught off guard and said, "Oh good morning! I couldn't sleep" At that Mom replied, " Do fancy a biscuit with that hot cuppa you've been sipping on a while!?" Mom said Grannie turned as red as beet and swiftly retreated to her own bedroom! Lol Would love, love, love to hear more about your Grannies. We mustn't ever let their glorious stories fade away!! Blessings in abundance, sweet lady xx

[@bealtainecottage]

Grannies are by nature very curious and are so because of their family and their continual worrying about their family. I try to give my children and grandchildren all the space they need! To be honest this also reflects my need to be independent and live my own life.

[@skonther0ck]

Wow what a find. Beautiful old piece.

[@gabriellequine9877]

I love the Buddha statue on your window ledge and your new/old desk. The front porch looks like the perfect cosy spot to think and write.

[@jazfarm5726]

I always enjoy 5 drinks or 6. Cabernet please. 🌹🌹

[@bealtainecottage]

Don’t hold the horses! Why not go for a round figure of say 10 When I drank I rarely put a limit on the amount! , the good old days!

[@pattidunne2253]

Oh I forgot, love the green man desk absolutely beautiful. What a find❤️❤️

[@bealtainecottage]

What I find so utterly amazing about my life here is that when I imagine something and wish in a small way to have that something, it usually transpires!

[@carie58]

What beautiful piece of furniture Colette.

[@kathybrooks-uz2kv]

Just beautiful enjoy 🎉🎉

[@bealtainecottage]

Thank you! 🤗

[@heatherbates2052]

How stunning!

[@ETudor-pw3xw]

Working art!

[@bealtainecottage]

Isn’t it amazing how much love and personality was poured into the creating of furniture long ago!

[@mysticmimi3924]

Once again, more beautiful landscaping and songbird. I love the queen’s chair in the corner. It feels comfy and cozy. If one such thing could feel that way over the video lol. I absolutely love your desk, writing desk is it of the green man it’s incredible thanks again Colette for sharing.