Adding color.

Fall was not my favorite season.

Probably because I would dread what came afterwards....Winter.

This year my idea of "life" has changed.

It's only taken 66 years to figure it out.....learning to enjoy each moment of life, in any season.

The weather here has been cold, and dreary. We don't see much of the sun, compared to Summer.

It would always make me sad, because I am such a Summer person.

I was outside yesterday, and found these gorgeous roses on the arbor.

If something this beautiful can bloom in the most dreary weather.....than so can I.

Even for Fall decor, I chose white.

Seeing all of the warm colors of Fall, outside, made me realize I could have that same warm, cozy feeling on the inside of the house.

There are so many interesting things in nature that are worth enjoying each and every day.

Not trying to take away from those that prefer neutrals, and whites. I have decorated that way for YEARS.

This "change" began last year.....transitioning to...and adding more color to the palette. 

I will, probably, always lean more toward white in decorating...but am developing a taste for more.

It started when we bought the sectional for the living room.

It was more for comfort, and durability that I chose the sofa that we have now.

We have a large family, and my husband loves to stretch out while watching television.

I ended up choosing a charcoal/green color, instead of white slipcovers. And the style is more "modern" looking than I have chosen in the past.

It took me about a year to stop covering the sofa with white sheets, and quilts to brighten it up.

Now, I leave it as is.

The entire house had to be "in order", and follow a theme as far as decor goes.

Maybe it's because I am really old now, or I just don't care????

Or maybe, I realized that living doesn't need so much, as far as being extremely structured, is concerned.

It feels good to relax, and enjoy being free of restraints.

I don't have a craft room.

Every time I worked on a project, I would pull all the things I needed out, and put it all away at the end of the day.

I am now using my desk to do "whatever" it is I decide to do at a given moment. I keep it orderly, but NOT "sterile" any more.

If I choose to paint, draw, write a letter, etc. everything is there at the ready.

I am choosing to be less rigid, and it feels nice.  Living is not meant to be such a "chore".....it's to be enjoyed~

No one else lives here, except Jim and I.  So why do I worry about what everything looks like to someone else?

As long as things don't turn into a "blight" situation, I will not become a slave to "appearances" anymore. lol.

If I add color, it's okay.

I used to be strictly Shabby Chic. Now I consider myself to be "eclectic". Or maybe early American garage sale....it's all good.

I have always been "a work in progress".....

Jesus loves us as unique individuals. Thank God above for that!!!!

Smooches,

Debbie

xo

p.s. I may need a bigger desk for my sewing machine, and supplies.

Seasons of Hope.

Fall here at the lake has been very rainy, windy, and cold.

I am so grateful that Summer was filled with sunshine and warm temperatures.

The leaves have been falling, with the help of the wind, at a steady pace.

Each passing day brings us closer to the season of Winter.

The water levels have gone down dramatically this year, so all the rain we are getting will, hopefully, help with that issue.

We live on one of the canals that go out to the lake. It is quieter, for the most part, than being right on the lake. Except on the days that are too windy to be out on the water....we get a lot of boat traffic in the canals with people that want to enjoy their boats, and the sunshine.

We have our own beach for the kids. Most homes have a full seawall across their property. I think we are one of two homes that have a beach in our subdivision. 

We love it!

Having the boat right out our door is wonderful!!

We have two docks built into the seawall, as well.

It's a perfect spot for outdoor living.

We really LOVE Summer here.

After all of the boats are stored for the winter, the canal looks pretty empty.

There are a lot of colorful trees to enjoy in the early months of Fall.

Plus, the changes in the gardens add interest to the landscape.

What few flowers are left are drenched with the rain.

I will miss the pretty colors of the flowers over the long Winter months.

But with each season, there is always hope.

There is beauty all around with each change.

The excitement of the Fall colors. That first snowfall brings delight, because we know the holidays are approaching.

Every Spring brings new life into the gardens. 

Summer is filled with laughter, and people enjoying the outdoors.

Even the long season of Winter has activities to enjoy.

Hopefully, I will have days to get out and snowshoe.

I actually love a good old Michigan blizzard!  Being snowed in with the house all decorated for the holidays. Baking cookies, and making soup. Sipping on a latte as I read my Bible, and pray.

Life is filled with so much hope.....most importantly.....the hope of spending eternity with the Creator of all things.

Look for the smallest blessing in each day, of every season.

God is good!!!

All the time!!

xxoo

 

Catching up....

What has happened to blogger?

I am having an awful time with it!!

I guess the loss of the use of my computer set me back a little.

Hopefully things will improve as I work out the bugs.

Since I have been away for a while, I thought I would share some of the things that I did these past few weeks.

I dried quite a few flowers over the summer, and put together some bouquets.

I've had this nest for a long time. Adding dried roses made it look a lot different.

Using sea glass, and shells from Sanibel Island, this old window sash got a make over. The photo isn't the best because of too much back lighting from outside. Even the crab shells were used.

The Hydrangea bushes gave me LOTS of blossoms to dry this year!

I plan to put together a couple of wreaths with some of them.

(notice the string of orange lights in the doorway) 

I used warm Fall colors for this years decorating, and the lights give a wonderful glow in the evenings.

The days of decorating with all "white", for me, have passed.

Not saying that I have abandoned all use of white....it seems that adding a little color the past couple of years, turned into a "thing" for me.

The cottage seems to have a MORE eclectic look nowadays....or maybe a more "old lady" look???

xxoo

Finally....I am back!!

It's been quite a while since I've posted! My computer has not been working for months.

When I came back to blogger, things have changed!!

I had to check out my last post, and it was full of weird comments!!

Hopefully, I will be able to start blogging again...if I can keep this computer running.

We are ready for Fall here at the lake. 

Boats are out of the water, and things are put away, and covered up.

I've decorated the house in warm Autumn colors.

These cuties were found at my favorite local shop....Morning Glory Mercantile.

I had so many hydrangeas this year. LOVE the colors!

Instead of the more popular velvet pumpkins, I tried knitting some. They turned out okay.

I also put together a small garland.  Cute for Halloween.

My photos are not the best. I took these tonight....because I just got this crazy computer back this evening.  

Happy to finally be back. 

Happy Fall!

Debbie

xxoo