Shot at 7 am on Wednesday morning. No staging. As is. Welcome to my cluttered little cottage.
A reminder, in case it rains.
I look around here and immediately think I need to sort through some things and straighten up. On the other hand, the rooms are filled with stacks of books, yarn that I won’t touch until the weather gets cooler, collections, artwork, dog leashes, a dog, and work-in-progress. And I realize that when I was younger, that’s exactly what I imagined my dream home would be full of – and it is.
That’s a good thing, right?
Happy Wednesday.
Amen! I would much rather sew, stitch, read, or cook than clean (even though cleaning every now and then is a good thing) . I also like having the things I love around me. Enjoy your day and give that sweet pup a hug!
I just gave her a big hug from you!
It is a wonderful thing, Claudia.
Looks like a warm, well loved, lively home. Have you ever walked through a show home? We’ve been doing this alot this spring as we start the processing of building a new house and every time I walk in to one, I feel a coldness, a stark vista. It never feels like a home just a picture. I prefer lived in and life filled vs. perfect and cold.
Enjoy your day. I hope the rain stays away so you can enjoy the outside!
Yes, I have walked through those types of homes. Leaves me cold, too. That’s also why I can spot a home done by a decorator a mile away! It’s someone else’s vision, not the homeowners. Again – leaves me cold.
Lots of books! I like that. Yes, It is a good thing. I saw you are reading a Sarah Jio book. I just finished THE VIOLETS OF MARCH by her. If you have not read it, I highly recommend it. If you want, I can mail you my copy. I love to pass my books on to people that I know will read & appreciate them. I tell them to pass it on to someone else when they are done. Kind of like a chain mail book. Have a nice day. A bit cooler today and less humid too. Not use to 90+ degrees! Luanne
You’re very sweet to offer, Luanne. I’m actually about to read that book in order to review it. Let me see what I think of it and then maybe I’ll take you up on your kind offer!
Claudia, your clutter is beautiful.
Aw, thank you, Shanna.
That is a VERY GOOD thing!
S
xp
thank you and xo, my friend.
Claudia your home is a reflection of you for sure! Warm and loved! Full of books, color and a sweet girl to enjoy it with you.
hugs,
Linda
That sweet girl does not like this heat, Linda. She sleeps all day and doesn’t want to eat until late in the day. Can’t say as I blame her.
One man’s clutter is another man’s comfort….?
Absolutely, Lori!
It is a good thing! -Judy A-
Thanks, Judy!
Claudia – your sweet home is filled with the best things – things that you enjoy and make you happy!!! I noticed you have a Sarah Jio book to be read – I just finished this and it was very good!! My favorite of hers was “Then Bungalow.” I also have read some Louise Penny’s books and they are wonderful mysteries too, set in Canada… Everything looks really nice and cozy, Claudia!! Enjoy the day!! Francine
I’m reading the Sarah Jio book for a review that I’ll post next week. I’m glad to hear you liked it, Francine. Louise Penny was recommended to me by one of my readers and I’m so glad she told me about this series. I’m going to read them in order and I’m on the first one, Still Life, right now.
I love your style. Especially love the Hull vase in the first shot!!
Leann
A gift from a blogging friend. I’d love to collect more. My friend Heidi has a big collection of Hull vases and they are gorgeous.
When ever I see one of the modern houses, very spacious ones, I think of our little farm house, which is so full. and I sigh for one moment. But our house is also full of live. Of course, I’m cleaning and staighten up things a bit before I leave on Sunday for three weeks. I’m coming, yes!
Are you coming over here to the States, Regula?
I know what you mean about spacious and spare. I stop for a minute and admire it and then I realize I couldn’t live that way.
The very best kind of good thing.
Joy
Thanks, my friend!
Yes, that’s a good thing, sugar, very good.
xoxo,
Connie
xoxo to you, my friend.
Your home looks well loved and lived in, that’s the way it should be! I’m nosy by nature and I love when I visit someone when they don’t expect it and aren’t “ready” for company. It’s so interesting to learn about someone by seeing their books, magazines, ongoing projects and life on a typical day. I have to laugh at how often I take pictures and then see the nasty trash can in the background, stray dog toys, a stack of magazines and bills…it’s a life we all know, some just hide it better than others.
Hope your trip went smooth. The humidity today is making it feel like a jungle. I’d rather have rain!
XO,
Jane
I’m the same way, Jane. I love learning about someone by the way they decorate and the things they collect and treasure – also, what they read!
The humidity is terrible. We have been dealing with this every day since the first day of summer. Dreadful!
YEP!
having a home filled with things you like…LOVE! It’s a good thing. :) ~Pat
It sure is, Pat!
Exactly what I was thinking as I looked at each picture. I wouldn’t change a thing. Everywhere you look there is comfort and love and mind’s rest and heart’s rest.
Mind’s rest and heart’s rest. I like that very much, Dewena. Thank you.
Yes, it’s perfectly natural and normal…life is cluttered! It’s definitely a good thing! ;)
I make an effort to straighten it up….but then another pile of things forms!
Oh, Claudia – that’s a GREAT thing!!!
Donna
Thank you, my friend!
It’s a VERY good thing!!!!
Surround yourself with the things that make you happy and give thanks to the Lord above for your abundance!!!
Addie
Good advice, Addie!
Your home looks cozy, warm and inviting. That’s a very good thing! To be surrounded by those you love, and the things you love is what a home is all about, or should be what home is about. You have succeeded in that venture.
I see so many new homes that are stark and not very welcoming. When someone tells me my home is “so homey” I take that as a big compliment.
nancyr
I do, too. A guy from the cable company came in the door one day and said “This is a happy house. I can tell. ” That made me smile.
reading this I looked to my left and saw 2 stacks of books on the table behind the couch and looked to my right and saw sewing baskets out and embroidery yarn….looked in between and saw the quilting hoop sitting on top of the laser printer and look to my feet and see lily the black and white dog that resembles scout a bit, lol…..
Sounds like my kind of home, Debra! Cozy and filled with the things you love.
I don’t see clutter. I see cozy. Love that you have a sun light. That has to help with a warm glow that you seem to have….even if there are lots of clouds lately.
The sun is trying to tell us it is still here. Monsoons yesterday and coming again today. Seeing flooded fields and roads now. But the good news is, it is about the stop and cool off a bit.
I love your home.
Rain here, too, Debby and tropical weather. Flood watches are up. I’m hearing that the weekend might finally bring some relief.
Thank you, my friend.
To realize that you are where you hoped to be when you were younger is a good thing indeed Claudia..
And it’s good to remind myself of that, Nancy. It helps to put everything in perspective.
Seems pretty good tome, Claudia :)
Me too, Laura.
Your home looks so warm and inviting. There’s nothing quite like looking around our home and feeling surrounded by things we really love. Anyone who comes into our home for the first time knows, in moments, that one of us loves books. That would be me. It makes me sad that so many young people these days don’t like to read. I can’t imagine not being able to sit down and escape in a book. Thank’s for this post Claudia, it’s always interesting to get another glimpse into your home.
You’re welcome, Janie. I know there are those who don’t like to read, but darned if I can understand it! And a Nook or Kindle, though nice, are not the same as a book!
The best part of this story is that you like your home. You dreamed of it in your youth and now you have that home. So is it a Dream House? Magic? Or a house that love built? Happy Wednesday to you, too.
Maybe all three? Thanks, Joy.
That all looks like perfection to me! I wish magazine shoots were so realistic and cozy :)
Me too. I get tired of perfect, perfect. It’s not real life.
It may be cluttered but its pretty clutter.. It may be cluttered but it’s home :)
Exactly!
Hi Sweet Claudia – Just got home today and had a fabulous trip! Your “clutter” (as you call it) is what makes your house a home. It looks lived in. One thing I always strive for in doing a home is to make it look lived in and not perfect. 99% of the world doesn’t live in a “perfect” house.
Glad Don got to come home for a few days.
Judy
Welcome back, Judy! I can’t wait to hear about your trip!
Yes. It’s yours, it’s comfortable, it’s home-y. Doesn’t get much better than stacks of books and a fur baby laying around.
I agree, Melanie!
It is the best!!!! So inviting and your adorable sweetheart picture perfect !
Thank you, Grace!
Your cluttered cottage is cozy and comforting and just perfect the way it is. Hugs and blessings, Tammy
Thank you, Tammy!
I always say a lived in home is a happy home when you’re surrounded by things you love! Seeing all your books makes me want to start reading again!
Go for it, Diane!
Oh yes, I do so whole-heartedly agree, it helps to remember that sometimes. :)
Yes, it does, Anny.
Right..of course..
Your cottage is wonderful. I noticed your Gladys Taber books,I just discovered her after finding Stillmeadow Seasons at a thrift store. I just recently read it,and love it so much. I can’t wait to read more of her books. What a sweet face your Scout has…..blessings