If you follow me on Instagram, you know that Don and I visited Milne Antiques yesterday and purchased the pew and the hanging cabinet. This was not without a lot of thought for our budget and for our space – I asked Rebekah to measure the pew before we made the decision and had a pretty good idea where I was going to put it. Don had the same idea, so we were in agreement.
I say all this because I wrote a slightly funny and dramatic IG post (I am a writer and an actress, after all) about how I’d been thinking about those two pieces and that we are on a budget and where will we put them??? (That’s the dramatic part.) I did the same kind of post with the vintage dollhouse and the egg cup cubby. 99% of readers get it and love it. But, I got a comment from one person that urged me to think about why I buy things when I don’t have the money or the space.
Excuse me?
I never said anything about not having the money. I used the word “budget.” Obviously if we didn’t have the money, we wouldn’t make the purchase. And equally obviously, if we didn’t have the space we wouldn’t buy it.
We paid with cash, I might add.
It ticked me off and I responded, but then I thought the better choice was to just delete the comment and not get into something with this person who I don’t know and who doesn’t know me or my husband. Just as I sometimes have to do on the blog.
What is it with people who feel they can ‘tsk tsk’ you on social media? This rarely happens to me, thank goodness, but I know it happens a lot to those who have a large presence online, whether on a blog or on IG. People make comments that they would never express to your face. Anyway, it was misinformed and rude.
Just need to vent a bit on this one. We rarely eat out. We rarely go to the movies at a movie theater. We rarely go to Broadway shows because they’re too expensive. (And we work on Broadway!) Except for our trip to Europe and our journey across America the summer before, both of which happened in the past year and a half, we’ve never taken a vacation together the entire time we’ve been a couple. We’ve only traveled for work. That would be 24 going on 25 years. We don’t get new cars. We drive them until we can no longer drive them.
Our home is everything to us: two nomads who moved from place to place during their adult years, moving from one job in the arts to another. That’s the nature of our work. To finally have a nest to feather that is ours and not another rental, a nest that we’ve created together, is something we never take for granted. There’s not a day that goes by where we don’t thank God for our little cottage. Not one. We’re in our 14th year of living here. We love it. So I won’t apologize for finding more things to feather this nest or for thinking, as everyone does when faced with fitting something new into a room, about where I’m going to put it and what might be moved to accommodate that. (Or for making sure we have the money to pay for it.) It’s part of my creativity. I express myself that way. And Don and I always make those decisions together.
End of rant. Sorry, but not sorry, because I had to put in words. Writing puts things in perspective.
So, let me show you what we’ve done. The photos aren’t the best, partly because it was late in the day yesterday when I took them, and partly because it’s snowing/raining outside today and it’s quite gloomy out there.
The vintage dollhouse got moved to the den. This is where I originally envisioned it and I love it here.
I think it stands out more here. You can see it from the living room. It’s folk art and putting it on top of the cabinet highlights that fact.
Then we moved the blue bench that was next to the big white wardrobe cupboard in the living room. Since we’d measured the space, we knew the pew would fit there.
We’re going to move the white cupboard closer to the door, but that’s a big job so it will have to wait a few days. I want some space between the cabinet and the pew so we can see the carving on that side. Don likes that it delineates the den and the living room.
I may even pull it out from the wall a bit. The reason the two sides are different is because it was clearly attached to another pew at one point. The pew came from a church in Kingston, which is north of us and was, at one time, the capital of New York State.
I’ve always wanted a pew, but they’re usually quite long and we don’t have the space for that. Plus, the weather here is too harsh, so I would never put it outside. This is perfect. And seeing how it sits directly opposite our antique Hymns board, it seems like a match made in heaven. (Yes, I know…groan!)
I’m not sure if the McCoy bird dish will stay there, but I wanted something bright there. I like it so far.
We haven’t decided where to hang the cabinet. It’s large and deep and it needs the perfect space. But I came up with this combination, which I rather like. I like having the option to have it sitting on something and the contrast between the painted wood and the maple of the cabinet makes me smile. Plus, this corner in the office was unfinished. We hadn’t done anything with it. Now it looks much more interesting and intentional.
So there you have it. Changes at the cottage. But pieces that will appreciate in value. Assets, as Don says. And pieces that bring warmth to our house, that are part of our story.
As you know, everything here has a story. And everything, except for the snow and sleet on the ground right now, makes us happy.
Happy Sunday.
Hi,
Don’t pay attention to those nasty comments. Don’t even give up blog space to writing or thinking about them. You are creative and I thoroughly enjoy your interesting posts. I am looking forward to your miniature house makeover. Do what you love and those of us who are kindred spirits will always enjoy what you do. When you have redecorated, please post new photos of your home throughout. I especially love your McCoy and Stella.
Thank you so much for your support, Nancy!
I would normally let it go, but I needed to write about it. Now that I’ve done it, I won’t have to do it the next time. xo
I’m not sure why some folks feel the need to tweet, comment or otherwise put out to the world every thought in their heads. Ah well.
I was hoping you’d go back and get those pieces. I had a very similar cabinet I found for my old house which was an old Victorian. I had a piece of mirror set in the front door and replaced a big box medicine cabinet in the guest bathroom with it. Perfect!
I think it’s the fact that they’re not verbalizing it in person. Somehow, it’s okay to be rude.
We’ve thought about putting it in our bathroom. That’s definitely a possibility. Thanks, Deb.
I know that I quote and paraphrase him too often, but Dr. Seuss is my idol—”Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind”. Words to live by.
Dr. Seuss says it in just the nicest way! Think I recall a version of this from Heartbreak Ridge (Clint Eastwood movie) when one character says something like this: “It’s a question of mind over matter. You see, I don’t mind, because you don’t matter”. Boom!
Yep, deleting your comment and not getting into something with that person was the ticket. Oftentimes it is best we simply remove our sail from their wind. There will always be days in future with bigger fish needing fried. Sigh.
Confession time though. Living vicariously through you. Enjoy your forays out, contemplations and eventual purchases and daily glimpses around your cottage of treasured things. Coming up on five years of my “stuff” still boxed up and hoping soon we will finally be done with this property and this phase of our lives and so looking forward to ripping into all those boxes and rediscovering my (unnecessary?) treasures. It will be like Christmas!
I learned – finally – to delete these things when I was getting lots of outraged and mean-spirited comments around the time of the election. Engaging proved to be fruitless.
This time, I engaged, but within about 10 minutes, I thought the better of it. Lessons learned.
I hope you can soon have all those boxes opened and unpacked and that you can enjoy your treasures, Chris!
Truer words were never uttered! Thanks, Shanna!
Both pieces are perfect! The wall cabinet is especially intriguing. Do you have any idea of its original purpose? I always enjoy the history of old pieces and like to imagine the places they’ve been and the people who have loved them before me.
I don’t. I know it’s from France, but that’s all! Thanks, Roneta!
Hi Claudia. I live in San Diego and have history with A few of your favorite places (and mine) here such as Vingettes and the record store. I also have a long history working with museums in Balboa Park (right by The Old Globe). I have a psychology background as well and love works of arts and treasurers. I know the difference between a budget and not having money. Having said all that I look at you and Don as investors that are enjoying your investments (Instead of stocks and boring bonds) but more so as conservators of arts like museums that preserve part of history and talents. I take things personally so please do not be like me although I am trying to learn some people just dont get it. We are in a world that is in need of tolerance and patience. Forgive them for what they do not know and enjoy your treasurers in your loving nest!
Oh, I miss Vignette! And Balboa Park, which is such a treasure!
Thank you for your wise words. They mean a great deal! And I like being thought of an ‘investor.’ You’re so right, Jacque, we are. xo
We all have different priorities. It’s important to include meaningful and joyful things in our lives; it’s really about creating a quality of life, a beauty that nourishes the soul. And, like you, I watch my expenditures, but my budget definitely includes a line item for these enhancements. The thrill of the hunt, the knowledge gained during the process, and, finally, the long-lasting pleasure derived from the perfect (often imperfect) find is priceless.
It is priceless. Thank you, Anne, for sharing your thoughts.
When I saw the small pew I thought of an Altar Boy. Also could be a child’s pew. With the other half attached it could hold four children. No matter what its other life was, the pew now looks good in your home.
Any one of those is a possibility, Olivia.
I’m so happy it’s now in our home!
I love that you share all of your treasures and your cozy home with us, and the thought process that goes into all of it. Your house is just so charming!
Thank you so much, Karen! I love having you here.
Claudia, I saw that comment on IG and I almost went after the person myself. It was so rude and as you say, they don’t know you! Gosh budget is just that and most of us have to think hard about bigger purchases and well, even small one’s! ANYWAY, I love both pieces and they are perfect for your nest. Unique and full of history like you and Don! I’m all about expressing myself and letting it go also. On to better things my friend. Hugs!
Yes, on to better things! Thank you, dear Linda
Claudia, your home is like a wonderful novel. Each room, as well as the pieces in each room, have individual stories (chapters) to tell, which form the main storyline, the history of the two of you and you Iife together. I love how your home represents the two of you and is so cozy and inviting!
What a lovely way to describe our home! Thank you, Denise!
Both purchases are perfect for your home. I love where you’ve put the doll house.
Thank you, Mary. I like it there, too.
I had a former neighbor that would criticize just about every hat that I ever wore. I’d finally had enough and said, “Obviously you have mistaken me for someone who cares about your opinion.” That seemed to stop her in her tracks for a while. You have my permission to use that line. It just may embarrass the person enough to realize how rude they are being.
We are a lot alike, kindred spirits. A home should be your safe place. Somewhere you can’t wait to come back to. So don’t postpone your joy. It’s not about her. Don’t let her spoil your joy.
I will use that, Christine! And thank you for your wisdom. I won’t let her spoil my joy! xo
Claudia, I’m so happy for you and Don that you made the purchases! And happy for us because we’ll get to see them once in a while in your photos! You have such an eye for lovely things with history and stories attached to them. I love stacking my things on each other. When I run out of floor space, things start crawling up the wall.
Same here! Thanks so much, Wendy!
No need to justify yourself to anyone, particularly the impertinent.
I love that word – “Impertinent” – thanks so much, Cara!
The pew is absolutely perfect – I have never seen one that size- a very lucky find for your charming cottage. It always saddens me when I read posts about people being rude on instagram and in the comment section of blogs, I wonder what satisfaction they gain when they hit the publish key.
It must be fleeting, that momentary satisfaction. But in the meantime, they’ve hurt someone at the other end of the comment.
Thanks so much, Liz.
I didnt see the statement in question so I cant say for certain, but is it possible that it was said in concern for you. Sometimes people who follow certain blogs get so familiar with the blogger that they offer advice that they would offer family members. Sometimes while reading blogs, I wonder if the blogger realizes what emotions they can stir up with just one or two words. There are a lot of lonely people out there that have no one except social media. Anyway, just my two cents worth. Wake care.
I’ve been blogging for 11 years and this was a rude comment, offering ‘advice’ I didn’t ask for as well as getting the facts wrong.
I don’t know if the person who wrote the comment reads the blog. Maybe. Maybe not. I sense it might be someone who used to read the blog but now just reads Instagram because the name is vaguely familiar. Anyway, why be concerned? If the commented had read my post accurately, there would be nothing to be concerned about! And heck, I’m 66 years old. I don’t need ‘advice’ on how I live my life.
But I do appreciate your thoughts, Eileen. You are a caring person. xo
I loved both those pieces when I saw them on your blog yesterday. I am so glad you went back to get them. I’m glad the pieces fit into both your monetary and your space allowance budgets. People will always have misinformed opinions and unfortunately express them!
If only they’d stop and think before they respond!
Ah well. Thanks, Jane!
Had to laugh at your “helper”! I once said to my husband we each needed to think of one thing we could do to make our marriage better. I told him my idea of what I could do to make it better. And then he told me another thing I could do to make it better!! I was driving at the time and he was lucky I didn’t stop the car and throw him out. Your thing just made me think of this one.
Ha! That made me laugh, Tana! Thanks so much!
As for the rude person…simply uncouth….no other explanation. I guess it’s the anonymity of the internet that promotes rudeness. My mother always taught me …if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. Words I’ve tried to live by.
I had a feeling I hadn’t seen the last of those two pieces. Does it surprise me that you went back to buy them? No. When I get things like that stuck in my brain…I often go back, too. Unfortunately, when I go back…they often aren’t there anymore. I think you’ve found the perfect spot for the pew. Like it was made to sit there! The cabinet looks nice in your office…set off on the cabinet. Will you see it daily if it’s in there? I’m sure you’ll find the perfect place…you always do.
Enjoy your day! ;)
The cabinet had only been in the shop for 5 days, so it would have been snapped up soon.
I’m not sure if I’ll see it daily, but the room had one of the rare undecorated corners in the house! Thanks, Donnamae!
Then I think it’s found it’s perfect place! ;)
At least for now!
“Reason not the need!” as Lear says when asked by his daughter why he even needs one soldier. That’s my mantra when someone asks why I need something not essential. I didn’t see the comment but they overstepped the bounds. Noble and I are like Don and you. Because our lifestyles require time on the road, it’s important to keep the home lights burning so there is that sanctuary to return to. Like you, I buy things for the home that “speak to me.” I won’t just buy a chair to have a place to sit. I want it to have history and beauty. To come from a time that combined utility with beauty. We only buy what we have cash for. Except for major appliances I put on and extended installment plan with NO interest. I made the mistake of befriending someone on Facebook who flew out to meet me. She may be the only person who’s been to our 3 homes (we are selling 2). When she walked into our NY apartment she sniffed, “It looks like old people live here. Like a grandma house.” She wouldn’t even set foot in our 1740 home, “Saying, I don’t like old musty homes.” She approved of our Victorian we had just bought but she took the set of sheets and blankets that were still in the packaging and took them downstairs and washed them and in the process broke the washer. She is out of my life but how dare anyone query how you live. We’ve talked before how different our decorating styles are and how much we appreciate each others. I love the warmth and whimsy you surround yourself with. I love Monty, presiding over his domain; the Lamb in the Party Hat; the McCoy aqua pottery; the “Use the Other Stairs sign”; egg cups; the shards of pottery from times long ago you’ve found when gardening. Whenever I walk into someone’s home for the first time, I learn so much more about them, a sort of decor forensics. I remember walking into a fellow actress’ hoime in Cleveland and seeing her house was filled with miniatures; she was about 6’4″. I love your home because you and Don created it together, filling it with what you love and it reflects your love.
I can’t believe how rude and classless that ‘friend’ was. There’s no excuse for that kind of behavior. And seeing the pictures of your apartment, beautifully decorated and curated, I can’t comprehend anyone thinking that!
No one should comment on our style or how we choose to decorate. Those are your homes, furnished with love and beauty. I know how important that is to you. The same goes for us, as you know and appreciate. As always, thank you my friend.
So you’ve decided to sell the other house? Is it officially up for sale? I won’t be able to sneak in (with your permission) and walk in your lovely gardens???
It will be a while until we sell. We have two offers on the apartment. You have my permission to visit garden and to take whatever perennials that have taken over! Including your friends that have a lot of shade.
Thanks, Tina. Good news about the apartment!
I’ve said it before – adios haters! Love, love, love the pew!!! And the cupboard! Your house is great! From your dog-loving friend you’ve never met.
Adios, indeed!
Thanks so much, Chris. Any dog lover is a friend of mine!
i am sorry you were treated rudely and am glad you let it out. hopefully the person who posted the rude comment will read your words here today and consider what he/she said and how he/she would like to be treated. what you called a “rant” is a reminder to us all about the power of words (said in person and in writing, by us and to us) and the importance of sticking up for ourselves …
i am glad you did not let go of the pew and wall cupboard … they are beautiful pieces that fit right in your sweet home! i can see the wall cupboard as a medicine cabinet or maybe holding spices in the kitchen. i also like where you put the dollhouse … it is perfect!
happy sunday!
kathy in iowa
meant to include the importance of not making assumptions and kindness …
Yes!
We’ve though about putting it in the bathroom. We’re not sure yet. It’s pretty large! Unfortunately there is no wall space in the kitchen – so many windows, you know!
Thank you, Kathy!
I love your purchases! Your house is so warm and welcoming! I had an idea that you would go back and get both the pew and the cabinet; and I am definitely glad you did! Both beautiful pieces! I can’t wait to see them in their permanent locations! You two have such exquisite taste!
Oh, thank you so very much, Dottie. I’m glad you like both pieces!
You know about that “spark joy” stuff? Well I think that there are people who suck joy. They fat shame, accuse us of hoarding, book shame (when you are told to get rid of your favorites if you’ve read them??????), Debbie downer every single effing thing you say (you are driving off to see the bluebonnets? waste of gas..). Suck joys are people who, unless they are family, need to leave our lives, if they ARE family…limit your exposure to them.
If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left,
Sell one, and with the dole
Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.
Mosleh Eddin Saadi
Love your cottage, and your blog!
Melissa
It’s as if they have to try to bring you down, because they are already there. Joy suckers, for sure! Wise words, which I am grateful for today.
I’ve always loved that poem. Thanks for reminding me of it, Melissa.
I love your McCoy, but my favorite thing is the egg cup cabinet ! Your pew makes me miss mine, which I had auctioned off when downsizing. I made a faux cushion for it from a folded blanket wrapped in a sheet. Mine was plain – not pretty as yours is.
Anyone blogging is so brave nowadays.
Take care, Connie
I’m sorry you had to give up your pew, Connie. I know you enjoyed it while you had it. I’ve thought about a cushion, but right now I’m just enjoying that gorgeous oak.
Brave or foolish! Sometimes I think ‘foolish.’ But I enjoy it and now ready to stop. Thanks, Connie.
I absolutely love the pew! I’ve always wanted one too. So happy for you!
Thank you so much, Janis!
I love both your new pieces. I have six adult children and four of my nine grandchildren are over 21. That being said, I make it a rule to never give unsolicited advice or judge them.
You are very wise, Brenda! Thank you.
So glad you got the pew, Claudia. I’ve had one for over 20 years and it has so much character…came from a little church and has carving on the back with names and also had gum stuck underneath. My husband wanted to sand down the names and I wouldn’t let him as that is what gives it so much character. Glad you followed your heart! We only pass through this earth one time and should surround ourselves with what gives us beauty!
I would have done the same things. Those names are part of the story! Thank you, Ann.
Hi Claudia, With all the negativity in the country (world) right now, the last thing people need to do is perpetuate it in blogs. It would be SO nice if we could just say positive things & at least pretend the country/world isn’t in such awful territory! I love your home & your belongings. I’m an old New Englander & we live in a small but most comfy home here in San Diego. Our home, like yours, has so many interesting & loved pieces in it. I’m always reminding my hubby how I love this home (as does he!) & how thankful we are to have it. We’re at the beach & feel even luckier!
You’re at the beach? Lucky, lucky you! Thank you so much, Priscilla.
I am so pleased you purchased both pieces for your cozy wonderful cottage!Can not understand how anyone with manners could write negative personal thoughts regarding your finances. Insanity and lack of manners has become a familiar trend in today’s world. Perhaps, they felt very resentful…but who cares? I love your pew , unusual and unique and seems to fit into your home perfectly! Thank you for being openly annoyed with ‘that person’ who was extremely rude in my humble opinion.
It helps to write about it and address it and then I feel free to move on. No name shared, of course. I wouldn’t do that.
Thank you, Marcy Ray!
Don’t pay attention to people like that. I have a sister in law that criticizes everything! She even criticized me for calling my bathroom ‘my bathroom’. She ignores the fact that before our kids grew up and moved out that bathroom was used by 3 of the 5 members of our family. Also used by any guests that may be here. The master bath has always been my husband’s and the downstairs was the teenager’s bathroom but I am uppity because I call this ‘my’ bathroom. She also hated the fact that I had pictures on the wall. Mostly water colors bought at thrift stores. She just hates everything she hasn’t done herself. I think Jesus could come down and work a miracle and she would criticize it.
Yes, I’ve had people in my life like that. She’s your sister-in-law, so she’s a family member, but anyone else who criticizes all the time needs to move on! No one needs to subject themself to that negative energy. Thanks, Jan!
I didn’t see your IG posts about picking up the pew and the cabinet – but yay! – I’m so glad you did so. I have to laugh though…when I read your blog post yesterday about the cabinet and you said you were thinking about it and that you “want it so much”, I just knew you were going to go back and get it. ;-)
Since I didn’t see your IG post, I obviously didn’t see that comment, but I’m thinking that person didn’t say what she did to be nasty. I think a lot of people understand the term “on a budget” to mean that finances are lean and there isn’t room in the budget for extras.
Anyway, I like where you have both the pew and cabinet. I like the look of the cabinet on top of the blue chippy bench.
She may not have meant to be nasty but believe me, she was judgmental and out of line. The only comment like that in the midst of all sorts of supportive comments. It’s lovely that you are giving her the benefit of the doubt, but I know what it was.
Glad you like the pew and the cabinet! Thank you, Melanie!
Claudia
Best Bun here.
You and Don have the right to “feather” your nest with whatever makes you smile. Don’t let all the trolls tell you otherwise.
Having dealt with health issues over the past few years, DH and I are always looking for smile occasions. Yesterday we rearranged sofa cushions! Today found us grocery shopping and looking for loss leaders. The phrase “Carpe Diem” keeps popping into my head.
Life flies by and sometimes you just have to take a rest and enjoy those little moments.
I especially love your egg cup collection.
Best wishes from Best Bun.
I like that – ‘smile occasions’ – good for you! Thanks so much for sharing that, Best Bun!
Oh that pew is beautiful. Sorry about the nasty comments. Social media can be cruel and brutal.
Marilyn
Yes, it can. But mostly, it’s supportive and wonderful. Thanks, Marilyn!
So, we have had a pretty busy weekend here. Just got home from a musical performance at our high school, and FINALLY sat down and turned on my computer. I was scrolling through my In-box and saw MHC, and thought “I bet Claudia and Don went back and got the pew for sure. Wonder if they got the little cupboard, too.” I tried to think of where the pew could go. Opened your blog, and there it was!!!!! Just like the egg cupboard, it looks like it was made to fit there!! Our church is built in the shape of an almost 1/2 circle. There are 3 sections of pews. The pews in front are smaller, and they get longer and longer as they go to the back. Also, many Catholic churches have small pews like that in front for the Altar Boys. I LOVE when you go into someone’s home and mention a piece they have and they can tell you a story about it, and how it came to be included in their home. I would never presume to guess or ask if they really could afford it. It seems to me that so many people are missing their “filters” these days. I guess when the people “at the top” speak and act like that, it is assumed it is the right of all to do so. Absolutely crazy!!
Except this pew was clearly attached to another pew. Nevertheless, it might have been for altar boys or the Minister or something like that.
You’re absolutely right – there seems to be a lack of filter – that was already happening before our current administration, but it seems to be worse. Something about the relative anonymity of the internet.
Thanks so much, Chris!
Hi Claudia, To quote Salt and Peppa ‘Opinions are like assholes and everybody’s got one’ sorry for the profanity 😊 I love your cottage! I am a firm believer in surrounding yourself with what makes you happy. Thanks again for sharing your life with us! xo
Love that quote!
Thank you so much, April!
believe it or not I am STILL fighting pneumonia and just don’t have the energy to comment on every post. but this one I had to.
where do people come off saying such things to someone else??? it was/IS shocking to me.
it is TOTALLY none of their business. NONE.
isn’t it amazing how a perfect stranger can make us livid? but it does.
and it’s in the poorest taste. she /or a he just showed how little she has.
my grandmother used to say… “poor thing. she must have been raised in a barn!” LOL!
oh btw… please note this and look it up. NEVER take an antibiotic called Levaquin. it is a pill from HELL. it causes tendonitis so bad that it changes your life. I only took 1 pill (it takes hardly any) but I’m already hoping the pain isn’t permanent. people need to know about it. why it’s still on the market I don’t know! ok. talk about a rant! now I’m worn out! that first picture especially is PERFECT! cozy and colorful and wonderful! XOXOXO
I’m so, so sorry to hear that you are still battling pneumonia, Tammy. Nothing is more important than your recovery, so don’t worry about commenting here, my friend. Take care of yourself. xo
Hi Claudia, I love your cottage and your style. The only thing I can think of that would be negative is that it is too far for me to come for a visit!
I get your space issue. My home is probably similar in size to yours and filled with things we love and there is this china closet we are trying to squeeze in. It belonged to my husband’s mom and her parents before her. The space where it would fit best is currently occupied by an old Hoosier cabinet that I purchased at auction when my aunt downsized from her farmhouse. It has all the goodies still, the flower bin with the sifter, spice jars, swing our sugar jar, biscuit bin etc. Biggest problem is it’s size. I can’t move it and Gary and a friend won’t want to shuffle it about. I need to see how something looks in a space before I know it’s going to live there. Dilemmas…
I know. The shuffling around is always a problem! I hope you don’t get rid of your Hoosier! Thanks, Kelly.
I would LOVE to have the pew!!!!!
It’s pretty wonderful, Caren! Thank you.
That little pew was meant to be in a cottage and, luckily, you found it and the perfect spot in yours. I can understand your frustration at unsolicited critical opinions in your IG account. Commenting on your blog is the closest I ever get to “posting” anything online. I was exactly one year on FB and haven’t been back for ten years now. Have an IG account, but don’t post. As an amateur photographer, I just love looking at the nature pictures, lusting over the hand-dyed yarn, smiling at the dog/cat video/pics, and following interesting people. Just saw your “exercise” video – made me laugh.
I love the photos, too. That’s why I go there. Unfortunately, IG is getting a little too much like other social media and that isn’t good. Thanks, Kay!
The doll house looks perfect on top of the cabinet! When I saw the pew and the cupboard in the first pictures, I was whispering no, no, go get them. Don’t pass them up! You must have heard me. LOL. Treasures…love and enjoy them, Claudia.
Thanks so much for your support, Judy!
by the look at how many comments your “rant” got today, I’d say you’ve got lots of blog followers who 100% support your blog and you….and I’m one, too!
DELETE those negative ninnies! We’re here for happiness, truth, pleasant feelings, good conversation and friendship – things that bring out what this country needs now more than ever!
Bravo, Claudia!
We all need to support each other and cheer each other on! Thanks so much, Nancy.
I love that sweet little cabinet, Claudia, and can see that it will look pretty wherever you decide to put it. That is something I would definitely think about bringing home with me if I were to see it.
My husband and I are moving a pie safe out of our kitchen for a hutch that was my mother-in-law’s and has been in storage since she moved out of her house; I don’t love it, but have agreed to give it a try. We’ll see. I am kind of at the point where if I don’t really love something, then I don’t want it in my house, so there was some hemming and hawing today. Trying to be a good sport (it will be delivered tomorrow).
I just went through that same predicament when Don brought those pieces back from Detroit, where I had them stored. I didn’t like the energy I felt from them and I didn’t want them in my house. I feel for you. Thinking of you, Tisha!
Claudia, I LOVE both your purchases and I was hoping that you would go back for them! So pleased for you, and Don, that you did so. I also think you have chosen just the right spot for the dollshouse…it is perfect! Your home home oozes love and warmth.
Beverley
I really love the dollhouse there – and I can see it while I’m sitting in my chair in the den. Thanks so much for your kind words, Beverley!
I have deleted Instagram for this very reason, I am thoroughly sick and tired of being ‘told’ how to live my life by people who don’t know me!
It’s your home, your money and you can spend it how you like. Rant over.
I love the new additions to your home, they fit in so well and am looking forward to seeing them in the future. You have such a beautiful and interesting home. X
Boggles my mind that people think they have the right to tell someone else they don’t know how to live their life!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Fiona!
Seriously, is there not enough negativity in the world already that someone has to pollute our lovely little community here?! Personally, my fave comment was the one about not knowing if the photo was your cottage or your dollhouse! So true!
I love that kind of comment! Thanks, Roxie!
I love your cottage and your things! I would have many of the same type of items if my house suited them. Yours does, beautifully. I belong to a decor group, way too much unsuitable farmhouse, grays and buffalo checks. You and Don are originals.
Thank you, Gayle! That’s the nicest thing anyone could say!
We all have to rant sometimes. I’m glad you did! (And I agree. Not that it matters, but I do.)
I, for one (and apparently not the only one) am THRILLED you bought that pew and cabinet. The pew looks perfect there and I confess, had we both been at that shop, it could have become ugly because I have a place for it too! And the cabinet it perfect where it is, should you decide to opt out of the wall. It looks great with the blue underneath it.
Your home is cozy and warm, filled with things you love and that’s just what a home should be. I feel a great sense of “smile” when I look at your den and see the dollhouse, the light, the color. And that is what home is all about to me.
Right now, I’m happy with the cabinet on top of the blue bench. Now I have to decide what to put inside the cabinet!
Thank you for your kind words, Jeanie.