Yesterday was Phase One of The Adventures Of A Couple Living In A Small House Who Are About To Get A Bigger Bed.
Yes, the countdown has begun.
When I first wrote about the California King mattress and box spring that will soon be in Mockingbird Hill Cottage, I said that I had an idea or two about rearranging the bedroom to accommodate said mattress. The one thing I knew for sure was that the IKEA Expedit bookcase that was currently on the same wall as the bed would have to be moved. The only other wall it could possibly go on was the wall where Don’s dresser is (just to the left as you enter the room.) The obvious dilemma: where to put Don’s dresser?
I gave Don his marching orders. We were to meet upstairs in the bedroom at noon and figure the whole thing out. Don, by the way, has a great eye and is very helpful in times like these. We considered moving my dresser over closer to the outside wall, closing the gap between that dresser and the sideboard that also houses the television and somehow cramming Don’s dresser in there. Or putting in on the narrow section of wall perpendicular to those pieces. With an attic-type bedroom with sloping walls, our options are limited. Very limited.
Thankfully, Don came up with an idea that I had entertained but had dismissed because I thought he might not go along with it: Why not move the dresser into the other room? The office/studio/guest bedroom? This idea seemed like a lifesaver, if it was indeed possible to somehow make space for the dresser and make it work.
And so it began. We lugged the dresser into the next room. Which led to trying to figure out why one of the drawers always stuck. Which led to me waxing the drawer slides. Which led to trying the drawers in different slots. Which led to a dresser that finally works. Which led to moving my grandmother’s trunk over on the wall so that we could move a chair into a new position. Which led to me opening the trunk and sorting through the things stored inside and dumping a lot of them. Which led to finding an old hooked rug which looks good on the floor in front of Don’s dresser.
Lunch break.
Then on to the bookcase, which I could now move. But first, I had to remove all the books and place them in piles all over the bedroom. Which led to looking at each book and making a pile of books to be donated to the library. Which led to me trucking piles of books out to the area where my sewing machine is. Which led to an upstairs that looked like a disaster zone.
Once the books were removed, I could move the bookcase to its new position. Which led to me seeing lots of dust along the wall where it previously lived. Which led to me hauling the vacuum upstairs. Which led to me vacuuming behind the bed in anticipation of the move.
Then, as I sat on the floor and/or crawled on my knees to various piles of books, I rearranged the books on the shelves. I also made a pile of magazines to be recycled. I hauled the stacks of magazines downstairs. By this time, my back was complaining loudly.
It still needs tweaking, but Phase One is complete. Do you see why I want built-in bookshelves in the den? The books in these cubbies are doubled up – there are books behind the books you see. And remember, I made a four big piles of books to be donated. I only donate books I know I will no longer need or that I read but wasn’t thrilled with. Sometimes I donate review copies of the books I’ve reviewed on this blog. It’s all for a good cause. Our local library has a book sale once a year in order to raise money to keep the library going. That’s a cause I can enthusiastically support.
We won’t mention all the books in the shed.
That pile of magazines on the far right? Every Mary Engelbreit Home Companion magazine ever published. I refuse to part with them.
And Don’s new headshot took the place of his older headshot in my frame, per his orders. I’m proud to say I was the photographer for both of them. Who knew I could take an actor’s headshot?
Today, my back is aching and I feel the effects of Phase One. But it’s done! Don and I really like doing this sort of thing because sometimes, in rethinking furniture placement, we see things with fresh eyes and come up with an even better solution. It’s a win-win.
Except for my aching back!
Happy Friday.
I got tired just reading this…may have to go lay down. Ahhhh the eternal one thing leads to another dilemma. Can’t wait to see how it all turns out. Here’s hoping they can get that California King up that staircase. Cindy
Oh, it will get up the staircase. It’s pretty open.
I too have every issue of Home Companion and refuse to part with them. Wasn’t that just THE BEST magazine to get in the mailbox?
Yes, yes, Dawn! I still miss it.
I understand the aching back well. I did an evaluation of our “stuff” recently and was brutal in getting rid of some stuff. Hubs??? He almost cried when I said to get rid of scouting stuff he’s had for 60 years. I’ll eventually win this battle but the war will be tough!
xoxo,
Connie
I’m planning on doing the same throughout the rest of the house. Too. Much. Stuff! Good luck with your battle, Connie!
I thought of your back… when one thing was leading to another. Take care now that you have things about ready. Hopefully it will all work out. My room is wall to wall bed…as I told you. Not many changes could be made here.
Have a nice day…Balisha
After we get the new bed installed, we won’t be able to make many changes either, Balisha!
Take care of your back! Ice it: twenty minutes on, twenty minutes off. Aspirin works.
Will do, Tana.
I love how one thing leads to another thing which leads to another thing! Oh yes, been there so many time. And like you my back tells me when I need to stop!! Glad that phase one is complete and that everything worked out!!
Me too, Linda!
Glad you got phase one done but take care of that back Claudia. Maybe once you get that new bed you’ll have less trouble with your back. I can relate to all those books because I have way too many. Everyone knows I love to read so lots of folks hand their books down to me but I usually donate most of them because I love books you can get lost in and not want to end. I also want a story with some depth to it. I’m working at getting rid of stuff and reorganizing too but it’s a never ending battle around here. Hope the next phase goes as well as the first.
I have so many books and that is why I have to occasionally do a purge!
Now I know why I’m procrastinating my much-needed-cleaning of the bookshelves…MULTIPLE bookshelves! I have a lot of the Home Companions, too; but even more Victorias and every Christmas issue of Country Homes since ?????
I have a lot of Country Home issues, too, Rebecca. Loved that magazine. I mourn the demise of Home Companion and Country Home.
This is the problem with being a bibliophile. When bookcases need to be moved it turns out to be a massive job – way more involved than simply moving books off the shelves and then restocking them again. When we moved last summer I gave mounds of books away, and make myself go through my magazines and decide which ones needed to be recycled. It must feel good to have the job finished, and to have an arrangement for your furniture figured out!
Massive, indeed! It does feel good. Now we’re waiting for all the things we ordered online to arrive!
Oh Claudia, I was laughing so hard,I have tears in my eyes! (not about your aching back)everyone knows that’s not funny. I moved 7 Months ago, and I go through this scenario every Saturday. With the moving, and piles, and the dusting. I didn’t even realize how many 100 s of books I have, most of them bought second hand. I can usually end up with a pile of TWO to give away. I’m glad you two creative Superstars came up with a solution. -Judy A-
It’s crazy isn’t it, Judy? You should see the stacks of books waiting to be taken to the library!
Hi Claudia!!! I am jealous – you did some re-arranging and cleaning at the same time!! This is something I have to get to soon!!! I, too, have too much stuff – Hopefully, when your new bed arrives you will enjoy it so much this will be a thing of the past…!!! Baby your back today and take it easy – you did a lot yesterday!!! Have a good Friday!! Francine
I will baby it – but unfortunately, it’s snowing and we have to shovel!
It is nice to change things up sometimes it is like when you first move into your house, everything is new a fresh. I am starting that today. The extra bedroom with my computer is being converted into a much needed closet/office/media room, quite a feat considering it is only about 9′ by 10′.
I taped The Poisoner’s Handbook this morning at 6 a.m. and just finished watching it. My husband and I found it so interesting and Don was wonderful. My husband says that Don reminds him, as an actor, of Tom Wilkinson. Great job Don I hope we get to see a lot more of you. You know The Poisoner’s Handbook would make a great HBO mini series.
So glad you got to see it, Sue! Don said he’s been compared to Tom Wilkinson once before and considers that comparison to be a big compliment!
Ha ha Claudia! You should have titled this “Phase One Which Led to You Writing this Post!”
It is work moving and shuffling things around. Maybe after the new bed arrives. You won’t have the back troubles as often.
Have you tried the Ikea shelf downstairs?where the built I would be? You know, a trial run?
At this point … A hassle I’m sure, but it’s just a thought.
Who knew your photography skills would lead to head shots of an actor?! So funny – have a wonderful day dear. Pat
It would be hidden behind the sofa- which is why I want floor to ceiling bookshelves in there!
Which led to…I am so tired! That was a lot to do in one day! After the bed arrives…will you take more pics to show off the redecorated spaces? Hope your back is feeling better. I need to do what you did…but I’ll be taking my time…funny how one thing always leads to another! ;)
I will – but probably not until I make a slipcover for the headboard….
This is the main reason I don’t start moving stuff around!!! LOL
Judy
You are wise, my friend!
OOOOOOO a California King…I would Love to have one of those! Our bed room is just too small. My Friend had one and it looked so beautifully roomy and comfy. Good luck with yours…
Blessings, Joanne
Thank you, Joanne!
How satisfying to know that I’m not the only one who won’t part with a huge dusty stack of Home Companion magazines!!
No, you aren’t and all this talk of MEHC makes me want to make some hot chocolate and go back through my treasured old issues!
I was thinking of your moves as a domino game, but now I think it is more like Frogger. Two steps to the left, one step forward, three to the right, one back, and so on and so on til you get to the “just right” of it all. Can’t wait to see the “After” shots when it is all installed and beautiful!! (Can you stand an Expedit *upright*, or do they need to be set up more horizontally than vertically??)
If so many of us greedily hang on to our Home Companion magazines, and know SO MANY who absolutely loved it,,,, I wonder why it ceased publication?
Hope you have a grand weekend!!
You can stand them upright, but I’m not crazy about that look – plus I want the top surface to display rings.
I think MEHC stopped publishing, just like Country Home and so many other magazines, due to competition from the Internet and the sheer amount of money it takes to publish a magazine in these times. So sad.
Since you are both tall people (lucky you) I’m guessing that bed will help your aches & pains..and give you both a more comfortable sleep at night..I am only 5 feet tall so there would be a lot of wasted space for me..Be careful with those backs..Has Miss Scout been supervising all of this..my cats have to approve of any changes made at home..lol
Scout doesn’t go upstairs any longer, so she doesn’t know what it going on up there, but she DOES know that she can hear us up there and doesn’t like it that we are not downstairs with her!
You are so funny. That’s a lot of work. It reminds me of when I start to do a deep cleaning. I go all ADHD I sort and purge and make a bigger mess somehow. It is exciting to have a new space happening. I can’t wait to see it all finished.
I had all the ME magazines too. When we thought we’d sell our home I got rid of most of them. It killed me. I wish I hadn’t done that.
Have fun. Put some ice on your back and take a break. ((((HUGS)))
No rest for the weary, Debby. We just shoveled snow! Now for a hot shower and some soup.
This sounds like me when I want to move JUST ONE THING! I really have a knack of making things complicated! But, when you do have a good clean-out, that is what happens. One thing leads to another! I like the new head-shot of Don. Great photographer, Claudia! I was so surprised about the Mary Engelbreit Home Companions! I thought I was the only one who kept every magazine! I adore the magazine and I love the paper dolls in the back :)
Have a great day!
It appears a lot of us kept our MEHCs!
I”m another one who misses those magazines, ME and CH. Also another one who has TOO MUCH STUFF, especially noticeable at this time of year when Christmas comes down and must be put away.
The Poisoner’s Handbook Part II: at our Christmas party last month one of the guests brought, as a hostess gift, a jar of marmelade he’d made from the fruit of his orange tree. This friend, a pathologist and professor, has recently become the county medical examiner. My husband laughed at me when I said I wouldn’t be eating any of Paul’s marmelade because I knew where his hands had been. Last night when we were talking about the show again, I brought up the handwashing scene and asked if it had led to any thoughts about the — still unopened — marmelade. Indeed it had, and it looks like we’ll be emptying out the contents and recycling the jar…unless Don would like it; I could send him a nice jor of pathology professor preserves.
You’re cracking me up, Margaret! I have a feeling Don will pass on the preserves!
We must pace ourselves! I too am putting more Christmas stuff away, my china hutch is filled again with many of my Christmas painted things I’ve made over the years. I should just take the dishes out and store them elsewhere! You will never regret buying your Calf King. I’ve had mine for over 30 yrs, and even thought about down sizing, but the lady talked me out of it! She said if you’ve had it that long you might not be happy with a Queen. So just bought the new mattress and love it. I have a very small bedroom, so I’m just used to it taking over. I’m not a fan of paying for sheets though! And I have magazines to go thru, oh dear, don’t remind me. Hey, Claudia, don’t forget a nice hot soak in a tub with epsom salts, it does wonders for your back.
Yes, the sheets are pricey, Annette! But what can you do?
Try some calcium for your back too, Claudia – if you have any. In addition in building bone tissue, it also naturally relaxes muscles, Always helps me when I have a “muscle issue.” Feel better and have a great weekend. PS – did you find a CA king cotton blanket yet? I noticed this am that Pottery Barn has one – King-slash-CA King size. Nice colors.
I will give that a try, Janet. Haven’t found a blanket but I’ll go on over to Pottery Barn’s site and check it out! Thank you.
Whew! I’m exhausted just reading all of this! :D However, funny that you are getting that King size bed… hubby and I have been discussing getting one as well! Great minds think alike I guess :D I still have to measure our bedroom to see how it will fit, indeed if it will fit… that saga continues! I’m sorry I haven’t been over for some time to visit your blog but I’ve been working on making the leap to WordPress with my blog and I’m happy to say I got it officially up yesterday! I do hope you will follow me at my new blog home…. http://elisabetpollockstudio.wordpress.com/
Looking forward to seeing some photos of this marvelous new addition to your bedroom once the dust settles, metaphorically speaking! :D
Hugs,
Beth P
Beth, congratulations on your move! I’m going to head on over and check out your new blog! Good luck with the bed discussions – we must have discussed it for over two years before we could finally make the move.
Small house here too and can’t have a bookcase ( unless I got rid of my piano or something : ) so I keep a few in a basket on the radiator, others in a carry all thing that is still somewhere other than it usually is due to Christmas, some are in a nightstand shelf and then the majority are in a trunk in the spare room. The spare room, which is the 2nd bedroom, is basically a toy room for the kids so on top of the book-trunk is a toy tea set and dolls …anyway whatever I do I just clutter it up again shortly :)
Good news about the hooked rug ! :)
Our piano, which is priceless because it was my grandmother’s, takes up a lot of real estate here! Sometime I resent it for just that reason…but I would never give it up. Our spare room is packed with a desk, a linen cabinet, a bed, file cabinets. a chair, my grandmother’s trunk….and now Don’s dresser!
The hooked rug is really beautiful but it has tear in the center. Since that part of the room doesn’t get a lot of traffic, I think we can get away with it there.
I too had a piano that was priceless because it was my mother’s. But I didn’t play it any more and realized I wasn’t really honoring my mother by keeping it, when it was taking up so much room I could put to better use. I called a couple of local teachers, and eventually found a piano tuner who bought it, repaired and tuned it, and sold it to a young piano student. I think my mother would be very pleased to know it found a good home and is being used. Instead, I have a photo of my mother.
Just finished listening to The Hoarder In You, by Robin Zasio. Great ideas, very helpful in deciding what to keep. Audio download from your library – you don’t need to buy the book.
Oh, I could never give it up, nor would I ever choose to. It’s too dear to me and too full of memories of all the members of my family, some who have passed on and some still here, who have touched those keys. Not a chance.
Phew! Miss Bella and I are exhausted thinking about all you’ve done. Please go downstairs and pour Dame Scout a nice bowl of something and you and Don can have a cup of hot cocoa with me. Miss Bella will have her bowl of milk with us. I have cookies my cousin brought back from the neighborhood bakery in Italy last week. We can have those too! We all need a relaxing weekend now! It’s going to be rainy where we are in West Virginia; good cuddling and reading weather….
Sounds heavenly, Patricia! You, Don, me and Bella! Hot chocolate and cookies? I’m in.
It’s going to be rainy here tomorrow, too. After snow today. Go figure!
Congrats on getting some things moved. I bet it feels good to sort and purge some in anticipation of a new big bed :)
Yes, it does. More purging ahead.
enjoy your new bed.. may it ease your back aches and give you many nights of peaceful sleep.
loved seeing all the books.. i too am a hoarder of things and its hard to part with them.. enjoy the warmer weather… we too have gotten out of the frozen temps for awhile..
have a great week
big ladybug hugs
lynnl
Today it’s going to hit fifty degrees and rain all day.
A plan to sleep & stretch and even turn rereading all our treasured magazines…., a dream come true. I also mourn the loss of these same magazines. I have somehow held on to them for their value someday to others..(Truth be told, I enjoy looking through the worn pages and illustrations for hours ..) I am such a fan of your writing and your charming cottage. You might plan to sleep for a week, may need it after all the preparations and rearranging! Enjoy Claudia! zzz
Thank you so much, Marcy Ray!
LOL! I sure hope I was supposed to at least smile understandingly through this post. Despite your sore back (ow!) I smiled and grinned and laughed a little. I’m really rather afraid of what “which led” -s will crop up when I start rearranging things here.
A little gasp escaped when I read about your ME magazines. I have selfishly refused to donate the few that I have, so far. About 20 years ago my cousin removed the paper dolls in some second hand issues that she found and gave me the scarred remains. She actually encouraged her daughters to play with them. Oh, the horror! I think I may still have those somewhere under all this stuff, too. :)
I never could bring myself to do anything with the paper dolls – they are all still safely inside the covers of each issue.
Isn’t it funny how one thing can lead to another and another? At least you got something accomplished, and quite a lot I’d say, I get lead to another and another, and at the end of the day, I haven’t finished anything.
I just finished watching The Poisoner’s Handbook. Not my usual type of TV watching, but I really enjoyed it…..and, I learned a lot! Great job Don! I always get such a kick out of spotting Don in episodes of Law & Order, and Matlock.
So glad you got to see the show, Debi. I started watching it again yesterday – I’m going to finish it today. I really love it.
We were watching the old Andy Griffith show the other day and Don realized he was lucky enough to work with both Andy Griffith and Don Knotts.
Oh the horror of the mess that getting organized creates. We’ve been putting off a similar project for the longest time. We have sworn to do it this weekend. But that’s what we said last weekend, and the weekend before, and the weekend before that…Congratulations for biting the bullet. Just keep thinking about how amazing that new mattress will feel after all your hard work.
I have so much more to do around here. Organizing the closet in the den to make it work better, cleaning out my craft closet upstairs….never-ending.
Oh no! I’m like that too. Robert is more the surface cleaning type but I tend to really get things apart and put back together again so it takes four times as long and…my back too! Oh well, you know that saying about eggs and omelettes. It’ll all be worth it and your back will recover on the lovely new bed. :)
Yes, and I always have to finish the task that day. That’s when I get into trouble.
Ah..Phase I success..I always enjoy rearranging furniture..I just moved some things in my bedroom and Den..Until I get things where they really look the best..Then they stay put..Then there are things that have to stay where they are as in my sofa..It’s already in the best place…It’s tables and bookcases that get shifted around at times.. Waiting for Phase II
Ha! Ha! You are the grown-up version of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie!”
That’s what happens to me too. One thing leads to another….