My husband is a fun, slightly wacky guy. He has a wonderful sense of the absurd, as well as…get ready for my favorite word…a sense of ‘whimsy.’ Since I’m the same way, we get on beautifully. During one visit to Hartford, he saw my new Lamb with the Party Hat canvas and loved it. His immediate reaction? Hang it in the living room.
Since I had been thinking he would most likely think it was cute but would go along with my idea to hang it in my studio or above my desk in the den, I was surprised. And pleased. So this is what greets you if you enter the cottage via the front door. Is she the official greeter? Ummm, no. Scout would have a problem with that. But she’s certainly second in command.
Gosh, I love a splash of whimsy in a room.
During the course of our initial conversation, Don said we should hang it above the piano. Yes, I said, it would look nice there, but one of my favorite things is hanging above the piano and that bit of wall space is the perfect place for it. This is what I was referring to:
(There’s a post on this blog that tells the story of this sign. You can read about it here.)
Turns out Don isn’t so crazy about this sign.
What???? I couldn’t believe my ears. If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you know I am absolutely gaga, certifiably crazy, as well as nutty, about this sign. When pressed to give his reasons, he said it just didn’t do anything for him.
Well, I said, with hands on hips. It’s staying. I’m not moving it. It’s the perfect place for it. It’s staying.
Then I gave him a look of utter disbelief.
And besides, I said, there’s enough aqua in and around the piano. I don’t want things to be too matchy-matchy.
I put my proverbial foot down.
Actually, we’re pretty sympatico as to the decorating of our house. For the most part, we like the same things. This is the rare blip on the horizon. But I am the driving force behind most of the decorating. I usually get the final say, except for parts of the guest room/Don’s studio/office. I let him have (mostly) free rein there.
He’s a pretty easy-going guy about this sort of thing.
Nevertheless, I was sort of shocked. Just when you think you know someone….
In other news, the New Dawn Rose stopped blooming a long time ago. What did I see yesterday evening?
A single blossom. A surprise early autumn gift. Lovely.
Scout turned a corner yesterday. She slept a lot the night before and when she woke up, she looked more like herself. She’s been eating white rice and cottage cheese, with the addition of few pieces of kibble. She was hungry all day long, not surprising considering she hadn’t had anything to eat since Friday. We’re taking it slow. She is getting around just fine and any pain she had seems to be gone. She’s still bleeding a bit, but the doctor said that would happen, as the blood has to drain.
We still have to keep a close eye on her, but the relief we both felt yesterday was enormous. I’m starting to see my girl again. What a trooper she is! What a feisty, strong, beautiful girl.
We’re all recovering here at the cottage.
Happy Thursday.
Whimsy! Ahh, my favourite word too. I love that the party hat lamb greets everyone when they come into the cottage, it shows the delights ahead. I think the piano board is adorable, Don, what don’t you like about this.
So happy to hear Scout is feeling better, she be barking up a storm in no time.
I know! What’s not to like??? Go figure. xo
So happy Scout is better!
Me too, Dottie!
Hubs and I are somewhat like you and your hubby, but I have the final say in most of the house. He did request something other than pink in his home office/computer room and it’s a soft green/blue so that’s fine. Otherwise, th’ man lives in this pink froufrou house with no qualms.
A man came to clean our old sofa yesterday and looked and looked around the house. He loved it and said his wife would love it also as that is how she decorates. I smiled. :-)
Glad your baby is doing well.
xoxo,
Connie
Thanks, Connie. We’re relieved. We still have to take it easy and watch her carefully but she’s definitely on the mend.
My favorite thing that happened here was when the cable repairman came one day, stepped in the door and said “This is a happy place. I can tell. This is a happy place.” Perfect!
Wow! What a sweet thing for the cable man to say! When you think of all the homes he must see every day? I hope you are justifiably proud of earning that comment! You should be.
PS – So relieved about Scoutie & glad she’s feeling more like herself. Sleep is so important – for all of us – and never more when there’s the stress of illness, surgery etc. Are you familiar with the series of James Herriott’s All Creatures Great and Small books – about life as a Yorkshire vet in the 30s, 40s and 50s, Claudia? If not, I highly recommend them. They’re retellings of his own experiences and so well-told. He tells an almost-unbelievable one where he is called out to attend to one of the farmer’s pets, a quite-elderly sheep. When James sees the animal he realizes right away that euthanasia is the most humane course of action. But the farmer is so attached to “Dolly” that he’s in denial and unable to make that decision, telling James “Oh, no, Mr Herriott. Dolly’ll be all right. Just needs a bit of rest, that’s all.” James cannot leave a suffering animal, however, and so when the farmer is called away momentarily, he surreptitiously gives Dolly “the shot.” Fast forward several weeks and James is again called to the same farm. On arrival he is STUNNED to see the sheep in question, in the barnyard, eating and moving about normally. The farmer chides James telling him “You see, I was right. Dolly is fine. And you wanted me to have her put down. But she only needed a bit of rest…” When James prods the farmer for information, he learns that after his previous visit, Dolly laid down in her pen and SLEPT FOR TWO DAYS! James is amazed and decides that the deep recuperative sleep that the shot provided must have been enough for the body’s natural defenses to overcome the illness. That’s the story in a nutshell but please read the books as Mr Herriott tells them so much better. They’re just wonderful stories…
I started those books years ago and never got into them. I’m sure it was because I was busy or something, because everyone has recommended them to me, including my husband. I think I’m going to put them on my list of books to read in the coming year!
Claudia,About the sign,I think sometimes people have an event or time or memory in their life that just is sparked by something they see. (even tho it may be subconscious) a sign or picture. another person not having the same life experiences doesn’t get the spark. Or it could just be a difference in taste!
That wasn’t that helpful was it? lol So Glad Scout is doing better,I’ve been worried for You. -Judy A-
Well, certainly for me, it’s my years of piano lessons, and years of studying voice and singing in educational settings which used graphics just like this one. It’s a wonderful memory for me.
I have to agree with Don on this one (sorry)!! so happy Scout is on the mend :)
To each his own! I love it. I took piano for years, I studied music all the way through school in classrooms with educational music staffs just like this one displayed on the wall. (Or is the plural ‘staves’?) It’s a keeper. Plus, we have a lot of graphics in our house.
I completely feel what you’re feeling. There’s an answer for that though, Robert and I have two houses 5000 miles apart and that’s a safe distance…lol. But seriously, I do miss him horribly when we’re apart and would happily give up my paintings and signs if we could find a way to permanently live together. Working on it though.
So glad that Scout is thru the worst of it. I hope she continues to recover. (strong girl)
She’s doing pretty well, considering.
Such good news about Scout! I can hear the relief in your voice! I too love Whimsy and so glad that your canvas can live in the main room. Isn’t funny how we think we know someone, but they can still surprise us, it’s a good think I think! Just glad yous said it’s staying…it is perfect above the piano. Oh enjoy your day and give Scout a gentle hug from me!
Oh, it’s staying, alright!
Wonderful about Scout! And I remember that we always used white rice and cottage cheese when ours were a little puny. I’m glad she’s sleeping better now. That will help a lot. Your lamb in a party hat looks made especially for you and the cottage. I do like the piano area too. It’s seems appropriate and complete. I won’t say what another bloggers said–“That’s why God gave men garages”–but I think this time you simply had to override Don’s vote!
Unfortunately, we don’t have a garage! Ah well.
You would think Don would like the sign also since he loves his music so and is so talented at it..Who knows? Happy happy news about Scout..She’s a tough little girl..Maybe that beautiful rose was sent to you to help celebrate Scouts recovery!!!
Maybe!
I am absolutely gaga over the sign above your piano. Isn’t is exciting to go outside and have a surprise like that rose. It won’t be long before the frost kills them so I am trying to enjoy all the flowers as much as possible. SO happy about your girl. I hope you continues to feel better each day. xo Laura
Me too. It’s been unusually warm this week so the flowers are doing really well.
YEA!!!!
Happy News!!! Scout is feeling better…
As for the picture of your Party lamb and the sign with the piano keys…PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, thank you, Bonnie!
LOVE that wonderful party lamb canvas, and I’m so glad Scout if feeling better, I know you must be so happy and relieved!!
I am. Just want her to get her strength back now, Debra. I have to be patient. She’s been through a lot!
Happy news about Scout! I think she will just take a little longer to bounce back than a younger girl, and I can so relate. I love the graphic appeal of your sign above the piano, and think you have found the perfect thing for that space. The little lamb needs her own spot, and what a lovely sight to see when someone enters your home. It would surely make me smile, and it definitely announces that there are whimsical folks living here! I also see what looks like a Christie Repasy painting hanging in your living room. She lived in Orange County for years, and I love her work.
Yes, I am lucky enough to call her a friend. When I was working out in California, I met her at an antique show and I bought a couple of her canvases. We talked for a long time and I also saw her a few more times, including a trip to her studio in Laguna. The next year I saw her new place – she’s a lovely person and SO talented! (That lampshade came from her shop.)
I don’t understand Don’s dislike for the piano board…goodness, it is PERFECT! As is your #2 greeter. Adorable!
So, so, so very happy about Scout. I was scarcely able to follow her scary health development. It hits far too close to home! Wishing her a speedy, 100% recovery. xox
I will be so happy when she is back to 100%!
Whimsey…a perfect word! Doesn’t matter what WE think about the sign…as long as the two of you agree. I do think it’s funny, when after a long time of knowing someone, you find out something about that person, whether it be fact or opinion, that you didn’t know! That was an entirely too long of a sentence…must be a wordy day for me. But, I think you know what I mean! So glad Scout is feeling better! Maybe you can get in that nap now! ;)
I know! That was a complete surprise. But he doesn’t dislike it – he’s just not that crazy about it.
All is right with the world once again when our fur babies feel better after being ill. Glad to hear that Scout is on the mend. Now about that Miss Keyboard sign ~ I love it! I will put my foot down next to yours.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Thanks, Susan! Solidarity!
I love your lamb picture in the LR. And I also love the piece above the piano – it’s perfect!!
Am so glad to hear good news about Scout. She’s a trooper and hopefully every day will get much better.
We’ve had a crazy week with Drs visits and tests this week. But, thank goodness, tomorrow is Friday!
Judy
I’m sure you are looking forward to the end of the week, Judy. All this travel back and forth and tests and worry is hard, I know. xoxo
Sooo glad to hear Scout is doing better. I’m sure she is being showered with love.
She sure is, Ann.
I didn’t have the internet yesterday so I was relieved to come by today and see that Scout is doing better. I hope all of you can relax and begin to enjoy your time together again. Maybe that’s what the monarch was telling you!
I just love that picture of the lamb and get a kick out of it and your watermark whenever I see it. And I like that it has your signature color in it. Men are funny about decor…it’s hard to get into their heads. When hubby is busy with work or what have you, he wouldn’t notice or care if I painted the ceiling purple. When he has time on his hand, he becomes fussy and opinionated. I think that’s just their way of staying at the helm!
Enjoy your fall day…the rose is gorgeous! Rain here but I got my plants in yesterday so this is my reward! :)
XO,
Jane
If you have rain, I bet there’s some coming our way, Jane.
Go, Scout, go!!!
What? Don doesn’t like that? It has been a favorite for me since you first shared it.
What is he thinking, Beverly???
Yeah! Good going Scoutie! I et that was such a relief to see her looking better! Prayers will continue for steady improvement.
Thank you so much, Teresa!
Congrats on Scout turning a corner, that is a huge relief. I adore your canvas…..it is perfect.
It sure makes me smile, Dawn.
This has been a tough 5 days, but I think Miss Scout is feeling better all the time. Still pretty weak, but she’s getting a bit demanding and that’s a good sign.
Glad to hear the good news about Scout :0). Love where you put the Lamb canvas & love the piano keyboard too!
I think that beautiful rose is definitely a sign of better days to come. Take care~~~~.
XO,
Linda
I’m going to think of it that way – a sign of better days to come. Thanks so much, Linda.
I missed a few posts! So glad to know your Scout is feeling better, taking a turn for the better. They are like our children, honestly.
You and Don sound like the perfect match, how lucky your two ships colided :-)
She is our child, Karen, for sure. I love her so much!
did you do the painting, Claudia? It’s darling!
So happy your pup is better.
Janie
No, Janie, it’s a canvas print of a photo I took about 4 years ago.
Yes!!Yes!!Yes!YES!!!!! What a great girl you are, Scout ! So very happy to hear this good news!
The rose is a sign of the good coming ya’ll’s way.
I think everything in your cottage is in the “right” place. Love the keyboard above the keyboard
jane in tx
Thanks so much, Jane!
Such good news about Scout. I’m sure you are both relieved, as is Scout. I love the sign greeting you as you walk in the door. It is totally you, and love Don’s sense of whimsy, too. Last year I found a picture dated 1935 of the Simi Union HS band, consisting of 14 musicians, 5 of them violinists!. It was a perfect gift for my daughter who is a classically trained violinist. It now resides on a wall in our living room and I love looking at it!
The picture sounds so neat, Annette. I bet it looks great in your living room!
Yay!! So so so soooo happy Scout is feeling better! I bet you can breathe a bit easier today. Give her a pat on the head from me. Love the lamb by the front door….definitely gives off that “warm welcome” vibe! The sign above the piano belongs there, where else would you put it, over the toilet? Men, they just don’t get it sometimes.
Well, I will excuse him for this one as it was his idea to hang the lamb canvas in the living room. He gets lots of points for that!
So glad to hear that Scout is improving. That rose is so precious, just like Scout.
That canvas with the lamb looks perfect on the wall. The sugar and creamer behind the lamb make a “bridge” from the room into the dining/kitchen area. Whimsy is good. … Do you remember Lord Peter Whimsy? Wonder how those episodes would hold up today.
The canvas just looks so “right” where you & Don put it. Love the Keyboard sign above the piano. BUT, the absolute best news of the day is that sweet Scout is feeling better and coming back into her own. Made my day when I just read this! YAY!!
Hi Claudia, Good news about Scout! Doris
Yeah! Scout is doing better. Glad to hear that. Wow, isn’t that funny that Don never said anything about the keyboard sign before? For years I pretty much had free reign when it came to decorating our home, but now Dave’s more involved. He actually has come up with some better ideas that what I originally liked. For the most part, I’m the one who feathers the nest upstairs and He’s getting more of what he want’s in his man cave. I
Great news about Scout! Glad to see such a lighthearted post from you Claudia…your house is so charming…with a touch of whimsy
:O)
Lori
I LOVE your newest piece of art! What a fun way to greet your guests! And as for your other art, I actually had a chart like that when we first bought our used upright piano. I think it was in the piano bench, but somewhere along the way it went missing. I always thought it would make a great piece of art and here you’ve got it on your wall! Hmmmm……I better read the story behind it. Maybe it’s mine! hehe
I’m so happy to hear that Scout is doing better! Poor thing!
I love your cute lamb print, that’s so fun that Don suggested hanging it in the living room. And I love that lamp shade that is by it, that’s gorgeous. AND, I love your keyboard sign, thank goodness you won that battle. lol
Every house needs a little crazy! We saw Pee Wee Herman on Broadway a few years ago and bought a poster from the show. It is now framed and hanging in the powder room, so Pee Wee watches you while you are using the facilities I am certain some of our guests think we are certifiable! :)
Been keeping a candle burning here – so happy things are looking better. Virtual hugs x
I’m kind of shocked that Don doesn’t like that sign! As you said, “just when you think you know someone…”. So glad to hear about Scout and that she is on the road to recovery and being her usual self. No lamb will take your place as house greeter, Scout! But I do like it nevertheless. Ann
Hello Claudia …I know it’s been awhile. I am trying to touch base with my favorite friends and bloggers. So happy that Scout is doing better and I know how much you love your animals! It must be a huge relief. Love that hymn number holder next to your piano! Your cottage has such interesting things to look at! Take care..
Hugs, Patti
Her face is so cute it’s almost painful! I love her pink ears.
I read one of your recent posts that was about your Filofax. In case you haven’t done this already you should search Filofax on Pinterest. It takes you to sites where you can print out any refill you might need for free and different people used them in very different ways. Check it out.