Another insanely busy day yesterday. I don’t know if you’ve gathered this about me – you should have by now – but when I get an itch to accomplish something, I am not to be messed with! I was very, very tired when I got up Sunday morning and I didn’t see how I was going to pull it together enough to finish the painting. Coffee helped. And a little cry. It was an “I’m exhausted” cry.
But then I got all the painting supplies out again and spread the drop cloths and opened the paint and began to tackle the window trim and the baseboards. In between coats, I mowed the entire front lawn and the grass in front of the corral. Then the second coat. Then cleanup. Then, after an hour, I peeled the painter’s tape off the walls and windows. (I love doing that.) Then after some more time had passed, I started to put things back. Oh, and I ran to the grocery store to get some food.
Yikes.
But I’m so aware that I’m leaving in three days and I had to finish this phase of painting and the grass was quite long. And leaves will have to be raked. And I have to go into the city tomorrow night to watch the first preview of Shadowlands. There’s a lot to be done before I can leave for 8 days. Of course, I didn’t help matters by deciding to paint!
It’s a darkish morning and I tried to get some photos in natural light but they were horrible. So I took a couple with the overhead lights on. We’ll call this a sneak preview until I can take some respectable photos.
This is how the yellow looks under overhead lights. It’s not this bright normally.
Lighting makes all the difference in photos and the lighting available today (both natural and artificial) is dreadful. Sigh. And yellow, I’ve found, changes throughout the day.
Better photos to come. I’m happy with it. I’m not the best painter – I tend to get impatient – but I’m proud of the way it turned out. Of course I’m itching to start the fourth wall, but no can do at the moment. The biggest pain will be the cupboards. I will need to take a deep breath and work slowly, a section at a time.
And now for some pretty photos. Here, one of the zinnias.
And another.
I highly recommend taking on a project of some sort during this time of stress and insanity. Though I wasn’t completely in the dark as to what was going on in our world, I had something to focus on and that helped enormously. I was so tired at the end of the day that all I wanted to do was sit on the sofa and watch The Great British Baking Show. I’ve become addicted. I love to bake, but I look like a rank amateur compared to the British bakers! Amazing.
Happy Monday.
it’s all beautiful, claudia! hope you can rest after all that hard work!
your description of yourself works for me, too. especially before taking a trip and, well, any time. when i want something done, i want it done … so i do it! ha.
kathy in iowa
Exactly! When I want it done, I do it!
I’m loving that yellow…it sets everything else up so nicely. Especially Stella! I haven’t watched The Great British Baking Show yet…I’ll put it on my list. I like to watch shows that inspire me. We escaped frost last night…yippee. So my flowers will live at least another week or so. You sure do manage to pack a lot of things into a short amount of time…but, then when you leave, you can truly enjoy yourself. Enjoy your day! ;)
It’s a really neat show and I’m enjoying it. I’m on the first season at the moment – it’s on Netflix and I think PBS carries it as well.
I think your paint job looks great! A spurt of obsessive energy can be a good thing. Just don’t overdo it. You’ve got relaxing to do! When I paint, it’s the prep I used to hate, so I gave that up and now paint everything with brushes—small and smaller. Crazy, maybe, but I prefer the control and the longer paint time to all of the taping and tarping. I also like using small cans of paint so that I can carry them around with me. Mr. Wizard just shakes his head, but it works for me.
The prep drives me crazy. But just a brush? Couldn’t do it!
Wow have been meaning to leave a comment the last couple days about your courage in taking on the painting job alone. Bravo! We did our dining room a shade of yellow a while back and I just love how it changes throughout the day – as the sun moves – from buttery yellow to darker golden shades. Spent the weekend cutting back our significant back garden and the berm on the side and all the beds in front and on the sides of the house before husband heads to Europe for 17 days. Huge job. So, I feel for you having to do it, both inside and out, all by your lonesome.
Yes, that’s exactly what happens here with the yellow paint. The actual shade is a buttery yellow, but boy does it change throughout the day!
Great job on the kitchen! It all looks so happy and sunny in there.
My favorite thing about the Great British Baking Show is that the bakers are so kind to and supportive of one another. There is very little drama—in fact, in many years of watching this show, I can count the drama moments on one hand. It is all very enlightening and British and calming, the items they are baking all look like something you would want to learn to bake (no giant mountains covered in inedible fondant), and when one wins ‘star baker’ they are so chuffed (but in a most self-deprecating way.) There is even a podcast called “Two Spotted Dicks” devoted to the episodes, and driven by the admiration of the writers of the podcast for this little gem.
A lovely way to wind down from your painting spree!
Leslie P.
I find that’s the way with most British shows – so much more polite and civilized!
Oh Claudia, it is beautiful! A bright and yellow kitchen has always been a favourite of mine.
Having a good cry does help. I seem to have them regularly these days. Probably from too much info coming at me. I seriously understand this world less and less.
Have a beautiful day! Hello to Don!
I feel like a stranger in a strange land. I know what you mean.
When we moved into one of our houses, I had to spend 2 days washing down the walls and ceiling of the kitchen with ammonia and water. The previous owners had smoked and overcooked so the whole kitchen was greasy and brown. But a kitchen is worth it and yours looks beautiful. I admire your strength.
Thanks, Jan. I truly dislike painting and will do almost anything to avoid it, but once we painted the all behind Stella, I had no choice!
The kitchen is beautiful!!!! Yellow is so uplifting. What is that particular color?
I have been thinking of painting one or two walls of my bedroom to cheer things during the coming winter months. You inspire me in all your productivity.
It’s Sundance by Benjamin Moore. Thanks, Joan!
I must say I don’t think I’ve painted a wall in a long time. Of course I rent and have moved so much that most of my homes have been freshly painted. I do however understand when you have a project in mind and want to complete it. Good for you. Still lots to do before your trip to New Orleans. I lived there for several years and it remains one of my favorite places. History, culture, fun and freaky at the same time. Great food and music of course. I’m feeling better but waiting to hear back about an MRI that I need done. Hugs!
I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better, Linda. Prayers being sent your way.
Claudia, you did a good job of painting. The yellow is beautiful and cheerful and seems to bring out the best in Stella! As usual, your house looks cheerful, warm, and welcoming. Try not to overdo before your trip so you’ll be able to enjoy every minute you are in New Orleans!
Thank you, Dottie. I’m winding down now. Just doing the essentials – like protecting my plants from tonight’s frost!
The color is wonderful in the kitchen. I think at this time of year we notice the changing light of the day more than at any other time. Stella looks so proud holding court in her mellow-yellow throne room!!
Earlier in the week they were talking a light frost for us last night, but changed at the last moment. It is supposed to be in the upper 60’s and low 70’s all week. Lovely!! The few remaining pots outside will last another week. It is always day-by-day at this time of the year.
Busy week for you ahead. The days will fly by until you fly off on your trip! Have a great Monday!
Definitely a frost advisory for tonight. I’m off to buy some garden poles to drape some sheets on. And, of course, I have to bring in all the porch plant. All this for one friggin’ night!
Claudia – I think you will be able to relax more in New Orleans knowing how much you accomplished before leaving, and feeling proud of yourself for sticking to it. I’ve been in crunch mode too – I have a step-brother coming to stay at my house this week for 3 nights, my fourth Nephew wedding of the year on the 21st, a cousin saying at my house the following week, NYC with my sister in early November and I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year. Phew!
Phew, indeed! You have a lot on your plate, Karen!
The yellow is a happy color for your kitchen. You have a lot on your plate before you leave, so pace yourself. Prioritize and don’t over-do. You want to arrive in New Orleans refreshed and ready for the excitement!
BTW, not sure if this is my problem or your blog’s, but I no longer receive your replies in my emails. I have to return to the previous day’s post and scroll down to my original comment to see if you’ve left a reply (you almost always do). If it’s a quirk of your blog, that’s ok. It’s not a big deal to check daily. However, if it isn’t, I’d appreciate knowing to see if it’s anything I can fix on my side. Thanks!
I’m using a new plugin and you’re the only one who has said they’re not receiving replies. I checked with a few readers when I changed over and they received my replies. And I’m getting them when you guys reply. So the only advice I can give you is to check your spam. Maybe your email provider is blocking them – that can happen, as well.
My husband keeps telling me the same, that as soon as I immerse in the enormous task I have in front of me (of certain clutter/purging) I will get good distraction from things that are REALLY bothering me (which, for the moment, is my rage over the whole Weinstein debacle/horror as it brings back ‘way too many sexual harassment situations I’d found myself in from earlier years in the workplace or otherwise that I never did anything about).
I think we’ve all been through that. Surely, I have. There’s a whole social media thing going on right now with the hashtag #MeToo. Solidarity.
I know. Just read a lengthy story about it in The Washington Post online. One of the few times I wish so much that I was on social media, ala Twitter. I’d add my voice for sure. This weekend, I really poured a lot of stuff out on this issue, in my diary and in a long conversation with my husband (who listened). And I mean pouring out of me…the words, the tears, the boiling anger. (It’s a type of grief, when loss brings memory of loss, like when you know someone who has just had someone in their life die on them, who was a really important and valuable person, to where you can feel their pain like you couldn’t have, had you not lost loved ones as well.) Cathartic on the one hand with MeToo. We feel each other’s pain. But it does dredge it up and it’s hard to have to recall it (my history is harassment [and assault although I was spared rape]). I swear as I get older, it can make me want to hate all men (utter disgust) except that I’ve known and still do know really good ones. I have a cousin who was the victim of not one, but two assaults, both when she was a child. No one knew. She couldn’t tell me about it (or even acknowledge it to herself; long buried) til we were both in our 50s and she was consequently in therapy til she died at age 62. It explained a lot of behavior of hers over the years because she was broken inside. I didn’t want to know, but she had to tell someone. That’s the takeaway from MeToo and all the press coverage: Tell someone.
xo
I have a feeling that you are really going to like that yellow come Winter and it is cold and snowing outside!….it makes your cupboards stand out too and I like your cupboards…
Yes, I think you’re right!
Such a beautiful shade of yellow! It looks wonderful in your kitchen! I love yellow. I had a yellow bedroom growing up, and my daughters did too. It is such a cheerful color on gloomy winter days.
Yes! It will be much appreciated come winter, Lily!
I love the yellow! Beautiful!
Thank you, Lottie!
I am impressed. You always do what you say you will. And that’s impressive.
I love the yellow for the kitchen. So pretty. Great job!
m~
Thank you, Monica!
I love that yellow in the kitchen. It looks so pretty.
Marilyn
It’s definitely cheery!
You’ll notice even on a dark & dreary day the yellow will make it feel “sunnier”. You done good girl! Looks fabulous. Windows, painting & weather stripping on the docket for this weekend for us.
I’ve been grudgingly cutting back all the perennial beds one by one, which has definitely left me sad this year. It’s been a tough year all in all on so many levels. Thus maybe why my struggle to let go of summer this year.
FROST in the forecast here in NH the next two nights! Just came in from covering all the fall vignettes we created throughout the yard while wearing shorts and perspiring in the heat this past weekend.
Remember to enjoy and submerse yourself in those 8 days your away. You deserve it!
Best always…
PS … Unsure after tonight, but “our” hollyhocks are still blooming! I just love these festive time we both planted in our gardens this year, Monica. Monarchs have been all over them this week. Yours will probably do fine since you planted them on the side of your little cottage. I’ll mulch everything well once the oak tree drops it’s leaves for the season.
oops … CLAUDIA!
xo
I’m hoping mine survived – fingers crossed!
I have the same struggle and I think it would be even more acute if I wasn’t traveling a bit this fall. I hate saying goodbye to my gardens. We had frost last night and I’m hoping my morning glories survived!
I need a nap after just reading your post! I’ve been so beat after work I rarely get anything accomplished and when the weekend comes… forget it. Things are in serious need of attention around here and you have given me the boost I needed today so thanks! Your kitchen looks great and that yellow would make me smile every time I walked in the room.
It does make me smile, Deb. I’m really glad we chose it.
I must be on a yellow kick or something, because I am so drawn to yellows right now. If I was Picasso, I could say it was my “Yellow Period.” YOUR yellow is gorgeous, regardless of the light. I’d ask what the color was, but I’m sure someone else has asked in the comments above, so I’ll have to go back & read them all [I usually do read all the comments before leaving my own, but today has been exceptionally-busy & I have some catching-up to do]. You’re right about the cabinets too – Go Slow. My Dad always said that painting was fun except for all the prep that was necessary. “That’s where you have to be fussy…” He & Mom had it worked out though. She did the prep, he did the painting & cleanup. What a team! Hey, I love your “Butterfly Boston Squash” artwork. I have a real soft spot for vintage & retro advertising. If I had the space, I’d have a whole lot more of it than I do. But I don’t & maybe that’s a GOOD thing. LOL. I’m just getting into ‘The Great British Baking Show’ myself too – I love it. But then again they could be doing a show about installing septic tanks – as long as I was hearing those accents I’d be happy as a clam. The fact that the topic is what it is is just a huge bonus! Peace.
#Resist
I might not have stated the name of the yellow – I did on Instagram, but not here. It’s Sundance by Benjamin Moore.
My mom was great at ‘cutting in’ and painting the trim. I was just thinking about that yesterday.
I have always loved yellow kitchens. Before each trip, I get what I call the “I’ll nevers,” as in “I’ll never have time to do this big project unless I do it before I leave,” so I’m well acquainted with taking on big projects before a trip . . . or a surgery!
My brother, who is in his last illness, has taken a turn for the worse. Although I’ve kept up my political calls in concert with friends in the area, it all got to be too much to keep in balance. Chronic illnesses require that I keep that balance so I can stay upright and functional, and it’s been such a joy to resume an everyday life since my brain surgery last year. I can’t jeopardize that. I took a week’s vacation from even reading much news. Instead, I immersed myself in beginning efforts to learn a complicated and rather nerdy app for crunching chromosomes and trying to find segments that belong to certain families. I spent a weekend with five grandchildren from seven to sixteen visiting us, hiking and playing hearts and spoons and watching their magic card tricks and listening to (but refusing to moderate) their sibling and cousin rivalries . . . and checking in with siblings who were taking over care of my brother for the weekend. So glorious a time! I returned only yesterday to making calls to my representatives. Those calls are probably futile in Texas, but I must try, and I no longer call myself the only Democrat (or Progressive) in our small town. We’ve found each other.
We all have to take breaks or we’ll end up too disheartened to continue. I hope you have as glorious a break in New Orleans as I did this last weekend.
I think you did the right thing, Linda. We all need a break. I’m sorry to hear the sad news of your brother’s illness. You’ve had a lot to deal with in the past year. Sending you a big hug.