• A curious phenomenon: a day off seems to pass so quickly, yet, at the same time, it seems to take forever. It’s Tuesday. I’m back to work with a run-through of the show scheduled for this morning. Yesterday, on that day off, I got in my car and went to Whole Foods, Target, Trader Joe’s and the bookstore. Errands accomplished, I came back to the apartment, put everything away, had some lunch, and the rest of the day seemed to drag on. This was due in part to gray, cloudy, cold and damp weather which did nothing to encourage me to take a walk or go exploring. I also missed my husband.
But now it’s a new day and I have to work and that’s a good thing. I did do a bit of reading yesterday and that was nice. And I started the morning today with more reading. And coffee, of course.
• I posted this on Instagram yesterday because I love all of the color and pattern in this little area of the apartment. After taking the Christmas tree down on Sunday, I replaced it with this vase of flowers. I don’t seem to shy away from pattern. Or color. I bought the new Country Living magazine yesterday and it focuses on neutrals. Sigh. I have nothing against them and I like looking at the way in which people use them in their homes, but I have to say that I flipped through that magazine pretty quickly because a little of that goes a long way for me.
But it would be boring if we all decorated the same way, wouldn’t it? So vive la difference!
• I’m including a picture of my new wall calendar from Rifle Paper Company. It’s actually prettier than it appears here. I really like it. It will hang above my desk back at the cottage, but for now, it’s cheerfully hanging above this desk.
• Changing Font:
Some might deem this next photo/screenshot political, but to me, it is simply further proof that a dangerously petulant child is about to become President. This, my friends, was one of that man’s tweets on New Year’s Eve:
I have no words for this. Well, I do, of course. But I’ll let this speak for itself.
Happy Tuesday.
Shanna says
Oh, Donald.
I just love that piece of barkcloth. The colors, the pattern—everything about it! Neutrals are highly overrated. I can’t live with them, either.
I’m avoiding taking down the decorations by spending way too much time painting an ugly table. Don’t know if I’m making it any better, but, to me, It’s now brighter, more colorful, and lots more fun (and better able to live in the elements on the patio). Long live pattern and color!
Claudia says
I’ve seen that table on Instagram, Shanna! I love what you’re doing!
Belinda says
Man child. There could be no better description. I keep thinking and hoping against all odds that this person will grow up and take responsibility for the position he is about to take on. But we all know that clearly is not going to happen. I cannot even begin to put into words the fear that I have for the year to come and for the future of our country. Privatize the VA and Social Security? Repeal the Affordable Healthcare Act? That’s just the beginning. I’ll stop now.
Your little apartment is so lovely and cozy. What a wonderful thing to have such a place while working away from home. I so admire you for the work that you do and the way that you and Don both handle the time you spend apart. With my husband being active duty Air Force for so many years I know how very difficult it can be to spend that time apart. Absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder but it is so very hard!
Hoping that you have a most lovely day Claudia.
Jay says
May I make one small edit to make the description more fitting…
Child Man.
Kind of like they list ingredients on packaging — from largest percent to smallest percent of the packages content.
Shanna says
Yes!
kathy says
ha ha (rueful) and sadly accurate.
Claudia says
Perfect!
Claudia says
It’s not going to happen – the growing up. He’s 70 years old. He is what he is. And that’s what is so terrifying.
And oh how hard absence is! Today is one of those days where everything has gone wrong and I could really use Don here by my side. Ah, well!
Linda @ A La Carte says
I love the color and pattern that you have brought to the apt. I like neutrals but my home must have pattern and color or my mind would also go into neutral I think. Feeling a tiny bit better today so there is hope for the weekend.
As for Trump, I just can’t! It’s going to be long year (notice I didn’t say 4 years because I really can’t imagine it). Hugs!
Claudia says
I know that many consider neutral soothing, and I understand that. But to me, they’re also sort of boring. Color, please!
Feel better, friend.
sue silva says
He’s such an asshole.
Shanna says
Hahahahahahahaha! Agreed!
Chris K in Wisconsin says
It is exactly what I utter (to myself) EVERY SINGLE TIME I SEE THE IDIOT!!!!
Mary says
Agreed, but language!!!!
Claudia says
I’ve used much more colorful language than that to describe him. Ask Don! In fact, Don has, as well!
Claudia says
Yes, he is. And other words I could use!
Dianne says
Truer words were never spoken!!!!!
Claudia says
Thank you, Dianne!
Corinne says
Agree
Carolyn Marie says
It is a daily challenge for me to maintain an optimistic mood when that bozo continues to send out childish, petulant, and yes, lunatic messages!
Claudia says
You’re not kidding. I’m trying to stay hopeful and positive, but he makes it all but impossible!
Donnamae says
I love how those flowers compliment and unify both the quilt and the bark cloth! I have to have color in my life. As for the other subject….seems like your other commenters have summed it up perfectly! Enjoy your day! ;)
Claudia says
They have indeed! Have a good day, Donnamae!
Jay says
From cold to comfy — it’s always fun to see you make these apartments your own. I loved that your husband calls this your Mary Tyler Moore life.
Claudia says
Bless his heart. He understands that I get a little time on my own, but that I’m always ready to come home!
Dianne says
When you combine arrogance, ignorance and a childish massive ego, everyone needs to be on guard and in a defensive mode. He will not have
“face time” on my TV, computer, nor will any of his ramblings in print invade my space. But rather a daily close watch on his deeds. He is not only unfit for the position, for me he has no legitimacy considering more voted against him than for him. He needs to be reminded of this truth daily. Not to mention the rest of the world’s disgust, lack of respect, and hatred for him. He can lie and pretend all he wants, but he cannot escape truth.
Love, love the fabric and peach is my favorite color for alstroemeria !……so very many beautiful fabric prints from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s; you saw them in every house…….there are many more in the UK than the few in the US, of the great fabric houses that continue to make the styles everyone loves. I always look at neutrals as the perfect background and showcase for all sorts of gorgeous colors and patterns; they can be changed seasonally always offering new possibilities with color and pattern. …….Wishing you happy days doing the work that is so meaningful to you, Dianne
Claudia says
No legitimacy. No mandate. The truth is no one trusts him. Nor should they.
Thank you, Dianne. (I collect barkcloth whenever I find a good piece of it and even, in some cases, when the piece is damaged. I really love it._
Wendy T says
It’s gloomy and rainy here, too, but, as we always say, we need the rain, and it’s supposed to for a whole week. At least I will have a smaller water bill this period of time. My irrigation system is shut off for the duration. I do want a clear dry day to try out my new present to myself…an “electric broom”, a cordless rechargeable batter-operated small power blower to help clean up the pine needle drop. My other present to myself is a new cordless drill. Maybe not so glamorous for some people, but very exciting for me! Hope something today brightens your day!
Claudia says
I understand. That’s been on my list for a while. I’m still using the drill with a cord that I bought for myself in Boston!
Wendy T says
My previous cordless drill lasted me over 20 years, but the batteries no longer hold the charge. I’m donating it, some other power tools and some hand tools to Habitat for Humanity. If they can’t use it, they will put in their Restore shop to sell, even if the drill doesn’t work, and raise funds.
Claudia says
I’m going to treat myself to a cordless drill sometime this year, Wendy!
Nancy Blue Moon says
Don’t think you are alone in wanting a cordless drill Wendy…I practically drool over them in the stores…lol..also I love Restore!
Chris K in Wisconsin says
When I saw that tweet on TV, I thought of you immediately. My BP continues to rise. On Jan. 20 I may stay in bed all day watching Andy Griffith. That is the world he wants us to return to, isn’t it? Perhaps I can find a few Father Knows Best and Donna Reed reruns, also. Then we can start a pool ~~ what will he do first…..blow up the world, or implode.
Claudia says
Luckily, my show opens that day and I will not waste one second of my time watching that joke of an inauguration.
melissa farley says
I am beginning to covet Rifle Paper Everything! It might be yet another way to cope with the Big Awful! Surrounding ourselves with pleasant things, books, music, needlework, or whatever….
Claudia says
We need pretty and pleasant, don’t we? Especially now.
Margaret says
Here’s one word for that tweet: despicable.
Claudia says
Perfect.
kathy says
his tweets and statements are ugly (and scary, like his ego and impulsiveness).
your temporary home-away-from-home is lovely.
i will keep praying!
kathy in iowa
Claudia says
I will too, Kathy!
Nancy in PA says
Over on google chrome, there is an app called “Make America Kittens Again.” Depending on how images are named, it will replace photos of “him” with images of –you guessed it!– kittens!!! The reviews are mostly favorable; apparently it doesn’t work on all sites and takes a while to get revved up, but most users love it. I believe it’s free, with the opportunity to donate to help cover server costs.
In the creator’s words:
“Replaces Donald Trump with kittens. Because:
A) Trump is a disgrace
B) Kittens are lovely, and
C) I couldn’t find a Creative Commons photo of a blobfish to use.”
Ha.
Claudia says
Very funny! They used to have something on Chrome that changed his name to Drumpf every time it came up in an article. Don used that. Apparently that’s his real family name.
Mary says
I love bark cloth, it doesn’t fit in my colonial home but still. That person should have been sent to his room a long time ago, what a BRAT. I do not want his New year Wishes!
Claudia says
Nor do I, Mary!
Melanie says
It has been so gray and dreary here, too. I’m busy during the day, but once evening hits, it seems like a gazillion hours until bedtime. I’m not much of a TV watcher and I simply can’t read for 5 hours straight, so I alternate my time between computer use and reading. Even those get boring after awhile. Can’t wait until the warm weather and more daylight!
I’m with you on the neutrals. I do like neutral couches, but then the room must have punches of color and pattern. I know some people like totally neutral but it’s so boring to me. But like you said, each to their own.
As for Trump’s tweet, a friend of mine posted that on FB the other day and at first, I thought it was a spoof, such as a comic. When I questioned it and my friend said it was true, I nearly fell off my chair. What a total dolt.
Claudia says
There’s really nothing on television here. The only channel I’d really like to see here is Turner Classic Movies, but they don’t have it on the cable provided in the apartments. So, I do the same thing. On the computer. Reading. Checking Instagram. Eating (not good.)
Susan says
I am not a neutral girl either, but then you already know that. I have vowed this year to be doing a lot more reading, so I will always be interested in what you suggest. You have never steered me wrong. Happy New Year dear friend!
Love,
Susan and Bentle
Claudia says
Happy New Year to you, Susan!
Monica says
He is an idiot. A very scary idiot.
I’m still praying for a miracle.
I love your flowers and mat. So pretty.
I don’t get neutral. It says nothing.
Bring on the color!
Claudia says
I am too. Preferably a charge of treason. But that’s a pipe dream, I think.
Jen says
Like you, I watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” during the holidays and kept thinking old man Potter reminded me of someone….and then I saw you had the same thought. The New Year’s tweet was typical for him. God help us! Jen
Claudia says
Old Man Potter = Petulant Child. xo
elizabeth s says
I like Trump, although I will admit to the immaturity of that particular tweet.
I know you don’t agree with him at all, Claudia, but perhaps he’ll prove to be a better president than those who have already preceded him ,IF he is given the same chance that so many others have already had.
I pray for this every single day.
Meanwhile, like you, I have been trying to get some more reading in this week. It makes a nice change from being in front of the computer, which has become a worse habit for me than t.v. once was. ah me….
Your photo of the flowers places on top of the vintage chintz is a lovely arrangement of color and pattern. I can envision some of your Roseville pieces would compliment that fabric too.
Decorating is lots of fun especially when just a few well chosen accessories can entirely transform an empty space and turn it into a home away from home. such as you what you have done.
Claudia says
No, I don’t like him, which is putting it mildly. I think he’s had ample time to prove (over the course of our too-long election cycle) himself. He has failed miserably. I do like and admire Justin Trudeau – who would have my vote if I lived in Canada. Prayers are most definitely needed.
Yes, decorating this little space is fun and doing it with what I brought from home – the only expense being flowers – is very satisfying!
Judy Shaw says
Love that quilt! Did you make it? The calendar is lovely also. Someone needs to take away DT’s phone and stomp on it, and then send his Twitter account into oblivion. SOON!
Claudia says
I did make it. That quilt, the one on the bed in the bedroom here, and the one on the other wall. All done by yours truly!
Janet in Rochester says
“Petulant child” is one of the best – and most accurate – 2-word descriptions of Trump I’ve ever heard. There are many others too, including one I’ve been using for months with an immense amount of personal glee – HUMPTY TRUMPTY. Still holding out hope that a merry band of legal eagles in Washington is working on something that results in charges [treason perhaps?] & prevents the inauguration. For people who don’t know, President Obama’s law specialty is the Constitution. And I for one would absolutely LOVE IT if he ended up being able to stick it BIG TIME to the jackass who for years insinuated that he was not legitimately the President, or even American. The public nature of it would be the end of Trump too, because one thing narcissists on his level cannot cope with is public humiliation. He can’t even cope with protesters at his own rallies. He has them removed instead. Tough guy? No way! More than a delicate little hothouse flower.
#ThisIsNotNormal
Claudia says
Or Trumplethinskin. I believe that was coined, or at least has been used, by Alec Baldwin.
I have the same hopes as you, Janet. Please, oh, please!
Nancy Blue Moon says
If I had to look at neutrals all day long I would die of boredom……..You know…This is the first time in my almost 64 years of life that I have felt so afraid to live in my own country…no one should ever be made to feel that way…I know that there are people in other countries who feel that way..but when “we the people” of the great USA start feeling that way…something is seriously wrong….
Claudia says
I’m very frightened, Nancy. It never leaves, and though I try to stay positive, it’s very hard to maintain it for any length of time.