Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / decorating / Tweaks: Dark and Grainy Edition

Tweaks: Dark and Grainy Edition

November 4, 2014 at 8:00 am by Claudia

On the First World Problems list, there’s good and bad news.

Good: The other Emmie Blind that my sister found in Tampa arrived in my mailbox yesterday. Huzzah!

These photos were taken late in the day, so they’re a wee bit dark.

final emmie 1

Gosh, I love these blinds.

final emmie 2

The look is so much cleaner. Since we have a room filled with much loved furniture and decorative items, not to mention a piano and a dollhouse, cleaner and crisper is the way to go on these windows.

The bad news: I got an email from PayPal and then another from eBay saying my order for the fourth Emmie Blind had been canceled and my money refunded. Apparently the seller had neglected to adjust her inventory and the 31″ blind was no longer available.

I was not a happy camper.

I cannot find any more blinds in the 31″ length on eBay – or anywhere. I’m so disappointed! If any of you, even those of you who live in foreign countries, see one, please grab it for me? I tend to think that won’t happen, but hope springs eternal.

Poop.

I added the runners to our hardwood floors in the kitchen.

runner 1

Again, darkish and grainy. Not my best photos.

runner 2

They really help Dame Scout as she navigates the kitchen. She always walks between the island and the kitchen counter, then turns and walks to her water dish. No short cuts. She has her path and she sticks to it.

Thanks for all the great comments on yesterday’s Fun House Tour. I’m so glad you like our decorating style!

Oh, this time change is messing with me! I went to bed early because my body told me it was an hour later than what I read on the clock. Consequently, I was up at 5:30 am.

Do not like.

Remember to vote today. Though I am about as disillusioned and cynical as they come about our government these days (and that means everyone involved) and a country which seems to favor corporations and big money over people, I still have a wee bit of hope. Even if I didn’t have hope, I would still vote. It’s a right that we shouldn’t take for granted. We’re now seeing people who have faithfully voted all their lives turned away at the polls because of Voter ID laws. I can’t imagine how that must feel.

My mom never learned to drive. Therefore, she had no driver’s license. Would she have been turned away at her advanced age? Don’t get me started.

So get out there and vote.

Happy Tuesday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Filed Under: decorating 45 Comments

Comments

  1. Susie says

    November 4, 2014 at 8:35 am

    Claudia, I also told reminded people to vote today. :):) I love your new blinds and that runner is perfect there in the kitchen. Don’t you love when things work out. I sure hope you can get the blind you want. I like that you have Scouts dish on a tray. I always had a waterprove placemat for our cat’s dishes. Makes clean up so easy. Hope you have a good day, I thought last evening was so late and it was just 6:00. LOL. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 8:55 am

      My dad just called and said the same thing about the time change!

      Reply
  2. Debbie says

    November 4, 2014 at 8:58 am

    I just caught up on your recent posts and want to tell you that your cottage looks comfy & cozy and must be a nice place to come home to! I’m off to vote in a few minutes. Hope your day is wonderful!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 9:29 am

      Yours too, Debbie!

      Reply
  3. Patricia says

    November 4, 2014 at 9:09 am

    Love how you’ve incorporated the new runners in your cottage. I will be on the lookout for blinds.
    My husband, substantially older than you and I, became a US citizen the end of June after years of residency. This was his first time voting. He got up early with me (he’s retired) and off we went. We live in the country and vote in an old country church with cute local people as pollsters. After he finished casting his ballot, the lady made an announcement that he was a new citizen and first time voter. Everyone applauded and he proudly smiled and thanked all. A great day for America!!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 9:30 am

      Congratulations to your husband, Patricia. That is truly wonderful!

      Reply
  4. Linda @ A La Carte says

    November 4, 2014 at 9:43 am

    Oh no on the blind! Darn it! Love how the runner looks in the kitchen and glad it helps Dame Scout. I’m going to vote and then take my Mom to vote!
    hugs,
    Linda

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 10:19 am

      Good for you, Linda!

      Reply
  5. LauraC says

    November 4, 2014 at 10:04 am

    I know nothing personally about these blinds, but is it possible to get the right width in a different length? If the last spot that you want it in is in another room (I can’t remember), would length matter? I’m supposing that this is probably something that you already thought of. Could someone (or yourself) sew a similar blind for you? Especially if in another room. I do very much love the new look in your living room that these blinds give you.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 10:20 am

      No, unfortunately. Widths vary, but the length is the same. I’m thinking about other options…

      Reply
  6. Vera says

    November 4, 2014 at 10:42 am

    Yup, voted on my way to work this a.m. I think I was around the 10th person at our polling place. My husband did the absentee ballot last week since he is out of town this week. So many people I know only vote during the Presidential elections…and then spend other years complaining about elected officials. Duh! Don’t get me started…..Love the way the blinds filter your light Claudia. Very, very pretty. I’ll ask my friends in other towns/states to see if they can find another one anywhere for you. And the runners look fabulous in your kitchen — bright and cheerful. I’m thinking I’ll adjust to the time change just about when we have to move the clocks forward again – lol.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 3:30 pm

      Exactly. It takes me longer and longer to get used to these time changes!

      Reply
  7. Chris k in Wisconsin says

    November 4, 2014 at 11:20 am

    We are just about to leave to vote. I don’t understand how people think it is an option. I just can’t wrap my head around that thought. We have people fighting for us around the world and some people think it is too much to stop at their polling place for a few minutes to vote ~~ which is what those folks are fighting for. sigh.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 3:31 pm

      Agreed. No one can force us to, but why would someone not want to vote? I know several people who never vote!

      Reply
  8. Donnamae says

    November 4, 2014 at 11:21 am

    I’m wondering….can you adapt one of your older blinds to look like the new one? I’m sure Mabel…that is the name of your sewing machine isn’t it?…..would love to give it a try! Just a thought. I’m off to vote too…voter ID got struck down in our state…but only because a higher court made it so. I’ll just be happy not to have to listen to political ads for at least a little while! ;)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 3:32 pm

      I’m so sick of political ads – invariably sniping and mean-spirited. So discouraging.

      The other blinds are much, much wider and they wouldn’t adapt very well, I’m afraid.

      Reply
  9. Trudy Mintun says

    November 4, 2014 at 11:25 am

    I don’t mind the jump ahead change. But, this one just about does me in.
    I don’t know for sure if this is true, but here is a link.

    http://www.houzz.com/photos/1597258/Emmie-Roll-Up-Blind-White-contemporary-window-treatments

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 3:33 pm

      I think that’s an older posting on Houzz, Trudy. They aren’t listed as available any longer, even though there might be a few pieces left here and there.

      Reply
  10. Janet in Rochester says

    November 4, 2014 at 11:30 am

    You are so right about voting, Claudia. It really is the last bastion we have against the 1%, corporate America, corrupt money-grubbing politicians and a do-nothing Congress. The only way things are ever going to change is if We the People stand up and squawk about it. In other words, VOTE. All evidence to the contrary, politicians WILL listen to the people. The problem is that the people are not making themselves heard. They need to be Good and Loud about it. So get out there everyone, and make yourselves heard. There are people all over the globe who would love to be able to do what we blithely take for granted here every day. OK, end of soapbox.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 3:34 pm

      Amen! They need to be as good and loud as people were when they were protesting the war in Vietnam.

      Reply
  11. barbara woods says

    November 4, 2014 at 11:33 am

    If they pass the law they should provide free ids, we have been showing picture I d s for years, thought every one did till all the news about it

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 3:36 pm

      It’s invariably the people who are in the poorer income brackets that are denied access to voting. Not to say that it doesn’t happen to others, it does, but there’s a lot of underhandedness about the whole thing and I’m absolutely sure that many of the disenfranchised are not given access to picture IDs or even know about them.

      Reply
    • Shirley says

      November 4, 2014 at 9:07 pm

      My state has always required a photo ID. It has never been a problem for me. My state, as well as many others, will provide a photo ID to anyone who does not have a drivers’ license free of charge at the DMV.

      Reply
      • Claudia says

        November 5, 2014 at 7:40 am

        If they have a way of getting to the DMV….

        Reply
  12. Liz says

    November 4, 2014 at 12:17 pm

    Voted. Agree with you about the ID thing. Love the blinds, they look great. Wish I could help with the other one. The runner looks great and glad it helps Scout – sweet girl.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 3:37 pm

      It does help her, thank goodness! Those laminate floors at the apartment were especially slippery – the hardwood floors here, though a bit slippery, are much kinder to an older dog.

      Reply
  13. Nancy Blue Moon says

    November 4, 2014 at 12:53 pm

    Well..that just stinks..and you were so happy to be getting that last blind..keep watching eBay..things are added all the time..the runners look great in the kitchen..it’s a big plus that they help Scout get around on her trail to the water dish..

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 3:37 pm

      I’m going to check in on eBay every day, Nancy. You never know!

      Reply
  14. Debbie in Oregon says

    November 4, 2014 at 2:02 pm

    I tried to comment yesterday, but blogger or my internet or ????, wasn’t cooperating!! I love your happy cottage and decor. Everything about your style says HOME. Drat about the shade! At least you were able to get the three. I’d continue to check eBay, you never know when someone will pull an unused one from the back of their closet and decide to list it.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 3:38 pm

      Thanks, Debbie. I plan to keep checking, too. All I need is one!

      Reply
  15. jan says

    November 4, 2014 at 2:14 pm

    Love the comment about providing free voter IDs. It is only logical. We have to pay for the gas or the bus ride to vote and we have to pay for the ID but they get to write the rules about where the polls are and what ID is required and you can show up and they can turn you away. Not american.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 3:38 pm

      Definitely not the America we should be living in, that’s for sure.

      Reply
  16. Sharon Carstens says

    November 4, 2014 at 2:25 pm

    I have that same rug in a larger size under my dining room table. Love it,

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 3:39 pm

      Oh, I bet that’s awfully pretty in your home, Sharon!

      Reply
  17. Diane says

    November 4, 2014 at 3:16 pm

    I agree with you on the importance of voting. I’m extremely cynical about our government, especially congress, but I still vote because it is my right and it makes me feel like I have a little bit of control in what my government does. We have absentee ballots mailed to every registered voter in our state so how much easier can it be, yet we have low voter turnout which is disappointing. Anyway moving on.

    I really enjoyed your Fun House post, such lovely whimsy and so charmingly eclectic. Those little jumping jacks are so cute. You indeed have a happy home filled with personality. Now I need to add some whimsy to my home, it seems kind of boring now!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 4, 2014 at 3:40 pm

      I don’t think we get absentee ballots here unless we request it. New York should do the same thing! Everyone should get an absentee ballot.

      Reply
  18. Judy Ainsworth says

    November 4, 2014 at 4:31 pm

    Dear Claudia,
    I was at my desk laughing out loud,When I finally got a chance to read your post today.
    About Dear little Scoutie and her “ways” it Totally reminds me of some little old ladies (and Gents) I’ve know thru the years. You will NEVER change their mind,so just let it go! So Cute. I really think those blinds could be made without too much trouble,someone with a bit more talent than I have, like (Judy Clark) worth looking into?? Thanks for the laugh -Judy A-

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 5, 2014 at 7:37 am

      She is very set in her ways. She might say that her mom is, too!

      Reply
  19. Teresa says

    November 4, 2014 at 6:20 pm

    When I see the pictures of your home I want to be there with a cup of tea (during the cold months) or a glass of iced tea (during the warm months), chatting with you and petting Scout. I love how the rugs have worked out for Scout. The blind issue is quite the challenge, quite frustrating.
    We used to vote around the corner from our house, but then then they changed our polling location to somewhat far away. So we signed up for absentee voting, fill out our ballots, then drop them off at the local polling place on election day. While we are also frustrated with the corruption of our government we have hope that our votes count. We feel it is our duty as American Citizens to be informed voters, so we try to learn as much as possible and we always make sure to vote.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 5, 2014 at 7:37 am

      Interesting how voting locations are changed – I suspect everyone of some ulterior motive these days!

      Reply
  20. Linda Enneking says

    November 4, 2014 at 7:54 pm

    I was going to suggest you buy a blind in a longer length, since you asked people check for one in 31 inch length. Now I see you say the widths vary but the length is the same. Could you get one slightly wider and make it narrower? Changing either the length or width of one of these should not be very difficult. Good luck.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 5, 2014 at 7:39 am

      31 inches is the width, not the length. And there is a plastic rod that fits in the bottom of the blind to roll it up, so altering a wider width wouldn’t really work. I’ll figure something out.

      Reply
  21. Sharon Rexroad's Bringing Creativity 2 Life says

    November 4, 2014 at 10:44 pm

    Is this seller the source of your Emmies? If not, there are supposedly 3 left.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/IKEA-EMMIE-Roll-up-Blind-Window-Fabric-Shades-White-New-/221086505348

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      November 5, 2014 at 7:39 am

      The three that are left are in the 39″ width, not the 31″ width that I need, Sharon. Thanks.

      Reply
  22. Bess says

    November 5, 2014 at 9:58 am

    Your living room looks so warm and inviting, Claudia. It just has “Home” written all over it, instead of “House.” Those rugs look great in your kitchen, and I bet Scout thinks they’re “cool.” (Do dogs think things are cool?) :O) Like your night photos, too. Have a great week and a happy reunion with your hubby! Bess

    Reply
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I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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