I spent a lot of time sitting quietly in the garden yesterday, reflecting on all that has happened in my life over the last few months.


I've discovered that there is no rushing grief...there is no magic formula for getting your life back on track after a substantial loss.


So I have decided to take this week off from projects and my blog and just let my heart be still.  There is nothing that won't wait a few days and I've found that keeping busy is only a temporary fix.


Thanks for your patience.  I promise I'll be back soon...

xo, Patty

Okay, let's talk.  I love reading your comments, they really do make me think.  You've convinced me that I need to cut myself some slack.  Why is it that we women expect so much more out of ourselves than we do others?


I would never dream of asking you why you've had nothing hanging over your sofa for over a year now.  Nor would I point out that one of the drapery panels you made for the living room was hung with the pattern upside down.  How about those frames you painted red above the mantel?  I certainly wouldn't point out to you that they just aren't working for me anymore.
 

Yet, these are the things that can keep me from enjoying my cup of afternoon tea and a good book, if I'm not careful.  My mind can wander to my to do list quicker than anything.


Taking the time to enjoy the life we are trying to create is so much more important than checking one more project off our to do list.


I say we give ourselves permission to take the weekend off and just relax...sit on the porch, have another cup of coffee, visit a friend, read a good book or even immerse ourselves in Lifetime or Hallmark channel for a movie or two.  What is it that you would love to do, if you just didn't have so much to do?  I say...let's just do it.

xo, Patty

It seems I have so many projects going at one time that I am having trouble finishing any of them.  Does this ever happen to you?  I have at least one thing half way done in each room of my house but I'm not feeling especially motivated.


Please tell me I'm not alone in this...


That explains these random Easter photos of my grand daughter and nephew that have nothing to do with this post.


I have started a list of unfinished projects and first off is the living room.



I have a little bit of sewing, a couple of easy painting projects and one faux mantel to put together.  I'm hoping today will be a productive day.



The weather has cleared a little bit so I think I will tackle the painting first.



But that means closing my computer...I think I'll heat up my coffee and go visiting for a little bit and then get started.  (Yes, I know...I'm still procrastinating).

xo, Patty

I made a few changes to the entryway table.  I added a little more color with this pretty pitcher my other sweet sister in law gave me for my birthday.  I love it even more now. 



Okay...funny story.  I often wonder if my husband notices when I change things around at home.  I just want to tell you, he does.  Do you remember when I shared the new quote I put on the entryway chalkboard?


He asked me if I had read it and what it meant.  Thinking he was up for some great philosophical conversation on the virtues of gratitude and being content and thankful, I assured him that I had indeed read it and thought it was a wonderful way to live our lives.

He smiled and said, "Hmmm...I think you need to go back and really read what it says."  So I obliged him and went back and read it out loud to him.

Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

"Are you sure that's what it says?  Really read it."



Do you see it?

Gratitude turns what what we have into enough.

Obviously, we busted out laughing especially when I told him I had shared the board on my blog! 

Ahhhhh, sweet perfection.  I am so glad it's not expected or required of me.  I would much rather laugh at my mistakes than cry over my imperfections any day.

Still giggling...

xo, Patty

Hello blossoms, hello blooms...thank you for sticking around even after our little heatwave this weekend.  I know it's way too early for the temperatures to hit the 90's but sometimes the sun has little regard for the calendar and the best we can do is drink lots of water and brace ourselves.


I was a little worried how you would fare in this summer like heat but you made it...



and you are still looking quite beautiful.



I can't tell you how happy I was to feel the cool mist in the air this morning. 


I was quick to take advantage of the dip in the temperatures and took a stroll around the back garden.


I knew the  corn would be doing fine but I was a little worried about the foxglove.



How happy I was to see they are still nodding in the breeze...



Of course the geraniums and the petunias thought the heat was just for them.



Thank goodness for the shade of the ficus trees.  They made it a little more bearable.


How are you faring in your neck of the woods?  Is it winter like or is summer showing it's face?


Or maybe Spring is just where it should be...in your backyard.  We are expecting a bit of a cool down here..thank heaven.

Whatever the weather, I hope your life is filled with sunshine and color and the promise of a beautiful new week.

xo, Patty

I'm joining The Nester's Plant Party.
and Cozy Home Scenes Cozy Home Party

Yesterday I finally had a chance to give my latest thrift store vintage sheets a good soaking, laundering and ironing so I thought I'd share a sneak peek.  Normally when I buy old textiles I don't have anything in mind...I just buy what I like knowing I'm sure to find the perfect project down the road.


This time I started gathering sheets and pillow cases and realized that I was collecting with a purpose. 


Before I knew it, I had put together a new look for our master bedroom.

Now that I see it all laid out next to my $4.00 oil painting, I am more sure than ever.  I love it...the red and yellow color scheme is such an obvious choice .  The muted colors all faded and comfy looking just speak to my cottage soul.



Now if I can just find an old chenille bedspread to top it all off.   Or even a vintage looking spread...maybe some butter cream walls...I feel a painting job coming on.  Oh, how I wish I didn't hate painting walls.   If the mister didn't already have such a long to do list I might try to talk him into it but that would make this bedroom redo happen sometime in 2013.



The last thing I was looking for was a new project but when vintage linens call, what's a girl to do? 

Actually this girl has a few irons in the fire I have to finish up first but who doesn't love a fun project in planning stages?

What plans do you waiting in the wings?

xo, Patty

In spite of the rain, I had a wonderful time hunting for thrifted treasures during my girls day out last Friday .   


This pretty little lemon plate was 75% off and only cost me .48 cents.  


And this yellow candle stick holder was only .99 cents...cute, huh?  It seems I find myself smitten with yellow and lemons this Spring.  I'll be sharing more of my growing collection in the days to come.


Now the gorgeous jadeite juicer was definitely not found in a thrift store (I wish I were so lucky) but a very generous birthday gift from my sister in law.  Yeah, I know, spoiled, I tell you...just plain spoiled.


I love how they came together on the entryway table...



Isn't this the best thought to ponder?



"Gratitude turns what we have into enough."

Isn't that the truth?  I am so grateful for all of you and your kind comments.  I wish there was a way to thank each of you individually...just know that you mean the world to me.

xo, Patty

I wish I could bottle up the weather today and send you a sample.  It is a comfortable 78 degrees and everything looks fresh and Springy after our weekend rain.



I was so excited to pull out a few radishes from my side garden for my husband's salad tonight. 


I learned the hard way that they are all water and lose their firmness very quickly if you leave them outside like trophies to show off later...(not that I ever did that).


This time I cleaned them up and placed them in a pretty jar to store in the fridge till he gets home.

Don't they make a pretty bouquet?



It seems kind of silly to get so excited over a few radishes...especially after I saw the beauties my good friend Elaine's daughter grew...and she's only three. 

Oh well, I need to take my successes where I can find them.

xo, Patty

The rain clouds have cleared and the sun has finally decided to shine here in Southern California (you know, that place it never rains) so I took everything off the front porch, gave it a good sweeping and a hosing down, knocked down all the cobwebs and even washed the front windows.


Now that it's clean it's time to get it ready for company.


I really wanted to add some splashes of summer color so I have been busy painting furniture, sewing pillows and potting up pretty flowers.


I stitched up a pretty banner for the across the windows from scraps of leftover fabric.  I used a rotary pinking blade and it made the job super simple.  I think it gives the window a festive look.  Don't you agree?


I moved the birdcage to it's intended spot here and added a pot of sweet basil.  Since I rearranged the rockers I noticed I have room for a bigger piece of furniture between them.  I will have to keep an eye out for an old dresser to paint next time I go to yard sales.


I found four of these ball jar glasses while I was thrifting last Friday for $1.00 a piece.  I love the casual feel they give used as a vase on the front porch.  I gathered the bird house and watering cans from around the yard and grouped them on the bottom shelf.


Now I just need for the weather to cooperate and start acting like West Coast weather should act.  What in the world is up with the weather across the country?  We actually had hail on Friday!


Who knows what this week will bring?  Thanks for stopping by...

xo, Patty

I'm linking up with these fun parties...

Seasonal Sundays
Show off your cottage Monday
Metamorphis Monday

Thank you, friend...such a simple thing to say.  But I really mean it.  Thank you all for your kind birthday wishes and for knowing what it means for a girl to miss her daddy.  Thank you for getting me and all my melancholy thoughts lately.  It will get better and lighter and my days will fill with sunshine but in the meantime...thank you.

Blogging friends are simply the best.  My blogging buddy turned real life friend sent me this pick me up package.

Thank you, Debbie.  Your kindness was just what I needed today.  Thank you sweet blogging friends, for letting me vent and grieve and for just being there..just like a friend should.


Anyone who says women can't be loyal and supportive and loving obviously doesn't blog.


I'm off for a girl's day with my sister in law and her good friend.  A little lunch and some shopping, wish you all could join us.

Have a great weekend.  See you on Monday.

xo, Patty