Monday, February 25, 2013

MORE FEBRUARY RAMBLINGS

I feel spring in the air!  It's sunny and in the mid thirties and that's good enough for me!  This is the little bunny that sits next to my front porch steps, year round I might add.  I have a nice little collection of bunnies that I add to every year and bring out once spring arrives.  That would be March 20th.  I'm counting.  I like the ones that look old and chippy and a little simple, but I do have some that are whimsical, I don't discriminate when it comes to cute critters.  I found a few online a couple of weeks ago and I'm looking out for my UPS guy.  Not so much that I can't wait to get them, I've resorted to hiding my deliveries since the intervention.  Oh, did I mention the intervention?  My son and daughter (that would be Jeff and Emily) took me aside one day and told me I had a serious online shopping addiction.  I thought it was crazy that Emily was partaking in this discussion because she's worse than me, but she was loving the drama.  Jeff does his work here on an average of 2 days a week and those seem to be the days I get "my stuff".  And he thinks I'm on my laptop entirely too much.  In my defense, I countered with; A)  It's no one's business.  B)  99% of the time it's on sale.  C)  They should be glad I'm not one of those ladies that likes to lunch and shop everyday.  I mean, it could be worse.  Of course I had to think over what they were getting at, and I decided I would curtail my fascination with shopping from the comforts of my couch.  If it's said that we don't perceive our credit cards as real money, let it also be said  that we shouldn't confuse our computers with the shopping mall.

We had a very quiet weekend and I had some time to fiddle with Pinterest.  I'm making some boards of my favorite things and it's fun.  I'm very particular about what I pin; recipes I know I'll try, crafts that seem doable to me (with all ten of my thumbs), and home decorating that's feasible.  I have no desire to have a "dream kitchen" pasted up, or "the bedroom I've always wanted".  My kitchen is done (well, maybe not that wall), as are so many other rooms in my house.  Of course I'm not a newlywed or someone that has just moved into a new home, it just is what it is.  I love making small changes and being inspired to try something different.  Looking at my boards last night, I sort of had an abstract look at the type of person I am.  Sort of how your home reflects the people living in it, that's what I was seeing.  What did I learn?  Well, first of all, I'm practical, as I said, I'm not clearing out any rooms to replace it with things I see everywhere.  And sadly maybe, I'm not much of a dreamer.  I don't mean to sound like a Debby Downer, but I don't spend my time "wanting".  If I want something material and I can afford it, then it's a done deal.  If I can't afford it, I don't waste my time or fill my head with impossible thoughts.  I put a lot of emphasis on needs, maybe because as a mother and wife, it's been my life tending to others and of course myself.  I fulfill needs and they are much more important than the wants.  And what else did I find out while playing with this imaginary life I've created online (smile)?  Well, I have a lot of interests that I've sort of shoved to the side.  That I'm a little more creative than I thought.  And finally, I need (and want) to make the rest of this journey a beautiful, happy and fulfilling one.  Imagine all that, just from playing with Pinterest!  

It's been very nice quiet day, Mondays are the only day of the week that I'm home alone.  I find it hard to concentrate without all the noise and chaos around me. ;-D  I'm going to get in a few chapters of the book I'm reading before starting dinner.  By the way, the book I have on my sidebar hasn't been touched yet (it should say 'books I will be reading someday'), I'm still plowing through a mystery series that is sort of 'light reading'.  No offense to the author or people that like a little fluff, the books are funny and page turners, but after I get done with the last one, which is #6, I can't wait to move on to the book on my sidebar and a few I've saved in my Nook library.

I hope all of you have a good week! :)

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

you always have such interesting posts, its like a sit down visit, I think we all have a bit of addiction to online shopping, I do too, I do a lot of browsing my favorite sites, its so comfy and private to do from home.I hate crowds, (my vision makes its difficult) so online is for me, all the way.I'm sorry Layla is till sore but I think little dogs do like to have our sympathy, I found our little dog much more vocal of her surgery than our big dog.She;ll be fine, you'll see, don't worry.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
I feel like we just had a nice little talk.
I love pinterest too and I find that I pin and pin in streaks.
I figure I can always delete later.
Oh don't you hope that spring is coming. I am winter weary in a big way.
Got my burlap wreath post up, come see if you can.
Hoping Layla is all well soon. I know how I almost panic with Addison when she is sick. We care and we love, that is us.
Hugs friend,
Cindy

20 North Ora said...

Hello - Well, we are suppose to have snow tonight and I am sick and tired of this cold weather!! So, I'm a crybaby!! I am so ready for Spring and flowers and warm weather. This morning at the Chiropractor's they had a tape going and it said that the closer you lived to the Equator, the healthier you were. In other words, warmer weather makes you much healthier. Amen to that!!

Now, if I can just find a place that is a perfect 72 degrees year round and has no hurricanes or floods, I think I just might move.

Judy

Beth said...

It is sad that our pets can't tell us what is wrong. I hope Layla feels better soon.

Primitive Stars said...

Evening Jane, ahhh, sweet Layla, sure hope she feels better soon......still waiting on Spring,........I love Pinterest, hooked on the primitive Easter boards, look for hours, Hugs Francine.

myletterstoemily said...

now i want to know what mstery series
you are reading. :)

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Jane I have that same bunny in my garden! Poor Layla, I hope that little sweetie feels better soon! When my Toby was on pain meds they didn't make him tired either.

Unknown said...

Hey Jane,

Hope your baby Layla is better soon. I would be so excited to get my house painted on the inside. It needs it! We moved in Dec. of 2000, and it's never been painted again on the inside except for the master suite. I'd love to have the rest of the house done, but oh my goodness, the hubster hates to spend money! :) So....there's no telling when/if I'll ever get the go ahead. That's ok, though. I would hate the mess!

Hope you week is full of happiness!
Kathy

Sarah said...

Jane, I hope Layla feels back to her old self soon. I know how stressful it is to worry about one's pet. Keep on loving on her.

Stacey said...

Poor Layla had her uterus taken out? I missed that post.

I shop online too much too. My husband asked yesterday if he needed to be looking at the credit cards. Well no, I don't over do it but definitely don't need all that I buy. Have you signed up for Decor Steals? It is too easy to say yes to.

Hope you have some warmth here quickly.

It's me said...

Pinterest is so nice to do !!!...enjoy a happy week enjoy darling....love Ria...xxx...

Theresa said...

Shopping is fun, on-line and in store:) I do both too much but not gonna quit! I have been itching to do a little painting at my house too:) It is a lot of work to take everything down and get ready to get the work done:) Hope Layla gets better and better each day! Have a blessed week dear friend, HUGS!

Knitty said...

I hope Layla is ok and has just learned she can push your button by whimpering a bit. Pets and small children who can't yet express what is wrong sure do cause us to worry.

What you said about Pinterest had me smiling. Sometimes I see someone's collection of boards and wonder why on earth would they pin such-and-such. Then I look at mine and wonder if someone thinks a board for Copic markers is odd. Lol!

A friend showed me someone who had over 7000 pins on something like 300 boards. Yikes! I predict there will be a reality show soon for compulsive pinners. Lol!

Shirley said...

Good Morning Jane, I am taking some "me" time to catch up with my friends while watching it snow out my window. This time is different then the last one. We are close to freezing so it is not fluffy. Everybody is safe that is the main thing. I heard a couple of vehicles go by the house which means people are staying home. Your kids shouldn't worry about what mom's do, but sometimes they think they know what it best for us. The snow is coming your way so Spring will have to wait a few more days. Have a wonderful day Hugs and Prayers from your Missouri Friend.

Olive said...

Hi Jane, why do adult kiddos feel they need to intervene? My friend Fancy's kids did the same thing with her. She paid then no attention which I found very amusing. I am so concerned about your dog. I hope her pain gets better. I used to feel the same way when I took care of sick babies who cried and could not tell me how they were hurting. It really upset me and I did not have that job but for six months. Our pets are family. Shelley puppy has been so subdued and sweet lately. He knows I am sad. I like your cookbooks on the shelves-it shows you are a real cook in a real kitchen. I find perfection and utter neatness boring. Have a lovely week, Olive

RURAL said...

Ah ha....busted...lol..

I am not going to start online shopping because I am sure there would be a intervention in my future if I did.

Going to look for you on Pinterest...I spend a little too much time on there also.

Jen

Balisha said...

Hi Jane,
What a precious post. You are so honest. Isn't it funny when things change and our kids become the Mom? I wonder how they got so smart...did we have anything to do with it?

All kidding aside...online shopping is so convenient and I really enjoy the search for things, sometimes more, than the actual purchase.

I hope little Layla is better soon. It's so hard when our fur babies are feeling poorly and we can only guess what is hurting them.

Hugs, Balisha

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

I am on the pc so I can comment :-)
I agree about Pinterest - i try to only pin what I think is realistic. Otherwise it becomes overwhelming to me. Have a great week!

Mary said...

Keep gently hugging that baby and she will soon be back to her old self. You are a very good mommy!

Love your explanation about the kitchen - like you I have a ton of cookbooks but they are in a hutch and away from grease splatters so just need a dust now and then. I'm trying to edit a lot of my knick knacks - need just the large pieces hanging out - all tiny things go to new homes or into storage - I'm tired of dusting!

Looking forward to seeing the new paint - meanwhile stay warm and think about Spring bunnies! Are you planning more online shopping any time soon - I won't tell, your secret's safe with me!

Love you Jane - Mary X

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I love bunnies too but I've become very picky about the ones I plan to collect...they have a way of taking over.
Love your thoughts about Pinterest. I've kind of lost interest and stopped pinning but I think that's because of all the changes in my life. I'll get back to it soon because I really enjoyed it.

I'm hoping to see your pretty and newly painted kitchen.

As for the family intervention about shopping too much, I think I'd take it lightly. You are old enough to make your own decisions and if you enjoy on line shopping then you go girl!

hugs
Sissie

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

I love to come over and visit and get the latest news from you. It's like we are having coffee together! I think your son and daughter's intervention was adorable. LOVE you defense!!!
You have a sweet life, my dear!

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane... little Layla looks so sweet, I hope she is not crying any more... it hurts so to see and hear them do that... I just want to kiss her!... as for your shopping intervention, I would buy whatever you want... you deserve it... and I know you only buy what you really love, so what the heck... life is too short not to get the things that make us happy now that we are at a point in our lives where we can afford them... I am like you, and don't re~do our home all the time... I like things the way they are pretty much, with just some added decor for the changing seasons, etc... what do people do with all of their older things when they are constantly redecorating?... I'll have to check your sidebar and see what book you are reading now... I need a good new one... let me know how Layla is if you get a chance, xoxo Julie Marie

Julie Marie said...

PS I loved Yvonne's comment above mine... I always feel like we are having coffee and chatting too!...

Ricki Treleaven said...

Hello, my name is Ricki Jill and I'm a Pinterest addict! ;P
I need to follow your new boards!

Did you decide on your paint color yet? Please let us know. I collect paint chips. I'm weird that way. I seriously have a little paint chip book of paint colors I love!

I hope that Layla is better tomorrow. Definitely call the vet if she isn't!

xo,
RJ

Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home said...

Hope your Layla is feeling better. It's scary when our dogs are hurting and we can't communicate with them. I love Pinterest, but unlike you I pin pics of rooms I'll never have. Call it my imaginary online shopping cart, if you will :)

Melanie said...

I'm not too bad with the online shopping, simply because it goes on the credit card and we're trying to keep our balance as close to zero as possible! I buy used books from half.com, but that's been it lately. Since you will have to take everything off your kitchen walls for them to be painted, you will probably come up with some new ideas on where you want to place cookbooks, paintings, etc. It's kind of fun to start all over again with a clean slate. Anyway, maybe think of somewhere else you can stash your cookbooks so they're not close to the stove. Mine are on a baker's rack/bookshelf; in the china cabinet; and, on top of the fridge. Too funny how you said it's harder to concentrate when you have the house to yourself. I'm the total opposite! I get very distracted when Brian and/or Tim are home.

Susan Shull said...

Good for you for not being a "wanter"! One of the downsides of all this blogging and pinning can be dissatisfaction with what you have. I thing in my more "mature" thinking, i am able to resist more than I would have when I was younger. I can only imagine the pressure all of this could put on a young wife and mother. Can you imagine reading every day the posts from these girls who seem to do everything well and home school their kids, too? Whew. I couldn't take the pressure!

Lynne said...

Such thoughts you provoke today!
The Chocolate Gousse and I are sitting here reading...I patted her as I said a puppy dog prayer for Layla's tender tummy!
~Lynne
w/L.

Jen Beaudet said...

Your new bunny is so cute and I like your tradition of getting a new one to add to your collection each Spring. You need to tell your kids that your addiction could be so much worse and at least the things are on sale 99% of the time. HaHa! I hope Layla feels better soon.
Take care,
Jennifer:)

20 North Ora said...

Jane - Congratulations!! You won my giveaway! Send me your address and I'll get your gifts in the mail. Thanks for entering.

Judy

chateau chic said...

You had me laughing about the "intervention." I guess that's something we all probably need!! Looking forward to hearing how your kitchen turns out.
Mary Alice

Debbie said...

"intervention" sounds like such a serious word. I'm sure my husband will hold one once I get moved downstate. that way he will have my kids in kahoots with him. That's why I'm ordering so many things from Shabbyfufu, and Summers at the Cottage now...before we sell this house.
This post is sweet, Jane. You sound so content in your surroundings.
I like your bunny that greets visitors...he's a cutie.
Hope you are enjoying the weekend.
xxoo

xinex said...

After the snow storm last week, I bet it doesn't feel like spring anymore. I went to Waukegan to ake mama back and it was freezing! I am just not used to that kind of weatehr anymore. Love your garden bunny, Janie!...Christine