CLOSE UPS

Hi everyone...so good to be back.  Actually, there is not much going on at this end so there might not be a whole lot to share with you.  But... Happy Spring!  It's officially here and we need to start looking for the little signs in nature that make our hearts swell.  Oh jeez...do I sound pathetically happy?  I will tell you...I'm very much an optimist, but also a realist.  Can these traits coexist? 

You learn a whole lot having kids.   And yes, mine are older than that a bit now but the "lingo" is still much the same, just in disguise.   Remember, "It's not all about you."?  Well, sheet!  They never read, "Looking Out For #1" back in the 70's!  And lately, "Get to the Point."  Suddenly these kids have very little time to hear a story/explanation/memory from beginning to end. My son has literally said that to me so that he can get back to whatever it is that he is so enticed by looking at his phone.  I do agree, I have to edit my part in conversations...the biggest evidence is here on my blog. 

The last one is a killer:  "Stop playing the victim."  Oh, that's a good one, because  I really do seem to do that a lot, yes I do!  My biggest awakening was last 

summer when I lamented that getting the back yard looking good and thriving was something that I wished I had had a landscaper  do, there was so much cleaning up and heavy work.  I ended up doing it myself.  You can look back in my archives....September 2013.  I did a lot of brainstorming, heavy work and maintenance and yes, I was very, very proud.  I will reap the rewards forever.  But...the victim part.  I'm ashamed that I looked everywhere except at myself for help on this one.

 I may come off as a gal that has never had to deal with the hard knocks of life. I certainly don't feel that it's necessary to delve into the very numerous and extremely personal, painful and trying times I've experienced.  But I do stop and take notice of this "victim" thing.   Where does it get us to complain about this horrible winter?  Can we possibly make spring come any sooner?   I've never mentioned any of this but since January 1,  we've had to replace our water heater, washing machine and dryer.  The dishwasher decided it needed a bundle of repairs and it was no longer under warranty.  We lost part of our roof in the heavy winds this winter...our snow blower died and our garage door opener also decided to quit.  And before we knew any of this was going to take a toll on us, we had already ordered new furniture for the living room and there was no turning back.  Could I play victim?  Of course.  Do I want to?  No.  Maybe my kids opened my eyes, but I certainly see ( no pun intended) what they mean.  And I don't want to be that person.

These are blue globe thistle.  Do you know that blue flowers are very rare in this world?  These have the sharpest little needles along the stem.  But I want 

to plant these seed heads, the beauty is worth the pain.  And the smiles will be limitless.

A close up of the jute embroidered curtains.  Was I lucky to find these?  They had my name on them as I had been so lost in finding what I liked.  I really am so happy with this room.  And yes, The Husband is happy, too.  He likes to give Emily the credit for her design talent, (I personally believe it was a half and half endeavor but this makes him happy.)  In any event, we are cozy and comfortable and I just want to thank all of you who weighed in and gave just the loveliest compliments. :)

I'll move along quickly now since I have been off on a tangent.  Ha!  I had son Kevin and his wife MC over for dinner tonight and I took a few snaps of the table.  The sun was shining so bright and I love how it stays light out until after 7 p.m.  It was only 35 degrees but when the sun is shining in the windows, it makes all the difference.  I  made a pretty centerpiece...on the right, one of my favorite, odd looking baskets filled with a few nests and a yellow kissing ball...

...and little birds accenting the butter dish and S&P shakers (not the Target ones, but close).  Can you see the little eggs on the napkin ring?

A view of the whole table.  I never intended on making a tablescape.  It was just a nice opportunity to have a little fun.  Abigail came and looked at the table, "You've gone all out."  Well, what the heck!  It's fun! I had a few windows open as well as the front door.  Milo and Layla were going crazy over the dogs going for walks.  Oh....I need to get them out for that!  And the fresh air felt good.  I made a fire ( because I had frozen us all out with the open windows! ;-) and after awhile, we closed the door, but it was good while it lasted!

Dinner was simple...baked ham, mashed potatoes, baked macaroni and cheese, corn,  tossed salad, toasted Ciabatti bread and great appetizers that disappeared!

And  yes, I multi tasked like the idiot I am and made cupcakes (from a mix), with a whipped chocolate malt frosting!  No...sob, I didn't have any but I'm good.  Really.

It's late and I saved all of those pretty dishes to wash tomorrow!  Can't wait.  Have a wonderful weekend all of you...forgive me for my rant...(What's your point?).  Grrrrrr...

XO,

Jane