September 11, 2014

Here and There, but Mostly Here


I'm feeling more introspective and introverted than I can ever remember being in my life. These days I'm enjoying living my life in a small, quiet way. I actually got overwhelmed just looking at pinterest last night. So I stopped. Because there's no space for that right now. And then I felt happy again.


I've been busy in my own way. Nesting a bit to get ready for Autumn. How many throws is enough? I don't really want to know, but I imagine my Sweet Man does. He is probably also wondering the same thing about throw pillows but it didn't keep me from making some for the front porch.


Speaking of the porch, if someone invites you over to their house for a beer on the porch, don't turn to their wife and say what's with those plates? Because I'm sure she wouldn't have hung those plates if she didn't love them. So just smile and drink your beer and keep your mouth closed. ;) In other related news, if you visit some family members, and they have a framed fabric background with a ceramic deer head hung in the middle, don't say "I don't get it." Just smile and drink your beer and keep your mouth closed. ;)


I've been trying to do better about taking care of me. Yoga is making a regular appearance again and boy do I need it. I'm trying to remember what it's like to not be in pain every day. I long to get there again.


Last night severe weather swept through our area. So severe, that I ate my dinner in the closet under the stairs with my little one, a dog and three cats. The good news is that it brought with it a cold front and it definitely feels like Autumn today. I'm making this soup for dinner tonight and this cake this weekend. I'm burning this candle right now.


We've had a fair amount of visitors lately, including a lovely visit from a favorite blog reader (hey Michelle!) and her family, who I've been trying to meet up with for years! I just have to say, I love when our guests spontaneously leave behind a souvenir of their visit on our dining room chalkboard.


Visitors often lead to projects. Of course our major project, the porch is still not quite done, but as God is my witness, this will be the month. I have managed to do a couple of small things that have been on my to do list forever like turning some old Rifle Paper Co. calendar pages into artwork for the downstairs bathroom, as well as some painting projects.


Other than that, I've read a few books, made friends with my knitting needles after a year long break up, done some gardening, planned a long awaited weekend getaway to Michigan with my love (it's been 7 1/2 years since we've managed that) and have been generally cozy and content. I hope you have been as well and I'd love to hear how you've been spending your days.


25 comments:

  1. I am amazed to hear that you are already getting crazy weather. It actually scares me because the midwest had a crazy winter and we had no winter at all. You have rain and we have a drought.

    Enjoy your knitting needles.

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  2. Oh I just love finding that you've written a post! Your days seem to have been absolutely delightful! Nesting is such a comforting thing to do! Your home is a vision of welcoming comfort! I think I need more throws! Happy Fall to you!

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  3. I had a feeling you were in full on nesting mode. I wish I could say we were having soup weather but no such luck here. I love the gray chair and throw and no, you can never have too many.

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  4. I agree, just smile and drink that beer! Those beer-drinkers, gotta love 'em. Lovely post.

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  5. I promise if I ever have a beer on your porch, my hubbie would never ask about the plates. He would compliment them! Sounds like you are easing into autumn. Enjoy your time in Michigan. I grew up there.

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  6. Well, I love your plates and deer head art. And that September page of your calendar. And...all of it.

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  7. You are doing right now exactly all I long to be doing!! It all sounds like a recipe for happiness. :) Especially the plates on the porch! ;)

    Right now my own days are rushed and crazy with kids back in school, cross country meets, autumn allergies that took me out for a week and three different rashes on my two children within a week. I mean, really?
    All I want over here is a week of 'normal'- whatever that is. I just long to spend some nesting time of my own! As always, thanks for the inspiration- I'm making soup when things slow down!

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  8. I love hearing about your days. You sound like a real person and not a perfect person. I like that about you! Sometimes I think about the days before iPhones, iPads and computers. I seemed to get more done, compared myself to others less and was generally happy with less. On the other hand, I never would have "met" you without the wonderful world of technology . So I guess there are pros and cons. The weather has finally cooled down here in Kansas, so I plan to do a little fluffing with some fall decor and settling in to my nest! Glad to hear you are content!

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  9. Loved seeing all the pretty little spots in your home! You are so right...if someone doesn't "get" your plates...keep t to yourself! I think they look amazing!

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  10. I am just back to blogging after a long break and so glad to see a post from you here. Sounds like you are at an introspective phase in your life-that is good for the soul, Jen. God bless you-you sound like you are on a wonderful journey right now...and .... if it suits you just smile and drink your beer. xo Diana

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  11. Hi Jen, it's been a while since I have visited -sorry about that. I see you are taking things slow and that is my idea of a good life. Just ignore those that don't 'get it'. It is your home and surrounding yourself with the things you love is what home is all about. You can't have too many throws. Or pillows. Or pretty plates on the wall. :) Love taking peeks around your sweet cottage. xo Karen

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  12. That's so irritating when people question your decorating choices. I never go into someone's home and tell them what to do or ask them why they did something or other, even if I don't like it. Especially if I don't like it. My friend gave me a quote that says "before you critisize, ask yourself, is it kind, is it true, is it necessary?" Most of the time, the answer is no.
    I love all of your throws. And no, you can't have enough of them. You have to have at least 4 anyway. One for each season. And of course you need one for each chair or sofa. And extras in case one gets dirty, and......no, you can never have enough throws! :)
    Our weather still feels like summer. We live on the Oregon Coast and have been having unusually dry weather with low humidity and East wind. It feels great, but I'm starting to feel like I'm ready for some fall chill in the air.
    We went to my husband's cousins house yesterday and picked a bunch of pears, prunes, and apples, so today is big canning day. Oh joy! I love having a cupboard full of home canned food, but canning is not one of my favorite things.
    Hope you have a great week!
    Beth.

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  13. Well it sounds like you have been enjoying life and that is wonderful. I can't wait to make your soup. Sounds delicious. Tomato soup is my all time favorite. It just screams "COMFORT". Enjoy the cottage and thanks for the laugh. Guys just don't get it. I am assuming it's a guy but could be wrong.

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  14. I can not believe someone would say something like that about what you have displayed anywhere in your home! I know my husband wouldn't....of course he gets it because that's how we do things around here. Your soup and your cake look amazing....but I am in love with that candle too! I see a new sale started today so I will have to run in and grab some fall scents, but the leaves scent is my favorite! I also admire your calendar and would love to know where you picked it up. My daughter just bought her first house and that would be such a cute gift for her! Have a delightful day!

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  15. I love receiving your blog posts! Your home is so lovely...I want to live there! Thanks for all the everyday life moments you share with us. You are a great inspiration to us busy moms/wives/friends who are trying to live simply and enjoy the little things. (BTW, I live in Zionsville and do social media for fiveythirty resale) :)

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  16. Everything looks wonderful! I always feel so calm and peaceful after I visit here. Have a great weekend!

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  17. throws & pillows for the win!!! and, i'm not sure i said it out loud or just in my head, but i adore the fabric on those porch chairs. it's simply lovely. and yay - the tardis & happy sun live on!! i so want to meet you in michigan and long weekend together!! next time ... nest away, my love!

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  18. Love your post! You crack me up every time! If I was over....having a beer on your front porch...I would be swooning over EVERYTHING!! ;))

    ~Shanon

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  19. It's lovely to hear from you again. I personally love your plates & decorating touches (but you knew that, didn't you ;?). I hope that when your beer drinking guests said that they didn't get it, you responded, "But I DO." Knuckleheads. By the way, I LOVE the Rifle calendar art. So adorable.

    I'm hoping that on one of my trips to IN I'll be able to make it up to Zionville & finally meet you in person.

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  20. sigh...

    i always enjoy stopping by your blog. i need to do this more often. i'd love for you to visit mine as well as i'm seeking some decorating advice and always love your mojo.

    missing the early days of blogging. know what i mean?

    xo
    elyse

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  21. So good to hear your voice. Loving all your bits of fall and I can't wait to see the porch finished. Enjoy your yoga and your knitting and your Sweet Man. :)

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  22. Your post made me chuckle about, just drink your beer and don't ask. :) And what is it about men and their distaste of pillows?!! My hubby asked if I could sew all the pillows that I have on the master bed together, so it would make it easier to make the bed in the mornings....LOL He was serious! Geeze! You have a great week. Take it easy. Kit

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  23. I think it's fall coming that makes us all turn inward to home and introspection. I plan on joining a yoga class when it starts at the end of the month, hope it will limber me up and get me in shape a bit. My niece told me she heard we could expect another bad winter. I must research that and prepare myself if it's true! Oh dear Lord, I hope it's not! We just got back from a weekend in Ohio :>)

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  24. I thought I was the only one feeling more introverted lately, too! I think the only stores I even like anymore are bookstores or antique stores. Can't tolerate any others...the noise, the crowds, the rude, hurrying people. Overwhelming to me. Mmm yes, yoga is wonderful. I've been taking a weekly class for a few years now and it is my saving grace. I do a short practice each day at home, too. And soup. I've been living off of it lately. In fact, I am eating a bowl of white bean and spinach soup right now. :-)

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