A Frivolous Post
The front trim of the house is painted, and my husband just needs to put the shutters back on the living room windows. I wanted cushions for our mornings outside and for our aging rear ends, but I found outdoor chair pads at Walmart to be pricey. So, I opted for simple pads and a back pillow instead. As for the rug I put out for our dog, Laydee, it's going—I don’t think I really need an outdoor rug anyway.
While rummaging through the back room, I found four indoor dining chair pads that I used to have at the table. I thought I might as well use them this summer, even if they fade and get a bit stiff in the sun. They have one more life in them...
Even though at times I think I would prefer the perfect, I do appreciate how a little or a lot of imperfection adds character to a space! My house has a unique charm of its own, marked by a lot of imperfections.
As soon as Home Depot opened at 7:00 a.m., I was ready! I loaded up two big bags of dirt for my wheelbarrow planting next week and grabbed a couple of $5 pots from Dollar Tree. My husband will install drip lines for easy watering since hand watering doesn’t work well in the heat.
After dropping off the dirt, I went to Goodwill with two bags of donations. I was surprised they still accept clothing, as I heard otherwise. I prefer to donate my old clothing to the Good News Rescue Mission, but there are times when I have a mixed donation, so I also drop off clothing at times for convenience's sake.
As I read through this post, I felt convicted and ashamed — it’s a first-world problem compared to those without homes or yards. And here I am fussing about silly things. That is why I am trending more towards minimalism, for the inside of my house.
All a home really needs is to be clean, tidy, and comfortable. Sprinkle in some memories and keepsakes from the past, a vase of flowers, a bowl of fruit, and those you love (dogs and cats included), and the rest is just fluff.
I found this print, in the back room, which hung in my home for years. During my divorced parenting season, I was trying to make a home for my family. My friends gifted this to me:
It says,
The woman who can move about a house,
whether it be a mansion or a camp,
and deftly lay a fire,
and spread a cloth,
and light a lamp,
And by her loving touch, give
The look of home wherever she may be ~
Such a woman always will seem great and beautiful to me.
PS. If anyone recognizes the author, please let me know. I did a Google search and nothing.
Love the truck cushions on your loveseat bench. and what a good use of the unused kitchen chair cushions even if they only last one summer. Your yard pictures look so inviting.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you, Leslie!
DeleteGreat post Debby! I think so many people with huge, beautiful homes aren't happy because they are working so hard to maintain it, that there isn't time for life.
ReplyDeleteI like what you've done too!
It’s even hard to maintain a little house these days - especially here in California!
DeleteThe blue flower and truck cushions on your bench are GORGEOUS!! Being serious all the time is no good. We all need silly and fun moments.
ReplyDeleteThe pillows are reversible and have a checked background that always looks good with floral patterns
DeleteLove this take on home and simplicity!
ReplyDeleteSometimes imperfections make a place even more special.
I agree, Veronica.
DeleteCute truck pillows. A habitat restore opened not too far from us, but still a drive. They take much of the household items that Goodwill may not take.
ReplyDeleteOH, that's good - I think the closest HFH store is in Chico...
DeleteI am happy to know your Goodwill accepts clothing, hubby went to drop off my bags the other day and they told him NO. So, he went over to Habitat for Humanity and dropped them off. ANYWAYS, your post is not frivolous, my friend. I look forward to reading them, smiles.
ReplyDeleteThat's surprising - maybe they are closing soon and trying to use everything up? Who knows!
DeleteDebby, you have created two adorable outdoor sitting areas that look very inviting. I took a load of items to Hangers of Hope just yesterday. Simple is refreshing and this is exactly what I am working on in our home. May your Saturday be a full day of relaxing for you guys... hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks - we are enjoying a quiet Saturday
Delete
ReplyDeletei am thinking the quote is something that was written in the very distant past by someone unknown. its odd is doesn't show. its perfect. i love it. I love the truck pillows and it looks lovely. When they get dirty let me know how you clean them. Mine are on the small front porch and yikes are they dirty... I bought them to put behind my back in the outside pool chair and it hurt my back so they live as the only
decor in my entire yard
I have found that no matter what is in a home, if its clean and neat it looks so much better. just wiping dust off of a glass chimney on a lamp.
I haven't thought that far into the future. Hand wash them??? - I plan to Scotch Guard them since I have a can on hand.
DeleteKeeping things simple creates its own brand of subtle elegance, Debby. I do love your cushions and that plaque. I wish I could take credit for writing those words of affirmation. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteKeeping things simple is the prevailing mindset in this part of California, given the high costs. You have to have a "make-do" mindset and use your imagination when it comes to decorating, etc.
DeleteThose loveseat pads and pillows look like they were made for each other!
ReplyDeleteI stood there for the longest time, matching pillows, until I found the pillows that worked.
DeleteYour bench looks so welcoming!
ReplyDeleteI so love what you said about a little imperfection lending character to a home. That's not something you can buy. I can't remember who said it, but I borrowed the phrase "Splendidly imperfect" for our wedding invites ... 'cuz that's the way we roll.
Splendidly imperfect- love it!
DeleteI love what you have done to your home.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you. It was needing a facelift.
DeleteI also like the truck cushions they make the bench look comfortable
ReplyDeleteYes much more comfortable! I didn’t know I had bones in my butt. That’s why the urgency for pads! Ouch
DeleteOh, that poem is beautiful, and it reminded me of myself, as I've lived in BIG homes and small homes, a home with a pool, and a home where wild things grow freely, and each and every home, I've made it a place of comfort, a protection from the harsh weather and harsh people out in the world. I love this poem, and was wondering if I could use it sometime?
ReplyDeleteYour blue chair pads look great on your chairs outside. I like the color, looks summery. And I really like the blue chair pads and the daisy pillows. It all goes together well. You have a nice outside area to just sit and relax now.
~Sheri
Sure go ahead and use it. I’m glad it resonated with you as it did me.
DeleteThank you, Debby. If you ever find out the author, please let me know. Wouldn't want to use it unless I give them credit. I've never seen this verse before, it's so dear.
DeleteI like the cushions and pillows on the bench.
ReplyDeleteYour truck chair pillow are cute. Love how you re-purposed the blue ones too. Janice
ReplyDelete