Gone, but never far away

Dad & brand new, Hunter!

Sometimes it's a song, sometimes it's a scent, other times it's a food or watching my son play and grow; today, it was listening to my husband talk history and politics that overwhelmed me with memories of my Dad.  While I didn't always appreciate it as a child, as an adult, I admire my fathers love of history and the family vacations centered on historical places.  I want that for Hunter.  How lucky am I that my husband loves history and happens to be a phenomenal story teller!  Today, Drew was telling Hunter about some moments in history.  Hunter was mesmerized and hanging on every word.   It's beautiful that through Drew, Hunter will get to experience something special I loved about my father. (and hopefully, really love about his Dad!)  I often wish my Dad was here to watch Hunter grow. He was so proud to have a grandson.  If only he knew he'd have two!  My Dad had passed long before my nephew was born.  I'm just so happy he was around long enough to see life come full circle at least once.  So, today, I had the opportunity to step back, take everything in, and really enjoy the perspective.  It's these moments that remind us to appreciate now, cherish each day, really love the people important in your life and make a point to be present in your own life. I'm trying to make it a point to apply this to my life until it becomes habit.  Today has been a beautiful reminder and fantastic inspiration.  Miss you Dad!

 

These handsome guys are: hubby Drew, Dad, and my brother Jay

Drew and Hunter today, Best Buddies

RAINY DAY

Friday mornings can be tough if you're really looking forward to the weekend.  Add too little sleep to the mix and Friday morning can be downright ugly.  Imagine this mix for a 6 year old.  Welcome to my Friday morning!  The sky was gray and full of bulging rain filled clouds ready to burst any minute.  Hunter was sour and grumpy, fighting us about every last detail.  Somehow we managed to get him dressed, fed, and out the door with his giant crocodile tears still falling from his big blue eyes.  He pouted all the way to school, stubbornly refusing to give in to laughter at all my husbands silly antics.  This boy can be STUBBORN!  (I have no idea where he gets this trait.) ;)  We did get hugs before he jumped out of the truck and headed into school.  Rough start, but the day must go on. At least Drew and I got to enjoy some coffee before he had to run off to work.  The clouds finally gave up their fight and long awaited rain started down in a drizzle.  (big sigh)  I wouldn't get to play outside today, digging in my garden.  So, off to the basement to work on some fabulous furniture!   This rain wasn't gonna get me down.  Between the 3 coats of primer (sand between coats), I hopped onto Craigslist to see if I could get lucky. 

                                     SCORE! 

Someone was giving away (yes, free!) an antique table with lots of detail and a chunky, old, enormous and HEAVY coffee table.  Drew came home and I quickly turned him around to head out for some free furniture!  It was first come first serve and we were top of the list.  What a beauty!  The table has great detailing and the coffee table will make an awesome bench. This Friday was getting better!  We got the goodies home, unloaded, and headed up to school to pick up Hunter. We wondered and hoped if his day turned around.   He was so happy!  He passed his math test and was on green all day.  So proud of him!  We all headed home happy and ready for the weekend.  Looks like this Rainy Day turned out to be full of opportunity. 

FOUND!

Look what I found!  I was so excited I couldn't wait to post it. This credenza was just hanging out at my favorite thrift shop.  I saw it from a distance and quickly picked  up the pace as another shopper was gawking at it.  As I got closer, I had to consciously control my expression.  Not wanting to risk confirming with my competitor that this piece was indeed a steel, I casually walked right on by.  Maybe it worked, because the gawking stopped and the shopper strolled along.  Of course I couldn't hold back any longer!  I may have actually ran to this black beauty, paused only a moment to collect the ticket, and dashed to cash out.  The hard part was waiting for my husband to get home so we could pick it up and take it home.
A little clean-up, new paint and hardware before the show!  I can't wait to reveal the make-over.

Black Beauty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://dearlillieblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/our-bedroom.html

I love color!  Lately, I've been getting into "moody" and "saturated" colors.  I've always wanted to get dark in the bedroom.  This bedroom is beautiful!  Even my husband agreed.  Now, a little more confident, I can get this going in our bedroom.  Thanks "Dear Lillie"!  Check out the full post and amazing, inspiring decor at:

Dear Lillie: Our Bedroom »

The paint color is Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore. Our bedding is a mix of things that we had - some is Simply Shabby Chic from Target, the matlesse coverlet was from JCPenney, the front pillow wa...

I am so excited to finally start a blog.  I have so much to share!  I have some pictures of a couple "Goodwill" finds I am transforming. Posts are on their way. Thanks for sticking with me through this new adventure in blogging!