March 20, 2006

Spring at last!!!!!!!


The weather man said today was the first day of spring..but you could have fooled me! It rained today and it was windy and cold. But by the end of the week they say it should be at least 75 degrees..i'm just itching to get out into the yard and fix up the patio for the change of seasons. My husband was home today so we worked alot in our garage...throwing things away and moving boxes and items around!! After years in the military we have hauled stuff around for 20+ years...its time to rethink what we decide to store...what is worth keeping and what is just plain junk! We crushed boxes and made a huge pile to hall off to the dump...we can actually see progress by the end of the day, and that is such a great feeling! I had already cleaned my laundry area, and wiped the washer and dryer down. Got a basket that I wasn't using and filled it with clean rags on the dryer, it sits on top of a doily I bought years ago in Japan....then there is the shelf above the dryer...I put odd doilies that I wasn't using in the house any longer and let them drape over the edge of the shelf to soften the hard lines of it...and had an old metal desk tray and have that on the shelf with my iron, fabric softener, laundry sachets and detergent. I changed the light bulb to one of a higher wattage and now its so cheerful to go there and do the laundry and all that it consists of!! I can actually say it was quite dreary out there before...but I made it my own, and personalized it to my style and it works for me. I used what I had and didn't have to purchase anything....I love that idea too! I love looking through magazines and get inspiration from them...then just borrow them and put my own spin on it....I will write the ideas down in a little book that I keep..or sketch a picture of an idea I have...I also keep a file of articles and pictures I have taken out of magazines, it is easy access and have all the info in my book. But today...it was nice just getting rid of the excess...streamlining yet again...it doesn't seem to end does it? My style of decorating has changed over the years....at first I didn't really have any style...maybe it was "Early Marine Corps"...lol.....but was so thankful just have to a sofa to sit on and dishes to cook with! My parent's gave us alot of things and we went to yard sales all the time. I have a great appreciation for all styles of decorating.....the only kind that really doesn't do anything for me is modern. For me it lacks the warmth and coziness that I need. The styles that are dear to me are "Cottage, English and French Country". I like my home to reflect those that live here, we aren't fussy people..so its not stuff or formal...just relaxed, soothing, and peaceful...and isn't that what all of us are really trying to do? We attempt to make our homes soothing places...restful habitations.. peaceful corners in this big world of ours, and its a project that continues...moving furniture around, re- painting, re-staining, new furniture..it all a process and we are never truly done...we may complete the inside, but then we start on the outside exteriors....whew...what a job this is...keeping house, but its a job that I love, one I take very seriously....but also knowing that I wouldn't want it any other way!!! So the season has changed, I for one embrace change...i'm ready for it... sunny days, daisies and daffodils, spring cleaning, walking in the coolness of the morning, gardening and the promise that summer lurks around the corner....hoping all of you enjoyed the first day of Spring!!!" For the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers are springing up and the timefof the singing birds has come. Yes, Spring is here." ~~Song Of Solomon 2:11-12

4 comments:

Dawn said...

What a cheery way to begin the spring season. Great post!

Maggie Ann said...

Hi Mindy, I too love French country...Better Homes & Garden has a new magazine out...called that or is it Country French. Anyway I was leafing through it at Lowe's while waiting for my husband and fell in love with the bedroom pictured therein. Two overstuffed chairs facing each other at the foot of the bed in from of a fireplace. Oh my, how serene and lovely. BUT...the price of the magazine was $10.00...can you imagine? Anyway you might want to look for this one when you get out shopping just to 'have a look'. And, doesn't a brighter watt bulb make the hugest difference in a work area! So cheery instead of so dreary. sounds like you are getting so much done..good for you! I love the verse you have here from the Song of Solomon. And I love to wake up in the moring to hear birds singing...what bliss to ponder. Wishing you a happy day!

Unknown said...

Keeping the house - it's a never ending job :) But like you, I wouldn't have it any other way! It seems like as soon as you finish one job, there is another right there to take its place - we are renovating, and will be for years I think!

Unknown said...

well we're still covered in snow but i am hoping spring will soon come. i'm praying march will not go out like a lion and we will have a slow gradual thaw and gentle transition into spring. I can't wait to feel soft breezes and warm sunshine on my face