I will be honest…I have been feeling a little Blue. Grief is a mine field and just when you think you are safe…you step in it and it all comes washing over you again. Writing this blog has been like a road map, keeping me focused on things outside my sadness…focused on hopeful things and happy things and beautiful things. But I do have moments, like I guess we all do, when I ask myself “What is it all for?” I mean, who cares if I found that perfect handle for my dresser or the exact right paint color…really..am I going to change the world…or save lives…but I keep plugging away because…well that is what we do….we plug away…
MONDAY I noticed a spike in the traffic to this blog and discovered a post on
Apartment Therapy….with 10 tips for developing your own style…
…..with this photo from my house..that kind of made me feel pretty good!!!
…and then….also on APARTMENT THERAPY I am nominated for the
HOMIES AWARD FOR BEST FAMILY BLOG
AND
please go here
AND HERE
To nominate My Old Country House. Nominations (basically votes) will be accepted through THIS
Friday February 21.
JUST THINK…IF EVERYONE WHO READS THIS POST TODAY WERE TO VOTE…I MIGHT CATCH UP WITH THE BLOGS AT THE TOP!!!!! I really appreciate all of YOU and whether you know it or not, your continued support has been a God Send over these last few months….Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
and if ever I can help YOU…please let me know…ask me any DIY or Design Dilemma question and I will try to help!
I voted for you! You are one of my favorites!! Keep your chin up – you and your beautiful house cheer me up on many days!
Thanks Tara…I needed that!
I love your blog, both the house updates and the stories about your kids. My favorite post was called The Things We Remember…..The Things They Forget. So sad and so true!
I actually was thinking abut bringing that post back as it is just something which I encounter daily with the kids…it is just so strange how we have been living this life..side by side…for all these years, but our experiences and viewpoints are so vastly different from where we each sit…boggles the mind…and makes me want it all to slow down..thanks for stopping by xo
I stumbled across your blog this winter and I love your house and your paintings. I’ve been stopping by here once a day this winter flipping through your old posts. I grew up in Virginia but live in freezing cold Michigan now. Don’t go! I love escaping from the winter days into all of your pretty pictures of your house and artwork. And I’ve enjoyed reading your posts too!
Thank you Katherine…I needed that little internet hug!!! xo Thanks for stopping by!
Check and check! I read your blog on a regular basis and love, love it although I do not comment…apologies! I love your style and use of color – which has made me look at my home differently to see how I can incorporate more vivid colors here. I live outside of Boston and vacation on the Cape which has a distinct presence in our 70+ year old Cape Cod home- muted blues, greens yellows. I crave more color and hope to bring your inspiration into our home. Fingers crossed you will win both categories – no one more deserving!
Thank you Kathy, you are so kind. I absolutely LOVE the cape!!!!We go to Boston every summer and I always say one year we should just get a place on the cape and have everyone come to us!!!
Well, I voted for you and then went back to explore the sites garnering the top votes. AND I’m here to say You are hands’ down way, way more interesting than at least the top 3 (I stopped there). Please, please, please don’t give up – your style is too great to lose (is such an inspiration) and it’s such a delight to follow the kids and the animals!!!!! Heck, I’m a quilter with enough fabric to last a few lifetimes and this winter even has me questioning why I’m doing this and if I should just give it all away!!!! Hang in there and look for the robins – it’s always better when we get real signs of Spring.
Thanks Betty this is exactly what I needed to hear…and I cannot wait for Spring!
Hi Lesli! Just voted for you in the first link, but for some reason the second “here” isn’t a link on my end. I’ll gladly vote for you there, too, if you can send me a fix. Just wanted to let you know in case others were having the same issue. Meanwhile, I love all your posts, which I read faithfully. Don’t ever question what you are doing. You are using your God-given talents to bring beauty to the masses, and that’s extremely important stuff!
Being in and out of the very creative yet stressful model home design field for almost 30 years, I have had many “episodes” of feeling empty. Like, “isn’t it all just window dressing?” I would have to step away and concentrate on other aspects of my life to fill me back up. I spend way too much time with my design blog friends when I should be focusing on a project that I am less than emotionally invested in. (like right now!) The reason I follow YOU, is not because you have design tips that I can’t live without, its your SPIRIT and your focus on family that draws me in. My favorite posts of yours have been those about your father-in-law. Losing my own Dad in the last year made your posts particularly poignant. I could never be a blogger, not enough discipline, not enough to say, too much pressure, so I admire those like you that can and do. So not to worry, “this too shall pass”. Grief comes out of great love, it is a reasonable response to loss.
Thank you Sharon..this is just what I needed to hear. I lost my Dad let year too..and it does put everything in a different perspective..and keep priorities in line…and I am grateful for all that I have and have had…and for people like you…thanksxo
Hey Lesli; I get what you are saying and I have dealt with my own sadness this long winter. I believe that when we create joy and beauty in our homes, that joy and beauty is a blessing for our family and friends because where we spend our time influences us! And when we create beauty and joy and share it with the world that beauty and joy influences them in a positive way as well. I have really enjoyed your blog and I hope you keep it up! Michelle
Just found this Leslie! Of course you should stay!! I love to see what you are up to and you always inspire me to add some color to my monochromatic pallet. It seems that commenting is something I should do more – sorry about that!