A few weeks ago I walked into my office conference room
(it's where the coffee is) and this bag of sticks was on the table.
I asked where it came from and was told one of my teachers had
brought it in as a giveaway...or as we call them "freebies."
I found out later it was Curly Willow.
So home it came and ended up in my urns.
These urns are about the only place in this room
where I can switch things up.
I think they add a little texture and wackiness
around the big, black TV.
It's been hard recently to find the right time to take photos.
By the time I get home from school there isn't much light left.
Today I started right in and took about a million pictures...
none of which were very good.
As I was finishing, actually I was giving up,
the sun came around and flooded the room.
It made the room look completely different.
It's amazing what a little light can do.
Life On Sutton Place has been a bit challenging.
I'm getting tired of the phrase "finding balance,"
probably because even though I'm looking, I'm not finding it.
I love my blog.
I love sewing for my Etsy shop.
I have a full time job and a home to care for.
I have a very low maintenance husband (thank heavens.)
Some of these things I can't give up and the others I don't want to give up.
So my search will continue.
In the meantime, I'll be here as often as I can.
33 comments:
Love your curly willow branches. MyHero cut ours the other day..trimmed them up for Fall..and THREW THEM AWAY! I wanted to hurt him! Those are decorator items, I told him. He thought that was funny...see what I mean-I wanted to hurt him!
Don't you love that "finding balance" saying? I always feel like the proverbial elephant on the round rubber ball...trying to find the perfect spot and settle in! I don't think there is any real way to find perfect balance in MY life...so I just keep slogging along doing the best I can given what I have to work with!;>)
Have a great weekend- xo Diana
I think we all struggle to find balance, the fact that we are still searching for it is all that counts,it helps us grow.If we stop searching we stop learning and the day that happens will be a sad day. I love your curly willow, I have some myself, i love that its a bit different.
The curly willow is wonderful in those yellow urns. I am retired and cannot find that b-word you speak of either...it is a rather elusive creature.
How nice to get those curly willow branches for free. I love your yellow urns.
I love curly willow, and yours looks lovely on the mantle!
So pretty, I've spray-painted mine fun colours too for the front door area.
Great branches. I have learned not to feel the pressure of my blog like I use to. I post when I am inspired and when I can. I wish I didn't have days that I can't or don't have anything to post about, but it happens and I have learned it's ok. I work and have a family too so my blog isn't my job and I try to treat it like a hobby. I hope you find what works for you too. Your room is such a nice room by the way.
Oh Ann I love how the curly willow branches look in those fabulous urns!! That last shot with the sun streaming in is gorgeous! Martina
Ann,
I love love love the twigs in the vases. They are perfect and make such a difference in the room and the mantel. I know exactly how you feel. I only work part time, but between that, the house, errands, creating whatever's in season, I just never have enough time and I get so frustrated.... but I keep trying. My blog suffers, totally! Hang in there. I sure do enjoy seeing you when I see you. Hugs!
Love the curly willow, you will be able to use it in so many ways. I know what ya mean about lighting. I am having the same issue, every day is dark and dreary:( No sun. Your photos turned out great, with the light streaming in:)
Love the willows they look great on the mantel
That curly willow is so pretty. I wonder if there is any around here. I'd better look before we get this fall snow that is predicted. I also like the pics with the play of light against the bricks. Very pretty.
I have curly willow. I didn't know it was curly willow till reading your post. So pretty! Hope all is well. XO
The curly willow looks terrific in the yellow urns! Nice "price" too!
What pretty shots Ann. You are right about the lighting situation. I do not like taking pics on a cloudy day. We are here when you are, so don't worry about...just post whenevs.
Hi Ann,
I've missed ya! That curly willow looks fabulous in your yellow vases. That photo of the light streaming into your room is fantastic. I hope you have some sunny days ahead so you can have fun with your camera.
It really is all about balance. When you figure it out, please call me because it is my perennial struggle.
Your room looks lovely in the golden light.
Ann
I've always loved curly willow! How nice someone brought some to work for you! It looks great on your mantle.
Your room looks lovely and what a cute idea about the willow branches. Finding balance is hard to do even when you do not have alot going on. I wish you luck and never give up, you will find it.
I LOVE curly willow! I had a friend years ago, that had curly willow growing in her yard. She gladly shared some with me on several occasions for decorating! Gives a nice but whimsical addition to any urn and room! Looks great in your room! :)
Your room looks lovely and the curly willow adds so much texture to the space.
Would you mind sharing how you managed to hide the television wires?
I COMPLETELY relate to EVERY part of this post!!!! I too have a hard time capturing stuff on film because of lighting.
But most definately, I get the weight that a blog, doing the stuff you love and working along with all the other stuff can do to our energy. I just went through a huge funk over it and took time away and then came back kinda weak. I have just gotten my mojo back.
I think sometimes, we just need re-evaluate time. That might be right where you are now...in a re-evaluation mode...and that is just okay. It makes what it is your doing all the better... Breathe..... and have a lovely weekend. :)
Lucky you getting free curly willow! I looked at some at the craft store the other day and passed on it because of the price.
Wishing you balance. Honestly, I don't think I found "balance" until I retired and started blogging. It seemed like I was pulled in so many directions when I worked. It was more like juggling than balancing. You'll find your "balance". You do so much, work..home, blog, pillows. You're a wonder!
Hang in there and have a good weekend,
Babs
i just want to thank you for being there for me....
I love to read your blog, but understand the challenge of a job, family and home.
Love the urns, looks good for Halloween!
I love curly willow!! You can usually find it at florist shops and craft stores. It can be expensive, so you are lucky to get that for free! It looks perfect on your mantel inside the urns.
I really like the curly willow; beautiful in the urns! I have often thought I would like to have some!! :)
Take care! I totally understand your blog being a challenging. I feel the same way, but I don't want to give it up.
Jodi
What a great catch. They look great on your fireplace. I love the yellow and those coffee-dipped drapes. good luck finding the balance. When you do, please let the rest of us know where to look. :P
Those look great on your mantel. They do make a great accent. Hooray for the sun- it saved the day!
I find that term "redefining myself" coming up a lot since I'm in the early 50's zone- kids are adults now doing their own thing. I think feeling you aren't satisfied happens a lot at this age! Blogging has been a good outlet for me. I think mainly it's about changing around the areas of life that are important to you. Just don't expect yourself to be able to do it all- reduce the stress, it helps!!
It is amazing how a few sticks, well pretty sticks, can make a difference. I love me some cork screw willow. Good job. I love free. Richard from My Old Historic House.
I love Curly Willow. It looks wonderful on your mantel, Ann!
Gosh I love curly willow, Ann. It looks so great in your vases. I need to switch out the dogwood branches I have in a few vases around the house, and curly willow will be perfect. I don't think I'll find it for free, though!
I also have to tell you how great your brick looks painted white!
Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day for all the things we want and need to do. I've never been good at the whole balance thing. I once read that Martha Stewart only sleeps a few hours each night - that wouldn't work for me!
I think you are doing a great job of keeping your blog updated, btw!
Your Curly Willow looks fabulous in the urns by your tv. I started one years ago and enjoy having the branches available when I need them.
It is hard to take a picture for your blog when you work, isn't it? Right now I leave in the dark and come home in the dark. I'll bet when the light flooded your room during your photo session, you jumped for joy.
Thanks so much for your sweet visit and for following my blog. I'm now following you, too, and looking forward to getting to know you through your blog.
That curly willow is cute! I love it in your pretty urns.
I have a problem balancing everything too, I blog on my down time or when my daughter is playing by herself or kids are in bed. That way during the day I take care of everything else. It is easier right now because my husband is deployed.
Post a Comment