Fifty Shades of Pretty

Blogging at this age means I have a point of view from life experience.  However just like a blogger of any age there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.



It's 3:30 p.m. and the mail has dropped off a couple of Ebay finds.  That sounds so casual doesn't it?  It really is a vortex of its own though.  Pouring through endless amounts of items I don't want to find my Prince Charming means lots of time spent online searching.  It has to be the right everything and financially feasible.  I feel triumphant in just finding the right item!

I am putting away the things strewn across the house from the last post I just finished.  Or trying to....I forgot to eat lunch and it's 4:00.  Sonny is staring at me, which in Shih Tzu language means "I have to potty".  Out we go but he's in no hurry, he has to smell the wind blowing from the east.  He stops and listens to the birds.  He admires the many blades of grass growing.  I keep thinking I need to get back online and respond to comments.  Did I get enough good photos?   I need to double check while the the light is still good.   Did I share a photo on Instagram today?   Sonny admires the grass for several more minutes and kicks his feet in his triumphant way.  My cue that we can go back in but where did Layla go?  She can be a stinker and likes to get in things she shouldn't.



The mister was kind to pick up some roses for me but they have to be some of the plainest most anemic looking roses I have ever seen. Not his fault but they didn't have anything.  I didn't know they grew grey roses!  What can I possible do with them?  Can I dye them?  No, I think Rit dye would kill them.  The box chain store was virtually sold out.  What can I do with these horrid roses?  I need flowers!  Flowers always motivate me and it usually falls into place when they are a part of a post.
No pretty roses today but the pumpkins came yesterday and are amazing!  They are small and I added them to the two larger ones I already had.  I love the colors and they do remind me of rich Fall flowers.  The pumpkins must come in fifty shades of pretty!  They are an Etsy find.  Who says Fall/Halloween has be orange?  There is a lot of shopping to be done online now and through consignment stores.  This larger silver tray is another find off Ebay.
















Many bloggers plan their next post but that isn't something that usually works for me.  I may have a loose idea but the ideas always have a mind of their own and I just follow where it takes me.  That means I pull a little of this and a little of that out, much like an enthusiastic cook would be with seasonings.  My decorating pantry is limited and I usually use as much from outdoors as possible.  We are fortunate to be surrounded by trees and shrubs so I can use them for building up a floral piece.  Sometimes that means I accidentally bring bugs in with me.  Chiggers, crickets, gnats and yes lizards!  Ahh...the rewards of blogging!

Blogging after fifty has been a great fit for me.  I have always loved interior decorating and colors.  The freedom to experiment from my home and quench that never ending desire to decorate is fulfilling.  As I have gone through life's many turns and twists I find that like many at this age, nature can calm and soothe my mind like nothing else.  A ride through the country or stopping at the lake for photos can change my mindset effortlessly.  Blogging has taught me to be more appreciative of this.  Also at this age I think most of us aren't nearly as competitive as we may have been when we were younger.  There is such a community of support and true happiness in others' achievements.



The plates I had ordered off Ebay arrived and are really dirty.   Who sends dirty dishes?  So before I can put them away they will soak in bleach and hot soapy water.  But the smell of bleach makes Sonny nauseated and he may stay on the porch for a while.  So in between taking photos I keep him in the corner of my eye, much like a toddler.  Who's the boss here?







Sonny is staring again and I know I have to pause everything or else.....










Jan









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Autumn Mantel

Borrowing from Mother Nature's palette, pairing Autumn colors with blue is a joy for me.  The liberal use of blue makes decorating with these colors a delight especially as the temps cool down.  Naturally drawn to the cooler shades on the cooler wheel the cool blue is a wonderful balance to the warm tones we see in Autumn.  The tall grass along with roses and dried hydrangeas bring the natural look of this season to the mantel.  Luckily we have all sorts of greenery to be had and used in the arrangements to make them fuller.













 Is there anything more awe inspiring than a beautiful Fall day with a bright blue sky and leaves turning such sweet colors?!  I so look forward to later in the year when we have color like this.  These photos are from from past few years here.

Jan

Plum and Gold Tablescape

Sometimes you start off with an idea and it changes along the way.  By adding dried roses and a plum tablecloth this tablescape became more lush and rich.  The roses dried to this gold color that makes them work well for a fall table.  Purple goblets and plummy colored plates on gold chargers make this a table that makes you want to grab a sweater even if it's still hot outdoors.



We have had these bottles of wine for years and I thought one would add a decorative touch to the table.



There's a sprinkling of Fall photos I have taken in the past to add to the rich cozy feeling.


































Jan

September Table

Guess what season is showing up on the dining table and buffet today?!  It all started with some roses that come in those hues that have a special magic about them.  There are shades of pink and yellow and peach that are perfect year round but seem especially appropriate for fall color.  The roses are in the blue and white jars and dried hydrangeas in the open filigree bowl.

The buffet carries over the dried hydrangeas used as an accent with the colored grasses and more roses.  Smaller pieces of copper sit at the foot of the arrangement beside the green vintage books.  Blue willow plates and blue tablecloth represent the blue sky of Autumn and always compliment the warm tones so well.











If I see a fabric that I especially love I usually buy it before I know what I will do with it.  If you love something you will find a way to use it.  This isn't a tablecloth but I use it as one all the time.  It's actually.....a fitted sheet!  That's right!  Gathered as it is in the center of the table gives the table more oomph and you wouldn't know the wiser if I hadn't told you.



Since it's a blue color I knew I would use it quite a lot and have.



But it's a secret between us, I don't want everyone copying me and using sheets on the table.  Wink!




I added lorapetalum clippings and some from another bush.








I like to experiment with the flowers and see what comes out....















Jan

Falling Slowly

I know it will be some time before we see any real signs of Fall down here.  It takes a while for Summer's tight grip to loosen and allow the humid free days of Fall to dance around us once again.  Autumn does eventually arrive and it brings us color that enchants and awes.



A Fall centerpiece for a table defines Autumn here.



Small pumpkins on vintage plates with a rug underneath sets the tone for this table here.



A branch from the woods give the living room an authentic fall feeling here.



October Sky here.






Copper tub with dried hydrangeas and sunflowers is sitting between two Fall fresh florals on the pine table here.



More dried hydrangeas along with a plate of dried zinnias sit alongside a sketch.











Jan