Friday, April 24, 2015

a whole lotta nothin' . . .


That's exactly what is happening here,


a whole lot of little things,


but nothing has been completed.


I began organizing my creative space (third and FINAL change in 15 months), but I am not finished.


I started creating a sewing center in the armoire in our bedroom,


but I am not finished.


I have been working on the gift bags for my future daughter-in-law's bachelorette party.


They are finished except for a couple of items I have to buy, but I can't show you until after the "Palm Springs Weekend".


I painted a pillow for a swap I am participating in - I still need to sew it up.


I painted this cabinet the night before my surgery, left handed, but it still needs sanding and a coat of wax.


I wanted a curtain on the garage door so I threw a favorite vintage tablecloth over the curtain rod, but I have yet to sew it into a curtain.


I have been working in the garden,


but beneath all the pretty flowers are a whole lot of weeds.


The only project I actually finished was to create a seaside vignette in the hallway.


But, I have decided to move some more furniture around and soon this cabinet and vignette will be elsewhere.


One silly minor change packs a big punch.


I don't know if you are aware, but California is in a terrible drought and watering the garden is taboo.


This cute watering can sits under the kitchen table to be filled every time we are running water to get it hot .


With all the water we collect in the watering can, in addition to buckets in the bathtub, I am able to water the garden.


I am learning to be patient and not stress because once I finish all of these projects


I know there will be another project waiting in the wings.

58 comments:

  1. I absolutely LOVE the fabric that you used to make the little door curtain. It's beautiful. I so enjoy looking at pictures of your home, it's just so lovely :-)

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  2. Love all your photos!

    Kathy

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  3. There might not be much going on, but your house is always adorable.

    Good for you for collecting the water as it runs. My great grandfather also kept a bucket in the shower to collect water when he bathed. He didn't live in a drought stricken area. He was just a frugal Scotsman!

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  4. It sounds like a whole lot of everything, Carol! You create such charming vignettes around your cottage - I really enjoyed all of your photos!

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  5. There may be a WHOLE LOT OF NOTHING going on, but what you do have is HUGELY gorgeous, perfect and silent. Sometimes NOTHING is the best thing to do, think and feel. Just BE.

    Carol, I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate that POEM template you sent me. I filled it in, hoping to fill in a different version every week to do a mood check. I also translated it into French for my students. THANK YOU!

    OK WOMAN, off to the beach for you. Through out a prayer or good thought to the sea for me.....I'll be there soon in Carmel. LOVE! Anita

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  6. So actually you have done a lot. I love your tile floor and don't think I have noticed it before. Oh, yes, we are very aware of your drought. It has been on the national news many times. Just awful. We had a severe drought several years ago and could not do any outside watering either. It killed me to watch my yard turn brown. I hope you have a great weeekend!

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  7. Ha, I'd say you have a whole lot of something going on and that is 'creativity' and enjoying life.

    I love the curtain for the garage door, it's perfect.

    Have a great weekend ~ FlowerLady

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  8. Hi,
    Yes, I heard about the awful drought in California. We here in Wisconsin love California produce, so it is sad for all of us.
    I love your ideas of catching all the water you can to keep things growing at your house.

    I love that garage door.
    I also enjoyed your last comment. :-)) That is me for sure.
    Carla

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  9. So sorry about the drought, it must be hard to watch your beautiful garden wilt and not be able to water it. Hang in there!

    xo

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  10. You're in a drought and we had snow twice again this week. Your flowers are beautiful I wish something would bloom here.

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  11. I am in the same boat, a whole lot of things started but not finished. But I know they will be, I just have to have patience. Yes, I did hear about the drought! Lovely photos as always.

    Have a great weekend.

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  12. Sometimes a little bit of not much is exactly what we need! It sounds like you are a busy girl and lots going on from my perspective. Love the non-curtain on the door!

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  13. Well, it sounds like you've been very busy to me. I could just bask in your pictures and then call it a day. Beautiful as always!

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  14. Are we ever REALLY finished with our projects? I know the one time I convinced myself I was finished, we had to move! So, I never am truly finished! I remember collecting water in things so the flowers wouldn't all die when I lived in Arizona. Hope your hand is doing good. I'm sure I would be a pain-in-the-backside if I couldn't crochet or sew or do a proper tidy in the house. Hope you have a nice, relaxed weekend!
    Hugs to you,
    Deb

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  15. I feel like a whole lot of nothin is getting done here also. I've started some projects but every thing has come to a halt since waiting for baby started and now that she is here we are even busier. The drought in Calif is horrible, I'm glad you are using the water you can to save your garden.
    hugs,
    Linda

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  16. Carol, I love touring your beautiful home and gardens. I love seeing your husbands art. All your displays and projects. I am glad you are thinking of the water shortage. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  17. Your not finished projects are so pretty anyway! Several things not finished here and here's my confession: there are so many fantastic things going on in blogland that I'm wasting time!! Precious time. I love that you collect your water instead of wasting it. I do that too but in a milk jug. Your idea is much cuter. :)

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  18. I loved reading your whole lotta nothin' post! I always have tons of little things going on and unfinished projects here and there that don't seem worthy of a blog post all on their own but how fun it was to read about all your little nothings! :o] I love the tablecloth curtain and for some reason the little dish drainer that you filled with goodies speaks to me, I have several old dish drainers in my antique booth and I think I might snag one to keep and fill with little things like you've done!

    Tania

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  19. Even your garage door is pretty! Love that shade of happy blue. And the "curtain" you made.....love that! Glad your recovering quickly!

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  20. That whole lotta nothing-nothing turns out to be quite sumthin' if you ask me! xo Diana

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  21. Sometimes living with things unfinished is more interesting then perfection.
    I think your cottage is one of my most favorites, the collected and gathered look of your cottage is so adorable.
    I too have projects started here and not finished but most would not know if they entered yet I know because it's things like a closet turned into a pantry that a door closes it off. Your exterior of your home is perfection done or unfinished, I love the combination of the white walls, and the blue of the sea trim and doors.

    It really is a charming visit this Friday morning.

    Xx
    Dore

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  22. Ps.... Forgot to mention, I love that Bleu cabinet.
    Xx
    Dore

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  23. Carol,
    I can so relate to unfinished projects. I think this blog post is refreshing and shows an endearing Carol. I am sure you are needing time to heal from your surgery, gotta tell you I'm highly impressed you painted the cabinet with your left hand!!! Your photos cheer me and always put me in a happy mood visiting your fun, colorful and inspirational cottage by the sea. Sending love for a weekend of walks on the beach and relaxation my Wonderwoman friend,
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  24. I absolutely love all your little.....and big unfinished projects. Each one already looking just like your imagine which we have become to love. Always colorful and comfortable. You take care of that hand. Oh! When I cook veggies in water, I always let the water cool and I use that to water plants also. We gotta' do what we gotta' do!

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  25. That whole lot of nothing is really something ;) I love that curtain you're making for the door.

    I remember the last two huge droughts in California. The first time I was around 8 living in Arcadia and all I remember is that my mom was freaking out because she couldn't water anything in her newly landscaped yard. During the second one in the late 80s, we lived in Santa Ynez and there were fires everywhere. One of the fires came right up to the back of my mom's ranch. We were on a well, so our yard was green and saved it. It was really devastating though.

    I hope it ends for all of you soon and you finally get the rain you need.

    xo

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  26. Our to-do lists are never ending. Everything looks so just as cozy and comfortable as always. If I painted a cabinet with my left hand it sure wouldn't look as good as yours. We have rain in the forecast for tonight, but it won't even put a dent in our drought condition. I suppose ever little bit helps though.

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  27. Your vignettes are so beautiful and inspirational. Something for me to hold on to in the middle of our painting disorder. Many years ago I remember the British government running a contest for water saving slogans during a drought. The most popular by far was Save Water, Shower with a Friend.

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  28. I love seashells and that sweet little sand pail. I'm always on the look out for one....well for seashells AND a pail! Happy weekend my friend! Hugs, Diane

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  29. Isn't there always unfinished things to do? My list just overwhelmed me so I just don't do anything. I'll just go see and/or paint and act like it'll get done all by itself. Oh well.......

    Judy

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  30. I have lots of unfinished things to do too. I hope the drought ends soon.
    ~Cindy

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  31. Love the little door curtain Carol it is so cute. All your little projects are great. Hey be patient with your hands. It will get better.
    Enjoy the bachelorette party in Palm Springs. You will have to let me know about that area Terry has a job possibility there. So you will need to give me the scope.
    Kris

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  32. THAT! is exactly how I operate.
    I have a whole lot of nothing going on all the time-- and a slew of unfinished projects.
    I agree about learning patience... there are more days and more projects, what's the worry?
    As to water rationing... We have that too.
    I wash dishes in a DOLLAR GENERAL DISH PAN... and water the plants with my dishwater.

    take care...
    tomorrow takes care of itself. ;)

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  33. You are right Carol, our project lists are never ending! But, it always gives us reason to get up in the morning! I love your little nothings, they all add up to beauty in your home! Have a blessed weekend! Cindy

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  34. I could not love a kitchen vignette more than I love that little table etc. So smart to keep the watering can like that. And bathwater... Great idea. Wish I could share some or our rain with you.

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  35. I feel like this all the time....I have so many half way projects but like you said...there will always be more! I can not get over how much you are STILL doing with one hand!!! And your garden looks so pretty Carol! I am praying for more rain for you guys...if I could send you some rain water I would....but that is such a creative idea to save water from the shower to use on your garden. And your projects in the making are awesome!!! Wishing you a lovely weekend my friend! Nicole xo

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  36. Looks like a whole lotta something's to me! Loved the photos and the project updates! Hugs from the Bay of Bengal~ Jackie

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  37. The picture of your blue door is charming! Don't fret over unfinished projects, we all have them!

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  38. Hi Carol, I'd say the whole lot of nothin is a great big something. You have so much to look forward to. I could write a book on my UFO's. We all seem to have them!! Eventually they all get done somehow~
    Love your pics and your charming vignettes.
    Have a nice weekend.
    Hugs, CM

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  39. I always love seeing your colorful cottage. Thank you for conserving the water and using it to water plants. We in modern times are thoughtless when wasting precious water. Here in Florida they have restricted yard watering to twice a week for years but the water table is still going down. Debbie

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  40. Your kitchen vignette is awsome! I'm so crazy about your red checked canisters, just adorable! All of your projects are a lot of everything, really neat!

    Have a great Saturday~

    Nancy

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  41. Love the little bags for the shower - they look great. Everything looks so good, carol.
    Yes, the drought is really a very big problem. I have water cans all over the place catching water for my gardens. I have turned off the sprinklers so the grass will die and will hand water my roses and flowers. I guess we never realize just how much water we do use.
    Take care of your self and have a gret weekend.
    Mary

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  42. Hey, at least you've STARTED these projects! Isn't that usually the hardest part? i have heard about your drought and know how awful that must be. I've had to deal with drought conditions before and watch everything turn brown outside. Watch the cars get dirty and feel the heat of the day with no relief in sight. No fun! I hope that things will improve for you soon. Summer is not usually a rainy time for most though. We have had a lot of rain here so I wish we could share it with you! it must be strange to live so close to a vast ocean but be told there is a water shortage in your area!

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  43. I just love your bright and cheery house! your posts always seem to give me energy. Though I love my whites and blue greens in my house and they make me feel peaceful, I always am inspired to add color when I come here :). Have a great weekend!

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  44. This isn't a whole lot of nothing...it's a whole lot of "somethings"! Hate to admit, but that's the way my life is pretty much all the time. lol At least we're always busy! Your flowers/gardens are so pretty. I can't imagine not being able to water. It's raining here today...wish I could send it to you.

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  45. I like all your "unfinished" things :) I have been complaining about all the rain we have had. I know that is silly to do. I have also been thinking about why can't we ship some of that water to California. We have had droughts in GA but nothing to compare to what you all are going through.
    Praying for rain in your area soon.

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  46. It looks like a LOT of things have been happening, even if things aren't quite finished. I'm wondering if we are going to have a very dry summer here on Vancouver Island. We've had a dry winter and spring. I hope rain comes your way soon.

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  47. Good Evening Carol, I love visiting you because there is always something bright and colourful to enjoy. You say there's a 'whole lotta nothing' happening around your home, but there is loads.... even while awaiting surgery you were a busy bee.
    I understand about water shortages, because when we lived in Cyprus, we had to be very careful with the water. We used our washing up water and saved our shower water to give our fruit trees and plants a drink during the hot summers.
    I do hope that the water shortage does not last too much longer.
    Best Wishes to you.
    Daphne

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  48. Perfect and joyful fabric hanging on the garage door rod that I love. I had heard about the drought in California of course, but you put it into perpective.

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  49. These are all great projects Carol. I love the idea of collecting water while you are waiting for it to get hot. Smart, very smart!

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  50. You always have so many projects on the go, Carol. You amaze me!

    Karen

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  51. It is so nice to have a variety of lovely , creative projects on the go . It fills our lives with something pleasant and nice to look forward to. I have heard about the drought in California. Water shortage is a big issue everywhere and sometimes we seem to ignore it.
    Have a wonderful week!
    Tina

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  52. It is so nice to have a variety of lovely , creative projects on the go . It fills our lives with something pleasant and nice to look forward to. I have heard about the drought in California. Water shortage is a big issue everywhere and sometimes we seem to ignore it.
    Have a wonderful week!
    Tina

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  53. Water won't be an issue here this year what with the amount of snow we had this past winter. In fact there is still some snow on the ground here. I'm glad your garden can get a drink once in a while. It would be a shame to have everything dry out. You have such a bright cheerful home, Carol, whether the projects are finished or not. I hope Cali gets some rain soon and your hand is healing up nicely. Thanks for stopping by. So nice to hear from you!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  54. Carol, your whole lotta nothing sure is pretty! I always love your photos. I have a lot of projects started to but NOT finished. This year has been so busy with unexpected things going on that take up time... Hopefully summer will bring some calm! And finished projects :)

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  55. Oh my changing it up again and it looks great finished or unfinished. as always Enjoy your photos and blog

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  56. I started three projects today and only finished one, but I'm just so happy I spent the day being creative because the alternative was housework....yuck.
    Little by little you'll get there and you need to enjoy your retirement, not beat yourself up over stuff. I hope your hand is better x

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  57. Carol, I noticed a copy of The Painted Cottage in one of your baskets. Don't you just love that book!

    How is your hand?

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