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Wednesday, April 1, 2015

on the road again . . . I'm over at The Old Painted Cottage


One day in February, I came home from the hand surgeon feeling miserable after 2 cortisone shots and dreading the surgery looming in my future.


That same afternoon, I received an email from Jennifer Grey of The Old Painted Cottage
that made my spirits soar!


Steve couldn't understand my excitement, but I explained to him that Jennifer's was among the first blogs I ever read and she was one of the bloggers who inspired me to start my own blog.


The timing was perfect because surgery and recovery didn't allow me to do much with my hands, but I could hold a camera.


I took over 2000 photos (none of these photos are part of the feature) and edited it down to 150 - all with my left hand!


As I write this, the feature isn't published yet so I don't know how many/which photos Jennifer used.


Please head over to The Old Painted Cottage to check it out!


And now, for a hand update, my right wrist is still very weak and quite sore which makes blogging an arduous task - this short post took 4 days to complete with my left hand!

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67 comments:

  1. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow April 1, 2015 at 12:51 AM

    Great feature!

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  2. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryApril 1, 2015 at 3:26 AM

    Congratulations on your feature. Your home is so lovely and Lulu looks so happy to have her picture taken.
    Glad that you hand surgery is over and you are on the mend. It will heal soon and you will be back into the swing of things.
    Sorry to hear that your daughter is heading back up to SFO again. I know you loved having her close.
    The photo's were great and you really did an amazing job.
    Happy Easter to you and Steve and of course Lulu too.
    Mary

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  3. ConnieApril 1, 2015 at 3:27 AM

    You poor thing . . . my heart goes out to you.
    As always your cottage is amazing. You have made me look at primary colors in such a new and fresh way. I love how cheerful and fresh and clean they look together and it is all because of your charming blog.
    I'm sending get well wishes your way . . . and praying for a quick recovery.
    Connie :)

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  4. Jessica@CapeofDreamsApril 1, 2015 at 3:29 AM

    Congratulations! I'm not surprised she wanted to feature your lovely home, but how serendipitous that it happened when you were felling down. Sending lots of love that your surgery goes well,

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  5. Castles Crowns and CottagesApril 1, 2015 at 3:32 AM

    My dear friend, how I've missed you so. But you will heal and we will be here waiting for you. I never had the wrist surgery, but I did have THUMB surgery for a very similar problem (lucky for me it was my left thumb because I am right-handed). Your home is gentle and wafts in great memories for me when I first found your blog, and the summers I'd spend enjoying all of your posts. I will go over right now to see your feature! I hope each day counts down toward complete healing! Thinking of you, Anita

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  6. podsoApril 1, 2015 at 3:35 AM

    I'm glad you were encouraged by the email from Jennifer. I will check it out. I love your blue dishes against the yellow! Hope your recovery continues steadily, though for you I'm sure it's too slow!

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  7. FlowerLady LorraineApril 1, 2015 at 3:48 AM

    Way to go! That is so exciting!!!! I've enjoyed Jennifer's blog too from way back when I first started blogging. I need to check her out again. Thanks for the link. I look forward to seeing you spotlighted.

    May your recovery continue to steadily be better. Don't overdo things. Learning to use our other hand can be good for us.

    Happy Easter week ~ FlowerLady

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  8. Castles Crowns and CottagesApril 1, 2015 at 3:57 AM

    I was just there! There were so many great areas of the cottage that I've never seen dearest Carol! And that bedroom with the blue "toile-like" bedspread...OH MY! And of course, Miss Lulu looks as if she knows darn well she is the queen bee of the cottage. teeeeheee...and YOU! You look fabulous with your long hair! My hair was getting that long and then I cut it. I almost made it and I cut it off. I should have kept it!

    Your dutch door as well is so desirable. We can't have one because of the slightest air that could escape through the gap between top and bottom (with our winters, you know), but everything about your home and lifestyle is a beautiful read. Just get well soon, OK? Anita

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  9. Rita C at PanoplyApril 1, 2015 at 5:02 AM

    Oh, Carol, it is only right that your wonderful cottage be featured on Jennifer's blog - congratulations! At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I have to say it again - I love your cottage and your style. It's great that Jennifer used so many of your photographs. It is a perfect home for downsizing, and I wish I could find something so cozy here in my town. Your use of color and vintage finds make me happy, and I love how you say you now shop your home instead of other sources. I hope how soon your wrist is free of the pain you've had for so long now.

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  10. StaceyApril 1, 2015 at 5:07 AM

    Carol, each month I run to the Cottage of the Month on the 1st. Imagine my happy surprise to see you there today. Totally deserved! Thanks for brightening my day with your wonderful, colorful cottage. :)

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  11. DawnApril 1, 2015 at 5:19 AM

    Woww editing photos is hard work with only one hand. Good for you, and I hope you recover soon.

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  12. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageApril 1, 2015 at 5:38 AM

    Congratulations on your feature, Carol! I'm glad your wrist is mending. I can't imagine editing so many pictures with my left hand. Although, it is amazing what we can do once we have our minds made up. Love your images today. Take care and Happy Easter!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  13. Linda April 1, 2015 at 5:41 AM

    Wow! What an honour! I'm on my way over there now!

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  14. NanaDianaApril 1, 2015 at 5:58 AM

    Congratulations, Carol. What an honor. I will head over there.
    On another note, I am so sorry you hand bothers you so much! Wish I could wave a magic wand and make it better. xo Diana

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  15. ANNEApril 1, 2015 at 6:28 AM

    I'm glad she was able to raise your spirits! Hang in there, praying for your speedy recovery! xox

    off to check out the feature...

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  16. Linda @ A La CarteApril 1, 2015 at 6:44 AM

    So happy about the feature, and well deserved it is!! I admire your tenacity to keep blogging at all. Prayers continue for your healing.
    hugs,
    Linda

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  17. must love junkApril 1, 2015 at 6:53 AM

    Carol, congrats on your feature at COTM-that's such an honor! Your photos look wonderful-I really enjoyed the tour of your home! I hope and pray that your wrist heals and improves soon! :)
    Susan

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  18. CindyApril 1, 2015 at 7:24 AM

    I hope your hand is fully recovered real soon. I saw your cottage on Jennifer's site last night and I LOVE it!!! It is a refreshing change from Industrial/French decor. I love all of the colours that you use and it truly looks like a darling little cottage where people live comfortably.
    Congratulations on being featured!!!
    Cindy

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  19. KellyApril 1, 2015 at 7:52 AM

    Oh I will hop over right now! I love reading her blog to see the "cottage of the month" too. I don't know how you manage to do all that you do with just one hand! You are amazing.

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  20. AnonymousApril 1, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    I just found your blog from Old Painted Cottage, I love your cottage, it is so welcoming and colorful! My heart goes out to to you with your wrists. I broke both of mine 10 years ago and have had 3 surgeries...still sleep in braces at night and the left one is very weak...hang in there! Happy Spring! marsha@tubbslanefarm.com

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  21. 20 North OraApril 1, 2015 at 9:07 AM

    Congratulations and it really comes as no surprise. Who wouldn't love to see all of your beautiful and cheery home? Glad the hand is feeling better. Take care.

    Judy

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  22. bobbieApril 1, 2015 at 9:22 AM

    When did you move to Ojai?!?! ;)

    Could have SWORN we were in Ventura!!

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  23. UnknownApril 1, 2015 at 9:39 AM

    Congratulations on the feature Carol, I'm so excited for you!! I'm heading over now to check it out.
    xo Sally

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  24. Pamela GordonApril 1, 2015 at 10:03 AM

    That is super Carol! I used to visit her blog all the time and had it on my favourites list on the PC but forgot about it when I came on the MacBook so I'll go visit her again. I'm sorry your hand is being such a 'pain' in many ways and hope it will heal and be strengthened very soon. Blessings. Pam

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  25. Vickie @ Ranger 911April 1, 2015 at 10:54 AM

    Congratulations, Carol! It's quite an honor to be featured as the Cottage of the Month and I can't wait to see the post! I hope your recovery speeds up so you can enjoy all the things you like to do.

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  26. SusieApril 1, 2015 at 11:23 AM

    Carol, I can't wait for you to feel healed and healthy again. I know you are hoping the same. Bless your heart, xoxo,Susie

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  27. fiona andersonApril 1, 2015 at 12:06 PM

    I'm impressed, it takes me about ten days to write a post !
    Seriously though, I'm sorry you're still in so much pain. I'm off to check out your feature, you're lovely cottage is looking picture perfect.

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  28. Laurel StephensApril 1, 2015 at 12:50 PM

    What an honor, Carol, and so well deserved. I'm thrilled for you and excited to see your feature and the new photos you've taken of your adorable cottage. Please take it easy and continue to heal.

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  29. RueApril 1, 2015 at 1:03 PM

    I'm sorry your hand still hurts :(

    It's funny, I just wrote on your last post that I was so excited to see you on Jennifer's site :)

    Feel better soon!

    xo

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  30. Down by the seaApril 1, 2015 at 1:04 PM

    Wow that must have so exciting. I often pop by to look at the cottages of the month! Your home looks stunning and is one of my favourite cottages that they have shown! Sarah x

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  31. LindaApril 1, 2015 at 1:33 PM

    I love your home and am heading over to check out that post!!

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  32. primrosesatticApril 1, 2015 at 2:02 PM

    Poor you. Thank you for keeping with it. great post.
    Rosezeeta.

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  33. Row homes and CobblestonesApril 1, 2015 at 4:42 PM

    Carol,
    So sorry you are experiencing discomfort and weakness, Sending kisses your way. Just took the tour and plan to return tomorrow for a more leisurely look. I always love seeing your cottage, it makes me smile with its joyful color profusion.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  34. Joy JunktionApril 1, 2015 at 7:55 PM

    Congratulations on your feature, I'll have to go over and check it out! I am continuing to pray that your wrist starts healing quickly! I can't imagine not being able to use your dominant hand much! But you still do take awesome photos of your beautiful cottage! Blessings, Cindy xoxo

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  35. KathyApril 1, 2015 at 9:08 PM

    Congratulations! I just visited and your feature is stunning! I adore your home and you did a fabulous job photographing it. Well done and keep decorating. I always enjoy how your home is always changing.

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  36. ReneeApril 1, 2015 at 9:42 PM

    Congrats on your feature.
    So sorry your wrist is still weak. It will get better soon.

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  37. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowApril 2, 2015 at 2:50 AM

    Hoping that your wrist will strengthen daily ! :)

    Congrats on the feature ! :) I'll head on over .

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  38. Diva KreszlApril 2, 2015 at 4:44 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  39. Diva KreszlApril 2, 2015 at 4:48 AM

    So enjoyed all your beautiful photos and am heading over to The Old Painted Cottage to see your feature. Hoping your wrist heals quickly, you did an amazing job with your left hand!

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  40. Anita DiazApril 2, 2015 at 9:45 AM

    I just loved your feature at TOPC!! So happy to have found your blog:-)

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  41. karen@somewhatquirkyApril 2, 2015 at 9:54 AM

    All I can say is, you must be really great with your left hand! Hope all is healing well!

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  42. Daytona DamselApril 2, 2015 at 11:48 AM

    Congrats on the feature. Happy to hear you are past the surgery and praying you mend quickly. I love your home and you take such beautiful pictures. Debbie

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  43. Lowcarb team memberApril 2, 2015 at 2:02 PM

    So, so good to read this post.

    Beautiful pictures, thank you.

    Continue sending positive thoughts for a speedy healing for your hand.

    All the best Jan

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  44. Celestina MarieApril 2, 2015 at 6:34 PM

    Hi Carol, Congrats on your wonderful feature. I just visited and loved seeing your home and all the beautiful vignettes you created and photographed. Wishing you a full recovery and better days ahead for your hand.
    Happy Easter!
    CM

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  45. MelanieApril 2, 2015 at 6:54 PM

    Congratulations on being featured at Old Painted Cottage! I enjoyed the tour with all the beautiful photos. Still sending you healing prayers and positive thoughts your way...

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  46. Vicky HuntApril 2, 2015 at 8:02 PM

    Congrats on the feature! It was just lovely. I enjoyed seeing a bit more of your (oops, Steve's) kitchen too. Your houase is one of my absolute favorites in blogland...well, actually one of my favorites I've ever seen. Such a happy place!

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  47. My Garden DiariesApril 2, 2015 at 8:48 PM

    What an honor to have your blog featured here friend! SO glad you were able to partake in this...just wish your hand was feeling better because I know how much you love to create! You take care of you and I will jump on over! Happy Easter! Nicole xoxo

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  48. Botanic BleuApril 2, 2015 at 8:53 PM

    Carol,
    What fun to be featured on The Old Painted Cottage. But, what I like most is that you still get excited about being featured by another blogger. YOU are one of my first followers who has encouraged me by your writing and comments. So I love that everyone is someone's inspiration and that the bloggers I admire still get excited, too.

    Happy Easter,
    Judith

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  49. SarahApril 2, 2015 at 9:15 PM

    Congratulations on the feature. I'll be eager to read it. Your cottage is totally charming, and your photography skills are stellar. I know it is going to be fabulous!
    Take care and continue to improve. Best wishes for a splendid Easter weekend.

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  50. greenthumbApril 2, 2015 at 9:41 PM

    I'm sorry to hear about your hand, I hope your not in to much pain. Love the photos of your home.

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  51. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseApril 2, 2015 at 10:33 PM

    Congratulations! I love the Cottage of the month series, it's always so inspiring! I can't wait to check it out. Will it be for April? Please be patient with your hand and don't ask too much of it too soon!

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  52. farmhouse-storyApril 3, 2015 at 2:28 AM

    oh, congrats to you, carol! wishing you painfree days soon:) happy easter!

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  53. Algodão Tão DoceApril 3, 2015 at 7:00 PM

    É Páscoa! Cristo está vivo, o túmulo está vazio, Ele ressuscitou!!! A mais bela festa dos Cristãos.
    Crentes no Amor de Deus Pai que nos deu seu Filho Jesus Cristo que permanece conosco pela força do
    Espírito Santos, seguimos nossa caminhada na construção de um mundo mais justo, fraterno, humano,
    harmonioso e de doação.
    Todos somos promotores da Paz!
    Feliz, Santa e Abençoada Páscoa.
    Um doce abraço, Marie.

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  54. Kim April 4, 2015 at 7:44 AM

    What a gorgeous feature, Carol. Your colors always make me happy...and I agree with you, flowers, flowers and more flowers!! ;)

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  55. sweetbriardreamsApril 5, 2015 at 1:08 AM

    Congratulations! And also bless your heart! I do hope you recover quickly - it's times like this we realise just how much we take our hands for granted. Have a wonderful Easter x

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  56. annyApril 5, 2015 at 10:05 AM

    Congratulations on the feature! Your home is really pretty.
    Have a happy easter and get well soon!

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  57. PoppyApril 5, 2015 at 11:36 AM

    Congrats on the feature, Carol! What an amazing feeling to be considered for such a photo story by a blogger you admired.

    Happy Easter!

    Poppy

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  58. Tea in the LibraryApril 5, 2015 at 1:38 PM

    Great news. Continue to lift you in prayer. Best wishes.

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  59. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresApril 5, 2015 at 6:23 PM

    Congratulations Carol, this is quite an honor! I hope every day gets a little easier for you.

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  60. Tania PelletierApril 5, 2015 at 6:57 PM

    Went over and checked out your feature. Your home is just beautiful, looks like such a relaxing, dreamy place to live :o]

    Tania

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  61. SueApril 6, 2015 at 5:39 AM

    I like the soft flower dishes on the shelf and how you laid out the flower petals next to the bed. It all looks like a magazine layout here and on Cottage of the Month that is simply a dream tour of your home. I can't express how much I like your cottage. In her tour of your home I too saw many things I had not seen before or from a different view point. I stopped and so love the black and gold frame, the paintings, some of the furniture, just everythingi shines. Amazing you even did this post with your hand as it is and it taking 4 days to do. Bless you and I pray for a quick recovery as well.

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  62. Sweet Cottage DreamsApril 6, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    Congratulations! Like you, Jennifer was the one who prompted me to start blogging in July of 2007. She is a beautiful person and I love her blog and her COTM's. I will be sure to journey over for a visit.

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  63. CatieAnApril 6, 2015 at 10:33 AM

    I will pop over to visit jennifer and see your photos. I hope you are getting better every day. Big hugs and happy thoughts coming your way...with speedy healing

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  64. DebbieApril 7, 2015 at 1:42 PM

    congrats, your home is so warm and inviting!!!!

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  65. Jeanette@Creating a Life StudioApril 7, 2015 at 11:43 PM

    Carol, I'm sorry I haven't been by much, but I am squealing over your feature as Cottage of the Month!! Your photos are simply gorgeous and I can't believe you accomplished all that with one hand. What an exciting honor to have your lovely home featured on a favorite blog. I'm sorry to hear about your wrist trouble. I hope it's healing quickly!

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  66. Pat's PatchApril 9, 2015 at 2:41 PM

    Congratulations on your home featured on your favourite blog. No wonder though as it is such a joyful, colourful bright and inspirational. Love your home and your blog posts. Thanks for sharing. Love Pat x

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  67. Ivy, Phyllis and Me!April 13, 2015 at 4:24 AM

    Good Morning Carol, Oh I am so sorry to hear that your hand is taking a little while to heal.... but you know that I think you are an amazing lady. You are the only person I know, who is able to share with us, such beautiful photographs, taken using one hand.
    Congratulations on being featured on your favourite blog. You must be over the moon. I am now going to pop over to enjoy the photographs.
    Take care of yourself.
    Best wishes as always.
    Daphne

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