Friday, May 22, 2015

Success


It is just short of two years since I retired from teaching and I still am not adjusted to the realization that I can pretty much do anything I want on any given day.


I like this Bob Dylan quote because it sums up our days.


Yesterday, we walked Lulu on the beach - frequently we are the only people on the beach.


I took the time to pull threads to fringe the edges of this checkered fabric to make a tablecloth.


When I was working, I wouldn't have had the time to fringe the edges nor would I have the time to set a pretty table for the great meals Steve creates.


I found the time to switch things around like changing the contents of my vintage shopping basket from letters to numbers,


I found a spot to store some of my wire basket collection


and I finally switched the knobs on the way too bright red cabinet in the living room - I need to put re-painting it on the "WANT TO" list.


I popped over to the nursery to buy some flowers - these will end up in the garden, but for now they look pretty in my grapevine basket.


Moving a chair into my little garden house


allowed me some time to do some doodling.


The other day I found the time to decorate the dining room shelf in a patriotic theme


and it will stay that way at least through the 4th of July.


As will the patriotic look in the living room.


The wedding invitations are out for Josh and Aylin's wedding


the most fun I am having each day


is creating things for their library themed wedding.


By Dylan's definition of success, I am there, but please wish me success for today.


I brought home my new glasses yesterday, but Josh, Aylin and Steve all say they are "UGLY" and now I "HAVE" to go back to the shop to see if they will possibly exchange them.

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join me for

Share Your Cup at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson


62 comments:

  1. What a great post! Taking the time to do just what you want to do is the best, isn't it? And retirement from teaching, you so deserve it! Walking on the beach would be my all time favorite thing to do, now to me, that's pure bliss. I love all of your patriotic touches, they look just wonderful! Oh no, sorry about your glasses!
    Have a great weekend,
    Nancy

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  2. My friend, it is a joy to scroll down to read your words, to see your home.

    Just the other day, my husband and I (both fatigued from the school year and finals - he still teaches one class on top of his administrative duties) were talking about retirement. I was so honored that he said with an exasperated voice, "All I want to do is to enjoy my life, with you."

    I broke into tears.

    Teaching is awesome, and so is life, but there are times that get too tough for both of us, too overwhelming that don't allow us to listen to the empty air, to "pull the fringe" on a lovely piece of cloth (or write a poem), or to enjoy other things that feed our souls. YOU are so lucky and I pray that we over here can weather the remaining years of working in an increasingly stressful workforce, and come out alive!!!!!!

    YOUR days are sunny and full of much success. And you'll get those glasses exchanged, I know it!

    SO FUN to see you on Instagram! Love and hugs, Anita

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  3. What a wonderful post! Filled with beauty, color, wedding plans, flowers, vignettes of your lovely home.

    Thank you for sharing ~ FlowerLady

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  4. *sigh* retirement. What a lovely word!

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  5. Isn't it amazing to have your days as your own? And there's a sort of guilt complex attached to saying you've got a lot to do on a given day when it may be just two or three errands, right? Love your patriotic vignette - it works so well with your primary colors already in place. I did a bit of the red, white & blue last year, but was so ready to replace it in July, as I felt like it clashed with my more neutral decor. :) Love your wire baskets and numbers collections, too. Invitations out is a big relief! Have fun with that theme, Carol. Can't wait to see your photos as it unfolds.
    Rita

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  6. I love this post! I'm sure it does take some getting used to being able to do what you want to every day. I went to a retirement party last night for someone in our district and another man was there who retired at Christmas. We asked him how retirement was going and he said "every day is Saturday!". As you well know, we teachers get a glimpse of what it will be like over the summer every year, but they are usually spent catching up on things that we put on the back burner throughout the year. I am so glad you are enjoying your retirement! And...by the way, I LOVE the wedding theme. That would be perfect for my daughter in the future! Have a blessed weekend...:) I have today off and Monday for Memorial Day...so a 4-day weekend! YAY!

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  7. It's amazing to be retired. I work pretty hard now but it's enjoying my home, my Grands and helping take care of my Mom. All things I would be hard pressed to do if I still worked. Love the library theme of the wedding. Enjoy your day.
    hugs,
    Linda

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  9. There is much beauty in your life (and probably your glasses if they would get used to them)…and I love how you see it and take note of the beauty--even the freedom to be and do what you want. The library theme sounds like fun---invitations look so creative and well done!

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  10. The wedding invitations are the most creative and adorable ones I have seen! I really love your home and your little 'shed'. I hope you have a pleasant holiday weekend.

    (I removed my previous comment due to a HUGE spelling error!)

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  11. congratulations on your "breakthrough"! Enjoy your wedding preparations!

    xox

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  12. Oh my goodness...those wedding invites are truly the sweetest and most creative I have ever seen!! Love them! I go to the beach often too and I am always amazed that I (or my husband and I) are the only ones there. Even on the weekends, it is so lightly populated, as people are running around doing errands and carting kids to and fro. You are smart to embrace your freedom and enjoy your days, Carol. Here's to many more! :-)

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  13. Awesome quote! While I'm enjoying retirement, I still miss working (and it has been over 10 years!) I love the library theme ~ that would have been perfect for me, too!
    I'd love to see those new glasses ~ I bet they are not as 'ugly' as the kids say!!
    Hugs ~

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  14. I always look forward to seeing your gorgeous home, Carol, and it's looking darling as ever today. As I was thinking how each photo you shared today is really a work of art in itself, I spied your doodles! Doodles! You are so talented! I think the library wedding theme is very unique, and that invitation is so cute! Thanks for sharing all that you do, and I wish you success today!

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  15. it's wonderful to hear that you're enjoying retirement. You certainly have a great place to retire in! I like seeing all of your creations and vignettes. I bet the wedding planning is keeping you busy right now.

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  16. A lovely post. It takes time to be creative. Retirement is a little ways down the road for us and I've been pleased to teach part time to allow a little more time at home.
    I love, love, love the library card invitation.

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  17. Bob is right on target! Joy seems to be the theme for the day...always a good thing! Your photos are lovely... And inspiring as always!

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  18. I love that quote! Has it really been almost 2 years since you retired? Where does the time go? Love, love, love the library cards, such a clever idea!

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  19. It's always so clever over here, love the library theme, and when retired time seams to get by real fast right?
    As for your glasses I would let family be to hard on you, we would always tell our Mom that we hated her new glasses when she got new ones, it's only because they would always feel so different. I don't think she ever returned a pair, she would tell us she loved them and guess what after a week of seeing them we forgot we hated them .... :)

    Love your Sea-- Cottage white and blue door so perfect.

    See you soon
    Xx
    Dore

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  20. Your bright and cheery post always brings a smile to my face. I absolutely adore the curtain you made for your blue door. It's so cute and so you!!

    Judy

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  21. I agree with the commenter who said it's a joy to scroll down your page and see all the photos of your lovely home. You are very inspirational! I'll bet you were a fabulous teacher!

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  22. Carol,
    I admire you have found your bliss in retirement, you rock the concept girlfriend! Hey I absolutely adore the library theme for your son's wedding.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  23. Everything is looking wonderful! Hope you can exchange your glasses.

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  24. HI Carol,
    I retired from teaching two years ago as well...same time as you. Isn't it wonderful to finally have time for the small things that make life oh so much fun? I love your photos, your home, your projects and your blog. Thanks for sharing,
    Cheryl at 22 Applegate Lane

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  25. I can't quite believe it's almost 10 years since you retired, doesn't time fly.
    You have so many wonderful pieces and it's a joy to look at all your vignettes. I think that you're truly making the most of your retirement and I look forward to the day when I can do the same.

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    1. Sorry, I really did mean 2, I don't want people to think I don't pay attention !!!

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  26. Okay, so where is the picture of your glasses? I hope you have luck exchanging them if you want to do that. Your house looks lovely and I think Bob Dylan is brilliant!
    Blessings,
    Patti

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  27. Lovely happy post...made me smile! I love the invitations!

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  28. What do men know about fashion? Why don't you give us a sneak peak, and we'll be honest, honest we will! Your home is so pretty and I'm so frustrated my back is keeping me from doing things I love! I overdid it and made it worse. oh whoa is me!

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  29. You just made me realize I don't need to create a to do list each day since I've been retired 7 or 8 years. Old habits die hard. My husband will appreciate not getting his "list" tomorrow morning.

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  30. Carol, I love all your wonderful patriotic things. Can't wait to see the wedding photos. LOL. You have not be retired long enough to truly miss working...I know that sounds so strange...but I do miss working. Wishing you and Steve a fabulous weekend. xoxo,Susie

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  31. Your doodles are lovely! How pretty everything looks Carol...you have such class! xoxo Jen

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  32. Hi Carol,
    I know you are loving the library themed wedding and all your craftyness is shinning. Hey if you like the glasses keep them they will all get use to seeing you in them. Have a great Memorial Day Week End. Enjoy the beach.
    Kris

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  33. That's success by my definition too. Sounds like bliss!

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  34. Isn't retirement awesome where you can pretty much do what you want most every day? I love puttering around the house, rearranging and playing with decor, changing things up, painting furniture...now I just need a beach to walk on! Those library card invitations are *amazing*!!

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  35. I just love retirement also - to get up when you want and do what ever. You seem to keep very busy and are doing all the wonderful things that you did not have time to do when you worked. Love your cottage and all the lovely things that you have done. Walking on the beach with Steve and Lulu and relaxing.
    Love the library theme on the wedding and looking forward to seeing the pictures.
    Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend.
    Mary

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  36. Your home always looks so bright and colorful, I love it! And I love that Bob Dylan quote... I wish I could live by that because right now I get up in the morning and head to a job that I HATE and then come home and go to bed :o( I'm working on changing that but it isn't happening fast enough!

    Tania

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  37. I always enjoy seeing the quotes in your type writer. I see people collecting the type writers... but yours is the first one I'v seen FRAME A QUOTE to consider or ponder. If I had one... I'd copy your style!
    You seem to have the success thing down pretty easy. I can't believe its 2 years since you retired.
    You deserve to do ALL of what you want on your own terms each and every day... Enjoy it!

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  38. Oh my gosh Carol, is it really going on two years? I can't believe it! Seems like just yesterday. Isn't life just grand? For years I only worked two days a week, but then I quit to help my oldest son when he and his wife divorced and he got custody of their three boys. That was over ten years ago and I have never regretted it! I love everything you do my friend. You have such a knack! Even your doodling is fabulous. : ) I love the idea of a library themed wedding. Can't wait to see it all! I am chomping at the bits to pull out all of my red, whites, and blues. Going nautical on the mantle with my new little chalk ware sailor. Hopefully next week I'll have more than just the porch done. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  39. Oh Gosh, I hope you were able to trade/switch your glasses! Since my hubby passed, I may never achieve that type of success, I'll probably have to work until I die, but I am Grateful to have a job that supports me and my son, that's a success I can be thankful for today! YES?!?! Have a Wonderful Memorial Weekend, Cindy

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  40. I love that Bob Dylan quote friend! And how amazing is that wedding invite!!! Just too clever and unique!!! Everything looks beautiful Carol! The flowers in your basket.....your doodling in your little garden house....and your table!!! One day we will meet!!! Until then happy creating to you!! Your son's wedding is going to be so fun!! Nicole xo

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  41. Just tell them the glasses are to go with the Library theme for their wedding ;)

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  42. Carol,

    What a beautiful post! As a teacher, with three years to go until retirment, I read your blog and dream. This weekend I am blessed to have three days to do what I want to do. How great is that! Here in NJ only four weeks until summer vacation. How great is that! I love your blog. You fill me with joy and inspire me!

    With abundant gratitude,
    Terry

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  43. New glasses as in eyewear? I think I would go with my original choice and let them get used to it. I love the idea of a library themed wedding. The invitations are wonderful! Love your patriotic decorations.

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  44. oh my goodness, those library card invitations are adorable! Your home looks lovely. It's wonderful to do what you want each day but a little daunting too...at least it is for me. I hope you have a wonderful summer!

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  45. If you like the glasses, keep them! I am envious of your open schedule, but there are only two weeks left in our school year. The end is in sight! I just wish that this time of year weren't so hectic. I'm sure you remember how many meetings the administration likes to pack into the end of the year when we already have so much to do.

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  46. Great post today Carol. Made me stop and think about how blessed I am to be able to do what I want each day within financial and legal LOL restrictions. One pleasure is being able to stay up late finishing a book I can't put down and then to sleep until I am ready to get up. The other is not having to put on panty hose. :) I do not even own a pair. Debbie

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  47. I love that you have an "I want to" list instead of a to-do list. That says it perfectly!
    Love love those wedding invitation.

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  48. Your home is such a source of inspiration in every little corner. Love that quote too on the typewriter. Awesome wedding invitations. Wishing you a Happy Memorial Day weekend.
    Hugs, CM

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  49. Carol, your days are so beautiful! While I am totally content living in today, I am happily looking forward to the years ahead with just the two of us and you inspire me to want to make those days beautiful too! Love your heart and your home.

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  50. How can glasses be ugly? I love your doodles, and each photo is such an interesting vignette. I love that the beach is empty most days. When in college I would go down to La Jolla Shores most days, and depending on the time, there wouldn't be a lot of people, but never empty. I've always loved the Santa Barbara/Ventura area. xoxo Su

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  51. always such a cheery place to visit!

    m ^..^

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  52. Your beach looks divine, I can't believe it's usually all yours! Love how you created the fringe tablecloth. Is that done with certain types of fabric? It looks really sweet. Your home is so creative, love your look!
    xo Sally

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  53. Your beach looks divine, I can't believe it's usually all yours! Love how you created the fringe tablecloth. Is that done with certain types of fabric? It looks really sweet. Your home is so creative, love your look!
    xo Sally

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  54. It's so fun seeing your cottage. I had missed some posts of yours. I love the picture of your doggy being held by your husband. I am missing my little dog today. She left us yesterday.
    Love what you did with the umbrella. Have fun planning the wedding. What a great theme.

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  55. I so enjoy seeing the lovely snippets of your days. The library themed wedding things look so fun!

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  56. Its so fun to see how you change things up, I love the vintage laundry cart filled with all the goodies. My house needs a good pick me up right now, but I'm too busy outside these days.

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  57. You always decorate with such beautiful style! I love the wire baskets and the cute pillows on your sofa! Enjoy your week sweet friend. Hugs, Diane

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  58. Everything looks so cute, Carol and I love the chair in your garden room.

    I'm sorry about the glasses. I've had that happen to me too. Hopefully you'll find the perfect ones :)

    xo

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  59. A library themed wedding?!! I love it. I can't wait to hear more about the details, how fun. And I can't believe its been two years since you've retired. Funny but I remember that so clearly. I'm so happy that so many good things are happening for you....

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    1. I apologize if you have left comments and I have not replied. Your comments and those of a few other people do not go directly to my email although they used to.

      Yes, it is a library themed wedding and I am having so much fun. There are just 7 weeks until the wedding. I told Aylin tonight when she picked up the 12 bags I made and filled for the bachelorette that we need to get busy when she gets home from Palm Springs on Sunday.

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  60. Wonderful quote. That about sums it up for us as well. It is so nice to be relaxed and do what we want when we want.
    I love the wedding invitations. What a unique theme.

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