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Friday, January 15, 2016

Life doesn't have to be perfect . . .


I don't make New Year's resolutions and I don't choose a word for the year,


but when I came across the quote, "Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful", I thought it would make a good motto for 2016.


So, what have I been up to in this imperfect, but WONDERFUL life I lead?


Mainly, I have been changing everything around from Christmas to everyday decor.


The dining room shelf turned white.


I stole a bunch of quilts from a cabinet in the living room and added them to the guest room ladder.


And of course one moves triggers another so new vignettes adorn the shelves in this skinny cabinet


and I spruced it up with a little ivy wreath.


My little shopping cart is now in the living room filled with a portion of my letter collection ( I have an addiction) and I discovered that an old wire crate fits on the bottom as a second shelf.



The ivy wreath didn't last long in the living room - the tall white cabinet in the entry needed a little color.



Everyone wondered why I would move my new red cart from it's spot in the entry, but it was just a tad too big.


My grandpa's rocker, spruced it up with some hearts I made the other day, takes up very little space.


Steve's kitchen got an update with a tall metal stool and then an unplanned change this afternoon.


I yanked a cord that got twisted around one of the shelves and then CRASH!


Not much survived, but I only lost 2 old treasures.


Even with the disaster in the kitchen (definitely not perfect) it's still a wonderful world.

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Join me at


French Country Cottage - Feathered Nest Friday

73 comments:

  1. Oh, YIKES!!! You must have been broken-hearted! I know I would have been ~

    but you are right ~ it is still a wonderful world!
    Hugs ~

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  2. Oh Carol, I'm so sorry about your shelf accident! Gosh, that kinda makes ya sick, doesn't it? I love those tiny hearts you made and put on your dad's rocker. Really, everything looks terrific in all your signature primary colors, and that DR white display is a beautiful look. The roses are gorgeous. I used to have a 'Just Joey' floribunda that looked a lot like that. Do you have the name of your variety? I'd love to replace what I no longer have (mine was grafted on a red rose root apparently, and lost its original hybrid color and vigor after two transplants and ten years).

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  3. I hate that the shelf came off the wall like that! I hope it didn't bop you on the way down.

    Life doesn't have to be perfect and it never is so we have to embrace the wonderful. :)

    I love the tea towel you made!

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  4. Oh, it took my breath when I saw your pretties broken on the floor! I would love to see some of those quilts out and about.
    Brenda

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  5. I love your 2016. Too bad about the the treasures. Thank goodness you weren't hurt.
    I finally have my Maileg. I posted about him yesterday.
    Hugs.

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  6. It is sad to lose treasures, but life is imperfect but still wonderful. Love that saying. I'm feeling so good about my downsizing. So much more to go but I've made a huge dent in the dish closet. Keeping what I use, need and love love! I like how the colors in your cottage are so bright!

    Linda

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  7. I love the tall cabinet in your entry. Such a unique piece with the sweet little drawers.

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  8. Well... the whole thing came tumbling down.
    But wait! LIFE doesn't have to be perfect to be WONDERFUL.
    You chose a lovely motto for 2016!
    Sorry about your lost treasures...

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  9. Your phrase came along at the right time to stop my fretting over the decorating of our den. It is coming together, I just have to let things evolve instead of trying to control and do it all now. What a shock with the shelf. I gasped when I saw the photo. Hope you weren't hurt.

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  10. I saw the kitchen "event" on IG and my heart broke. Somehow you calmly handled the situation. I don't make New Year's resolutions either. Nor do I choose a word but this year is going to be about new beginnings for me. I need to figure out how to communicate that.

    Anyway, my friend...Happy 2016!

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  11. Sorry about the shelf! Glad you didn't lose everything. I always enjoy your blog with all of your colorful decorating. So inspiring. Thanks. I needed that inspiration today.

    Judy

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  12. Oh my gosh, Carol! That must have scared you half to death! Glad you weren't hurt. Looks like time for new decorations! Your home is so lovely! I am in love with your entryway cabinet...swoon...and your guestroom is charming! Love your quote for the year, too!

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  13. Don't you hate it when something like that happens...I hope no one was hurt in the crash...What a wonderful motto for 2016...I don't choose a word either, but I have a wooden sign on my mantel that sums up my motto..."do what makes you oh so Happy"

    I'm looking forward to following along with your wonderfully imperfect life!

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  14. Oh no! What a mess! Sorry you lost a couple old treasures, but it could have been worse. SOunds like you have the right attitude about the situation and yes....even though life isn't perfect, it's still wonderful! We should all count out blessings every day! Have a lovely weekend.

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  15. You decorate so beautifully!! So sorry about the kitchen catastrophe! Glad you didnt lose too many pretties!!

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  16. Sorry Carol to hear about the shelf falling. Sorry you lost some treasures. Just glad you did not get hurt.
    Have a good week end.
    Kris

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  17. I seriously gasped when I saw it. I'm so, so sorry. I'm glad there were only two treasure lost out of the bunch. I'm sure that was a mes to clean up. I'm also glad you didn't get hurt.

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  18. Ouch! It certainly stings just a bit when "unplanned" events like that happen. Your switch out to everyday decor is pretty and fresh looking. Isn't it funny how the timing of the seasons and holidays work "perfectly" with our need to change things up? As we begin to tire of one look, it seems that it's actually time to switch the look anyway. However, I don't think the scattered-all-over-the-floor look was what you had in mind.

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  19. My mouth flew open and I guess I must have made some sound as Mr. Sweet said, WHAT ?? "Carol's shelves fell to the floor and things broken all over the place"..."Carol ?....who's Carol" he says...
    "O, never mind... she got it fixed"....LOL
    So sorry but guess it could have been worse..as you say, it's still a wonderful life.

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  20. Oh my gosh! What a thing to happen and you can still say it's a wonderful life. Bless your heart. The world is certainly imperfect, but we can still live wonderful lives.

    Thanks for being the inspiration that you are ~ FlowerLady

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  21. oh NO that was quite the crash!!!!

    Aside from that everything looks pretty and cheerful as always! :)

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  22. OH CAROL!!!!!!!!!!!!! GEEZ....I bet the sound alone was enough to shock you! You lost two treasures? Which ones? Wow, well now I hope all is settled in! Yes, no matter what, I must remember that this IS a wonderful life. Thank you for your message. XOXOX

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  23. You take the best photos -- of course you have great subject there in your ever changing home. Sorry about your kitchen disaster. I had something similar happen to a hutch, but I lost a lot of family treasures. I always enjoy your posts and this is a good one to focus on --not perfection but still wonderful!

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  24. Oh NO!! What a shame about the shelving in the kitchen and all the breakage. I like the other changes in your decor better. :) Enjoy the weekend.

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  25. Oh boy, I hope you are okay, that none of that stuff hit you!! How awful for such an accident to happen. Everything else looks wonderful. I love that you have a letter addiction...I have an A addiction but I like that you mix it up...your 2016 is fabulous!! Have you put all your adorable pixies/elves away? I just love them.

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  26. Awww what a shame!! Sorry you lost those treasures.

    Your vignettes are always perfect! Love them all - have a happy weekend!

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  27. My heart sank when I saw the shelves crash down. Sorry your lost some treasures. Things like this happen, and like you said, life is still wonderful. All your vignettes are special!
    Your home is beautifully refreshed for the season. Doing lots of the same here. It's a January thing~~~ Have a nice weekend.

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  28. Carol, So sorry you lost some treasures. Your make overs look very nice. I love that you use your quilts. The quote is really true. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  29. When I saw the crashed shelves on IG, I couldn't believe it. I'm so sorry you lost a couple of treasures, too. Always heartbreaking. Well...the rest of your house looks beautiful! I really like what you did with the cart.

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  30. Carol.
    Your title, now motto is perfect and yes life is wonderful. Even when a couple cherished pieces comes crashing down around us. Pesky cord.... Your hearts you sewed are cute. Carol you always amaze me with your design and sewing achievements. I need some of your energy, Fluffing your nest in January, seems we all do it and I also take advantage of all the White sales. Your roses are stunning! Have a happy, fun klutz free weekend.
    Xoxo,
    Vera

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  31. Oh my when I do things like that I kick myself for about a week - and then remind my myself it's only stuff and I have plenty more. The replacement looks just as sweet - and a lovely motto to live by...

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  32. I thought for sure you had had an earthquake and that's what took down the shelves :( What a mess and so many pretty items smashed. So sorry you had to lose treasures along with it.

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  33. Aw. That's too bad about the shelf. But as you've said so well, life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful! It looks like you're having fun rearranging your house. I took down a few more Christmas things today. Soon it will be time for spring!

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  34. Love your quote for the year. I've not yet met anyone who's life is perfect, though many who might look it on the outside. It's fun to change things around for a new look...love all the changes in your Charming cottage!
    Mary Alice

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  35. Oh NO Carol! I'm so sorry. You're right though. It is still a wonderful world :)
    Blessings,
    Patti

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  36. OMG sweet friend! I was scrawling down and looking at each your vignettes and charming decoration and I said to myself: What an adorable open shelf hutch in the kitchen and then PAW! I'm so sorry this happened, I'm always afraid to do just this with a glass one I have! I'm glad you just lost two things, but still.
    Lets look at the bright side... maybe you can go hunting for new things to add to the shelves.
    Enjoy your weekend anyway.
    FABBY

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  37. You have a great attitude! I have a little sign on my desk that says: gently remind yourself that things are okay the way they are right now.

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  38. Gracious Dow! Hope you didn't get hurt. I'm sure you'll have that area looking as good as new in short order.

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  39. Tudo muito bonito por aqui.Sinto muito por sua prateleira.Bom domingo.Beijo.Valéria.

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  40. So sorry about the shelf mishap. I think you have a house of happy. I just love the feeling in each and every room.

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  41. That is why I do not trust those type of shelves. So sorry you lost a couple treasures. I am sure you will find more treasures in the years to come. Love your grandfather's rocker, wspecially painted in red.

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  42. Good Evening Carol, Oh I am so sorry to see all your lovely treasures broken on the floor... I really feel for you.
    I do love your white shelves, filled with white pieces of gorgeousness and like you, I am a great lover of hearts, they appear in all forms around my home.
    As always, a lovely stroll around your home.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

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  43. O no !!!!.....That is not wonderful!!....but i am glad life is well.....love from me happy week Ria x❤️

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  44. Sorry about your crash :-( Your shelf is still darling though. I love your motto for 2016. May I borrow it?

    Big Texas Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  45. Life and shelving doesn't have to be perfect...but it would be wonderful to have all the comments you get! Sorry about the shelves. Couldn't believe it when I saw it on Instagram.

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  46. I saw your crash on Instagram...not fun. I am sorry you lost treasures at all. I love the dining room shelves...so much pretty white!! It actually is perfect! :)

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  47. It certainly is a wonderful world! But darn! Hate that when I break things myself. I bet that crash made you jump! Love the letters in the basket and the quilts on the ladder. I have had a bad case of the Spring Fever and need to make a trip to the store for some flowers. I don't pick a word, but I do make mental goals in my head.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  48. Oh, no. I hate it when I do something that doesn't end well. Which seems to be more often. Love all your changes. (Well, except for the broken things).

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  49. How sad about the shelves. I'm glad you didn't lose too many precious things. It's a shame you can't give me the broken bits for my mosaic. At least then it wouldn't be a total loss.

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  50. What a great motto and great decor to go with it. Your home looks lovely, Carol.
    Amalia
    xo

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  51. Oh........my............gosh!!!!! Ouch! I bet that was a loud noise when that shelving came crashing down. I've had things fall like that and I always hold my breath until I see the damage. At least you have a good attitude about it. I might've shed a tear, if it was me. Or a nasty word, more likely. Ha! I love that quote too. I believe The Nester coined that phrase. I try to embrace imperfection these days so I can keep my sanity. I remember when we had a real estate agent over to our house recently and I was pointing out all of our flaws. He said there is no perfect house.

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  52. Oh goodness on the shelf falling, Carol, but if you're like me, we get to a point where things like that are really "just things", and all is still right with the wonderful world! I do love your sprucing up changes and fell in love with your "2016".....adorable!!!

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  53. I'm so sorry about your loss. I like what you've been doing to fix up your place though.

    Have a wonderful week,
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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  54. Hi Carol..
    I'm sorry about your shelf.. You have such a good outlook about it! Your images are so inspiring. Your home looks very lovely and charming. You have so many fun details around your home. Your little saying is so true and a good reminder. Thank you for your visit and for saying hello. AND for hosting the party. I see that you like to collect things too! Isn't it fun? Best wishes for your week. <3

    Tamara

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  55. Hi Carol-

    So sorry about your lost treasures.

    Love your blog and will back to visit often.

    Hugs,
    Linda

    BestofLongIslandandCentralFlorida

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  56. One thing I love about the Charmer is she is imperfectly perfect just like me. My father was a mean man and no matter what I did I couldn't please him. Always striving for perfection with him ended up me wanting to be anything but perfect. You home is lovely, and I WANT that cart, so if it goes missing you know I drove many mile to come steal it. Love everything as usual!

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  57. Being so enamored with the cart made me forget to sorry about the shelf crashing down and breaking some of your lovelies.

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  58. Oh my goodness. Hope nothing too precious was broken. I like that saying too, might just post it somewhere in our house.

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  59. Oh my...so sorry that the shelf came falling down. Yes...life isn't perfect, but it is so wonderful like you said.
    Hugs,
    Cindy

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  60. Oh, no! I'm so sorry for your accident. Yikes! Sorry so many cute things broke. *sadface*

    xo,
    RJ

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  61. Oh, I got a little sick to my stomach when I saw your shelves and all the contents strewn about - so sorry that happened to you!! But you are so right - it doesn't have to be a perfect life to be wonderful and we are so blessed with all we have!!

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  62. I gasped out loud when I saw those shelves. I'm glad you survived the terror of it all. Bless your heart. I also gasped when I saw your shelf turned white. Very surprising my dear!

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  63. and that little cart filled with your letters, etc., I love the look of that. It is reminiscent of a library book cart. Made me feel nostalgic.

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  64. As always, I love your pops of primary colour!
    That disaster with your shelves will, undoubtedly become an opportunity for a little more collecting - a little more tweaking. Hard to lose the old treasures though!

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  65. That's a good motto and I love your Grandpa's motto. Oh dear what a disaster with that huge crash. I'm sorry so much was broken including two of your treasures. Sarah x

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  66. I'm sorry about your goodies breaking, but as I alwyas say better enjoyed and broken than tucked safely away and ignored.

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  67. OMGOSH THE CRASH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Love love love your tall white step back cabinet in your entry hall

    I use to scream cry and cuss a little ( lot ) when I had a crash like that at my house, now since I have age on me and realize there is more important things in life than dishes I take it with a grain of salt sort of LOL

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  68. Well, you sure came up with great ideas to refresh your home after Christmas. I love everything and with all these comments - so does everyone else! Darling! I too, have had a few crashes along the way. How can we go through life and expect this never to happen. My hubby has broken some stuff too especially helping dust. No more dusting for him. Maybe it was a trick?

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  69. I love this, it really strips back the veneer of perfection that so many of these blogs seem to have, and they always make me feel inadequate! I love how you've written about having that creativity whilst also being real.

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  70. it's always the unexpected that shakes us to be in the moment and not take things for granted . I always smile when I visit you here and read what you wrote . Your pictures are always so YOU . I could recognise your blog straightaway and I love that .....
    Here in Holland we had lots of rain . Since I do not have to work anymore and my children all left the house I can stay in as long as I want .a bit like a hermit ..... I have a five-bedroom house , groundlevel , first floor and second floor . all to myself . and I can assure you all is taken.
    I always dreamed about my own work-space-room and I have now . But it turned out I do not use it as much as I dreamed about in the past .
    I am still struggling to do all I do now , just for myself .....
    It is a good thing and a process I guess .
    As you live with your husband in your house by the ocean and have your life , I live alone in my house in the city with a small garden and houses everywhere .
    wishing you lots of happyness !

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  71. Everything is so pretty Carol! I love the tall skinny cabinet with the wire doors. I'm sorry about your shelf falling! Crap happens ;) And I love your motto about life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful. Lord knows it ain't perfect!!! But it is wonderful, I love the movie It's a Wonderful Life and I have a little sign saying that on my shelf. Hope you're having a good Wednesday.

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  72. I like that motto! But your little cottage looks kinda perfect from were I'm standing :-)

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  73. Been there, done that, Carol! I lost many of my most cherished blue and white pieces when a shelf fell when we moved into our current home, but in the end, they are just things that can be replaced. At least nobody was hurt, right?

    I'm loving your shelf painted white that's filled with all white dishes!! And your sweet little hearts sitting on your cute red chair.

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