Saturday, April 22, 2017

You Never Know


I try to keep the house neat and tidy because we never know when someone will drop in.


Frequently people call asking if they can stop by the studio to check out a painting so it's important that the entry is welcoming.


That's my excuse for always creating new vignettes


and changing things on the shelves.


Thank goodness I do so because on Easter, my cousin unexpectedly brought my aunt to visit for a few days.


Both the house


and the garden were ready for entertaining.


My aunt, who is 92, didn't bring her kayak with her on this visit so instead of hitting the water, we drove to Los Olivos in search of poppies.


These are the only poppies we spotted, but we saw the ubiquitous California oak trees


and extensive fields of mustard - at least that's what I think it is.


My aunt called this Indian Paintbrush.


The weather was fickle and I'm kind of glad -


if not for the fog, my cousin would never have captured this beautiful shot.


With our company gone, it was right back to fluffing the house and garden because this time I do know.


By this time next week more company will arrive and we'll be hosting 14 for a family BBQ.


The weather has been great so I should have plenty of flowers for the tables, but you never know.

41 comments:

  1. You live in such a perfect place...ocean, hills, valleys, wild flowers. What more could you want?

    You make me homesick for my home state of California when I see those poppies and oaks. Though beautiful, they called the oak trees "Widow Makers" when I was a kid in Northern CA because the limbs can explode unexpectedly and would kill the farmers and ranchers. Don't know how true that old wives tale was, but it sure kept us from climbing them!

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  2. Lovely. Absolutely lovely. That shot of the lavender in the fog is a moment that will never be the same, ever. But nothing in life is, so it's best to photograph it with our memories, a poem, a photo. ENJOY your company, Carol!

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  3. I need to be more like you, ready for company at all times. Your lovely photos and words inspire me Carol. Thank you and have a great BBQ with family ~ FlowerLady

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  4. What beautiful photographs! and I do so love your house in white!!! Have a wonderful weekend xoxo

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  5. Yes, you never know, but you don't need an excuse to fluff and change your vignettes!

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  6. Love the photos! In Texas when the Bluebonnets bloom they often are in fields with Indian Paintbrush and it's gorgeous. I miss both Texas and Calif. Hugs!

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  7. People actually call you first before they come to look at your husband's artwork? LOL Our patrons come unannounced. But that may be because Dennis is so social, meeting folks at the coffee shop and inviting them to "just stop by". I literally never know who's going to drop in. Keeps things interesting. Your cottage is cute.

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  8. That bucket with the flowers is so charming!! I am sure your home always looks visitor ready!! :)

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  9. As I read your post I took a look around my living room - a few books askew, pillows not quite right, but mostly presentable. Keeping a house company ready all the time does take some effort (and discipline). I enjoy seeing all the pretty vignettes you create, and I'm sure that your guests, announced or unannounced, do so, too. The foggy photo is indeed beautiful.

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  10. All the time, your entry is so charming, welcoming, and beautiful. Does your Aunt kayak? If so, that's amazing! xoxo Su

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  11. Your home always looks so tidy and welcoming! I aim to keep things under control but it doesn't always happen! Those are lovely flowers in the countryside and in amongst the fog. That does look like rape seed it is flowering in the fields around here too. Sarah x

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  12. Your home is always so pretty and welcoming Carol. So happy you had a great visit with your Aunt. Wow that she can kayak at 92 is amazing. Have a great weekend.
    Kris

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  13. And that's a great shot of the fog too! I'm sure people who come to look at paintings also come to see your home!
    Brenda

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  14. Carol - Happy Weekend. Your countryside is so gorgeous. Love the photo of the lavender and the fog. Your home is so bright, cheerful and welcoming.

    Judy

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  15. I don't often have people come in unannounced, but the idea of having my home always ready for company is something I struggle with. Your home always looks so welcoming with the special touches you add with lots of colour and fun! How nice that you were able to take in your cousin and auntie for a few days unexpectedly. I love that :) I hope you have a wonderful BBQ!
    Wendy

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  16. Carol, I loved all the pictures. The fog shot was awesome. I am loving your touches of yellows and blues. I think I will get some things out here...you know I have to copy you, you inspire me. :):) Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  17. I don't think we ever need an "excuse" to fluff our nests or play with vignettes...company or not, it's fun and gives us a wonderful creative outlet, doesn't it? Love the ladder and how you styled it.

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  18. Your home is so pretty, I can't imagine a little untidiness would turn anyone away!!

    A 92 year old aunt! Long may she run!

    Love the foggy field shot. You live in such a colorful, pretty spot.

    Have a ball with the barbecue. Sounds like so much fun!

    Jane x

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  19. So lovely! It is nice to have such pretty fresh flowers available to cheer up a space and make it welcoming. Your aunt sounds like a very active 92 year old! Have a beautiful week ahead Carol.

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  20. Your home is like an colourful dream! Not like my brown home :)
    So much inspiration you share with us...
    Love from Titti

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  21. Carol, I always enjoy looking at all of your pretty vignettes. They're like a ray of sunshine and your photography captures them beautifully. Enjoy your family BBQ!

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  22. Sweet and charming pics, Carol. Your aunt sounds like a very lovely lady; I like her name for those pretty wildflowers!

    Poppy

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  23. I think your home would be beautiful whenever anyone walked in! The colors alone make people feel welcomed and happy.

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  24. Carol, your home looks like such a happy place that I can see why you've got frequent visitors! I just love your all white backdrop to display your furniture and accessories to perfection. The views of your road trip were spectacular!

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  25. The lavender in the fog is certainly a perfect shot. i wonder if your husband will paint it. Your house looks so receptive--I'm sure friends are drawn to your house, and it makes all the difference when you are a hostess who welcomes and isn't ruffled by the unexpected visitor. We have friends who we feel free to drop in on--they are the best! Others we know to arrange ahead.

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  26. Hi Carol. Beautiful photos of your home and surrounding area hope you have an enjoyable Sunday! I was thinking about you this morning as I was playing with the beads you made for me! Rhondi xo

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  27. I so enjoyed all the gorgeous pictures here Carol. Your aunt sounds so lovely, it must have been a nice surprise to have her visit..but good that you were prepared with a tidy home too. Lovely flowers......always enjoy seeing different posies!
    Happy week ahead.
    Helen xox

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  28. Wow, you aunt sounds amazing and I know she had a wonderful time with you.

    Your home always looks so pretty with all your lovely flowers and vignettes.

    Enjoy your BBQ, sounds like a great time.

    Mary

    PS The Mary Lou Heard garden tour starts the first weekend in May, in case your interested.

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  29. Beautiful photo of the fog! I wish I could keep my home that tidy. Your blog is like visiting your lovely cottage that is located in such a beautiful part of the country. I have planted some poppy seeds here in Georgia, so fingers crossed. I have loved them since The Wizard of Oz. Jackie

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  30. Your home is always lovely Carol! I hope to see it someday in person. Your vignettes are always so welcoming! I love the dishes on your ladder. The rungs on mine are too slated to do that. Your Aunt sounds like she's a wonderful lady! Enjoy your company!!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  31. Loved the photos as always, but you sparked my curiosity. . .have you ever shown us readers the studio? If so, I guess I missed it.

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  32. You do have a very beautiful home and such a talent for decorating it! I love that your 92-year-old aunt kayaks!!

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  33. I bet friends and family just love visiting your adorable beach cottage! I would. :)

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  34. Hi Carol, yes you never know who might pop in for a visit and it's nice to be ready. Love your vignettes all around your darling beach cottage.
    We have the Indian Paintbrush flowers here too and they grow along side the Bluebonnets. Lovely photo with the fog. Enjoy your family BBQ!

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  35. Everything looks so beautiful...and vignettes are so much fun to create and change a mood. It's funny whenever I see pillows in the yard I laugh because our ever changing weather would be risking soaked pillows so I enjoy seeing yours.

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  36. PS..how do you keep dishes from falling off the ladder runs? Our hallways are so narrow that I'd be knocking them off!

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  37. Your house is always pretty as a picture! Since moving to the Village we have also learned to keep the house to certain level of cleanliness! There is some peace in knowing if someone knocks at my door I won't be mortified.

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  38. Your home always looks tidy and inviting. I would love to pop in for a visit.

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  39. Los Olivos... I haven't been there in years... My parents moved my Los Angeles born butt to Santa Ynez when I was 15 and I went to high school at Dunn in Los Olivos. I was not a happy camper at the time, but when I look back on my life there, I kind of miss it. I stayed around there until I was 25. I really miss the Oak trees.

    xo,
    rue

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  40. Your house is indeed always lovely! Wish I was always ready for company!

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