Etc

I wanted to make this post already days ago, but I have to tell you...it's been a terrible week for the people in my world.  I found out that my best friend, whom I could not get a hold of, had fallen off a chair and fractured a vertebrate.  Two nights ago my brother had a second heart attack, but he is holding in there.  Yesterday I found out that my elderly Aunt who had dislocated her hip last week ended up having to have two surgeries from it because after the first one she fell out of bed and had to have another.  They are saying it isn't looking good that she will make it.  That's the price of getting older, things are so much worse that wouldn't be when you are younger.    All of these things certainly make my two broken toes and head cold seem inconsequential. 

However due to my head cold and broken toes...not to mention worrying myself sick over everyone, I have been sitting a lot this week.  Now I hate just sitting, so I have been watching movies and reading to distract myself.  I have also been staring intently at the walls.  (I did sneak down to the garden once to discover that darn garter snake had babies which are now running amok in there!  AUGH!)  A couple weeks ago R decided that it was time to paint the living room.  So we have been staring at paint chips.  We have it narrowed down to two. 

When I went shopping in Denver over my birthday weekend I picked up a decorating book.  I love decorating books and since we decided to do the living room, what better excuse to buy a new one.  The book was entitled "Etc." by Sibella Court, and it's about decorating with things you collect and already own.  The book is incredibly charming and smells like rain...and old metal screens...which always smell like rain.  So there you go.  Why it smells like that, I am not sure.  But it adds to the charm of the book.

Now I have to confess, I mainly look at pictures when I get decorating books, but since I had all this time I thought I would read some of this one.  Ms. Court has a delightful way with words as well as photography.  She likens our homes to museums where there are no "please don't touch" signs.  I love that idea.  She says that our homes are filled with items that have history and stories and emotions behind them.  I think that's absolutely true.  I think some of those items definitely deserve to be displayed in some way even if they are things you wouldn't ordinarily think of as decorator touches.

I also want to share one of my own sentiments on decorating that I have discerned over the years.  If you were to come into my house it's quite eclectic.  But I think that holds true of most artists homes.  So my rule is if you like it, buy it.  It will work.  All too often I have heard friends and strangers alike admire something and then say "that won't go with what I have."

Yes it will!  If you love all your items, they reflect your taste and believe me it will all work together.  Better than you might think.  I am feeling excited to get going on painting and redecorating.  Also through looking at the book and some decorating magazines I have some ideas for bears as well.  I can take anything I love and turn it into an idea for a bear! 

If you haven't seen this book, I urge you to check it out.  It's filled with wonderful ideas and inspiration.

Hopefully this drought I have been experiencing on bear making will be over soon.  I am also hopeful that everyone else in my life and yours stays safe, happy and healthy!