Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Painting project & Watts Pots

Good afternoon Folks ~ Here we are in our last week of October.  Our weather down here in s.e. FL has cooled off a tad and it sure is invigorating.

As many of you know, these last 22 1/2 months since losing my dear husband have been quite an adjustment in my life. I’ve more or less hibernated inside, on the computer hours on end, blogging, reading, watching movies, shows, etc. all to help fill up the void and the quiet here in our little Plum Cottage. The missing him never abates, the grieving is just lessened. I’ve been so ready for cooler weather this year, and it is finally starting to happen. I am thankful. The cooler temps make me feel more alive and wanting to do things. It has been hard getting used to doing things by myself, trying to figure out how to do things, and just getting the gumption up to do them.

But each day is new, a gift, and I want to be thankful and be creative.

I’ve got an old half-filled 5 gal. bucket of plum colored paint, that needs to be used up. Yesterday I got the urge to get out the paint, to paint the picket fencing section on the west side of the caravan. I enjoy painting, there is something therapeutic about it.  Once I did the west side, I decided to paint the fencing on the east that we’ve had up for a good while now. It was a creamy/white color. Our old plum paint looks different in different light depending on what time of day it is.  Sometimes it looks more plumy, others brown, and even gray. 

29th ~ I only did errands yesterday morning, no painting happened.  I did paint again today, still more to do. Another coat on the east fencing from the gate over, then the whole backside.

Before:

01-14-clothesline-garden

Here it is painted.  You can see that the pickets on the left side of the gate need a second coat.  I love this color.  We had it made up especially for us, but the company has gone out of business, like so many businesses in the past 6 years or so. Really sad, as they were an old painting company.

 10-29-fencing-painted

10-29-fencing-painted2

While I was painting, I got the idea to see if the light fixture, that we found several years ago thrown out in the neighborhood, would fit the wonky fence post. I was excited. We were going to put on the roof of the caravan, but alas, that’s not going to happen now. So, I put the paint brush down and got the light fixture to see if it would fit, and sure enough it did.  I just had to put some shims between lamp material and the post.  I laughed right out loud, and am pretty sure DH would get a kick out of what I did. I’m going to paint the metal, did two sections to see if I’d like it, and I did.

10-29-fencing-painted3

The sunlight is hitting it from the west. I thought of putting one of those LED candles on the inside that has a timer. Wouldn’t that be neat for night time?

10-29-light-post

Penelope roses.

10-27-penelope

10-27-penelope2

10-27-penelope3

10-29-penelope

My friends Nanci and John gave me this neat old Watt’s Pot. Watts was a company that made cement flower pots here in the area for years and years.  The pots are highly collectible.  This is a shortie, 8 inches high x 13 inches across. I’ve not seen one like it before. 

10-27-watts-pot-n-j

I thought to myself, do I have any of these in my gardens. I just looked at my pots, as pots. Well, lo and behold I have 12 of them, that we either found curbside, or bought cheap. I don’t even remember where we got any of them. Some are in better shape than others.

Watts-Pots

Nanci also gave me a nice piece of linen that is old and I plan to do embroidery on it of course. Smile

10-28-linen-n-j

The other night I was watching a ribbon embroidery tutorial on you-tube. 

10-27-rib-emb

Miss Tork was watching from my lap.

10-27-miss-T

I learned a new word from Terry Hershey’s newsletter the other day. It is called Sabbath Moments and comes in the mail each Monday.

The word is numinosity.

“ Numinosity is the potential for unexpected mystery and insight where one comes into the unshakable presence of the divine; a sacred transformative space that integrates and heals the mind, body, soul, and spirit.”

***

Also from the newsletter this lovely piece.

***

O Taste and See 
The world is
not with us enough.
O taste and see
the subway Bible poster said,
meaning The Lord, meaning
if anything all that lives
to the imagination's tongue,
grief, mercy, language,
tangerine, weather, to
breathe them, bite,
savor, chew, swallow, transform
into our flesh our
deaths, crossing the street, plum, quince,
living in the orchard and being
hungry, and plucking
the fruit.
Denise Levertov

***

That’s is for now from Plum Cottage

FlowerLady

31 comments:

Jean Campbell said...

Your lantern looks lovely with the late day sun shining through it. Love the Watts pots.

I think it was from you I learned about Terry Hershey. I look forward to his emails on Mondays.

Leslie Kimel said...

I really like the new fence color. And the light fixture is neat!

The Watts pots have such a cool natural look to them. I'd never heard of them before. Now I want to find out all about them!

Mama Mess said...

God Bless and keep you dear FlowerLady! I cannot imagine how hard it's been, but I know you and your DH will be together again! Your fence looks lovely and I love the light!

Deborah Montgomery said...

I'm sorry that these past months have been so difficult, of course understandably so. Sounds like you had a wonderful marriage. You are a brave woman to keep embroidering and painting and fixing up things. I pray that you continue to find peace and comfort.
That plum shade is really pretty.

Marti said...

Hard to believe it's been almost 2 years since you lost him. I'm sorry you are still feeling such pain, but I also understand as I often think I couldn't go on without my Hubby.

I love your plum fence. It's the perfect color. I've never heard of those pots, but then I wouldn't I guess. Neat that you have so many.

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Hi FL,

Very inspired with your paint and your light and your Watts pots! Rock on girlfriend! Glad you are cooling down! So are we! 20 degree drop from yesterday! Take care, dear! xo

Ruth Hiebert said...

That plum fence is very pretty,as is the light.

Rose ~ from Oz said...

I like the colour hue of the paint very much Lorraine.
How fabulous that you found and own so many Watts pots - well done!
The roses are utterly exquisite, I'm always in awe of your meandering but beautiful garden.
For me the grief changes like a crystal, depending on how the light hits it.
Hugs to you and Plum cottage.

Nancy J said...

I so love that lantern, and can see it with a light shining at night, the beacon for all tired travellers. Linen fabric. Miss Tork for company, and purple pickets, everything in your garden goes so nicely together. Hugs. Jean

crafty cat corner said...

I love that light Lorraine, its beautiful. I'm sure you're pleased that the really hot weather has abated, we only get a little here and its enough for me.
I think you're wonderful how you are coping with your loss and your dear husband and I know that he will be looking down on you and so pleased that you are managing so well.
Lots of hugs
Briony
x

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I like the painted picket fence. It's good to use paint if you can and not have to dispose of it. I like to paint too. I find it to be a perfect time to meditate or a quiet time to send healing thoughts to the Universe.

How funny that you were given such a great pot and found you have several others. I would probably spoil them by painting them bright enamal colors.

I am so happy for you that you stay constantly busy. You are amazing.
xx, Carol

Rebecca said...

The fence and lantern look wonderful. I'm curious about the roof though. What are you NOT going to do now?????

By the way, it hardly seems to me that you've been "hibernating" over the past 22 months! You have accomplished some major things, Lorraine!

CYNTHIA CRANE said...

I love all shades or pink and purple, so I adore your newly painted plum fence! It is absolutely charming, as are YOU my dear! Your cozy and lush gardens remind me of a trip I took to Ft. Lauderdale around 1977 or so. I visited a friend's cousin and his mom's yard was like a tropical paradise. I never saw so many, to me, strange and exotic plants. I got to take some of them back to WV with me, where they thrived for many years, inside of course. Wish I still had them!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi There, Can't believe it has been 22.5 months since you lost your husband. Time flies --but I'm sure life is hard for you at times--as it would be for all of us... God Bless!

At least, your weather will give you a chance to work outside more --which you love. Love your new 'plum' fence...

Have a great day.
Hugs,
Betsy

Balisha said...


Have you checked Watt's Pots online. You may have something of value there. I love the worn old look of these pots. I would just leave them in their natural state. They would be fun to research.
Love the lantern.
Balisha

lil red hen said...

Plum Cottage and its surroundings remind me of a little fairy land. You have so many interesting nooks and crannies to visit. Thanks for letting us take a peek.

Anonymous said...

The new fence color looks great . . . as does the lamp. I always enjoy reading about your curb-side finds.

Well, it looks like we've got our first cold front moving in this weekend. 40s here ~ I'm dreading it, and I'm betting you can hardly wait. :-) I have a lot of plants I have to move in . . . that's really the hard part.

I hope you have a great weekend. Enjoy the weather!

Joy Junktion said...

Getting out of the house and doing anything without your spouse after so many years is a challenge. You are doing well but I am happy that your weather is getting nicer and you are venturing out to do projects around Plum Cottage! It is such an important part of our healing!
I love the fence color - just perfect!
As always, thanks for sharing photos of your flowers, so beautiful!
Blessings to you Lorraine!

Darcie said...

While you may think you have held up in your little Plum Cottage, I have seen all that you have accomplished by yourself. While I know that is not what you would have chosen(by yourself), I marvel at your strength.

I think your lantern looks perfect!

Deb said...

Love the way you transformed the lantern, you are ever evolving into quite a resourceful and creative woman and are such an inspiration. Thank you always for sharing these glimpses into your life.

M.K. said...

I like your painted fence very much -- it looks lovely and warm with that plum paint. And the light fixture is really gorgeous! I love the design on it. I say YES to a light inside for night time. That would be cozy :)

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Those pots are great. The paint on the fence is a good color too. Sure seems like you're getting a lot done with the nicer weather.

Julie said...

Love the new modern fence color! The lantern on the post is perfect!!! Your hubby is so proud from heaven right now!!! I watch ribbon embroidery tutorials too, but still have not acted on trying it. Loving the weather. I was just thinking we may need some heat Sat night/Sunday morning!!! So funny! I better get my cowl crocheted ASAP!!!!! Gonna try to make a dark eggplant colored one! Take care!
Julie

jerilanders said...

Numinosity, good word! I adore that special plum color, not many fences could pull that off, but yours does it nicely. The pots are just the best find, wow! Thing are cooling off here in TN as well, feels nice, doesn't it?

A Woman that Fears the Lord said...

I would never have thought of using plum to paint a fence but I loved the way it turned out. Your backyard looks so inviting. I love the lattern. I'm glad you are finding things to keep you occupied and your mind busy.

Deb J. in Utah said...

Your fence looks great. Painting can be very therapeutic. Hope you have a happy November!

suziqu's thread works said...

I love coming here Lorraine to see how you are getting on alone. I have so much admiration for you in what you achieve each day. This time repainting your picket fence!
I bet you could never imagine living anywhere else. I certainly couldn't.
It is home and home is where your heart is.
Keep smiling and enjoy your creating like those dear little hearts which I just love.
Hugs,
Suzy

KathyB. said...

I couldn't help thinking to myself that I hope you have a numinostically wonderful life ! ( I know that's not a word ;) )Anyway, that is a wonderful word , I am surprised it is not used often enough for us to recognize it.

You are so creative and I am thankful you share your gift with us via blogging.

Unknown said...

The fence and light look great.
Very cool.

Karen said...

Dear Rainey, your comment on my blog was JUST what I needed this morning. I love you, dear friend.

You are the inspiration for me in so many ways, I do think of you every day and you are always in my prayers.

I love the paint, what a transformation for your fence, it is so pretty. And the light fixture is fantastic on the post...we have one very similar and now you've given me an idea of what to do with it.

I've been absent from the blogs for far too long; things here are hectic, but you are always in my thoughts.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

the new fence color makes the fence blend; very nice. the light fixture is perfect and aren't you clever for figuring it out! today, it's a trifle warmer so will take the opportunity to clean out the wood stove; prepare for the next onslaught of winter. it's pouring rain and still need to get to barn to feed mare and cats; put mare on a different short lot so she's not starving although she'll tell a different story. be safe, Rainey, stay faithful.