Thursday, October 25, 2018

Latest Project

Hello Folks ~ I want to thank all of you once again for your kind comments, your encouragement and your prayers. It all is priceless and boosts my spirit.

I’m happy to report our weather now is a bit ‘fallish’. Since Sunday the temps have cooled down and the humidity has lessened, making for delightfully perfect weather. We are supposed to have night time temps in the 60’s the end of this week I think. That will really be nice.

Sunday morning I got a 2” x 12” x 67” shelf that DH and I had picked up somewhere, out of the cat barn, where it was stored. It’s been waiting to be used for the right project. It was a light color and I wanted it darker to match the bookcases that I was going to pick up yesterday. So, I got out some small cans of min-wax stain from DH’s workshop, opened them up to check out colors, and decided on Provincial first, stained the shelf, nice and a deeper color but it was still too light, so then I put on a coat of Jacobean and it came out just right. I love it.

                                            Before                            After

10-21-before-mantle-shelf      10-21-after-mantle-shelf

The bookcases that my dear BIL & SIL gave me were stored where my BIL works. Since neither of their vehicles were large enough to haul them, I suggested I could drive my van up to pick them up. Todd, was going to be at a work related meeting yesterday, south of me, so he asked would it work for me to pick up the bookcases in the morning and then he’d meet here back home after his meeting/lunch to unload them. 

That would work for me, so I ‘geared’ up mentally for the drive, an hour each way, and had a lovely short visit and brunch treat with dear SIL. I drove up to their condo first, to pick her up as she’d tell me how to get to workplace. Two nice young men loaded the bookcases into my van, then we headed back to condo to switch to her vehicle and go to a neat little place called ‘The Nook’. I had a ‘Wimpy Burger’ with sweet potato fries and an Arnold Palmer to drink. She had one fried egg with French fries covered with sausage gravy and sweet tea to drink. That looked good. Afterwards it was back to the condo and just about time to head back home. We said our goodbyes and hugged and off I went.

Driving distances takes me out of my ‘comfort zone’. But I did it and I had some nice ‘loot’ in the back of my van that was going to look so nice in my small living room. I was excited. Todd got here awhile later and we unloaded the bookcases and talked about the mantle shelf which will go over the TV. Strips of stained wood will get nailed to the bookcases, and a painted one will go on the back wall, for the shelf to rest on & be nailed to. That will happen when he comes back another time.

Below is what I’ve been picturing in my head since dear friends of mine bought me a new TV, and I said I’d take the bookcases and media stand that BIL and SIL were getting rid of, (due to moving and change of decor). Now it is reality. The mantle shelf will be great over the TV, and I look forward to decorating it with change of seasons, or whenever I feel like changing things up. That painting won’t stay there, it’s just to fill the space at the moment.

10-25-bookcases

The cooler weather has me itching to work outside, with more clearing out of ‘junk’ and working in the garden spaces that are overgrown.

I am thankful for the gift of each new day, for the ability to be able to do things on a limited income and because of other people’s generosity. I will be shopping my little home for decorative bits and pieces for the shelves and have plenty of books to fill them as well. I will be weeding out more books as I look at them again, planning to keep only what I truly want as visual/mental inspiration/ideas, in gardening, cooking and health. This is exciting. I know DH would like this new look and is happy for me.

I just got an idea for using a piece that we found curbside. Actually, we found 5 of them and sold 4 of them at the antique shop I managed for 17 years. This is 11” high by 70 1/2” wide. I’ll see when Todd is here next and we can put it up on top of bookshelves. It may or may not look good. It is in storage right now. I’m even more excited now thinking of seeing this piece where I can enjoy it. A reminder of the good times we had ‘junking’ as we called it, in other words, ‘curbside shopping’. These are made out of some kind of composition. It is a bit heavy, so I can’t put it on top of the bookshelves by myself. Patience.

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Ok, that’s it for now.

Enjoy life, moment to moment.

FlowerLady

Edited 4:46 p.m.

I got home from visiting an elderly widow friend and decided to bring in the architectural piece so that I can look at in the space. Oh my goodness, the piece is much heavier than I thought, but I got it in here with the help of a dolly and some 69 year old muscle strength. My neck and back are feeling it a bit, so I need to take it easy and relax.

I’m also playing with bits and pieces from the cottage. Not going to load it up until we are finished with the mantel shelf.

10-25-architectural-piece

37 comments:

lil red hen said...

You seem very happy. I'm so glad your BIL is willing to help you with heavy things you need to have done. God bless you...

Henny Penny said...

It's looking prettier all the time! I LOVE junking, as you call it. :) You find the neatest things. Poppy is always picking up things he thinks I might could use.

Nancy J said...

That is such a lovely setting, and the long piece of architecture, looks like marble or similar. Down here, op shop finds are equally exciting,. and like you also, with help, we are getting things all done. The carriers come next Tuesday to move the heavy furniture. Hugs to you as you begin a cooler season.XXX

Ann said...

I like the color you stained that. Everything is looking really nice. Can't wait to see it with the mantel on top

ellen b. said...

Love your ideas for this space. That architectural piece is very nice. The shelf above the tv will be a fun addition to add seasonal decor. How encouraging it is to hear about the help you receive. PTL!

Ruth Hiebert said...

That is beginning to take shape nicely.It will look wonderful once you have it all decorated. We do what we can to turn our house into a home we can love.

Mary said...

Oh how lovely.

Debbie Harris said...

Oh what delight! Just reading your posting gets me excited for all that you are accomplishing, and you are accomplishing a lot!
My those book shelves look awesome there, and you will enjoy placing things and books in their special place, such fun!
Your weather will nice for out door working.
Yes, I'm sure your DH would love all the changes you are making.

God bless you ♡

BeachGypsy said...

Well I just LOVE YOUR IDEA on how you're going to do the bookcases, tv and mantel, that is looking so nice! Love that beautiful carved piece, very unique, what a GREAT FIND! We do curbside shopping as well, have found so many amazing treasures over the years this way, and it's JUST PLAIN FUN, isn't it? Like you, I am so so so thankful the cold air is now here, we are enjoying brisk days in the 70's, oh my, it just feels SO SO GOOD and so refreshing. It's such a beautiful time of year now and I enjoy it so much. Looking forward to seeing what you have blooming in your Fall gardens!

Terry said...

Hi Lorraine!

Your TV area is going to be gorgeous when you are done! I can't wait to see the photos! I am with you when it comes to driving. I do it, but it is out of my comfort zone to drive on the highways. You sound happy. I am happy for you!

Love,
Terry

Pom Pom said...

Hello Miss Flower! That is gorgeous, so cozy and rich looking! How fun to work in an antique shop. Looking at old things is something I consider fun, fun, fun.
Take care, dear one.

Anne Payne said...

I am always excited about more bookshelves! I just recently told my husband we need another bookcase. I love the architectural piece! The detail is stunning. I hope you find a good place to display it.

It's cold here!!! Already dipping into the 30s at night. :(

Have a blessed weekend.

Out on the prairie said...

The bookcases match nicely with the TV stand. that big piece looks heavy, but what a find. colors are glorious here, with overcast I noticed the reds show up more. My street is in technicolor with gorgeous oaks and maples

Janneke said...

I was smiling, reading that you collected the bookcases with your van, in my imagination I see you driving on the highways....with the bookcases on the back. Your tv spot will be wonderfully surrounded with books. I love books. And then the long heavy ornament, it's beautiful on itself and love to see it when it has been put on the right spot.
Regards, Janneke

Morning's Minion said...

Repurposing and finding new ways to use what we have--both very satisfying. So much that could be used and enjoyed goes to waste in our throw-away society.
As we build our smaller house I'm needing to ponder what to keep and what to give away.

Dewena said...

Your vision was spot on, Lorraine! That looks so nice and they're so practical as well as being beautiful. You are brave for driving that distance when not used to it but I'm so glad you arrived safely and it all worked out fine. And oh my what a stunning thing that architectural piece is! Do be careful, wait for help with it from now on. It will be a conversation piece though, when installed.

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

The bookcases look very nice in the room and the wood piece you stained will look nice above the TV. That is a lovely piece you have and looks heavy...it has great texture and charm to it so I hope you will like it about the bookcases. I'm happy you were able to sell four of them and keep one. It's nice that your family is there to help you. The majority of my home is decorated with thrift store finds...I know you will find some great pieces.

pilar said...

Home decorating is fun. You really are patient, though, because I would be too excited to wait to display that piece. It's a beauty. The bookcases, alone, are exciting for me and I would want a mantle to display seasonal decor, too! I can already picture a Christmas garland with flickering lights...will you decorate for Halloween? Love to hear your weather is cooling. I stepped out to a beautiful morning, complete with a flock of geese honking overhead, but I had to curl my gloved fingers into my sleeve, it was so chilly. I love it, though, it makes you feel more peaceful.

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

There a lot of things I admire about you. At this moment, it is your mindset to be busy and help yourself when you can. I also admire that you will ask for help when you need it. You have a lot of ideas that keep you busy, and that keeps your mind and body strong. I love your love of nature. You live life to the fullest of your ability. I always enjoy a visit to your blog. Thanks for being a cyber friend.
xx, Carol

Cheryl said...

I applaud you for your patience and persistence in accomplishing this project! What a great idea for this wall and it is looking fabulous!

M.K. said...

Your home project is looking better and better! Great job! And I love that long, heavy piece. Can't wait to see where you end up putting it. It's gorgeous and such a statement. What fun!

Kit said...

Looking great! I like the changes you have made. :) Love, KK

Rue said...

That looks really nice! I like the stain you used too. You must be thrilled that it's all coming together :)

hugs to you,
rue

Stephanie said...

Everything is looking simply lovely, my friend, and the stain you used is perfect.

Thinking of you, dear one, and wishing you a blessed week. Hugs!

bj said...

ahhh, it is going to look really good. I have a set-up like this and I really like it. I have my bookcases filled with books but am thinking of taking some out and adding other things. Changing things up is always fun.
You don't have to have a facebook account to go to THEIR Facebook and click on LIKE. Very easy.....their link is in my post. Good luck.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

It is coming together so nicely! So glad that you are getting some help with it all, too. Love the architectural piece - it will be the perfect touch. I do most of my decorating with thrifty finds. It's the thrill of the hunt.....:) And when you get tired of it, you can donate it back! Glad the weather is cooling off for you. Sending hugs xo Karen

Melanie said...

Oh, your rearranged living room is going to look so nice with those bookcases filled and a shelf above the TV! I can't believe someone threw away that architectural pieces (as well as other pieces). It's so pretty. Be careful with the heavy lifting!

Jen Kershner said...

That architectural piece is beautiful and even better that it has lovely memories attached to it.

Rebecca said...

The bookshelves look fantastic! And I can visualize how great the shelf will look above it already. I really like the stain you chose. It will be fun to see if that architectural piece works for you there. I'll bet you could get some decent $$$ for the ones you aren't using (though I can imagine how hard it would be to part with them...)

How warm and inviting your space is--but then, I've always felt that way about it. ♥

Eggs In My Pocket said...

It all looks wonderful. Glad your BIL can help you!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi There, Glad you finally getting some Fall Weather down there... I posted some Fall pictures from TN on my blog today.... We finally got some really pretty color here at home --but it won't last long at all. The leaves are REALLY coming down now.

Love the new bookcases --and your heavy architectural piece would be GREAT about the bookcases.... GORGEOUS....

Have an awesome week.
Hugs,
Betsy

Leslie Kimel said...

Love your new bookcases and the architectural piece! I think they will look great together!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Oh, my. You have been so busy! What a joy to stop by and peruse your latest posts. You home is lovely!

Kindly, Lorraine

GretchenJoanna said...

I hope you are able to use what Anne calls an "architectural piece" somewhere. It is really interesting and fun, and I think it goes with your style.

This whole project seems very stimulating and energizing. I am starting a remodeling project, mostly in the planning stage right now, and I hope I can keep your positive attitude for the duration!

outlawgardener said...

Congratulations on your new shelves! The heavy piece is gorgeous and will look fabulous in this room. I'm so looking forward to seeing the finished project as you always do such a beautiful job of decorating your living space!

Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm said...

Rainey, get out of your comfort zone as often as you can! I know it's difficult and as we age, we have more limitations. It's a lot harder for me to drive at night but I still wander around during daylight hours.
Do you know about Tiger Balm? It's wonderful for sore muscles and comes in a white rub in a tube, patches or in a very small jar. I highly recommend it!

L. D. said...

I have read the two blogs backwards but I like how all of it worked out when you put all the shelving together. I like the mantle piece.