The Project That Started All the Changes Around Here.

A few months ago before things got so crazy around here, and before I started packing to move, I started this project that I shared the beginning of with you in an earlier post.  My First Cottage Project

I finally got around to finishing it before we moved, but never got the update done here.  So if you don't mind, I'll show you the Before and After pics of the chairs I re-finished.  Then if you'd like, you can go back and read the reason these chairs brought back so many good memories for me, and why I loved doing them over. 

When I found these chairs they were old, but well loved, and had definitely seen better days.  But they were basically still solid and had a lot of life left in them.  I like to think about all the hours someone must have spent rocking in these chairs, dreaming the days away.

After I got all of the rust and old paint off, I sprayed them with a coat of primer.  Then it was just a matter of deciding what colors to finish them in.

I painted all four of them different shades of greens and blues.  Then I added coordinating weather

 proof cushions.

 Next I used rub-on quotes to make each one a little different, and I hope bring a smile to whoever is enjoying the chair. 

And finally, I sprayed them with a clear sealer.  So there you have it!  If I ever get my porch finished - I'll be the one enjoying these old beauties! 

I finally decided to follow my heart.......



I have to tell you, this was not as easy of a decision as I had hoped it would be.  In fact, there were so many moments of doubt I abandoned the idea more than once.  But, I had gotten to the place where I felt stuck in a job that was frustrating, dealing with people who could be infuriating, and dreading to start every day.  The stress level was overwhelming.

Maybe you've been there?  It was not fun - and neither was I.  So, it was time to finally figure out what I really wanted to do.  My responsibilities as a wife and mom had changed.  My kids and husband were all happy doing what they loved.  What was I waiting for? 

I finally had one of those famous Oprah Ah Haaaa moments.  Mine was not nearly as profound, of course.  I finally just smacked myself on the forehead and said,  "What the hell are you doing?".  If I wasn't going to make some changes now, when was I going to?  It had to be now.  The change has been gradual over the past few months, but right now I feel like I'm 30 again (ok, maybe not quite), but each day is now filled with possibilities, instead of dread and stress.  It's a little scary, and a little exciting.  It's also the first time in many years I feel free enough to try new things, and find out what I really want to do with the rest of my life.

You know, as moms, we always put our families first in every way. And we do it willingly.  But at some point the realization that our kids don't need us in the same way anymore hits us like getting run over by a truck (some of you may remember from another post, that actually happened).  I was just slow to get it; I was holding on to the way things used to be instead of moving forward and enjoying the time I have.  ~This is where you all say, "What an idiot".  And you'd be right!

The short story of how I got to this point is this: in the last five months, we sold our ranch and downsized everything.  I left the job that was making me crazy, and we built a house just big enough for my husband and I.  No more obsessing about keeping up with rooms we didn't use.  As much as I wanted it to be different, the reality is my kids have their own places and don't come home as much anymore, so we don't need as much space as we did when they were growing up. 

In packing up all those closets to move, I found box after box of unused craft supplies.  Projects I once had hope to get to, but never did.  Now I'm excited to dig in!  I don't even care how goofy they turn out - I just want to be making something - anything!  I want to get back to carrying my camera everywhere I go and taking pictures of the simple things I had begun to take for granted.  I want to reupholster my dining room chairs.  I want to re-purpose all those interesting old pieces I've picked up at estate sales over the years.  I may even try to re-purpose some of those people around me I've found annoying for years! 

So there you have it my blogging friends - a new look on my site; a new outlook for me; and a big Thank You to all of you who stuck with me while I've been trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up!