cff May 2014 | Simple and Serene Living

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

a simple find

For me, part of living a simple life is simplifying my living space, and as you know if you've read my blog for awhile my living space is pretty small. Also as I am living on a very limited budget, I have to really think hard about any purchases I make. 

I have known for a while that I wanted and needed a new table beside my bed. The one I was using, although it looked pretty with its vintage coverings, just wasn't very functional and it took up too much space. I needed a smaller table with a drawer and I knew just what I wanted it to look like. 

Well, Friday night I went to an auction and there it was. (Ignore the yardstick on the floor. I'm not really very good about staging my photos.)



It was dirty, the top was cracked , and the paint was really worn and chipped. It was just about perfect.



So I outbid that other very nervy bidder (how dare she bid against me) and carted it home. After cleaning it up I set it beside my bed and I think it might have smiled at me. I mean I did rescue it from an almost certain death.

Now all that was left was to add a knob. I decided on a faux glass one.



Then I made it my own.

An old Watt Moon and Stars bowl on the bottom shelf will catch small odds and ends.



On the top I added an antique ironstone pitcher, a vintage crochet runner,



and my mid century lamp.



Now it really is perfect.



A simple find for a simple life.

Linking today with:
Tweak it Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesdays
What's It Wednesday


 

Sunday, May 11, 2014

mother's day

I found and posted this letter a couple of years ago and thought it was worth a repeat for Mother's Day. I am not sure of the source.

"My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl? When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I ocasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... my darling daughter." 

So Happy Mother's Day to my mom,




and to all of you other beautiful, wonderful awesome moms. I hope your day is amazing.