crazy busy...

 ... altho some days I just feel crazy.

I'm closer to getting moved out of one house and into another but feel less prepared than any move previously.  Part of it is because my body is again misbehaving.   The stress of moving and some other triggers are causing an internal response.  My weight is again dropping without trying, and while that sounds like a dream situation, it really isn't.

This beautiful piece was a freebie from a friend and is now in my soon2b new2me living room.

Instagram has some wonderful furniture flipping ideas that involve textured wallpaper sheets and am thinking of adding them to the two plain spaces above the cabinets, and also on the ends.  I think other than patching the wood where it is chipped or missing, I may keep it white, and paint the hardware and embellishments. 

Others have shown a gorgeous liner inside the cabinets and drawers of a bright, full floral design like peonies and I don't know if they a fabric or adhesive paper.  I'm almost partial to trying to find an upholstery fabric to use, and little puck lights inside the cabinets.

I had planned on repainting the living room (and all the other rooms in the house), but the blue/gray color may be something I can live with. 

The kitchen and bathroom, however, are painted this bright turquoise with dark teal cabinets that must go.  As accent colors I love them, but as wall colors they are too restrictive for decorating.  Not to mention a shock to my eye early in the morning.  I was going to attempt to paint them before I moved in, but the paint cost of the color I really like is a bit on the high end so I'm going to rethink it.  There is also no real hurry, and I can make it a fall project when I can open windows to air the house out.

I have found myself picking up bright blue kitchen linens, so think that is the direction I'm leaning in.  I may also consider peel and stick wallpaper.

Having a rental that gives me the freedom to paint and decorate is exhilerating.

Earlier this month I participated in a free paint class with the kids at church.  I'm really just a big kid anyway.

We created three note cards and two gift tags, and it was a lot of fun.  I managed to spill my paint water only once, and succeeded in not getting paint on my clothes, although my hands and arms were a different story.

The new place has a very spacious enclosed carport/laundry room with lots of shelves that will become my craft room.  It is not heated, but I have two heaters that I can use out there, and it will help to keep the house from looking like the laboratory of a mad scientist.

I'm looking forward to getting this month behind me, and to settle back into a healthy routine of meditating, reading, journaling, gardening, and crafting to allow my body a healthier outlet for stress.

Praying God's blessings on you this weekend.           Hugs, ~ Ci

like a weed ...

 I placed this chair on my front porch intending to put a planter with morning glory seeds beneath it to grow up around the legs and back.

But busy got in between my intentions and actions.

Fortunately, a self-seeded morning glory from last year volunteered to step up.

I just hope it blooms before I move so I don't have to leave the chair behind.

it's been a minute...

I've not been working on many crafts lately.  So much is going on right now, and most unfortunately none of it involves fun stuff.

I'm moving again soon.  Not far, but to a house that will be warmer in the winter and just a one-story home so my knees are already happier.  I have torn something in both of my knees and was supposed to have surgery ages ago in Wisconsin, but it was winter and I didn't want to deal with crutches in the snow and on ice, and have since become stubborn and obstinate.  Okay.  Maybe I've always been stubborn and obstinate.  I'm still not getting the surgery.

As a result, I'm trying to keep from getting distracted from the prep for moving.  

Because I really love packing and moving, said no one ever.

Not entirely successful at that.

A snail that moved surprisingly quickly across my front porch one afternoon.

Earrings from deconstructed necklaces.

Spur of the moment planter colored with Sharpie pens.

a week ...

 It has been a busy week of this and that.  I started working on my June tree ~ West Virginia is my theme.  It will be filled with ornaments representing places or events, the first is the Dandelion Festival.

I finished a window for a friend at church.

One morning I went out and my front porch and yard were covered with floof, and I was initially annoyed until I realized it was dryer lint from the birdhouse I have hanging out there.  The Carolina Wren who had chosen it did not think my floof fit her decor.

This is a beautiful piece of art that a friend at church made for me.  I absolutely love it and feel so blessed.

This sweet fledgling was fiercely watched over by two vicious parents who literally kicked my behind when I tried to pick it up and move it higher off the ground.

This is a poppy I made for another good friend at church who loves summer poppies and she is just as beautiful as one.

I love the color of this lily that has just started to bloom in the same garden where the purple irises were a week or so ago.

Finally, some laughter.  When I have trouble falling asleep, I play with the Instagram filters and take screenshots so I can look at them and laugh until I'm exhausted.  When I'm actually taking the shot, I can't see what I look like because I've got my contact lens out and glasses off.  To actually see them, I have to hold them close to my face.  This first one makes me look uncomfortably like my brother and won't be one I play with again.

I'm now very self-conscious of the size of my nose.