But I know *I* need the reminder, so I'm writing up this diddy.
Ever find yourself busily dropping bill and coin at the local craft hole/thrift shop/flea market/antique mall for yet another project copy you saw on some marvelous blog, only to realize halfway thru it (or sometimes a week or so later...or in my case a year later) it just isn't your thang. Um yeah.
(um, not sure what I had in mind when I picked this booger up on clearance,
but I'm hoping some paint will help it...)
Because of my extended holiday from blogging and shelter blog hopping, and my desire to unclutter my space, I've been able to really take a good look at the loot I've purchased over the last couple years since I started ::cottage instincts:: with no outside interference. It's helped me once again filter out what I LOVE as opposed to what I LIKE.
(a wee cabinet that used to belong to my mama that's finally getting a paint treatment that better reflects my taste)
Ask yourself this (and it may hurt a little): What have I purchased because it would make a good blog post OR would make my house look like so-and-so's? I see those hands. How much of that stuff would you have purchased if you DIDN'T have a blog?
(this unfortunate purchase was thankfully not mine....my married daughter picked it up and is now begging me for help to 'make it right'. Yeah, right.)
It's my whole-hearted intention to make my house MY house. Not some other blogger's English or French or Scandinavian cottage, not some other blogger's thrifty hive or on-trend hangout, not some other blogger's flea marketed vintage showplace or prairie farmhouse.....but MY nest. As I've really studied my belongings, I continue to be drawn to themes that may or may not be what's hot on Etsy or what attracts blog followers. And I'm not going to spend one more flipping nanosecond trying to recreate someone else's house or some image in PB or Ballards or Romantic Country Homes. Well, ok, I *might* have spent 2 hours scouring deco books and mags at B & N looking for inspiration.....and I might be oogling some of you's blogs for ideas.....BUT it mainly to get help with using WHAT I ALREADY HAVE. Now there's an idea.
(this beaut has been languishing away in my garage for months
and is now getting some new fancy pants.)
Folks, today I walked away from a solid maple hutch for $40 at Salvation Army. I. Walked. Away. It was painful, yes, but not as painful as watching it sit in my garage until I found time to do something with it, then wait for it to sell on craigslist as I don't have a freaking space left in my home for yet another hutch, thankyouverymuch. Currently my garage is full of half-painted furniture for MY house. Stuff I've been wanting to change and fit into MY nest.
(a $5 steal that is a perfect fit for a bedside table/vanity for my room.)
And just so ya know, I'm not doing all this room/furniture painting and curtain/slipcover sewing and organizing/froufifying for the sake of my blog. I'm doing it for ME ME ME. I'm selfish like that. Of course I *will* share the results with my readers. I can be nice at times. No really, I can.
(a project to make my heart sing....finally some organizers for our double closet...thanks hubs!)
So, as you can see, I'm up to my paintbrush bristles in projects. I didn't even get pics of the room I painted, the other pieces of furniture I've completed, the homeschool office redo, or the sewing projects half-completed. I've got plans in the works (in other words, the paint has been purchased!) for three other rooms and the hallway. I'll be helping my second daughter move into a new studio apartment in an old vintage apartment building too...helping make it homey and comfortable. She's using all my old hand-me-down furniture, so I hope we can find a way to make it hers. I should be good for the next few months. When inspiration and energy strike, go baby.
But do it your way. That's all I'm sayin'.
18 comments:
Honey, I've really been struggling with this lately and have even considered not blogging anymore. I have actually stopped doing my Etsy shop stuff. We're trying to make room for a baby and I've just been getting rid of stuff left and right and just shaking my head in disbelief of how much I've accumulated on the past year. Most of the stuff going back to GW, still had the tags on it!
I'm also tired of not being happy with my house or a room I've just done a makeover on, because I see something better on another blog the next week.
I've decided to just go back to what I was doing at first and only making over things for me, things that I need. Not just making something over just for a blog post. I can't tell you how many of the things I've posted about, that have ended up right back at GW.
I'm hoping to start posting more about crafts that I enjoy that are manageable as far as space goes, such as knitting or jewelry making.
Sorry for such a long comment, but this post really spoke to me.
Off to read the link you mentioned about keeping only what you love.
Thank you Cindy for your post today. I certainly don't want a cookie cutter cut out home. I like what I like and if it's not popular amongst the bloggy world...that is ok with me. I love your honesty and I am sure that many would agree with you.
blessings,
Danielle
I've been having a lot of the same thoughts lately. Just becuase I can do it doesn't mean I should. Decorating, crafting, creating things I really don't need, or even want for that matter! I think it'll make my life so much easier and more enjoyable. I guess we'll see how it goes.
This really is a timely post...all of them. I've been having a struggle with my Blogs. I deleted one that I had that was tied to my dream of spending time on the road with my husband in our brand new 5th Wheel and truck. Well...it has'nt happened. Tied to that...I've been decluttering, selling extra furniture, finishing projects around the house...all in preparation for spending time on the road. We can't keep paying for the big truck that we were going to pull the 5th Wheel. Basically everything is closing in.
On to other issues...I love reading Blogs of those who are doing projects, as I use to do. But I know I can't do it now...I've aged and am unable to keep up with the refinishing, painting, etc. etc. I can't even manage to paint our walls at home... When I read the Blogs I find myself being pulled into the excitement of the projects. I enjoy reading them, but it stirs up other emotions...I guess maybe its some frustration because I can no longer do projects.
The RV Blogs I follow basically do the same thing. I love seeing where RVing couples and families go, love to see the pictures they take. But it makes me frustrated that my husband and I aren't out there yet.
Sorry I'm venting....guess I need a therapist. Guess for now I'll just keep decluttering, making our home simple and easier to clean and enjoy where I am in my "life journey". ~Tricia
Great post and brutally honest, which is rare in blogland. Something we all need to apply to our lives. Blogging is a wonderful way to see everyone elses homes and projects, great place for inspiration, but it can also leave you discontented with your own home. Thanks for speaking the truth to all of us.
Cindy
I'm glad you wrote this and even happier that you've come to this place. I don't get to post as often as others because I don't buy things or do projects just for the sake of a post. I just don't have time for that. Blogging is a creative outlet and a hobby which is why i don't have sponsors and thousands of followers and only blog when I have something interesting (to me) to blog about. That's why I like your blog...you keep it real.
Cindy,
I agree with Gina (above comment) and actually just wrote a post about this. I never got caught up in creating something for the sake of having a post or something to link to a party.
Your Friend,
Deborah
That is a great post. I am a furniture maker. Often, when looking for old shutters or wood to buy to make something with, I will see an old dresser or hutch and think I should buy it and paint it just like so many bloggers do. Then I have to tell myself I'm not a furniture painter, I'm a furniture maker. I really enjoy people's creative transformations, but it's not something I really want to do or need to do.
So far, I have persuaded myself not to bring any furniture home... now an old crib... that's a different story, I got one free from the dump and hope someday to make it into a bench.
Please keep blogging Cindy, your writings are always thought provoking.
Hey Cindy- good to see ya here. :-) I think we've all been in your position- buying something for later... whether it be for re-sale, blogging, or for ourselves. I think a lot of it is that we don't want to pass up a bargain and live to regret it later. LOL
It IS unfortunate that there are so many bloggers who buy things just to have something to post about. And who re-paints things 5 times over, anyway?! *grin* Glad you've come to grips with what you believe is your "problem." If only we could all come to that realization! Take care. :-) Sue
Funny how I don't even have a blog but follow several and have begun seeing trends among them where they all look the same with the colors, collections, etc and wonder if they feel pressured to buy stuff just to post. I think you are speaking for a lot of people with this post and I'm glad to see you don't want to look like everyone else just because..... gutsy
Yup. I have dragged the odd thing or two home and after a week or so thought "what WAS I thinking?" It's one reason I don't go to thrift stores anymore. Just estate sales. And not as often as I used to.
Great post! What are you going to do with that pink thing? And what is that on the fronts of the baskets???
Good for you Cindy! Follow your Bliss.
Totally can relate. Finally gave away all the stuff I brought home and haven't picked up anything new thank goodness.
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Cindy, you are so amazingly real and honest, and this post really tugged at my heart. I've just written one similar as I too have struggled with this for a while. Thank you for always speaking your truth.
Great post. I've always been drawn to your blog because of your honestly.
One of [the many] reasons I stink as a blogger is because it has never occured to me to create a makeover just for the blog. Whenever I do some new decorating or crafting project, I get so excited, I forget to take pictures of the before/progress/afters.
Eh, I really just blog for myself which can be both freeing and a little boring at the same time, IYKWM.
This is so hilarious! I was in GW today and thinking the EXACT same thing. How a year ago I would be picking up little things that I didn't need just to blog. But I stopped that awhile ago when I started getting that smothered feeling. Time to do another clean sweep and just concentrate on me. What I like. Nothing selfish about that at all :)
ps. I bought nothing at GW but I did buy a blue jar and bottle at an estate sale. But it was for ME!
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