It seems like I haven’t been here to chat with y’all in forever and yet, the time has flown plumb away! Did you catch that? “Plumb away.” I’m sounding right Southern y’all.
I’m enjoying my blogging break, trying to take time to fully breathe and take in my surroundings instead of constantly rushing to the “next thing.” I find it hard . . . to be still, to rest, to wait. Mr. OTN is fond of saying, “Just do the next right thing.” Sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what that is. Right now, it is continuing to write for myself. One day that writing for myself may be shared here with you. I hope so.
In the meantime, here are a few things I learned in the month of October:
I learned that patio courtyards take a long time to construct. I had no idea what all went into a project like this!
I learned that choosing colors for this house is nothing like choosing colors for my old house. We have a lot more shade here and the colors I put on these walls look totally different than in a light filled home. If you are following me in Instagram you’ll know that I’ve been painting from room-to-room. It is such a good feeling to make everything new and fresh.
I learned that though the “greige” color I previously painted in my living room was nice it wasn’t right for me. Every time I looked in this room I felt like something was missing, so I spent a lot of time moving things here and there and still . . . it was lacking something. COLOR! I learned that color makes me happy as I finally chose and painted Benjamin Moore’s Beach Glass on my living room walls. I am at peace 😉
In a trip back to Washington State I learned that staying in the guest cottage we once owned feels strange. Wonderful but strange. Knowing that we gutted and restored nearly every surface of this cottage made me feel proud and happy, but also made me wonder why we’d never spent the night here when it belonged to us. I’m thankful to our friends John and Debbie who bought our old house and let us come back again for a visit.
I learned that going through my in-laws pictures can be fun as I came across Mr. OTN’s high school graduation picture. How young he looks here. Cute too. I wonder if we would’ve dated each other if we’d met in High School. 🙂
I learned, as we’ve been taking regular day trips into the mountains this Fall, that one can find the most amazing treasures in the most out-of-the-way places. I also learned that when we are driving down the highway at high speed and I yell, “Stop!,” Mr. OTN is a very good sport, even when he has his own destination in mind and limited time to get there. He is so good to me. I do think I would have dated him in high school.
I learned that by stopping to explore these fun out-of-the-way places it is almost impossible to refrain from picking up a little something. Stay tuned for the project we are working on together.
I learned that sometimes the most amazing and colorful sights are found in complete darkness as we chanced upon and toured Linville Caverns in North Carolina.
I learned that some of the best birthday presents are those I buy for myself, a whole month early. I know, right?
I learned that sometimes contractors aren’t as quick as I’d like them to be. The patio project progresses . . .
Finally, with all of the traveling and exploring we’ve done this past month I learned that some of the greatest beauty lies right down the street from home. The colors of Fall are gorgeous here in my neighborhood!
I hope and pray that no matter what is going on in your world, you will take the time to stop and feed your soul by capturing moments of beauty around you. They are everywhere if you’ll only take the time to see.
Blessings dear ones,
I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive, SilverPenniesSundays, SundaysAtHome, RusticAndRefined, Spiritual Sundays, GiveMeGrace
Monday:
IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, TheDedicatedHouse, Dwellings, ProjectInspired, InspireMeMonday, BetweenNapsOnThePorch, CelebrateYourStoryMaking Your Home Sing Mondays, The Beauty in His Grip What Joy is Mine/Monday Musings, Darling Downs Diaries, The Art of Homemaking,SmallWonder, LifeGivingLinkup, MomentsOfHope, Glimpses, SittingAmongFriends
Tuesday:
TalkOfTheTown, HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,TuesdaysAtOurHome, TheWinthropChronicles, Rich Faith Rising Unite Linky, Testimony Tuesday,Cheerleaders of Faith,Tell His Story, IntentionalTuesday
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, TheBlissfulBee, Posed Perfection, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesdays, ChristianBloggerLinkup, Whole Hearted Home, Mom’s Morning Coffee, Women with Intention, Coffee for Your Heart, MessyMarriage, ThreeWordWednesday
Thursday:
ShareYourStyle, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, MyRepurposedLife, ADelightsomeLife, KatherinesCorner, PrettyPreppyParty, The Deliberate Mom/Shine Blog Hop, I Choose Joy, Live Free Thursday, Thought Provoking Thursday, PartyAtMyPlace, 100HappyDays, SincerelyPaulas, ThankfulThursdays
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme, TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday, ShabbyliciousFriday, Sweet Inspiration, Faith’nFriends, Missional Women Faith Filled Fridays, Dance With Jesus
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, OneMoreTimeEvents, SaturdaySparks, TheInspirationGallery, Make My Saturday Sweet
I like what you said, “I would have dated Mr. OTN in high school.”
How have I missed your “what I learned” posts? I’m catching up now. Love that cottage in the PNW – cozy!
And, the new sea glass on the walls? LOVE. I just got a text from my daughter who is having “decorator stress” in her new all white (egads) dining room – Mom, help what is missing? I immediately said, COLOR! I think we’ll be shopping for drapes SOON!
Patti, you are truly someone I would like to be neighbors with. xoxo
I must not have tagged you properly before Susan so you could see these posts but I’m happy you are in-the-loop now. LOL! Yay for shopping for drapes with your daughter. Color makes all the difference doesn’t it? As for being neighbors? I REALLY think you and the hubs should consider retiring down the hill here where the weather is a bit more balmy! 🙂 I’m happy that you are a drive away though and would love to meet y’all somewhere for a bite to eat. We explore the NC mountains quite frequently. In fact today it is Highlands and Cashiers 🙂 Much love to you my friend <3
Hi Patti..
Your patio is going to be gorgeous! You are so patient to work the color thing. I am a total coward when it comes to choosing paint. I never want to commit. Such beautiful photos and I agree with enjoying those little things and the beauty around us. We are so blessed. I look forward to reading some of your writings. It is good to do things for ourselves. I am learning that late in life but I’m trusting God’s timing. That little “stop” looks like a fun place to shop! Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you.
Tamara
Thank you for the compliment on our patio Tamara. Maybe when it is done we will have some great parties like yours 🙂 I’m so happy you came by my blog for a visit because it caused me to go over and meet you at yours. What beautiful photos you take and your life seems like it full of fun. A gypsy camp no less! Blessings friend 🙂
October was a learning month for me as well.
I love the new color- Beach Glass – just the name intrigues!
Enjoy your November.
Aren’t you glad the learning never ends Carol? Of course you would love the name Beach Glass, living on the Pacific Coast 🙂 Living closer to the mountain than the sea now I simply had to get a little taste of home and I LOVE it! Happy November my dear friend <3
Loved reading your post today thanks for sharing. I’m currently trying to pick a color for our bedroom and having such a hard time so I know what you mean there. Your patio is going to be so nice the time it is taking will be well worth it.
Have a great afternoon
Blessings
Candy
It IS hard to pick colors. I finally have it figured out for this house and can’t wait to freshen up each and every room! Then I’ll have to do a “My Colors” post 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to write Candy. I appreciate you my friend 🙂
Welcome back to the blog scene, Patti! LOL, I miss you friend.
Love all that you posted about today, and what I wouldn’t give to have great little places to find hidden treasures….like that archectural place. I’m swooning just thinking about it. And I’m so glad you put color on the walls of your living room. It looks so much more like you now.
Look forward to the next post!
Thank you sweet friend Sharon. I’m not back to blogging full force but I must at least check in once in awhile so y’all don’t dwindle away. LOL! It has been a fun and relaxing month. As strange as it sounds, painting is relaxing for me, and so very rewarding. Funny that you say the color in my LR is so much more like me. It took awhile for me to figure that out for myself. Blessings to you my friend 🙂
Patti, You have the most amazing sights and places out your way. Living in Oregon seems to be very limited in finding great old things.
Hi Kathy! I’m sure there are places in Oregon, just like there were in Washington when we lived there, but they are few and far between compared to the South. I think this was one of the draws of living here when we were making the decision to move. What we DON’T have are the gigantic snow-covered mountains, and sunsets over the water (sunrises here), like you have in the Pacific NW. There are always trade-offs I suppose. Thanks for dropping a note on my post Kathy.
Lovely Post Patti…………
and you are so right about there being beauty all around us.
Happy Fall and Thanksgiving,
Nellie
Awww, thank you sweet Nellie. I hope you too have a wonderful Thanksgiving 🙂
Hi Patti ~ I finally got to read this. Another great post that brought tears to my eyes. I really miss you (already again!) I love the Beach Glass color; and the backyard is going to look amazing!! My tear jerker… I can totally hear your voice in your writing! It brings tears of joy and love for you, my very sweet friend! Oh… and Mr OTN – yahhhh…. I’d say you should, ” ‘Go for it!’ He’s super cute and I bet he’ll treat you really nice!” ;o)
I miss you too Shelly. The hardest thing about living in this place (that we do love) is being away from those who are dearest to my heart. Maybe the next time you come to Florida for your “girlfriends visit” we can meet somewhere in the middle for a couple of days on the beach, praying and listening for God’s voice. <3 Love you bunches girlfriend.
Really enjoyed this glimpse. thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading my friend. I enjoyed the glimpse of the Christmas decor over at your house. I’m inspired. 🙂
Reading your post, I learned that the beautiful photos of your home and travels make me smile. Your patio will be so wonderful when it’s finished! Glad I was your “neighbor” this week at Glimpses – have a blessed week!
I’m so glad you came by and saw me today Kym. I will be right over to your place to see what you’re up to. 🙂
Patti, whenever I read your posts, I realize how little time I actually spend thinking about my surroundings. You inspire me!
Beautiful photos. I’m learning that you like to surround yourself with lovely things in as many spaces as you can. 🙂 I tend to be minimalistic, so seeing rooms like this are feasts for my eyes. Thanks for sharing, Patti.
Patti, its’ all so beautiful. Your home, the patio, even in it’s unfinished state. I can’t wait to see more. Thank you for sharing what you’ve learned over at Glimpses this week.
Wow, this was so beautiful on the eyes! I love color…every room in my home is a different color, and you have a great eye for color and design. Really glad I stopped by today!
I like my Hubs high school pics too and I didn’t know him then but I would have so dated him! Great reflection! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
I love what you are doing to the house, Patti! And I am glad you are taking time to breathe right now. We all need that from time to time ♥ Thanks so much for sharing at #MomentsofHope!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Totally understand your contractor woes. The last picture puts everything into perspective!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy