Why Am I Still In Florida?

When I arrived in Florida last November I was so excited!

The year before we had rented a little beach house but this

year we purchased a house in the same neighborhood.

I have spent the last couple of months

making it mine.

I had a blank canvas.

I had a new theme to work with.

 Coastal!

I have always wanted to decorate "beachy"

 but seashells in snowy Michigan just seems a little silly.

I planted a Cocktail Tree.

(get this...it has lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit all from the same tree)

I went all out!

Scouring consignment shops for a little bit of this and that.

I transformed some old urns,

 that my Mom was throwing away, into side tables.

I painted them with a Martha Stewart textured paint

that reminded me of sand

I added a little "bling" to the base.

Then I finished the inside to display shells.

While my husband was out fishing (not catching:)

I was creating a little trophy fish all my own.

But the story takes a twist.

The reason we are still in Florida

 is that we are getting

our little house ready to sell.

Even I didn't see that one coming.

My husband found his Florida "dream home".

(He is a Real Estate Junkie)

I wouldn't even go look at it for months.

Then right before we were to leave the owner

drastically reduced the price.

I finally gave in and went to see it...

and darn it I really liked it.

So...we have decided to sell our little house.

The house I made mine now will be someone elses.

All my little personal touches are being packed away

and I am busy making our house look cute but not too personal.

So I am in sunny Florida

 until we have everything "wrapped up".

Not a bad place to be but...

still missing Michigan.

Hopefully it will sell soon.

I'll sleep a little better when all is done.

Enjoy!

Gone Coastal!

I have gone
COASTAL!

I am still in Florida and
enjoying every minute it of it!!!

The beach has become my playground.

OH NO!

My blog has been so neglected but....

 I did declare earlier this year that this would be a stress free, guilt free blog.

 I love and APPRECIATE those of you that visit and love to touch base with so many "blog" friends even if it is not as often as I would like.

My decorating has taken a tropical route.
I have taken every liberty from the Jimmy Buffet school of decorating.

Can you see this stuff in northern Michigan?
It would look just plain SILLY!

Even my mosaic projects have gone tropical.
I recently transformed these thrift store stools for my daughter's kitchen

I must admit my heart strings are being tugged by all the new foals that have been born this spring.

I have yet to pet the little velvet noses and discover each personality. 

Although I know they are being well taken care of
 ( yes, I'm taking about my Fairy God- Manager, Jona)
 I get updates almost on daily basis and pictures as soon as the little ones are born.

How cute is this little guy?

Look at all those spots.

His daddy's name is "SPOTS HOT" so...

how does the name "3 Hot Spots" sound?

This little girl is the last of the foals this year.

A real beauty!

She reminds me of one of the greatest beauties of all time.

Grace Kelly.

Naming her after the late Princess of Monaco

 she would have really big hooves to fill.

Maybe too much pressure:)

I am taking time to smell the flowers, or roses, as it might be.

I have never been one to sit back and enjoy the present.

This year I am trying to change that.

I think I am succeeding.

It's amazing how growing older changes your perspective

 on what is important in life.

As my time in Florida is moving into the

Sunset Mode.

I'll say...

"See ya later"

and take off to Northern Michigan.

In the meantime you can find me on the beach.

I hope you are doing well

and thank you so much for visiting this "sometimes" blogger.

Enjoy!

Feathering My Nest with Memories

Welcome to my southern Nest!

I have been busy with the thrill of being a grandma

and 

setting up house in a small beach house that we are renting. 

We rented the Nest unfurnished.

It didn't feel like a home

but

I had plans to feather it with wonderful memories.

The walls were waiting to be part of a family,

my family.

This Nest welcomed 50 years of memories.

My grandfather recently passed away leaving

many treasures of his life.

I brought those memories into my blank little beach house

and brought it to life.

A true Nest away from Home.

This painting welcomed me into his home

each time I visited.

The chair sat to the right of my grandfather's desk.

The bookshelves are filled with my grandmother's and grandfather's personalities.

I know many of
the  treasures I wouldn't have selected for myself,
but I think that makes them even more special.

This sofa hosted many naps,

Every time I walk into this room it makes me smile.

Many family stories were listened to while swinging on the porch.

Many meals were shared around this table.

We all have settled in and are enjoying

our little Nest.

Everything old is new again!

Enjoy!