Well hello. My goodness it feels like forever since I sat down at my computer with the intention of sending words out into the world.
Oh, I've thought about it many times over the past few weeks...or months, but somehow, once I sat down at the keyboard, the wind went out of my writing sails and I simply got up and walked away.
My heart just wasn't in it.
Sharing about my new decor when so many other weighty things were going on, just didn't feel right.
Of course, things are still unsettled, in so many ways, in this great big world of ours. However, I've always found comfort in the beauty of little things and I thought perhaps you might, too.
So I'm easing back in with a tiny tale about a tiny pillow.
Oh sure, I like browsing through Home Goods and enjoy a quick trip to the thrift store every now and again, but generally, it's not really my thing.
Of course, now that I can't, shopping is all I want to do.
Bummer.
So what's a girl to do when she's craving a new view, but all the stores are closed? Well, you already know the answer...it's UPS and the internet to the rescue.
Sort of.
In theory, it's a great plan. I see something I want, click to buy, it shows up a day or two later and voila, fabulous.
However. Shipping has been a bit of a problem lately. Nothing has been showing up a day or two later. And that's fine. I totally get it.
I mean, I've been waiting two weeks for food, I think I can wait a little longer for a shower curtain.
No, the issue has been what I've received and how it has to be sent back. Therein lies the rub.
Shopping online is awesome when you know what you want. Perhaps you've seen it in person, touched it, know the quality, the texture, the color.
But browsing via my monitor can be a whole different experience. Is that red more pink or more brick?? Is that polyester material soft or slick? And how big is that??
Sometimes even my measuring tape doesn't seem like it works properly in these instances. Especially if the manufacturer's description isn't correct.
Then I'm stuck with something I don't love and have to figure out a contactless way to return it. Ugh.
The fragrance free shaving cream that was way too perfumed for my bum lungs or the moisturizer that wasn't even the same brand as I what I ordered were easy to deal with...
The eight foot round rug that was not even remotely close to the color on the screen? Not so much.
So when I saw this sweet, sweet pillow go by on Instagram, I was hesitant. It was so very pretty and I thought it would be the perfect addition to my floral family room.
Fresh. Bright. Soft.
It would fit right in.
But would it?
I clicked my way though to the gorgeous blog of my friend Cindy and saw it displayed in her home and was even more taken by its charm. I had to order it.
So with the click of a button I took a risk.
I have to say I was so pleasantly surprised with this pillow, it really made my whole week.
Silly isn't it? That something so trivial could have such a huge impact on my psyche?
I'm not really sure how or why, but that little package of happy mail was just what I needed to jump back in the game.
My creative fire was ignited again.
And it wasn't just relegated to the family room. I was having fun all over the house...inside and out. I was sewing and organizing, planting and painting.
In addition to fluffing and feathering, there were some structural issues tackled, as well.
I even did some virtual redecorating, here, on my website - as you can clearly see. I installed a more modern theme.
Then I had my fabulously talented friend Cyball tackle some structural issues that I'd ignored for far too long, making my site faster and function better.
If you are on Blogger (or WordPress) and need a tech gal, I highly recommend her...sweet, knowledgeable and reasonable.
Perfect.
I love it when my houses are in order.
Makes me feel like all is right with the world.
Of course, we all know it isn't and no floral pillow is going to fix that.
But it sure helps to have one to rest your weary head on every now and then.
Even if just for a moment.
So true, your words today. So much tragedy going on that the little things seem to matter so much more.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Thank you, Brenda. ❤️
DeleteNot silly at all. That pillow is so lovely. No wonder it cheered you up.
ReplyDeleteI found a vintage mirror at the Salvation Army last week and I'm still not tired of looking at it. It makes my fireplace mantel look so much better.
PS: I am not brave enough to order clothing, shoes, toiletries, cosmetics, etc. over the internet because of the very issues that you mentioned.
Thank you, Briana, it really is a pretty pillow. And your mirror sounds like a perfect pick me up, too! As far as ordering goes, I really thought I was a master of online shopping, but when you can't return things, it really changes the game!!
DeleteKim, I was hoping that you hadn't given up. I certainly know what you mean about writing about "fluff" even if it is beautiful. Which that pillow is looking in your beautiful room. A friend reader of mine said it just didn't seem right writing about "unicorn farts" in times like these. While we know that is certainly true, we do need some beauty every once in awhile. So I am glad you wrote this post. Your life sounds like my existence now. I can't get any fresh flowers so I photograph vegetables. Not as pretty but what is on hand. I just can't get into any new decorations, but I think that is just me being lazy, so need to change that. I have been painting my paint by number picture and that is about it. Better times to come, hopefully. I do like the professional look of your blog now. Stay well, my friend. It is good to hear from you..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteHaven't given up, Judy, but there's been a lot of sadness in my neck of the woods and it took a little bit of the wind out of my sales when it came to sharing online. I'm so glad that I did and that silly little pillow lit my creative fire again, so there's a lot more to share now!! Thank you for all the kind word, my friend! xxoo
DeleteYour pillow with that pretty flower was the perfect thing to cheer me up, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it made you smile, too, Marlene!!
DeleteYour pillow is so you and great for your decor. Glad you could get it. I have been ordering some things on line and it is a long wait most times to get the shirt or decor thing. Then since I cannot try things on most times lately it had to be shipped back. I will be glad when we can go into a store and look at the things we want to buy. Have a great rest of the week.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kris
I hope you've been able to get to the stores now, Kris! We are sort of open around here. I haven't ventured out yet. I'm still ordering online. And waiting!! Ha!! xo
DeleteVery cute pillow. Glad that it was a keeper. I haven't had that much bad luck with ordering but then I am not ordering clothing or decor. It does seem that shipping sometimes takes longer than expected, first because of the virus and now because of the rioting. I have been ordering stuff like garden hoses and cat food. Glad to see your post.
ReplyDeleteMmm...garden hoses and cat food sound wonderful Lorri. Watering your garden and those cute long haired onions in the company of kitties...lovely!!
DeleteHi Kim, good to see you again. I was just wondering the other day, "I haven't seen Kim in a while." I know what you mean. Bleak times, upsetting times & I catch myself worrying. I enjoy hearing your thoughts though. You're so real.
ReplyDeleteThanks for thinking of me, Florence, and for the very kind words. Yes, I've had my head in the sand a bit, but I missed sharing...glad to be back.
DeleteIts a happy moment to see you back. Our world is going thru so many things right now, and a breath of fresh air (aka you) is a blessing. I have been teased about wanting to stay home and putter in my happy castle inside and out. With things as they are, Im proud to say, Im a happy little hermit. Take Care You, and I look forward to seeing/hearing from you again.
ReplyDeleteOh Ruthie, your sweet comment just made my day. Thank you so much, my friend!
DeleteI love the pillow! It really makes that whole area look cheery.
ReplyDeleteYour blog looks great too. She did a good job.
Thanks Mari! Every room needed a little bit of a pick me up…even my virtual one!
DeleteHi Kim, it’s so good to hear from you. I know what you mean about blogging with so much sadness going on right now. I love how pretty the new pillow looks. I just ordered new sandals online and I can’t wait to them. It’s the little things that make us happy now. Take care and be safe.
ReplyDeleteIt absolutely is, Julie! Enjoy those sandals!!
DeleteOh, I love your little pillow! I've often said it's the "little things" in life that can make such a BIG difference:) My latest post was right along with your thoughts....I posted pictures of beautiful birds. I just needed to see some beauty for a change and I thought my (few) readers might need some beauty also:) I have truly hated the isolation (although we are getting out a little now...with masks!), but all this violence and hatred and rioting is just so heartbreaking. So glad to read your post...hopefully your writing juices will continue to flow:)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cheri. Yes, we really do need some beauty to peek at right now. At home, I have been creating, and I hope to share some of it soon, I guess in the thick of everything, my heart just wasn't in it...Be well!
DeleteThe pillow speaks to my heart, I love it! I don't always enjoy ordering things online either, except I do order a few food items from Amazon because I know exactly what they are. We are back to pretty much life as normal here, and all thrift stores are open. I went to a couple of yard sales last weekend, and plan to go to some more this weekend. I'm glad things are opening back up. I can't imagine having to ship that rug back, ugh! Hoping that things get back to normal for you very very soon! Sending much love... also loving your new blog look!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Marilyn! It was time for a change on the blog...and yes, shipping that rug back was a pain in the tail. However, taking a cue from your always positive attitude, I tried to be grateful for the men and women who were working and allowed me to be able to do so while staying safely tucked in at home.
DeleteLove the pillow. I have been ordering online things like, lithium batteries (for a motorized window shade), books on painting landscapes etc. It does take some time to arrive in this world we are now living in! Take care.
ReplyDeleteThat is true, Penny. Hopefully things will ease up a little soon...and those books on landscape painting sound interesting!!
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteLiving the new pillow and it stinks the rug wasn't remotely right, not a fan when that happens.
I thought about am I doing the right thing posting Honestly, I think it's good because we can't hang on tge news alm day.
We're also sharing what we love and it brings joy to other. We aren't saying what's happening isn't important.
Cindy
I have loved reading everyone's posts, Cindy, I agree, it's been a great distraction from the news. I have found joy in seeing DIYs and makeovers, blooming gardens and sweet pups. And yes, that rug...ugh...never again!! Ha!
DeleteHi Friend,
ReplyDeleteI am on the hunt for a new kitchen rug for by the kitchen sink. Not having much luck.
I like the pillow. :-)
Love, Carla
I wish you luck in your search my friend! And thanks!!
DeleteI think we all crave normalcy, Kim. I'm glad you shared your pretty pillow, and the words you shared are so true. Right now little things really matter. I'm happy to see my blogging friends continue to post and share decor and other "normal" things. It makes life a little sweeter. Heck, I bought a vacuum cleaner today and that felt pretty good. It's not pretty, but it's functional and I need that right now, too. I know what you mean about buying stuff online and being disappointed when it shows up. Monitors differ in the way colors are displayed. One never knows what will arrive, and I hate returning things. Ugh. Glad your pillow was an exception. Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteNancy, I hear you with that vacuum cleaner, it really is the little things! I know that if mine broke, I would need to run out to get a new one immediately. There's nothing like a clean and tidy space to make me smile and I'm sure with your move, it's essential! Hope it's all going well!! Hugs!
DeleteYay, you're back <3 How I've missed your words and stories Kim. It might sound silly, but just like your tiny, pretty little pillow brightened up your day, your blog posts do the same for me.
ReplyDeleteOh Michelle, thank you, my friend. Your words always make me smile, too!
DeleteOh that pillow is absolutely charming and goes very well with your decor. I love it!! Indeed we need to get a hold of little things that makes us relax a bit among such madness. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angela! It really is a pretty pillow and makes me smile whenever I catch a glimpse of it.
DeleteMy blog post the other day was the first one I'd written in awhile, too. Love the pillow - glad you took the chance. It looks perfect in your home.
ReplyDeleteStores are open here now in IL, but limited on how many people can be in them at one time and also have to wear a mask. We can return things through UPS stores now, too.
Just a little techie FYI about your blog (which always looks fabulous), it might be just my laptop screen, but I can barely see the side bar on the right side that I use for scrolling. It is a very faint pink. I don't use a mouse; I use my laptop scroll pad. So it's pretty hard for me to navigate. Just thought you'd want to know!
Glad to hear that things are opening back up for you, Melanie. It’s a hopeful sign. This week a few stores opened up here, as well. I’m still not ready to venture out, but it’s good to know that if I wanted to, I could! And thanks for the tip about the site. I will go change that today. It’s so hard to know how the site functions on all devices and how people interact with it, so I really, really appreciate the feedback!!
DeleteI have mostly hits, but every once in awhile I have a miss and it's a hassle to return things.
ReplyDeleteI love the pillow
Thanks Carol. It’s very pretty in person.
Delete