11.16.2011

Bits and Bobs, Style and Spirit

Life is all about the details. You and I know that when there's something 'big' coming up, we agonize over what to wear, down to the colour of our hose, or the pattern of our tie.


It's the most minuet details that can set us apart, make us look our finest, and speak volumes of 'who' we are. Aren't there scores of us women that dress for 'other-women' and the brave few that dress for themselves; men, well..we all know nothing is finer than a finely tuned male dresser.




Is all of this not true for where we live? It's the bones, the architectural details, all the way down to the jewellery - the light fixtures. It's how we live, much like a savvy suit, that expresses who we are.




Are you conservative, or is it retro, or flamboyant; or not so much rock and roll, but a little bit country?


Those that can see beyond the trends, but set them. That buck the system, and have insight to see a 'diamond in the rough' are those I applaud. These are the few who have a style that sets them apart from the followers.


I knew at a young age that I wanted to be different. Not following the norm was my mantra, but yet always wanting to fit in. It's knowing how much to edit ourselves and differentiate our style to obtain that aesthetically pleasing balance; and to not have the neighbours talking behind your back!


As I sit in my flat itching to get started at polishing this wee-gem ( and I mean wee), like most things in life I need to slow down, take in the details, soak in it's history and have a plan. As a person who wants to jump in, I believe a home needs to speak to us first for us to understand it's true language. Yes houses do talk to us, and sometimes they are saying, "what the heck were you thinking?"


 On the other hand as soon as I can whip out a paint brush and rip up a few carpets the happier I'll be. There isn't enough Fabreeze in all of the U.K. to make things right in my lounge. I can learn to love Haggis, much easier than learning to live without the comforts of loving where you lay your head.


Isn't it all about understanding the rules and knowing when to break them; if not shake them and giving your rooms a stir? "Le style est l'homme même" (style is the dress of thoughts).


So as I am, I try to focus, observe, and resist dipping into the nearest paint can I get my hands on; stifling back the urge to wave that paint brush like my freak-flag, One day at a time, one paint swatch to reconsider, I'm trying on my new look, the look of patience.


After all, life is all about the details?


The Dumbwit details. 
Notice the stairs that go to nowhere; what was once to the downstairs coal bin and servants quarters. Who has touched that railing and were they servants catering to the people of the house? What's their story?


They details are few but I think once finished, they'll be mighty.
I want to wish all who are celebrating a joyous Thanksgiving. I'm jumping a plane on Wednesday to Seattle (yes I get to change planes in PARIS!) to spend time with my family and attend a special event held in my father's honour on the 26th.  I may be slow on getting the moments needed to wish you all a hot 'cuppa' tea, elastic waistbands and whipped cream on your pumpkin pie.

 Hard to believe the dreaded, yet exciting 'Black Friday' is just around the bend. As I just typed those words, I had a sudden urge to see the nutty blond Target lady in her mad pursuit for BF bargains. She could make me laugh blindfolded.

Happy times folks!




{go forth and rejoice}


Some hae meat by Robert Burns

Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it;
But we hae meat and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thanit.
                                               

Amen

*single photos courtesy of admirationtolove.tumblr.com, video-via youtube, collages - dumbwittellher.com


37 comments:

Renae Moore said...

Deb, I LOVE this post. Patience is NOT my virtue, I don't care what the neighbors say and I applaud you for taking time and making a plan. I probably would have given in to ripping and slopping by now!

love ya Girl...can't wait to Skype!

xoxo

Jane said...

hi Deb oh I feel I have missed out on so much.

That apartment looks divine so much character. What a great challenge. And I agree there are some things which cannot be 'de-smelled' and old carpet falls into that category.

Wishing you a happy thanksgiving. It is a tradition I love even though we don't do it here in Australia. xo

red ticking said...

ok... i am finally getting caught up and i have gone into complete shock... so much has happened in your life and i wish we could go to dinner (when you LAND in seattle) and visit... when do you arrive????????????????????????????
i would take coffee for 1 hour as well.... anything... we have to meet... xoxoxoxo

Carla Aston said...

Looks like you have a wonderful little project there! So good to see you blogging again. We missed you! Come on back and get your pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving overseas is just not the same. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with your flat!

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Deb:
We really do concur with the view that, as in most things, patience is required when it comes to planning, decorating and furnishing a new house. But, as we are sure you are finding out, it can be great fun and it is always enjoyable to have a project in hand, particularly so when the donkey work is complete.

Have a safe journey back to the United States.

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Oh Deb,
Your new Scottish home looks like a little gem.....just my cup of tea......and, there are some gorgeous original features there too.....stained glass, cornicing, and a lovely garden with some stunning views by the looks of it. We have always lived in old houses and I'm afraid you just have to be patient while you make it your own. Trouble is, it's not so bad when you are in your early 20's and 30's but, as you get to our age and have just come from a beautiful home where the sun shines all of the time, it is a bit of a daunting task. But, before you know it, you will be basking in Scottish Victorian luxury and memories of smelly carpets and greasy kitchens will be all but a bad dream.
Hope that you will take lots of before and after photos so that we can follow your progress.
Enjoy your time back with the family and safe journeys.....Much love and take care. XXXX

Jenny at Spry On The Wall said...

First let me say that I love the crazy Target lady! I know exactly how you feel about wanting to just dive in to the decorating and creating - but you are right to wait and make a plan. Your place looks amazing and I know you will do a bang up job with making it your home. Can't wait to see what you do. Have a safe trip to Seattle and the best of Thanksgivings! xoxoxo

La Petite Gallery said...

I just think every photo is wonderful, love the bike in the bath, I have those Kit. drawer pulls and love them. Glad you will be home for the holidays. Be safe and
have a great Thanksgiving.

yvonne

Julia Christie said...

Oh I love this post!!! So excited about your new flat, even if it is a 'wee' one I know you will make it just fabulous!!!

So you are coming for a visit! Your dad sounds amazing!! It would be so fun to meet him and YOU and share his art and a glass of wine...Let me know if you have any extra time and we could meet up for a little cocktail - more than happy to come your way- it's not that far from Anacortes.
Wouldn't that be fun!
Also,do you have a favorite piece of my art - would love to send you a print for your new home.

I am headed your way in the spring. doing Ireland, but hoping to come to Scotland as well. So excited!

Smiles and thank you for always having such wonderful energy and gloriously beautiful posts here!!

xo
Julia

My Dog-Eared Pages said...

In time it will all come together and become a place where you are happy to lay your head... I know it. First things first, like musical tributes and Thanksgiving! I know this year will be an excellent adventure! Cheers to Scotland and to you, Deb! And, Graham and Buffy, too. oxo

vicki archer said...

Have a fantastic trip ... enjoy your US blast and come back ready for the details! Happy weekend... xv

24 Corners said...

I made it Deb!!! It's 'classic' for me! Anyhoo...I left you such a long comment on fb so I won't repeat myself here...but I will say again how thrilled I am for your new decor adventure and the beautiful details you have to work with...can't wait to see what you do!
Hope we get to see each other :D !!
Happy Thanksgiving...
xoxo J~

Punctuation Mark said...

that apartment is amazing... BTW, I love the crazy Target lady!!!

have a great week!

Francine Gardner said...

Dear Deb: I feel so challenged. It took me forever to figure out how to post a comment. I am so exited for you, your new adventure in life and design. Love your mosaic, fun, modern, fast, corky, enticing.I think I just may have to take a hiking trip in Scotland and knock on your frontdoor. Much love, Francine

La Petite Gallery said...

Hope you are getting settled in, big job moving. You will make your nest beautiful. Hope you had a nice Holiday. yvonne

A Gift Wrapped Life said...

Thanks for sharing your lovely Christmas Tree story Deb...........reminds me of my Dad! Hope you are settling in and enjoying the festive Scottish traditions, it will be wonderful! Much love XO

Barbara said...

What a fun post, Deb! I love hearing about your new life and, more importantly, your thoughts and feelings on this big change.
Hope you had a nice visit.
Love the look of your blog!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh Deb,

The style here is just refined and GORGEOUS! Black and white, natural wood and a splash of color is up my ally!!!!

It is so nice to see you dearest! I will send your regards to my husband. AND I thank you so much for your kind and uplifting comments about my writing. I am a lover of words, a bit of a late bloomer in my education and a big dreamer. Blogging has provided for me, a place to practice my ideas in writing. I have a long way to go to becoming a writer, but what you described in your comments I BELIEVE are the main ingredients as you say, to being an effective writer. Maybe there is room for those of us that may have a long way to catch up, but do have something plain and simple to say.

Many thanks....Anita

Privet and Holly said...

SO fun to see you
back in the blogging
saddle again AND
living my dream of
trying on a life in
Scotland!!! I am slowly
peeling away the layers
of my own design desires
and trying to figure out
what goes and what stays.
I'm envious of your blank
canvas : ) Hope you had
a great time in Seattle,
the other part of the globe
that has my heart.

xx Suzanne

Shelley said...

I've just come back and re-read the small print. I was thinking you had landed in the house of single photos and - not very nice of me - I wasn't sure I could bear to speak to you. That said, the composite pictures indicate that you have a lovely pre-war house with loads of personality and great features. They remind me to appreciate some of those that we have as well. However, I shall just have to continue to envy you your back garden; ours is quite small and we've bricked the part that grew mud rather than grass. Look forward to hearing more about how things are going for you in Bonnie Scotland!

Julie@beingRUBY said...

H Deb
Well the crazy target lady looks like me.. give me a few years!!! mind i say that without playing the video as my internet wouldn't cope at present..

Love your new format.. obviously not blogger.. looks way to professional!!! .. just fabulous.. sorry i have popped over earlier... just not managing to keep up at present.. Have a great week.. ciao xxx Julie

Decor To Adore said...

It would seem that we adore many of the same inspirational images. :)

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Split-Site PhD by Grace McBride said...

I love the bicycle in the bathroom idea. I love this whole post. A lot more of us need to learn patience and practice it. The video was hilarious. Thank you for posting it and sharing all your wonderful pictures.


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