Monday, September 27, 2010

Multitude Monday and Counting Blessings

Last week I began my journey of counting 1000 gifts. Every Monday I will be posting new things I am thankful for
whether
large or small...
obvious or unusual.
Thank you for joining me on my road of gratitude.
I know this will impact my life and I hope it will encourage yours.

#21 A small son's hand cupped in mine, trusting me to lead the way.

#22 My husband's pure heart and devotion that makes me feel adored.

#23 My teenage son who is spreading his wings and reminding me of God's mercy and grace.

#24 Hope for my future even when I can't see it.

#25 Progress on a big home project!

#26 Overwhelming peace and joy in my heart.

#27 A friend's newborn baby girl reminding me of God's fingerprint on every life.

#28 Closed doors and open windows.

#29 New friends that bring me inspiration with every tweet!

#30 Transitions in life that keep me seeking THE ONE in control.


Continue to seek out the extraordinary within the ordinary...

holy experience

Friday, September 24, 2010

My Cottage - What Paint Color Did I Choose?

As you remember a month or so ago I asked for feedback on facebook, twitter,and here on the blog, asking what color I should paint my farmhouse, and gave you some of my ideas. I received a variety of answers, but there was one color that was suggested the most. I enjoyed hearing all the opinions and feedback. It was fun to see what you all suggested.



I heard everything from white, gray, yellow, tan, and "Paint it whatever pleases you"! What resounded most was to keep my color palette to a classic scheme, that would fit the era of my house. (over 100 yrs old)

I pondered about what I should do... I drove around many neighborhoods with my husband and looked for new inspiration... I took pictures of houses, but somehow seemed to keep being drawn to the same color.

Then... My hubby and I went for a Sunday drive because he wanted to show me an inspiration house. He said "I need to show you this...its classic." So here ya have it!

The color of choice is yellow...

My pictures don't do this house justice. This farmhouse sits up on a hill and in front of it is a large grape vineyard. Its very stunning in person. We stopped to take a picture and the homeowners were outside. I asked if they minded if I took a picture and they were more than willing to oblige. They even told me the exact color of their house! (It is a Benjamin Moore yellow from their historic color collection.)



I knew after seeing this wonderfully classic farmhouse, that I would paint my house yellow with crisp white trim. I immediately came home and bought the paint samples and tried it out on some siding pieces. And of course there will always be a red door on my house!



So...Why did I choose yellow?

1. We live in Washington state where we have a lot of rainy gray days. I wanted something cheerful and bright throughout the year.

2. I love happy warm colors, and yellow represents that feeling very well.

3. Its classic and fits the era of my house.

4. Its a welcoming color.

5. I listened to what people said. When I asked the question... "when you think of a farmhouse what color do you think of?" The number one color I heard was yellow and second to it was white.

So thank you for your feedback and to those that didn't suggest yellow. That's okay, I love a lot of colors and all the suggestions were good ones!

QuickTip: Are you considering color choices for your home? You might want to take a look at your demographic location, your neighborhood, your personal taste, and the style and era of your home. Most of all paint it with colors YOU like and that inspire you!



Thursday, September 23, 2010

My Cottage Renovation...A Farmhouse Facelift

Time for an update on our ambitious plan for renovating our farmhouse. Its been a while since I have kept you in the loop on our progress. We have made a lot of changes that don't show and are kind of boring, so I am showing what I know looks the most interesting for all you fellow home renovators out there! It won't be long and things will get more interesting as we move to the inside of the house and get to building the additions.
If you'll remember this is what we started with...

BEFORE




New windows were installed




New siding was applied to the front of the house.




A big improvement for sure!



Other things that we have accomplished since my last posting...

1. Chimney removal...(a big big mess! )
2. New heat pump and ducting was installed.
3. Foundation work, (major work) leveling the kitchen end of the house and pouring of new footings.
4. New well is being dug as we speak. We are hoping to hit water soon!
5. Demolishing of the old out buildings making way for the new garage.


Stay tuned for more! Be sure to hit the "My Cottage" button at the top of this blog to follow the progress from the beginning! There is so much more to come, see ya soon!