Prepared To Be Shocked!

We put our hearts into our blogs but there are many things we do not show.  You see the pretty things, the ordinary things, the things you would expect to see according to your idea of a certain blogger. 

I am blowing all that outta the water today.  If you follow, you know I have been changing, rearranging, purging and just plain trashing my  place.  Trying to find that comfort zone that truly reflects Me...the me you think you know or the me I really am...You decide.

You may have me pictured as a Home and Garden lady, which I actually am, but the pictures below do not reflect that.  They will reveal the strange side, the place where I rest, the place I recenter (other than outdoors).  The things I enjoy around me may be from your worst nightmares or they may be your dream, either way, I hope you don't judge but rather, enjoy seeing some of the private me.  Please ignore any dust you may see, I'm still working on that part...I guess I always shall be.

The large couch that almost maimed me

accented with a shawl I crocheted

and two pillows so I can lay comfortably, when I choose.

My favorite table at end of said couch,

that I bought years ago in a junk store.

The lamp was a yard sale find with my choice of shade added.

The top of this six-legged table has beautiful inlaid wood,

but I cover it with Mom's doily.

This is in front of the fire place.

A statue, I've named Irene, after a good friend,

three candle sticks  (actually wooden ashtrays,

two pieces hand carved by Uncle Otis

and the third made by Hubby in high school shop class.

I enjoy splashes of color...

A painting by me and a vase of flowers

rest on the fireplace mantle.

This is my gaming computer and my business center.

A yard sale lamp, a black walnut bench made by Dad

and a big glass pig that Mom saved stamps in.

My me corner, complete with sweet tea and foot stool, to read, watch tv, write, or just to stare into space after a long day.  All things important are only a arm's reach away in those drawers.  To our left is a cedar table Dad made me, Aunt Evah's chair with a yard sale side table and lamp.  The foot stool is the blob of flowered material in the foreground.

Mom wanted lots of built-in shelves when they built this house so they remain.  This shelf used to be stuffed with books but they have moved to the shop.  Much more thinning is needed and that will come...maybe one truly favorite item per shelf.  I read here with the natural light.  Note the toy shelf!  I also have a shelf for emergency candles for when the power dies, complete with lighter.

Why do I never think to fix a lamp shade?

Yard sale bowl, cheap flowers and dollar store lamp,

all things I love,

all things I must clean!

Told you I like strange things...and doilies.

St Francis wears my beautiful cross

next to a floating stool for when it is needed.

A pair of these black walnut shelves flank the fireplace.

It looks full but, believe me, compared to before,

it is empty.

I plan to empty more.

Simplicity is my goal.

A painting by Alex Baptiste brightens the mantel.

A gift from Andrew's best friend because I like dogs.

This was Mom and Dad's living room.  It measures about 30x40 and is our bedroom and my sitting area.  A part of me is here, many parts of Mom and Dad and other parts of family.  I am trying to find the perfect combination to make it truly feel like ME.  If I continue working at it, one of these days, I will get there.