Some say ToMAYto, Some say ToMAHto!

No matter how you spell it...tomato...I am sure you have your own way of pronouncing it that is reflective of you.  

This morning I sat and did quite a bit of reflecting.  Not just on my pool as I've taken to doing.  But also, on my wildly overgrown tomato plant.

More specifically on "why?".  

Why has my plant grown so well, but yielded very little fruit to enjoy?

I think the size is just wonderful.  I love how it has reached out on several sides instead of growing larger just straight up and down.  I've "looked" at this plant all summer and watched it closely, often musing on how it seems like it has arms wide open.  This plant knows my heart.

However, I can no longer ignore the fact that I have for the most part left this plant to fend for itself.  It's really needs "tending" to!  I have fruit that is there for the picking.   I have older ripened fruit that are still hanging on the vine and beginning to rot, not to mention the many that have already fallen off.   I even have new fruit that is freshly green and growing but desperately looking for sunshine and nutrition.  Additionally, I see many blooms that are hanging around as if deciding weather to bud here or not.

This plant is so much more though...

...it is really a metaphor of my blog!

  I have been thinking quite a bit lately about blogging and the demands of life.  I have been experiencing a huge case of the "why bothers" when it comes to posting on my blog lately.  Does it really matter who says "tomayto" or who says "tomahto"?  Heck, I even enjoy hearing from a few "mayters" every now and then!  

  I am especially enjoying the posts of others and finding new inspirations to look at quite a bit.  I want more time to bring that inspiration to life.  I am taking a much needed break here.  

It is a break time to enjoy the fruits of my labor.  A time to feed and tend to those precious things in my life that need it.  A time for being tired, a time for being inspired.  I'll be back when the "why bothers" leave.

Until then... 

A New Kitchen Vignette

Hey Friends! I know I don't need to tell you that nothing feels as great as rearranging things in the house to come up with a new look.  Recently, I decided I wanted to change things up a bit in one of my favorite spots and after one thing led to another I ended up with a new look in the kitchen too.

Here's the new look!  I moved the bakers rack from where it was outside on the screened porch to inside in the kitchen.  I just love it!  I can't believe I have not put this in here until now.  I guess since I bought it just to go outside that's where it's been, that' is until now.

Here is the desk I used to have in here in the same spot.  It's still in the kitchen, just over by the coat rack now. 

I am really lovin the way this looks and fills the space so much better.  Especially since I have a space to decorate and display some of my collectibles now without having to install shelves.

Speaking of shelves, let's see how I loaded them up.

I just couldn't resist bringing out the few roosters that I have along with a few new and older items.

I bought these fantastic woven wired basket trays as a set of three at one of our local antique thrift stores.  I think the contrast between them and the silver I inherited from my in-laws is just wonderful.  I love mixing things up!

I think the last item to go in this vignette was the crowning touch!  After searching around the house for something to complete the look of this shelf. I was just a tad near giggly at how well my new tea towels from our very own blogger friend Debbiedoo's fit right in.  The stenciled wording look on these totally made it, don't cha think?  I sure do!

  I am so glad I commented about wanting to buy some of these from her.  She really has quite a skilled hand at stenciling.  She is considering doing more stenciling to sell, so if you like them hop on over to her blog and ask about more.  I'm sure she would love to help ya out cause she's like that ya know!  Thank you...thank you...thank you Debbie!

On my next shelf I have a wooden garden box I bought on clearance from Michael's.  It has four divided compartments perfect for and keeping a place setting of flatware and napkins handy.  And right next to it is a stack of dishes.  Four dinner plates and four desserts of course! 

And on the very top is my favorite Roo of all.  I think he loves sitting up top.  Don't they all!

I still haven't spruced up my old season block like I thought I would, but honestly it's starting to grow on me now just as it is.  

Down on the bottom is this wonderful crate I got from my old job at the gift shop.  I had been using this thing as a bread box but decided it will make a better storage box here.

It really was very large for a bread box on the counter and bet I can store a good amount of table linens in here instead.  Hopefully!  I didn't put the old wine bottles back on here just yet and now I am thinking I might be able to store some of my goblets on those racks instead.  What do you think?  Maybe?

Okay, so that's my new look!  How do you like it?  

Do you want to see why I moved this off the screen porch?  

Well, to make room for the hammock on the porch again.  I can't believe it's been well over a year since I've had my hammock on the porch.  It takes up a lot of space but it's so enjoyable especially in the spring and fall.  I'm not quite ready for Fall just yet, but a few cooler evenings relaxing on the porch sure would be nice.

I am linking up with the following parties today for;

Seasonal Sunday

Metamorphosis Monday

Tabletop Tuesday

Please be sure and visit the links above to see so much more!

Hope your having a great weekend!

Fishing by the Pool

I don't know about your side of the country but it sure has been hot, muggy and stormy around here lately.  I am so happy to finally have a clear evening for a little outdoor dining.  I've set the table quickly tonight as the sun is setting rather rapidly and it looks like the fish are jumping!

Placemats: Crate and Barrel

Dinner Plates: Christmas Tree Shops

Salad Plates: Christmas Tree Shops

Goblets: Christmas Tree Shops

Napkins: ?  Very Old

Glass Napkin Rings: ?  Can't remember, bought last year?  Gee I'm getting old!

Flatware: Steinmart

Candle Jars: Old Time Pottery

Thanks for stopping by!  

Hope you also get the time to enjoy a little outdoor dining this summer.

Be sure and visit the following parties for a little more tablescaping inspiration at;

Let's Dish

and

Tablescape Thursday

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

It's a Mermaid Party!

Deep in the midsts of the bluest of blue oceans

 where bubbles dance happily and sway in slow motion.

http://advanced.aviary.com/creation?fvguid=dd8772b8-79cd-11e0-937b-12313b101135

While sailors bid farewell to their hearts true allure.

http://alluringlore.wordpress.com/tag/mermaids/

A great gathering is forming

 in a procession of grandeur

http://alluringlore.wordpress.com/tag/mermaids/

It's all for a special occasion to be,

The sirens trumpet has blown for a return to the sea

Calling all Mermaids home,

 for a very special party.

The Decorative Dreamer is returning and Sailing Simply

dressed by the shimmer of twilight in purple majesty.

She's scooped up a pail full of oysters on her way

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And a basket of shrimp to share.

There's even a few extra veggies to spare.

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Because every Mermaid enjoys a tasty treat

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She's even baked a cake that especially sweet.

We've all been so busy getting ready with all the primping and such,,,

http://www.shellbellestikihut.com/

To honor our dear friend at Shellbell's Tiki Hut.

It's been so long since we've seen her around

We miss you dear lady, and want you in town!

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So my gift to you is this very special crown!

 It's a virtual gift but especially for you...

befitting of an ocean princess none other then you!

Happy Birthday Renee!

I hope you have enjoyed this special post created for you.  I am joining a few more today over at

 Mountain Mermaids.

I hope you'll join us too...because...all...

Repainting the Den

Hi Friends! I hope you have enjoyed the past weekend as much as I have.  In fact, I am still enjoying the weekend as I am enjoying a rare 3 day off weekend.  Woohoo!  

Since I had 3 days in a row and miraculously Sherwin Williams also had a 40% off paint sale I decided it was a great time to tackle repainting the den.  If you follow me at all you know I've been wrestling with what color to choose for some time.  I really loved a bluish green shade that I saw at a parade of homes house last year and even got a paint sample shown here.  But, I decided as pretty as it is that would be a color that I just could not live with.  I next started leaning very heavily towards one of the neutrals that I keep seeing many of you choosing.  I love how beautiful they are, but....again I just knew deep in my heart that is not me.

So, long story short, this is what I chose.  My new color is called Lucent Yellow.  It is shown on the left side of this picture.  I finished the sofa wall Saturday.

 It is very hard to describe because while it is a yellow it also has a slightly greenish tint.  It is such a subtle change from what I had but looks so much fresher!  I love it!

Here are a few more up close shots of the two colors.  The one on the right is my new color, Lucent Yellow. The color on the left is the old color which was a SW custom blend that is a mix between Compatible Cream and  Napery.

Yesterday, I did one more of the small walls with the french doors and today I hope to finish up everything.  I still need to do the fireplace wall and the wall that faces the street.  I am taking my time and moving the furniture out from the wall as I go so I haven't had to clear the whole room.  

Here is one more photo showing a small box of the old color from yesterdays paint job.  I cannot wait to have this room finished.  My youngest son came down stairs yesterday and said it was a very subtle change (his words exactly) and almost unnoticeable except for the fact that is looks so much cleaner.  I love that!

Well, I'd better get offline now, I've got to get busy again!

I am sharing these subtle changes with you for

Metamorphosis Monday

Have a great day yall!