Billie's Folly

The weathermen were accurate and we got our white Christmas on December 26.  It was probably good for everyone's logistics on Christmas.  Unless your deal is hitting the sales, it's wonderful to be snug inside or go for a walk with the soft crunch underfoot.  It's not deep by others' standards--it's just enough.  And we're expecting more.  

My first Christmas in my new home is very satisfying.  It took plowing through lots of boxes and bags in the basement, and lots of culling, editing and parting ways with some nice things.  But knowing this is my forever-home, there's no keeping extras for future decorating possibilities.  I only want what I have a place for, I want to use a lot of naturals (greens and cones), and I don't want it too cluttered.  However--and this is a big however-- I didn't put up any trees this year.  And I have at least three good-sized trees with plenty of ornaments.  But I decided I didn't want that added stress this year--I had enough to sort through. I like lots of different wreaths, but this one says Oregon to me.  I saw one like it a few years ago in a florist shop when I was visiting Portland at Christmastime.  I came upon this at the flower market and was thrilled.  The apples are real and have stayed fairly fresh in the glassed-in porch area. I don'...

I don't know if I mentioned that I was actually born in Portland.  My mom was born in Seattle and grew up in Portland.  I did the opposite.  But the point is, I am a "native" Portlander!  So, when I tell people I moved up from California a couple years ago, and I sense an under-their-breath groan, "More of those Californians invading Oregon...," I immediately set them straight: "Hey! I'm a native!" After three years living here, and now getting settled in my new home, I'd say my roots are finally established.  I can honestly say I love Oregon and I feel like I belong here.  I love the green background and the more relaxed lifestyle.  And I like being out in the country.  People ask if I'm ever afraid to be living alone out here--the answer is no.  I have very attentive neighbors, we live on a gated lane, and it's basically a very safe community.  And I've lived alone quite a while now. Aside... I moved to San Francisco with a girlf...

He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.                                                   ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) You should love to come home.  If you don't find contentment and nourishment of your mind, body and soul in your home, it's not fulfilling it's purpose.  Of course this is also dependent on the people and pets you share your home with.  😉 When I step in the door of my new home, I look forward to solitude--with only a tail wagging welcome.  My home feels tranquil and soothing, and immediately envelopes me in comfort.  It's a total reflection and affirmation of who I am, my style and what I love.  It's my sanctuary, where I can breathe, rest, refresh and feel secure.   In the daytime, I want my home to be light-filled--with doors open to fresh air, to hear the noise...

The cottage is my colorful and eclectic area.        THE MAIN ROOM MINI KITCHEN BATHROOM MAIN ROOM TOWARD TWIN BEDROOM TWIN BEDROOM MAIN ROOM TOWARD QUEEN BEDROOM QUEEN BEDROOM

You can't imagine the chaos that existed here for weeks.  Between the boxes, packing paper, all that had been in storage for three years and was now in piles everywhere--and for some reason lots of trash--it's hard for me to believe I ever got past that point!  From there, it was a tedious--and sometimes painful--exercise in editing, refining and letting go.  And my basement attests to it--it's chock full of everything that needs to be discarded or stored.   While there are only a few pieces of furniture that didn't get used; there was a lot of redundant household "stuff" that needed to be sorted/weeded through.  This is my forever home, so no saving for the future.  My rule of thumb for books and decorative items: If it isn't going to be on display, it has to go.  For kitchen and entertaining items: If it doesn't fit comfortably into drawers and onto shelves, it has to go.  I don't want any overflow from one room or closet into another.  I'v...