September Update

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Well, I’ve managed to let another twenty odd days slip by without a post.  So much for good intentions!

We’ve said ‘Farewell’ to YD’s beloved Stanley

Stan

No longer the beautiful chap pictured above just 18 months ago, time had taken it’s toll quickly as it does with our pets.  In such a short time Stan became aged and worn out and emaciated – it was time to let him go.  It was a hard decision for YD to make and I am so proud of her that she was able to hold him and tend him in his final moments.

Two days later I celebrated my birthday with a five day pyjama party with my daughters.  We don’t often get to spend time altogether, just us and this five day hiatus seems to have become an annual event.  I love it!

Every winter I go through the same old routine of wishing for something I don’t have.  It’s all got to do with independence and stability and even while I know what causes it, it is difficult and challenging to endure the dissatisfaction that rises up with the results of the choices I have made in my life.   While in the throes of these unresolved emotions from the past I forget that I am taken care of and have a perfectly habitable home to live in and that I am loved and cared for far more than I have any right to expect.

Then September arrives and the fog lifts as mysteriously as it arrives.  When I was young I used to struggle with depression over this time, now I just get somewhat vaguely dissatisfied with what is.  It dissipates really quickly.  My birthday marks the return of contentment and I can settle into another nine months of perfect happiness.  Isn’t life strange!

Any how, once we get to September the urge to nest where I am becomes strong again and I usually have a big move around and clean up and refocus.

Yes, that is the rear end of Siddy lying in his new favourite position where he can keep an eye on the street and growl softly at all passers by.  Orlando’s cushion is unoccupied as he is currently sitting in the tiny courtyard garden getting some vitamin D.

Lounge1 Sept 15

As part of my resurrection this year I made the double wall art you see here

Lounge2 Sept 15

I painted the edges of some old unsuccessful canvases, pasted a panel of wallpaper down the centre of them and collaged cut out parts of the wallpaper to one side.  The other side is taped with some fancy tape and stippled randomly with a  leaf template and some matching paint.  It’s quite effective and hides to a great degree the tired interior of this rented flat.

Orlando, who thought the canvas was a splendid new seat, has left his mark permanently beneath one hanging…….   After this photo was taken the cat was evicted and another thick coat of white paint was applied and left to dry ……………

Orlando paints 3 Aug 15

I returned some time later to find this

O's footprints 1

………….. footprints marked his progress over the canvas and the kitchen counter tops and the cooker top and the window sill …………….

So as you can see I have not been entirely idle – it does want to be Spring after all, even though old Father Winter keeps doubling back for a last roar.  I’ve started planting my flower garden at the front door.

For those of you who know us well, you know we live in a tiny house with an even tinier out-door space.   Last year the tiny courtyard garden had all the press – the even tinier front door garden has never existed before and this is the start of it

sept garden 2

As you can see there is not a drop of soil to be seen so everything will be growing in tubs, planters and pots.  Most of what is laid out here ready for planting comes from the local garden centre including the planted up and ‘trellised’ jasmine.  I love jasmine – I think you can never have enough of the beautifully scented stuff.  I am proud to say the ‘trellis’ is entirely the result of my ingenuity fiddling about with a $10 assortment of plasticised tomato stakes.  Hopefully it will stay stable as the Jasmine winds her way up it!

Yesterday the temperature was 21 C we went for our morning walk and Siddy checked out the daffodils that now cover the bank between the park and the petanque club.

daffodils4 13 9 15

daffodils5 13 9 15

And I’m so thrilled  – I’ve had some orders for light catchers.  The next few days are going to be focused on bead creations.

Thanks for coming by today, I love that you did!

97 thoughts on “September Update”

  1. You may lament the twenty days since a last post, but the delay helps me catch up. So you accidentally helped me out. Thank you!

    Your living room blues are so inviting, and the wall hanging was a super idea to fancy up the place. You have great decorating style. I also love the tiny front door garden and have to agree with you about the jasmine: one can never have enough of it. 🙂

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  2. I was visiting here in the past, showed my Mom photo of Stanley dear RIP. Then, Orlando and his white footprints all over your painting. She really liked how he seems so innocent in his other poses. Also, cute and cuddly Siddy in the daffodils! 🙂

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  3. Ahh Pauline, I am so late in coming over to you, please forgive me, as I have wanted to catch up wtih your news for ages, and so enjoy your visits over at the summerhouse 🙂
    Very sorry to read of the sad loss of YD’s Stanley, what a beaut…
    Your little home and garden is just so beautiful and cosy and filled with your personal, loving touch. It was lovely to discover over on FB that we share the same birthday month, although for me of course September rings the changes into autumn rather than spring, and as with your shifting emotions, I deal with just the same.
    And as for mischievous Orlando, well, he certainly seems to have picked up some of Mummy’s artistic qualities wouldn’t you say? Obviously he has a long way to go, but he’s already leaving his ‘mark’ 😉
    Lovely photos of one and all and lovely to read the energy and refreshment in your words Pauline. Oh…and your five day PJ birthday party with your daughters sounds absolutely deligthful 🙂 xxx

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  4. I’m so sorry about the loss of Stanley of your YD. That must have been very hard 😦
    Happy belated Birthday, Pauline, it sounds like you had a blast 😀 Well, you deserved it! We love your decorations in your house. The wall art is so beautiful and the colours are so in balance. We love to hear about your orders and wish you good look with the garden. A lot of work indeed, but worth in the end. Orlando you make a purrfect walking painting, we love to make our stamps till eternity, right! Granny still has a mark on the table of her Angel and in the other house footprints on the stairs of her doggie. Now it’s my turn, when she’s getting to paint the stairs in this house 😀 Pawkisses for a wonderful day and two Extra for Siddy and Orlando 🙂 ❤

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  5. Hi Pauline! I know exactly what you mean about time slipping by so quickly between posts, I am the worst culprit :/

    Sorry to hear about Stanley, he was a handsome chap indeed. It’s a heartbreaking decision to have to make to say goodbye, even when you know it’s for the best.

    I love the fact you had a 5 day pyjama party – that sounds right up my street. Happy Birthday!

    Your wall art is very effective and ties in perfectly with the rest of your decor. That kind of turquoisey blue is one of my favourite colours. And who knew that Orlando would follow in your footsteps and develop his own unique style of painting! We had a similar incident when glossing a windowsill last year. The door was accidentally left open and we came back to imprinted paw prints in he gloss and a trail across the floor. I’m just glad that room didn’t have carpet at the time!

    Your garden is coming on nicely. We are just preparing ours for winter now and planting the bulbs for next year.

    I think this week will be our last hit of proper sunshine and my lightcatcher is working overtime projecting little rainbows all over the kitchen, I love it! I gave my Mum her lightcatcher birthday present and she loved it too. She was so touched by the charms and their meanings, as I knew she would be. Thank you so much! x

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    • Hi Jem, the gloss paint story made me smile, but could have been an absolute disaster! These artistic kitties can be quite a pain!! 🙂

      Summer is not the best time for light catchers as the sun is so high in the sky, but the three other seasons are great fun if the catchers are in the right place. I’m so happy to hear your mum has received hers and is happy with it. Thank you for letting me know 🙂 xoxo

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  6. Your home is so lovely and feminine 🙂 I know I always say that, love your new florals on your wall. I think the end of winter always leaves people feeling discontented and a little melancholy Pauline, not enough Vit D and fresh air maybe. And yeah birthdays often have us remembering our life. Lovely way to spend it though, sounds gorgeous 🙂 🙂 Awesome you have things selling, good on you…they are so beautiful.

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    • I’ve been intending to email you Wendy – I’ve missed your presence in the blogging world and I need to get some lip balm and check in with how YOU are doing …….. geez the days are just flying by and my intentions are just that – intentions! Shame on me. I’m off to your shop and the email immediately!!

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  8. Hello New Zealand! (say it like a rock star at the beginning of a concert) Happy spring! Look at your sweet boy running thru the daffodils with a big smile on his face. Oh Siddy the wonder dog makes me smile. I’m so happy to see O looking up at his mama, they do know how to get our attention don’t they? Maybe it was his way of saying, “look at me mama, look how pretty I am, I’m here, you can pay attention to me now, meow”.
    Your home is just as charming as can be. I’ve noted the aqualiciousness of it all and it looks like I might have done all the shopping, LOL. I love how you wanted to spruce things up and just painted something yourself. That’s awesome!
    I read YD’s sad news about Stanley. I must have forgotten that she comforted him till his last breath. My heart goes out to her, that’s very difficult. He was a handsome boy too. Awe, this part is the hardest isn’t it. Luckily, when faced with a loss, a new kitty, in need of love has always found it’s way into our home and hearts. I hope in time, Danella can consider it too. So many need a loving home.
    Remember me telling you two weeks ago that I had mailed your a package? Well as it turned out, the envelope was too big to qualify for small packet air and Canada Post in all their deliriousness quoted me a mere $219.00. LOL. I thought he was having a joke on me, but he wasn’t. So I brought it home and waited for the right size box to come in at work (we get tons). I finally grew impatient and decided to do surgery on something I’m sending….gah! You’ll see when it arrives, 8 weeks I’m told……ya ya, heard that before. I just hope you get it over summer as it’s for your garden. Looks like you’re well on your way too! Missing you !! BTW, I often spend all day in my PJ’s but never 5 days! You may have set a record there xoxoxoxo love and hugs K

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    • It sounds so goood when I say it like a rock star! You made me laugh out loud!
      $219.00!! Good god what are you sending? Is Canadian post outrageously expensive or are you perhaps sending me an antique wrought iron garden seating ensemble? Do you remember when I purchased myself that Ikea Rokskag cart and it cost me a whopping $200 – and the next listing had it at $1000 because the durn thing is so heavy that while the cart itself costs $35 the shipping is outrageous ……… In the end I thought my original purchase was a real bargain 🙂 The down side of living a thousand miles from anywhere!

      I’ve been gathering some very cute charms together for your new catcher – and I’m working on an outdoor one just for you too!

      We’ve noticed that O has been a bit of a naughty boy since Stanley departed. I wonder if he is trying to compensate for the loss by filling up a lot of space. He teases poor Siddy so much! Siddy just loves his kitty though and puts up with it all. They make me smile!

      Time is racing by K – it is already more than five months since we were altogether in DC. Can you believe it? xoxo

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      • I know right?!! I can’t believe it, 5 months has flown by (for me). I’m already off on another holiday in one week. I shall decent on San Jose next Wednesday with a audible “boom!”. I’m over-the-moon excited and already gathering bits of things to pack. I so wish you could pop over. It seems entirely close on the map.

        Look!!!

        I think our next hookup should be San Francisco. A couple of hundred $$ each and we can easily get you there !! Hey?!! All you need to do is save $2/day for the next year. hmm, wheels turning (clickity-clunk…pre-coffee).

        Well now, my my my how the tables have turned at Casa Pauline’s. NOW it’s Orlando tormenting Siddy….good grief. I should send O over to Canada Post. It wasn’t ‘what’ I was sending, it was the envelope (that they sold me the week before) was to long. For Canada Post, your small packet air has to be 90 cm or less. Even if it weighs practically nothing. Gah!

        Work today, gotta’ peel out of here. Ta Ta my dear. Give me a S!, give me an A!, give me an N! (you see where this is going right?) !! xoxo k

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        • Morning Sunshine! San Francisco hey? $2 a day for twelve months? That all sounds imminently doable …….. [but then of course I have to get back home] Still, dreams are free! I know you two have a hook up soon – make sure you go somewhere really fun and have an iced coffee or something for me, right? I won’t say have fun, because I know you will! So glad you are going at this time to lift our friends spirits! xoxo PS I won’t wait for your package, will be sending something over sometime in the next two to three weeks – NZ Post being so much more reasonable than Canada Post – who knew!! 🙂

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  9. Firstly, Happy Belated Birthday! A week long pajama party sounds like such a treat 😀. I just love the picture of the paw prints! How amusing, probably not when you first spied them, but I bet that photo makes you smile each time you think of it. Siddy looks gorgeous amongst the daffodils. They always make me think of my step mother in law, sweet like her. My Toby use to look out the window, just like your photo, but we are in a different house now and he doesn’t have the lounge in a window anymore. I think he misses it. Sometimes the heart aches for what is lost, even in puppies x

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    • Hello Kym! Are you still swanning around Greece or back home? It amuses me to think that O’s paw prints are sealed safely beneath the flowery wallpaper covering the canvas. Siddy is highly amusing on his new look out perch – passers-by get growled at gently or barked at furiously if they dare to enter the gate – Siddy gets ordered to the bathroom where he puts himself in the bath and waits quietly to be allowed out again ………. it’s a laugh a minute here at Chez Contentment!

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      • How funny is that! Does he still take his toys into the bath? We have finished swanning around Greece and are now in Italy. A few hectic days in Rome and now reclining in Praiano on the Amalfi Coast. Next we will be hurtling around Turkey. How lucky am I eh.

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  10. I have been looking in the mirror the past decade and wondering “who is that person looking back at me”-lol. She looks a bit different but feels the same inside!
    The one time- I feel young again is when I am riding my bike and going fast that I feel alive and young again! But oh boy do I pay the price at the end of a high mileage bike ride-LOL
    The biggest thing I don’t like about the old me:-( is I have become more fearful over the years…what is up with that! I use to be a bit more fearless and sometimes, I wonder what happened to that gal who would tackle new challenges and where did she go..Last week, I joined a local Women’s Outdoor Adventure Club-! I need to get out of my comfort zone:-)
    It did pass so slowly and parenting well, some days I Thought I would always have little kids and never be able to go to the bathroom alone:-) Well, I don’t have them at my feet anymore- they are all gone and I have to find myself again. I have been taking a break from my blog for a bit to join some new things and make some changes…I have been making changes in my garden too:-)
    I plan on visiting the old me and finding her again:-) She is buried in there and well, I need to become ‘fearless” again and jump!!!

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    • I wonder if it is that we lost our youthful fearlessness or that we found a new respect for our physical and emotional vulnerability? The path ahead of course lies in learning how to tread between those two polarities. Flown nestlings do allow us to reinvent ourselves I think – it certainly has happened that way for me. Now I get to do the things I always wanted to do but never had time – and when I have my house back to myself again I will be able to really immerse myself in painting and crafting and reading again. [Flown nestlings have a habit of returning!] 😀

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  12. Happy Birthday!!!!! I totally understand not posting, I have been too busy to even look at my blog or others…been helping others with stuff they need done, so no time for me lately. My garden is winding down and I am trying to clean up, harvest and process what I need to do before winter comes. Oh daffodils + Sid..what a great combo!!!
    I love all the color in your life:-) Color always lifts my spirits + I have no doubt it does yours:-) Past + Choices my least favorite subject as it should be for us all + we all do it….have regrets….I was reading today that some researches asked many older people ( in their 90’s to 100;s) what they greatest regret in their life was???…the most common answer- “worrying”….lol…they wished they did not worry as much in their life and lived in the moment. Mine would of been bad choices + worrying about those bad choices! KInd of go hand in hand:-)
    😦 It is funny how as you get older you do look back and think ( at least I do)-How did I get here….I can remember thinking how “old” this age was when I was in my early 20’s and that I would never see this age…or I had all the time in the world…how did it pass so quickly????

    Well, I decided after I read the article, I am going to start living in the moment and work on the worrying and regret thing this year!

    I hope to get some time to create this winter + you are my inspiration with all your art around you!
    Happy Spring Pauline!!!! Have a great summer and as I go down under, I will be back to see all you are doing, creating and growing!!!

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    • You are amazing Robbie in the way you help other people. Best thing in the world to be doing I think! I was musing on the passing of time this morning before reading this message – we must be connected 🙂 It is so odd isn’t it – I had a flash of the young me and wondered where she went, what happened to her, how did she become me??? It seems that we experience life, make choices, pass on to the next level, all the while being entirely unaware that time that precious commodity is slipping by. When I was young time seemed to go so slowly – I thought I would never grow up , grow old and then later I would never stop being a mother, would never have time to do what I wanted, go where I wanted, experience what I wanted – but then suddenly it all changed and then I found myself here. Do you experience the phenomenon of sudden change?
      It’s for sure a ‘leitmotif’ in my life!! I’m off to plant some flowers! xoxo

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  13. Aww! Siddie tooo cute! Also how clever to work out that sun puddle. I am glad you had a good pj birthday party and congrats on the orders. They really are very lovely! 😀

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  14. Pauline, it seems that September has been ripe with growth and movement in a thousand directions. It’s funny that I’ve always felt a sense of loss during the month of September – even though our northern hemisphere turns toward my favorite time of year – but my children head back to school and our days of being together and carefree grow rigidly structured. Your pajama party with your daughters sounds absolutely divine.
    Wish I could squish your tiny critters for being so adorably cute.
    So I’ll send you extra internet hugs to pass round.
    Enjoy those gorgeous spring flowers! ❤

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    • It’s hard Shelley when our kids head off isn’t it. But that’s part of the job contract too and good for us to trust that we have done our job well and the foundation is firm – the rest is up to them. Of course the other side is that if we have done our job well, they never really leave altogether 🙂 I recommend the annual ‘us only reunion’ – it is fabulous My tiny critters are in lieu of grandchildren – spoiled rotten, over indulged and entirely delightful, though they never ‘go home’ which is what grand kids are supposed to do 🙂 Your girl is doing a fabulous job on your blog, I’m sure you are proud! ❤

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  15. So many of us seem to be struggling with consistent blogging these days! Nothing like a little spring in our lives to give us some spring in our attitude. Absolutely love the picture of Siddy in the daffodils! Couldn’t help but be amused by the little foot prints on your beautiful painting. These momentary feelings of dissatisfaction or whatever you want to call them seem to creep up on most of us from time to time and it can be a struggle to overcome them-but this too shall pass for you I am certain-in fact it sounds like you’re already back to normal – (whatever the heck that is haha)! Loved the five-day pajama party, how fun is that? And happy belated birthday, by the way. You are always so positive and encouraging to everyone, Pauline. I love your enthusiasm for life and the people you care about. You have a true kind heart.♡♡♡ Happy Spring!!

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    • Thank you Jan for those lovely comments – they made my heart light for sure 🙂 I try to be kind to myself and everyone else, anything else is counter-productive to a good life I think.

      Yes, our little community seems to be changing form at the moment. I read that most bloggers give up after blogging consistently for two to three years, Maybe being sporadic and taking breaks is a better way to do it for some of us. I keep at it for the record and for the friendships I have made, is that so for you too?

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      • How interesting that you should have mentioned that. I am coming up on my two year anniversary as a blogger next month. I had even said out loud that maybe it was time to give it up and go on to something else. I really don’t want to give it up! Perhaps I’ll just muddle along for a while but I want it to be a labor of love and not a chore. One of the things that crossed my mind with all of the wonderful people, such as yourself, that I have met that I would not want to lose contact with. Even when I’m not posting I am reading and trying to comment because I really enjoy those relationships. Pauline, you are a true kind person, someone I consider extra special, and a friend. You have been a great encourager. How long have you been blogging?

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        • Just over two and a half years – it will be three years at the beginning of March next year. In some ways it feels like longer as so much has happened. There is also the phenomenon of new people who come into the little online community we build up around our blogs. Some stay a short while and disappear again, others stay and become friends…… i can never tell who it will be either – sometimes there is just something that happens and the rapport builds up over time. Some just disappear from my reader and never return……. it’s a bit like the real world isn’t it! 🙂

          I’ve never thought of giving up entirely, but I have had long stretches when I haven’t felt the need to compose a post. Sometimes I get messages asking where I am which kind of kick starts me again.

          I try to remember the reason I started blogging which was to record my art and crafting progress – I don’t always stay true to that intention, but it is what I will return to again and again. And I’m of the opinion that if you don’t feel like you have anything to say at the moment that is fine – write when you do – your friends will still be there.

          I also get horribly behind in my reading sometimes, mainly because I enter into long conversations with others and run out of time….. or because life has gotten busy and on-line time is scarce. Sometimes I miss altogether – sometimes I manage to catch up……. I often wonder if that affects how people feel.

          Because we are all so wide spread and meetups are a rare and wonderful event I feel a little bereft if someone I have formed a friendship with disappears for a long while – it is a bit like the old pen-pal phenomenon isn’t it – just that our platform is public rather than private – though there is always email for that side of things too 🙂

          Rambling – must leave this to you to decipher xoxo

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  16. A five day pyjama party? How wonderfully indulgent, although it sounds like you needed it. Sorry to hear about YD’s Stanley, terribly sad:( Your little rented pad doesn’t look rented or temporary, you’ve made it look so chic and homely all at the same time. Your outside space is a blessing and, believe me, a large garden isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. All that mowing is soooo dull. Orlando’s footprints made me laugh – you’re surely going to keep it like that?

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    • I don’t miss the really large garden and lots of lawns either – it was good to have when the children were young but not any more. Orlando’s prints are now safely ensconced beneath one of the blue floral prints on the wall. Future archaeologists will wonder at the inclusion of them ……… 🙂

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  17. Isn’t it always that we lust after the delicious scent of the unknown and the just-out-of-reach. We put our mind and our hearts on this “within touching distance” alternative life and could swear, on our hearts, that “this” life would be better than ours. The older I get, the more solid I become. I am learning SO much now and wouldn’t trade 50+ for quids. Dabbling with our own mortality and the later part of our lives where contemplation rises and the physicality of humanity starts to wane is a matter of where we put our minds. I think we women are especially cyclical. We wax and wane with the moon and the tides and the state of the living room…we are creatures of our emotions and we were built that way. Feeling and growing and aching and needing and knowing is what we women are all about. Finding the right space in our heads to allow us to be happy where we are, and with whom we are, is the most precious gift that we can give ourselves. Some of the wisest and most profound teachers in this world slept on dirt floors and had no idea where their next meal would come from. You teach me so much Ms Pauline, you are rich beyond your August visions…

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  19. That cycle of the blues is just coming on me. Maybe it’s the sitting still for so long after the eye surgery but mostly it’s the lack of daylight as the our summer passes into autumn. I have to turn on lots of lights to stay energized. I’ve noticed this last few months more than ever since I started blogging, that more of us have had difficulty finding time to write or read. Or maybe we are just not as motivated? I feel as though slogging through mud some days. So I understand how you have been feeling. It always feels better when we give the place a fresh face though. I laughed (shamefully) at Orlando’s footprints across your hard work. He’s making sure you remember he is there. 🙂 Siddy has the spot my Schatzie would always go to, looking out at the world. That’s where I sit too. I just this time noticed your shop tab at the top and had a quick peak. I’ll be back to it. Trying to decide on colors. Maybe when OD (only daughter) comes tomorrow, I’ll have her take a look and help me decide. Enjoy your summer. I hope it’s not as hot as ours was this year. We are in for a mild winter as well. 😦 We need snow in the mountains for water supply. Have a wonderful week.

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    • Luckily for Mr O that was an old unsuccessful painting that had languished in the back of a wardrobe for years – so no loss there. I was glad he walked before the wallpaper was adhered! I found painted footprints for days afterwards. He must have walked about everywhere to try and clean his paws. The weather is changeable to say the least. I’m hoping it will soon settle, the forecast is for a long hot summer.

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      • Oh, dear. Ours was the hottest Oregon has had so far for long term hot days. Really hot days. I never look forward to summer because of the heat. I do love the long days though:) No pleasing humans. We must turn this weather thing around somehow. Your place looks so cheerful.You manage to do a lot with a little.

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        • I am the same marlene – love the light but not the heat. We reached my maximum endurance level a couple of days ago at 21C after that I hide inside and wilt, in a ladylike manner, draped over the furniture ……….. And thanks yes – a great effect with little outlay is my greatest talent 🙂

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  20. Daffodils in September seems so strange! Glad you are through your doldrums and out the other side and fantastic news that you have some commissions. May your summer bring forth several spurts of creativity for you and beautiful growing in your trellis garden 😉

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    • I know! Changing hemispheres is the oddest business – it literally turns everything you think you know on its head! We are in for a long hot summer the forecasters say [have they ever been right?] so I am hoping for great things in my tiny spaces. xo

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  21. Loved the post. Yes, moods can be cyclical, the good news being they shall pass. I love your art and your little helper has quite an eye for making his additions noticeable and thought reflecting. Unexpected flourishes that should have art critics talking for years. Siddy is adorable as always. I love your door side garden.

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  22. When you don’t write for a few weeks, you have a lot to tell us when you come back! it all sounds good, except for the loss of that beautiful cat and your low moments. The good news is that your family had the chance to know and love Stanley and that you are on the upward part of your year and mood! So much good to look forward to . . . And congratulations on the light catchers–I enjoy mine every day (so does Gigi, but from a distance!)!

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  25. I haven’t managed much reading (or writing) recently so your hiatus has been perfectly timed as it means I haven’t missed anything.
    When I had cats, I could guarantee that they would always walk over oil based paint and never water-based paint. Now we just have to deal with Sam’s tail, which I swear would make a great paint brush ( and often does inadvertently).

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    • I’m glad it worked out well for you Jan 🙂 I’m looking forward to hearing how your stall went while you were conferencing. Orlando has always enjoyed sharing my artistic attempts. Now that he has decided to return to normal life [down from the top of the fridge] he seems to be picking up where he left off. Siddy has a tail that works like Sam’s. I’ve often thought if i could just tip him upside down he would make a great broom …………

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      • I’m just waiting for permission to use someone else’s photo in my blog post about the stall…. he’s a friend and I’m sure he won’t mind, but I don’t want to presume. Suffice to say that it went well and I learnt a lot!
        Sam has a wonderful feathery tail that is always wagging and should really be employed for cleaning purposes like Siddy. Max has such a tightly curled tail that is looks like a pompom and appears to have no practical use… in fact we always consider him to be purely for decorative purposes anyway!!

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        • Now Max and Orlando appear to have more in common than one would first think – O has a rather magnificent tail that is entirely for decorative purposes – oh wait – and for collecting garden debris and bringing indoors ………. Aside from that his only purpose is to look decorative in a window, on a fridge top, or a chair or a bed ……..

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  27. A pyjama party sounds a fantastic idea. (Where can I buy pyjamas?) 🙂
    Love the wall art. Your room and front garden are so full of wonderful light. Your trellis with the garden stakes is about to be emulated in Levin! Planted my begonias this afternoon!

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  28. I love the feline paw-work! I’d leave it like that and title it “Orlando’s Bravado”. Art critics would debate over the significance feigning comprehension and eluding to the man’s stalwart move on the female, never guessing the true meaning!

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  29. Yey for your five day pajama party! Its wonderful to reconnect with loved ones and share love.

    Like you, I too experience a sort of a roller coaster ride with my emotions. Definitely before my birthday I am in heaven and right after it, I feel so depressed. I don’t know why and I’ve stopped looking for answers. I just ride the tide and go along with it. And like what you’ve said, the fog lifts as mysteriously as it arrives usually its mid September.

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  30. Daffodils, a sure sign of Spring. Well done on shaking off the depression or dissatisfaction, it can’t be easy but you seem to have learned the trick. I wonder if Orlando fancies himself to be an artist. Those footprints may have real significance.
    xxx Massive Hugs xxx

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    • Oscar has just come up with a wonderful suggestion David – too late unfortunately as the paw prints are now entombed beneath the swirly blue flowers …….. but still Orlando may yet find fame! 🙂 xoxo

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  31. Being no stranger to depression, I can only say hooray for coming out of it…the only way out is through, it seems, and a kind of wisdom you yourself have likely learned with time. It’s good to hear and see the lovely photos of your “springing.” What a hoot your sweet animals are! Congratulations, too, on getting orders for your light catchers; they certainly are beautiful

    Have you ever heard of the book by Heather Busch entitled WHY CATS PAINT: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics? Some years ago, one of my students in an Aesthetics course brought that into class, and we had a great time discussing whether or not the marks made by animals—in some cases monkeys, or even elephants who “paint”—-could be called Art. Orlando would probably vote in the affirmative, on that question. Happy Spring!

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    • Yes, Hooray for the end of the cycle!! I’m interested in the body’s holding of memories that leads to cyclical depression – and even when the source has been discovered and vented the body holds still to the cycle. Even though depression is no longer the issue for me, the discomforting feeling of restlessness and dis-ease persists annually. I think I cope better every year, but am so aware of those for whom some alleviation in the cycle has never occurred. Yes I do know that book – it sat on my shelves for a number of years until recently being handed on to someone else. I can imagine a very lively debate might rage on that subject! As to Mr Orlando, personally I feel he has no interest in art – just a great interest in being the first to investigate something new with no thought to the cleaning consequence I must endure 🙂 Bless him!

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  32. I started off this response and kept starting over. I just hope you feel better! I understand the blues, you are a special person and yes so many people love you! you have amazing talent and are a good friend and support to me! When I feel down and you write to me about a post, it really makes me feel like someone understands me! your pajama party is priceless!!! I love your home, it looks light and comforting!! The wall is amazing. I wasn’t sure what to say to you except that you are very special and when I see you on my list of comments I feel a happy warm feeling!! Take care, so nice about the orders for the light catchers!

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  33. Goodness that Orlando is being a little … cat. Love the paw prints. Could you turn those into flowers? Your redecoration is also very nice. Those panels are stunning in the room and must make you very happy to look at! I think the last of winter is hard. What makes it better is new plants and a new garden or a good clear out in the house and some new art. And when you can make the art yourself, that’s REALLY nice! Glad you wrote.

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    • Said like someone who is familiar with cats Lisa! I was just glad that he did it before the paper was adhered. Like paw prints in newly setting cement these prints are forever sealed beneath the blue flowers – or sealed until I decide to reuse the canvas again in another project. We’ve had it all weather wise today. Our walk was conducted after a cool shower of rain and ended up in hot sunshine. Two hours later there was a violent thunder and lightening storm which made Orlando want to go outside and then decide perhaps not….. and Siddy look at me in a concerned fashion and actually say “Woof?” with a tilt of the head ………… and now the sun is out again and the temperature on the rise once more………. come on October!!

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  34. I too experience cyclical emotional states. I’ve come to accept it as normal and its much easier to deal with now that I am aware as then it’s predictable and I can try to take counter-measures.

    A five day pajama party sounds marvelous.

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  35. Oh my! So many wonderful things going on in this post, Pauline. First off, it’s so good to see you and to read your words. Second, a FIVE DAY PJ Party! I love it…I’m disappointed my invite was lost in the mail. 😦 Thirdly, Orlando’s paw prints…yikes! Last, but not least, Siddy, my love, frolicking…oh my heart be still. ❤
    RIP Stanley. ❤

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    • Sorry about the invite Jill 🙂 And I think you will be too busy getting that book to print for partying just yet! I am so looking forward to hearing the publication date you know! Isn’t Siddy just delicious in the daffodils – I think he thought them delicious too 🙂

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  36. Pauline, it’s okay to have some of the blues, from time to time. People expect me to be cheery all the time so I retreat during busy work weeks. I get “down” about my personal choices, too.
    Our chosen paths got us to where we are today. Which in this I take comfort with my family who remembers my home where I entertained and was the “holiday hostess.”
    Now on to “Happy days are here again!!” Glad sunshine and warmth is there, as the plants all look lovely. Siddy in the window peering out, protecting your home and in amongst the daffodils certainly brightened up my evening, Pauline. 🙂 xo
    Last and saving the best for last: Your wall looks wonderful. It looks like a professional, (you), did a great job. I like your sitting room area.
    Your cozy home is the perfect place for slumber parties and so happy you had a 5 day pajama party with your daughters. ♡

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    • We change, our life circumstances change, our lives change – nothing lasts forever! I think I wrote that last part on your latest blog post Robin. I regret nothing in my life except this one thing – yet it was necessary to walk away from material security in order to be free and to have become myself. It’s just a cyclical blip on my radar. It passes and life continues happily. I’m happy to hear you like my wall Robin. I guess if you aren’t too fond of blue it might be a headache – but I love it and feel very calm and peaceful within it. I think I’ll be a mermaid – or fish – in my next life 🙂

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      • I forgot to say so sorry about loss of dear Stanley. You led with this and like an attention deficit person, by the end I could not remember his name. Coming back to say, I like turquoise and baby blue colors. I used them in my youngest daughter’s room and in one bathroom in my last house. Something which made me smile. I also have a Lenox robin with her nest of “robin’s egg blue” eggs.” 🙂

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