The Happy Hodgepodger

Happy Hodgepodge everyone! It's nice to be back on the blog today. If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post, then run say hello to your neighbor. Here we go-

1. Let's all think happy thoughts...share one of yours here.

I know you think I'm predictable, and that my happy thought is the fact we're finally in the new house, but it's not. I mean that is most definitely a happy thought, but there's still so much to do that it's a happy thought followed by thoughts that are a little less than happy. Also I've caught a cold. 

Wait-I'm supposed to be thinking happy thoughts! 

Here's one... I'm really looking forward to having my mom, my sister and her family, my youngest daughter, and some lake friends here for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving is my favorite, and this crowd will all see past the boxes. 

Once I'm a little more settled and we have a few things on the walls I'll do a whole happy house post, k? 

2. There's a Chinese proverb that says, "If you want happiness for an hour take a nap, if you want happiness for a day-go fishing...." What say you? If you want happiness for a day _____________.

Stay off social media-ha! Actually I think fishing is a pretty good answer, along with a hike in the woods, a boat ride, or getting lost in a good book. 

3. Where do you go to decompress from the world around you?

The woods or the water always do it for me. 

4. What song never fails to make you happy?

Lots! Going with the first few that popped into my head-More Today Than Yesterday by Spiral Staircase, Summertime's Callin' Me by The Catalinas, Sugar Pie Honey Bunch by The Four Tops, Do You Believe in Magic by The Lovin' Spoonful...

5. Wednesday is National Fast Food Day. Should that be a thing? Apparently it is, so tell us what's the last 'fast food' you consumed? If you were putting together your own version of a 'happy meal' what would you include?

I feel like maybe it shouldn't be a thing, but everything is a thing now, right? The last 'fast food' I consumed was a southwest grilled chicken salad from Chick-fil-a. 

My own happy meal would probably include a warm soft Brie with crackers, prosciutto, an assortment of olives, peppadews, nuts and a chilled bottle of champagne. Fast food isn't really my thing. 

6. In a few sentences tell us why you blog.

Mostly it's because I like to write, and a blog is a place to do that on a regular basis (unless you're moving, in which case you become a slacker in the blogosphere). Along the way I've found blogging helps me hit pause now and then, to find beauty in the small things. I love connecting my words with my memories and I've learned a lot about myself on This Side of the Pond. I know blogging isn't what it once was, but I still enjoy it and have no plans to quit. 

7. List seven things you're feeling especially grateful for today.

My husband who takes care of so many things around here, Internet in the house (whoohoo!), FaceTime with grown up daughters who are smart, kind, and passionate about the world around them, She Reads Truth devotionals in my morning inbox, my mom who is always just a phone call away, forgiveness, and my brand new super comfy bed. Just keepin' it real with that last one. This cold has knocked me for a loop. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I thought I'd show you the 'mixing bowl' today, but first let's talk about the cabinet because it's one of my favorite things in the house.  My decorator found it in an antique shop and our cabinet guy distressed and painted it for me. He did a beautiful job. 

If you don't know what I'm talking about when I say 'mixing bowl' click here.  The bowl is actually called an offering bowl, but I knew if I told hubs that up front he'd think it was crazier than the mixing bowl so I kept mum. He loves the sink btw. 

I have stacked stone tile on one wall only, and am really happy with the way it turned out. 

That picture is a little dark but it was evening and I had trouble getting the right lighting for a photo. 

And this one is an awkward angle, but my ceilings are high and I had trouble getting all the pieces in one shot. Everything is in proportion in real life. 

You're used to my photography, right? 

I love the light fixture. Initially I was going to have two sconces, but once we found the mirror we decided to go with a hanging lantern in an antique silver finish. I have a recessed light in the ceiling too, so in spite of what these pictures suggest the lighting really does work well. 

The powder room is in great shape and when all these boxes and the laundry (sheets and towels from storage-have mercy!) get to be too much for me I sometimes go in there and hide soak it all in. 




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