Wednesday, November 16, 2016

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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38 comments:

  1. WOW! That sink and cabinet are absolutely stunning and very unique. And what a view you have out of that window. I can only imagine how excited you are to finally be moved! Looking forward to a complete tour...Happy Thanksgiving...may favorite holiday too :)

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  2. Love that sink and the whole look! I'm sure it feels good to have one room done, even though it's the smallest one. And essential for you guests!

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  3. "Stay off social media" Seriously!
    Your bathroom looks most loverly, looking forward to seeing more!
    Hope you feel better soon, get back in that big, comfy bed :)

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  4. Hope you feel better soon....a cold really drags me down. Glad you are in your home. Yes to all the great 'happy' songs.

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  5. I like your "mixing bowl" sink. It suits the feel of the powder room.

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  6. I'm sorry you have a cold, Joyce. I think I caught little Oliver's cold and it just takes the wind out of your sails, doesn't it. Love that 'mixing bowl' in spite of the mister's initial objection. It's gorgeous, and so is the stone tile!!! We celebrated Thanksgiving in October, so fun to hear everyone getting ready for the big day. And oh, I chuckled at everything now being 'a thing.' That is so true!

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  7. Hi Joyce,
    My son Atticus loves Thanksgiving as well, it is his favorite holiday. :-)
    Get well soon.
    Enjoy the holiday with family and friends! I am excited to see and hear more about the house.
    Love, Carla

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  8. First of all, ugh to the cold. Kind of bad timing, but hopefully it will be gone by Thanksgiving.

    Now those photos of your powder room...sigh. So pretty! I cannot wait to see pictures of the rest of the house. I think you need to dedicate one post a day for each room because of all of the detail you put into each and every corner. :)

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  9. So glad you are back :) I love all the songs you listed. Your powder room came out beautiful and what a great view. I hope your cold goes away soon.

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  10. Your powder room looks beautiful! And the view out the window is too! Congrats for being moved in. Now you can take time and unpack a little at a time.

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  11. Sounds like you're going to have one amazing Thanksgiving celebration in your new home! I'm sure you're excited to show it off and if those photos are any indication, it's to-die-for! So happy for you, Joyce! Feel better soon!

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  12. What a lovely view you have!! Great questions this week! :-)

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  13. LOVE your powder room, Joyce! Have a great week.

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  14. Loved your responses and these were awesome questions. I had fun answering them.

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  15. It takes a while until the house is completely done ! and then you are probably tired too to really enjoy it now!
    Love your cabinet with the bowl, looks very elegant !

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  16. Congrats on being in your new home. I'm looking forward to all the pictures in the future. I'm liking what I'm seeing so far.

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  17. Definitely want to see the happy house photos. How awesome to be hosting Thanksgiving in your new home. We agree, stay off social media and with the fishing! I would enjoy your happy meal. The most beautiful powder room I have ever seen......

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  18. Yippee! Love seeing you powder room and look forward to more in the future. That cabinet is fabulous and the mixing bowl is pretty cool. What fun. Yeah for Thanksgiving...I love it, too. I can relate to you "why do you blog" answer. Cracking up about the stay off social media remark. I'm hiding so much crap, I mean posts on facebook these days. Have a Happy Happy Turkey day!

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  19. I have been waiting to see the powder room sink, ever since you mentioned it some time ago. The room is very striking! Congrats on your new home. It is truly beautiful.

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  20. Oh yes, the powder room is beautiful! Absolutely love the stone wall and the mixing bowl sink. The mirror is the perfect counter balance, I think. Love it all and can't wait to see the house tour.

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  21. I'm sorry you're having to deal with a cold, on top of everything else. I hope you feel better soon!
    Your powder room turned out very nice. I've never seen anything quite like it! Again, I'll have to say, what a view from the windows of your home!
    Kathy (Reflections)

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  22. So glad Hodgepodge is back this week, I really enjoy reading the responses and getting to know fellow bloggers by their stories. Your powder room is is wonderful, I love the stacked stone wall most of all. Thank You for your continued dedication to this fun blog hop!
    Cheers!
    Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

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  23. Your powder room is beautiful and I can see why you fell in love with the cabinet. It is perfect. Thanks for posting the HP this week. Missed you last week, but did think about you and all the work you were neck deep in. So sorry you caught a cold. Let's hope it is gone in another day or so and that you won't catch another one anytime soon. Your Thanksgiving sounds great!

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  24. So grateful to be able to read some of the hodgepodges today..I always enjoy them, and I have missed them. Your sink in that powder room is the most unique I have ever seen, and I LOVE it! All soooo pretty. And that view out that window would have me hiding in there too. How nice to have your first Thanksgiving in your new home. Starting up the memories and keeping them coming. Hope you beat that cold soon!

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  25. Your powder room is STUNNING! Can I move there too? ;)

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  26. I hope that you're feeling better very soon and most definitely in time for the best holiday ever - Thanksgiving! It sounds like you're going to have a houseful of folks and happy memories. :)

    Your powder room looks very nice and has a great view.

    Have a blessed day!

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  27. Love your powder room. You might have a problem getting your guests out of it. Ha. I'm impressed you have window treatments already too! Hope your cold leaves quickly!

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  28. Chik-Fil-A is great. My father sold them their first cash register.

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  29. That powder room is very nice, I love the tile and the mixing bowl.

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  30. Oh, you are amazing! I can't believe you are having Thanksgiving in your new home with guests. Goodness! you truly are a trooper!

    I love everything about your powder room, just gorgeous! I can't wait to see more pics.

    Good luck with the rest of unpacking and the placement of things. You won't turn around twice and it will be this time next year.

    Thanksgiving blessings!

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  31. I enjoyed joining in today. I do love your new powder room. That is a beautiful cabinet and I really like the mirror!

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  32. The powder room looks lovely and I'm sure the rest of the house will come together just as beautifully over time. I hope you're soon feeling better but your family will definitely forgive you if everything isn't quite perfect by Thanksgiving. Look forward to seeing more of your lovely house.

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  33. I'm glad you are happy with your powder room! The distressing looks good- it's harder to do than I thought and I still can't get it right. Mine always looks like someone bumped into the piece and I didn't bother to touch it up. Sigh. How exciting for your first Thanksgiving in the new house! Can't wait to see pictures and read about it. Have a great day!

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  34. Great songs! I often break into More Today then Yesterday.

    My comfy bed is on my list of things I'm grateful for, too.;-)

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  35. What a cool sink. In fact the whole bathroom is cool! I would go in there for no other reason than the cool factor. Good job on the mixing bowl/offering bowl. Yeah, my hubs would think I'd joined a cult if I'd told him I wanted that in my bathroom!

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  36. Welcome back. I hope that your cold gets better soon. I've been dealing with colds for the past several weeks. UGH! What's a peppadew? I've never heard of them. Based upon what you've written over the past few years I would not have taken you for a "fast food" junky. Thanks for another fine Hodgepodge and for your continued kind words and prayers for my beloved SWMBO.

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  37. Wow, I really like your sink. Glad you got moved in. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving.

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