Magpie and Muttonfly

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For the love . . .

home

Gloom, despair, and agony on me

28 June, 2012 by moi

{wrong finger, my friend}

Our house came with an orphan. Mainly, it came with a metal shed that, apparently, not even a mother could love. White, with forest green trim, it really is an eyesore; but it works–and who wants to spend hard earned cash on a nice, wooden shed? Not we. So, we opted for the solution of any DIYer worth her tool belt: paint.

Speaking of which, have you ever noticed how DIYers make it sound so easy? Don’t want to spend extra money? ‘Just’ add a fresh coat of paint. Not only that, but they’ve the photos to prove it. There they are, painting replicas of the Taj Mahal in skirts and stilettos, nary a hair out of place, nary a stray splash of paint. By the time you’re finished perusing their work, not only are you certain it’s possible, you’re sure it will be fun!

Well I’ll tell you now, it’s nothing of the sort.

Monday I skipped out to the shed–paint can in one hand, brush in the other–ready to get a good head start prior to the weekend. I finished half of the front; I also discovered my rather unique painting technique for ridges. Apparently, I hold the brush as though signing the letter “K”–thus resulting in a righteous blister on the callous of middle finger, right hand.

Who knew how often I need that particular appendage?

It’s even hindered my ability to hold a fork, prompting my grandmother to ask to see the injury for herself. This, no doubt, caused many a soul to wonder what kind of wretched excuse for a human being flips off her grandmother at an eating establishment.

I do, that’s who . . . but only because she asked.

Posted in: Miscellany Tagged: home, misadventures, projects

Throw ’em on

13 October, 2010 by moi

We bought a new sofa!  Okay, that’s not entirely true.  We bought a new slip cover for our old sofa. 

And I can’t believe I’m actually saying this, but I love it! I’m so happy slipcovers recovered nicely from their issues. 

Now, if I only had some festive throw pillows {or covers, as the case may be} … 

{from DavidsonStudios' Etsy shop}

{from Persnickety Home's Etsy shop}

{from Cottagepixie's Etsy shop}

{from FrecklesOriginals' Etsy shop}

{from TheHomeCentric's Etsy shop}

So many lovely options.

And yet, what’s autumn without a little character?!

{from utilitarianfranchis' Etsy shop}

Posted in: Miscellany Tagged: home, shopping

Home

26 July, 2009 by moi

I’m home, by the way.  Landed safe – and at least somewhat sound – late Wednesday night.   

Our long road home began with a ride to the bus station at 2:25 a.m. Swedish time.  Our taxi driver asked where we were from.  Idaho, we told him.  He shook his head and shrugged.  We laughed and told him he wasn’t alone – there are people in the United States who do not even know where Idaho is located.  He asked if it was out East.  No, we replied, West.  The wild, wild West.  He nodded and laughed.  We asked where he was from.  Iran, he said.  Do you like Sweden?  We asked.  No, he replied.  So you plan to go back someday?  Yes, he said, he hoped to … he paused, shook his head, shrugged … but he doesn’t know. 

I’ve thought a lot about that taxi driver in the last few days.  He opened my eyes to just how lucky I am.  Despite the flights, the layovers, the annoying flight attendant, the rude TSA agents, the dirty airports, the hoardes of people, the exhaustion, and the sadness, I was coming home.  I was coming home to family and friends – to my house, my garden, my kits – to a peaceful existance. 

And yes, I realize that human nature dictates there will always be the haves and the have nots.  There will always be those who take advantage of the weak and disadvantaged – and those who must fight to subdue them.  But it will not stop me from hoping – and praying – for that elusive world peace.  After all, everyone deserves the right to come home …

Posted in: Miscellany Tagged: home, prayers

Greetings & salutations

Just in case you're wondering what you've gotten yourself into, my blog's a lot like life: it's a hodge-podge. So pour yourself a steaming cup of goodness, settle in, and I'll tell you all about it--whatever 'it' happens to be . . .
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The fine print

Magpie & Muttonfly is the place where I write about all the things that make our stories grand. Emphasis on me, myself, and I. Any review or recommendation posted on this site is solely my own {unless otherwise noted}. Occasionally you will find a link to Amazon.com. An eternal window shopper, I only list items that strike my fancy. Any time you click the link and proceed to make a purchase, I get a wee referral fee. You will not be charged more--but once or twice a year I earn enough to purchase a tin of my favorite tea. So I do thank you for that!

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