Saturday, January 26, 2008

Scratching the Surface


I'm tired of our livingroom furniture. I've had it since before I even knew Rex. And though a change would be nice, the tables and sitting pieces are in reasonable shape. Sure, there's a few scratches on the wood, and stains on the couches. And it's less elegant than I'd like. But compared to what others don't have, and a myriad of other updates our 1950's home needs, this should be the worst of my problems.

Adding to the slight irritation I feel whenever I enter my "formal sitting area", last week kicked my booty. Between work, school, rain, Stink's fifth birthday party, and random events I could have done without, I was done.

And so, when I found myself shopping with two cranky kids at Costco on Thursday - shutting my eyes at the delicious leather sectional and five hundred dollar book cases, I put down the turkey roll-ups I was going to serve at the party. Instead, I set a bouquet of pink and white carnations in their place. Not for my mom, or my girlfriends, or a surprise for my girly girl firecracker. For me.

When I got home, I put the food on the counter. It could wait. The first thing I did was cut the carnation stems down just right, watching them bunch happily in their vase as if to say, "It's raining! It's pouring! But look at us! Like a bucket of candy Valentine hearts!"

Three days later, they still pop out at me when I walk in that room. I like them so much, I forget to be irritated at the furniture. In fact, instead of disliking my livingroom, they seem to tie it all together. A lovely mixture of older time pieces with new life.

Isn't that true of all merry distractions? That sometimes, if you focus so long on the flaws, you forget the beauty of what you have? One little change can suddenly make everything not only bearable, but often times delightful.

I have made a committment to myself to buy flowers once/week. I can get them at Costco for $8.99 or $14.99, or even a local flower shop for less. The point is that I'm worth it. I'll post a photo each week for accountability.

How about you? Anything you are irritated about? Any way that you can focus on what's beautiful, as opposed to the scratches and stains in your life?

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18 comments:

Liv said...

Ugh. You had to ask this tonight? hmmph.

well, i did buy myself some cheap flowers this week.

Gretchen said...

Drama Girl and I had our nails done last week. I got acrylics put on. They are very short and manageable, and they make me feel pretty. Not too tight. :) Every time I look down at my hands, I feel pampered. Who knows how long I'll invest in them. For now, it feels great.

Love your flowers. Good for you. xxxooogretchen

Evenspor said...

This has nothing to do with your post, sorry. I posted this for you at my blog, but in case you don't see it there:

http://blog.josephhall.com/2006_06_01_archive.html

Scroll about a third of the way down and you will find a gluten-free focaccia bread recipe. I understand it is quite tasty. I'll have to see if I can convince him to come up with some muffins for you. :)

Em said...

If I start listing my irritations, we'll be here all day. We've got a ton of old furniture and some walls need paint and blah blah blah. However, about a year ago, we decided we wanted some actual, blooming, fresh plant in the house all the time. So it varies between some cut flowers and some bulbs that bloom periodically..but always something. And it really does make things feel nicer.

Valerie said...

irritated? moi? just because i dream of my boss with a pillow over his head....and me holding it down.

need.meds.soon.

i also have toyed with the idea of getting my own damn flowers...because the Husband doesn't think about it and, to quote L'Oreal's fine advertising...i'm worth it.

now if i could just get my lasy butt over to Costco...

Roberta said...

My last post was all about focusing on the positive and trying to let the negative roll over me. We must be on the same wavelength.

Travis Erwin said...

Thanks for coming by my blog. We don't have Costco where I live but I have bought my wife flowers from Sam's Club.

Can't beat sucking up at a discount price.

Monnik said...

i love the thought of buying flowers to 'pretty up your life' and focus on the positive.

I have many irritations. I need lots of flowers. :)

Jamie Willow said...

I have been buying myself flowers for ages. It is the best possible way to brighten a room, a day, a life. I am convinced! can't wait to see all your pics and picks. If you really buy them every week you will have quite a fun array of choices I'm sure.

There is really so much that is beautiful. Thanks for the reminder.

freefalling said...

YES!
Someone keeps knocking over the stakes and shadecloth I put around a baby tree on my footpath.
Twice now!!
Bastards!

Liza on Maui said...

I love buying flowers for myself. Flowers lift my spirit. I'm glad you decided to treat yourself with a weekly doze of lovely flowers :)

Sandi McBride said...

Hmm..I have nothing to complain about and every day above ground is a good one. Guess some fresh flowers couldn't hurt...but I find a good cup of joe in the morning and a lovely pot of tea in the late afternoon soothes all
Sandi

His Girl said...

You know how I feel about my stupid countertops in the kitchen... but I think the best source of perspective for me is to focus on the things I can change... a fun tablecloth, a cleansweep... organizing things into adorable baskets. They all keep my eyes off the nasty grout and on the fact that I am blessed, indeed.

Pam said...

Sometimes it's the smallest gestures that make the biggest impression. I know exactly what you're saying about the flowers and their effect.

TroyBoy said...

You come across as being very grounded. It's refreshing - thanks.

Dapoppins said...

The flowers are wonderful. My living room looks like my Grandma's house. Because all the furniture in it, and I do mean ALL, belonged to her. It's not my favorite, but I'm not sure I could ever part with any of it.


and If I remember right...she always had flowers too!

ms chica said...

No complaints today. Thanks for reminding me.

Susie Q said...

You so deserve flowers. Really you do.
If I was rich we would have them in each room, fresh and new, every week.
But, for now, I will settle (and be glad about) the weekly grocery store bouquets. They are so pretty...

Love,
Sue