An Unstyled Life
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
~Robert Brault
Last week I walked around my home and marveled at all the everyday beauty I miss. When you read a lot of blogs, especially design blogs, you become accustomed to seeing perfect homes. It’s easy to get into the trap of thinking your home should look just as styled. Now I know a home will look just as pretty–more pretty–when it isn’t styled. You just have to look a little harder to see it.
They aren’t just shoes I’ve been meaning to put away for days. They are a symbol of my life right now. Active, casual, comfortable. And holy moly, you should see Nico’s little feet in these shoes without socks. It’s pure Miami Vice chic.
I took this picture because I thought it was funny the way the cows look like they are hiding from the army men.
We spent our days at swimming lessons for most of July. I forgot to put away the bag, and then I used it to carry an inflatable pool and and bath spout I’m going to hand down to my niece. That was last week. It’s still there. (The flip-flops I eventually put away.)
I try to keep fresh flowers in the house, along with potted plants. It looks homier, I think.
In the afternoon light, the inside of an eggshell will turn the softest of pinks.
And baking is just fun. Maybe not the clean up.
That is just some of the beauty I saw. Everyday I see more.
(These pictures are take them as you see them. Finding the beauty in my own home would be no fun if I had to stop and arrange the flip-flops ‘just so,’ or pull down the window shade so the background wasn’t over-exposed in the picture. I bet a couple of these pictures become some of my very favorites 20 or so years from now not because they are perfect, but because I remember the sense of appreciation I had for everything in my life when I took them.)
I never noticed that about egg shells. it really is a lovely color.
I love it. *sigh* AND that farm display kills me … the horses are oblivious, the army men are moving in, the cows are seeking cover … I can practically hear them, “Pssst!” … trying to get the horses’ attention.
Good times …
I really like the flower trimmings in your white sink. Still life from real life…
Trying to see what’s right in front of us might be the hardest and most rewarding thing we can do! Every day joy is possible when we appreciate what we have, not what we want.
so pretty.
I must learn to take better pictures.
I’m doing a “company clean” today (in-laws!), so I appreciate the reminder!
Such great little photos! I love your dark walls in the kitchen…
So true! I love lived in houses….and styled doesn’t have to mean magazine pristine. There are so many design blogs that look lived in. Those are the ones I tend to keep coming back to!
Jules~
Very nice… very nice indeed.
Wow, I love it. This is the first post I’ve read from your blog, and already I’m hooked! This is one of the most down to earth posts I’ve read on any blog like this one. I’m now looking around me, at my little yorkshire terrier, Mini, curled up beside me, and the newspaper that my husband left on the coffee table, and I can’t stop smiling, thank you for making me stop to appreciate my life, and for brightening my day.
I’m going to get my camera..
I thank you so very much for this.
though i wrote very friendly (i hope- as i´m no native speaker)
Recently i wrote a comment to a blogger who showed a child´s room. adorable and perfectly styled. I asked her, what to do when a child developes it´s own sense of style and wants to hang up “hannah-montana-posters” or whatever.
She didn´t accept my comment
i really want to see “real” homes. where people live, where children play and mess around
In some homes i just miss life.
Beautiful! You have a marvelous eye — for a photo and for a story. And, clearly, you have no idea what an untidy house looks like. Drop by for coffee sometime. I’ll clear you a space at the table. Side note: We also have (and love) The Dangerous Book for Boys.