On a day to day basis I look around my home and see so many things I could change/fix…but I don’t/won’t – why?
Because they are the little things that don’t bother me – I see them everyday I clean – I see them when I walk into the room…I KNOW THEY ARE THERE….but do you? NO…So why fix them – they are unimportant to the overall picture which is my home.
When you step inside you see the BIG PICTURE…not the little things I see everyday so they are probably there to stay until the next family lives here or if I get a bug one day to get out all the things it would take to fix the TINY THINGS…that don’t even matter.
~ Will I ever remember to NOT get the vacuum close to the base of my Armoire? No…every time I push that thing right up to the edge and I know every time what’s going to happen. Would you be likely to see this – I doubt it.
~ And my kitchen cupboard – got hit with something heavy one day – should fix it…probably NOT. For some reason it doesn’t bother me…they are Pine cabinets…Pine will get bumps and bruises…so do I.
~ A chip of wood came out of the edge of my closet door years ago…guess we could piece some in there – do a little surgery on it…I’ve had surgery…all it does is make a scar.
~ When we moved into our home 32 years ago there was a plant hanger in the bathroom…still there…why? I don’t know! It has been a part of my home…
~ Wear marks on my pantry doors where we open and close it everyday…these are signs of use and age…I have many of these on me…will they go away…NO…neither will these wear marks…they ARE the pantry.
~ Paneling is pulling away from wall in family room…it’s not real noticeable to most people…I know it’s there and when I clean it bugs me…but will it get fixed soon…NO…there are a few of these cracks in the walls…even though they bug me at times…I rather like them. They show the age of the room.
it’s not a new house…it is almost as old as me - it has seen many color changes to its look but never changed what it really is – the bones of it are still in tact…and so the same goes for me…I have blemishes - many little things I could change/fix…but I won’t…why?
Because you don’t see them – but I do…but they are unimportant to the overall picture which is ME.
Oh yes, there are two teeth that would be nice if they were straighter…my left leg not so bent at the knee…a scar that goes from mid thigh to mid calf – do you see it…NO. I have troubles and bad thoughts some time…but do you see them…NO.
If I were taller then clothes would look better than they do on me…and my age…goodness if I were younger my crease lines around my eyes wouldn’t show…and my hands – well, you can tell they have been around for many years.
BUT THESE ARE THINGS THAT MAKE ME who I am and I’m okay with me…no one else sees these things generally so what you see is ME…not all my blemishes…I WILL KEEP THEM…because they are me. Fixed…I would not be ME.
I hope you are all thinking about who you are and what you want…just be happy with who you are regardless of all the blemishes – if we didn’t have them we wouldn’t have character – so be happy and just be YOU and I will be ME.
I am going to leave you with one of my most favorite pictures of Lola – so far anyway…she’s always getting into places…and right now this is the cutest.
And she knows she’s cute too!
Enjoy your new year everyone.
Karen
You have a very good and positive outlook, and that is the way to be. Nothing and nobody is/are perfect, yet we sometimes expect it to be that way. Then we are disappointed. I like what you wrote, it's realistic, and it's life. Thanks for the inspirational and introspective post! Happy new year, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI ahear ya....and I agree with Connie too.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Karen!
Karen ~
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought provoking post! Thanks.
LOVE the pics of Lola. Too cute.
Happy New Year, dear friend.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren
Loving this post, Karen! So true and so wise. Lola looks like she belongs there! Happy New Year to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Karen! Love your post, I thought you were talking right to me. So many of the same things on my mind! Touching up all the baseboards, I already used the 'stuff' to fix the odd nick in the diningroom furniture, I have the same hook in the bathroom ceiling... But you are so right... We are trying to concentrate on a healthy life and less stress, the rest is so unimportant.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely post! :)
What a wonderful post, Karen...and soooo true! LOVE the pics of Lola! I am missing my Doodlebug terribly this holiday season! He loved Christmas. That's our 9 year old cat that survived our fire. We had to put him down due to a tumor in his bladder. I am still so sad. Your Lola is precious. Wishing you happiness and much less pain in the new year. Thanks for giving us something to think about!
ReplyDelete~Judy~
What a beautiful cat.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.
Blessings,
Janet
Yes, don't sweat the small stuff! :-)
ReplyDeleteVery well said and love the pictures of Lola..I wish I could not let things bother me like they do but not sure how to change my thoughts. I always say I wish there was an on and off switch on my body..I always worry about getting older and things that might happen and change my life but not in a good way. Maybe one day I will figure out how to not let all these things consume my thoughts..Thank you for sharing..great post :)
ReplyDeleteNancy
I am right with you... My home isn't old, but it isn't new..it is a home...I surround myself with my family , people I love, and the things I love...I only notice the imperfections when I clean, so maybe I should clean less ??...lol
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and here's hoping myself and all of my online friends have a good year !!
Hugs,
Robin
Karen, I loved this post to show that no one's home is perfect. I do have to say that your kitty is PERRRRFECT!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and thank you for your sweet and loving email that you sent me last night!
You are truly a dear friend!
Hugs to you and Doug,
Tricia XO
What a wonderful post, Karen. It made me stop, think and look around at all my Blemishes.
ReplyDeleteLola is adorable.
Happy New Year!
Good Morning, Karen,
ReplyDeleteI love this too...all the little reminders that make your house a home.
And your faithful kitty...Sweet picture! Happy New Year to you and your family. ~Natalie
Good Morning, Karen,
ReplyDeleteI love this too...all the little reminders that make your house a home.
And your faithful kitty...Sweet picture! Happy New Year to you and your family. ~Natalie
What a lovely post, Karen! It's on the inside of a person that counts and the warmth of our homes that count. Happy New year to you and your family.
ReplyDeletehugs,
pam
Karen, I love how you put things into perspective and I truly believe these are all words that we should heed. Keeping a positive outlook enhances ones well being and I for one am trying to work harder at staying positive this year.
ReplyDeleteLola looks quite content and so pretty surrounded by the winter greens and berries.
Happy New Year to you and yours~
Hi, Karen,
ReplyDeleteAmen! I feel the same way about this little place we have, defects many,
charm, plenty. And how does Lola get in and out of there without disturb-
ing the greenery? Mine are clods. Cats...
Have a blessed day.
Karen, I loved this post! My house and heaven knows,me, are the same way. Nothing is perfect except God, and I like it that way. IN my opinions imperfection
ReplyDeletes are beautiful. Again loved this post.
oh Karen:
ReplyDeleteHow true... my sentiments exactly.
I look at my pictures and thhink..is this really me? and it is.
I have many flaws and some show and some don't ... but it's me.
So this new year, I'm gonna ( flaws and all ) am gonna enjoy life and be a happier person than before.
Thanks for the post... it's a me post.
blessings,
Maurine
WONDERFUL post to start the new year Karen! My home too has so many of those types of blemishes. It's almost 36 years old and raised 2 kids so like us it has some wear and tear. Most of them I don't even notice unless someone new is coming to the house. But of course there is never the time to take care of then so it stays that way day in and day out. Like you saiis, it the bigger picture it doesn't really matter. Just like our blemishes! It makes us unique!!
ReplyDeleteI hope your tenderloin was perfect and you have some cheesecake to enjoy today!! hugs!
Perfectly stated Karen..I've always felt this way but never really able to put it into words!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better..Life is short...to short to worry about the inperfections of our lives, our homes and our appearance. Those imperfections make us who we are. They display the strengths and weaknesses of our lives, our beauty from within.
Thank you for this perfectly said post..! I pray we all take a moment as we start the new year to look around us and see all the beauty in our homes, our families our friends, ourselves & see the beauty blemishes & all!
New Year Blessings & Hugs
Tonya
Loved your post, Karen!!
ReplyDeleteI have one of these lists also, for both my home and me. LOL!!
I doubt if I will ever get around to fixing either.
But your post has made me feel better about that fact. :)
Big Hug and Wishing you and yours a Very Blessed New Year!!
Tam
Thank you Karen, Loved reading your post!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Audrey
A wonderful post, Karen. These are the blemishes that give us character and give character to our homes. Wouldn't want to see you change a thing - you are a delight!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a blessed New Year.
Sue
I so loved your post Karen. Guess we can't have perfect houses or bodies but thats what makes everything and everyone unique. Your post was just what I needed today. Happy New Year and many blessings for 2012.
ReplyDeleteHugs Theresa
Great post, Karen and true for all of us! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYes, what would we be without them? However maybe just a few less along the way? Teasing, this is a great post! Hope you have a fabulous 2021, keep smiling!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post, makes you think. I loved it. Happy New Year! Blessings ~Sara
ReplyDeleteOh Karen, I am constantly running over pieces of furniture with my vacuum. I get so aggravated at myself yet it keeps happening. I don't like to slow down, just want to get the job done.
ReplyDeleteBut I really enjoyed reading through this post. I kept saying "Yeah, that's me", "Yes, I know what she's talking about". Thanks for sharing and for being honest. I know we all feel this way at one time or another. Gotta love character... whether we like it or not, hehe.
You have a great outlook Karen and you are right, probably only you notice these things. I tend to notice things and don't feel right til I "fix" them but I think its a fault of mine. I like your outlook much better. Hope you and your family have a wonderful 2012. Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year. A house full of memories to show. Who would want to get rid of that? -Steph-
ReplyDeleteLoved your post.... And those little imperfections are what makes decorating in the prim style so perfect for me!! So what if there's another bump, ding or scratch?? It's just part of the charm of the piece -- and shows it is a loved and well-used part of your home...
ReplyDeleteMy FIL once questioned our purchase of a pine-topped table. He said it's much to soft and will show everything nick. What that table now has permanently embedded in it is my children's handwriting from doing their homework when they were little. Love that!!
Sweet little kitty.... what great pics of her!!
Well Miss Karen you made me stop and take a good look at myself today. Oh I knew already I had so so many imperfections. Like , very much overweight, glasses, arthiritis, and a bad back, need dental work and I am chicken, won't bore you with more. But I also realize that is who I am. My family loves me, so do my friends, and I am so proud to be as well as I am. I am happy, my age does not bother me, but makes me thank God for another year. And likewise our home was built by us when we were young and early in our marriage. It, as our bodies has aged with many imperfections,,, but all of these knocks and bruises have made it the home we feel so comfortable in and cherish so much. Your post was wonderfully written. None of us are perfect, no one but GOD, and we are all human with mistakes, problems and as you stated imperfections. Thank you so much for bringing these thoughts to our mind as we begin a new year.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Angela
What a great outlook! Thanks for this post, and please keep up the great posts.
ReplyDeleteHave a good 2012.
Karen thanks for such a lovely post!Happy New Years!Hugs,Jen
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post! Happy 2012 to you, Karen!
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteGreat post and so true.
Lola is adorable!! She looks a lot like my daugther's cat named Bella.
hugs,
Cindy
What a great and very positive post! Life is too short to worry about all the little "blemishes" in our homes. Cute picture of Lola.
ReplyDeleteKaren: Another wonderful post from you! Have you ever considered writing a BOOK? I love your attitude (and your new pic!) Yes, you are so right...we are who we are, warts and all! HA! Love the pics of your kitty on the Christmas greens; could be next year's Christmas card?
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful Christmas and look forward to many great posts from you.
{{HUGS}}
Joy
Karen, Thank you for this beautiful post. I think you know what I mean. Just what I needed to read. Hugs Susan (Maa)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I have all those things and more in my house and on my body! They ARE the things that make us who we are...I don't want to change any of it. Well maybe just for now, I'll keep coloring my hair, shhhhh don't tell!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great thoughts!
Cathy
I don't think I've ever compared how I think about my imperfections to how I feel about the house. But you're right, there are a lot of little things that aren't perfect but I know the history behind their imperfection and it adds to the story. Thanks for that insight! Lola is a cutie. Looks like she's found a little cozy nest. Happy New Year! ~Roberta
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post to read. Don't we all have a few flaws
ReplyDeleteNice picture of Lola. Cats....they get into the weirdest places
Hi Karen...this is a great post and a wonderful read. Made me stop and think about the way I am! Happy New Year to you and Doug!
ReplyDeletePS - I forgot to mention your wonderful header! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI try to always think positive, life goes on, deal with the life your dealt, live in this moment or you will miss it. Lola is not only cute she is a pretty kitty. Have a great 2012! ;-) bee-hugs, Debby
ReplyDeleteKaren, this was a very meaningful post for me! Thanks for posting it at a time when I needed it most. Lola looks perfect perched there! Many Blessings to you and Doug throughout the year to come!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post, Karen! Thank you for sharing it! May you and your family have a wonderful New Year! ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteAll the above "little things" is what makes your house a home.
Lived in and loved ... Enjoy it ...
Teri
oh, those kitties are just too cute! they look so comfortable in the holly and greenery too :) hope you had a nice holiday!~
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteA most wonderful post! I love your "blemishes", but really I see them more as "character" or the history of your home! Love them all!! OLM
Karen~ Super post!!! Character is a beautiful thing!!!! Our homes & ourselves have the stories & memories of each blemish~
ReplyDeleteLola is so pretty!
smiles
Teresa
Oh Karen, what a beautiful way to look at the world. You are so right...we dont see all those little things in your home or in you. We just see the beautiful Karen in her beautiful home. Thanks for reminding me that we ALL have bumps and bruises, but they really do make us and (our homes) "us". I pray you have a wonderful year in 2012 and am blessed to have gotten to know you.
ReplyDeleteGrace to you,
Margie
Oh, Karen, what a wonderful post! You are so thoughtful and creative! I love everything you said, it really reminds me not to sweat the small stuff. I sometimes think that as we get older and sometimes bad things happen to us, we learn to realize that the little day to day aggravations are just small potatoes. Love your kitty picture, too.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Melinda
Very sweet and poignant post my friend - and, ahhh, so very, very, true and wise. Those who know me well know that I seek out the things with a few "blemishes" as you call them, and treasure them above their perfect cousins. An old vessel with its shininess gone, a dent here, a hole there, a piece of cloth mended, a teddy sporting a single eye....all count among my greatest treasures. And so I hope my family and friends view me as lovingly. It is the best thing any of us can wish for....to appreciate the "primness" and glorious beauty of imperfection. Crooked Smiles & Lopsided Hugs ~ Robin
ReplyDeleteI too live in a home with those small things only I notice. I really enjoyed the plant hangers, I have one on each floor of my home. I paint as though they are not there. Mu home was built in the late 1800's. I believe who ever put them there is smiling from heaven because they are still there. Your blog is really wonderful. thanks for making me smile. Lynda
ReplyDeleteYes, she is cute ! Happy New Year Karen, I am trying to catch up with all my blogging friends!
ReplyDeleteI love this post, glad to know I am not the only person with an unperfect home, our home is over 100 years old and it has LOTS of imperfections, just Character, I say. I visited someone once that flurried around the whole time I was there whipping imaginary dust, striving for perfection....that is not me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post, it made my day.
Hi Karen, I love the way you think and I needed to read this today! Painting and everthing is a wreck but guess what? After reading this
ReplyDeleteI am going to deal with the mess and enjoy it. Who says things have to be neat all the time right? Happy New Year and what a beautiful cat!
Wow. I love this post! This really makes me stop and think. This year has been hard on me physically for some reason and I have just hated getting older but your post just makes me thankful that I am "me"!!!!
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteI just read this and I'm so glad you posted this..I really needed to hear this and be reminded that not everything could or should be fixed...I've learned a lot from 2011...and the things that I feel should be fixed..well, I'll get to them eventually and if not...oh well. There is so many more important areas in our lives that we need to concentrate on..God Bless.
This was a great post and I am glad I stopped by, thank you for visiting my blog and seeing my 1883 Farmhouse..... the pictures of food you have up on a post is making me hungry.... do you mind passing me the corn...lol
ReplyDeleteDear Karen ~~~
ReplyDeleteI'm late to the "Party" lol as usual ... But I Love this Post and You !!!
Your Photo of Lola is Adorable !!
Warm Winter Hugs My Friend ~~ Connie xox
Amen, Karen. Amen. ♥
ReplyDeleteWell put Karen . Now about those blemishes . Mine are bigger , darn it ! LOL I feel like we have been remodeling since we moved in 12 years ago .
ReplyDeleteIt is a slow process too when you do it yourself .
It took me a long time to really love me , for me . It just happened recently .
I removed the negative things in my life and have been a better person for it .
It is not an easy thing to do , but in this stage of my life , it is my turn to be happy .
We do deserve to have a life and be happy .
Now Miss Lola looks happy and she told me you are the best !
Hugs
Deb