Finally the mudroom

I say finally, because it was way back in January on 'this post' that I mentioned finishing the "mudroom".

This is what it looked like then...

Many things stood in my way, like snow, rain, etc., but mostly a lack of desire to get it done, because honestly... 

I was being lazy.

Shhhh.... ;)

So yesterday, I finally decided to get to it.

That's what I do when I need to think.

I either clean or paint.

I'm sure some of you understand that.

Or at least I hope ;)

Anyway, I took everything off the walls and this is what I was left with...

I had already painted the door (Behr's Sage) and the window trim (Behr's Melted Butter) that was a dingy white originally, about two months ago, but the room was still dark, and of course brown.

I swear the previous owners must have gotten a discount on brown.

Ugh.

And here's what it looks like painted Cotton Whisper by Behr, after I put everything back...

The line above on the floor, is a step.

The thing with the bell, in the middle of the two needlepoints, is an old system from the 1800s that would ring the maid and tell her what room to go to when someone needed her. I've had it for years in many different homes, but it's never been hooked up. 

I'm the only "maid" in reality and I don't need a bell ;)

Again before, leading to the side yard:

After:

From the kitchen:

Oh! And there's this cute little sliding door:

It comes in handy when I need to keep Mini and Bubba upstairs.

And well, it's cute :)

If you're wondering where this little mudroom goes, besides the kitchen, it also takes you downstairs to the laundry room (that still needs work), my bedroom, and dressing room (or vanity room), that used to be the maids quarters.

So that's it.

Not a big redo, but definitely one that makes me happy :)

xo

rue

Recipe for Friendship

Years ago, my dear friend, Kim gave me this little tiny cup and saucer. 

I've treasured it always and every time I look at it, I think of her.

On the saucer is the recipe...

Exactly as it's written, for those that can't see what it says:

Recipe for Friendship

"Take two heaping cups of patience

One heartful of love

Two handsful of generosity 

A dash of laughter

One headful of understanding

Sprinkle generously with kindness

Add plenty of faith and mix well.

Spread over a period of a lifetime

And serve everybody you meet."

I take those words to heart. 

So, there it sits on a shelf, next to other precious things that I love.....

in a cupboard in my dining room.

When I walked past it again today, not only did I think of her, but all of you as well.

Old friends and new,

Thank you so much for welcoming me back.

 From Kim not only being my first commenter and then adding a blogroll and including me in it, to Genevieve writing about me, to Brenda who also wrote about me and my blog, and then to all of you that found me again or found me for the first time... 

Thank you! 

I'm overwhelmed with the kindness that you've shown me.

When I started this again, I had no idea what to expect and had no idea if I was even going to stick around and if I was, whether or not I'd just be talking to myself.

I guess the answers are, yes I will stick around and thank goodness I'm not just talking to myself.

Although, I tend to do that anyway ;)

I promise I'll visit all of you as soon as I possibly can. 

It may take awhile, but I'll get there eventually.

You can count on it.

xoxo

rue

P.S.

I'm working on what is quite possibly the smallest mudroom ever.

Before pictures:

It might take awhile, because it's a heavy traffic area and there's rain on the horizon for the next few days, but as soon as I'm finished, I'll share the after. 

There will be a few posts before that happens though, so don't hold your breath.

;)

My Cottage Tour

Click on the words highlighted in green to see more :)

Front garden

Living room here , here, and here.

Dining room here and here.

Kitchen ; here, here, here, here, and here.

Mudroom

Den/guest room

Office

Bathroom

Master Bedroom

Dressing room