Friday, July 9, 2010

Dreams Really Can Come True

because for years, we have been suspended in a pleasant dream


unable to wake up to reality



until NOW.



We have gone from the loftiest and most grandiose of ideas for our home addition







to the most rustic





elegant



and back to the most practical and comfortable.



In the weeks to come, I hope to keep you updated on our progress and effort to make our nest



a place that sparkles



with the love for home, hearth and accommodating those we love







with the magic of Rabbit Hill.

fairy
Myspace Glitter Graphics



So just sit and relax and let me put on the pot



and let's discuss how we eventually have made our dream become a reality. The building hopefully, will start this summer before school starts, so until next time....

Bonne semaine mes amies!

Photo Credits:

Interior images scanned from the books

- Unmistakeably French - Betty Lou Phillips

- Provençal Escapes - Caroline Clifton-Mogg

- Storybook Style - Arrol Gellner and Douglas Keister

- French Country Living - Caroline Clifton-Mogg

- Little White Dog - Megan Dailor Photography














77 comments:

Bunnym said...

OH How exciting!! I love demolition and reconstruction...seriously...I'm so jealous. Right now Eric is in the middle of redoing our staircase from carpet to wood...and I am in remodel heaven. Good Luck and have fun designing and dreaming.

bunny

ps. can my smile be any wider in the pic?...lol

Fete et Fleur said...

Hello, my lovely Sister!!

I'm so excited that plans are going forward for your dream. I await your future posts for glimpses into the beauty you will both create.

Missing you both a ton!!

Hugs!
Nancy

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Hello Anita! Well here it is...the official announcement of your new addition! I think this is going to be a very exciting time for you...and of course it will be stressful, but in the end it will be just want you want! ~Hugs, Patti

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Anita
I am so excited for the both of you.. There will come a day not so far in the future that you both will sit with a cup of tea and gaze upon your dream come true.
Beautiful post my dear friend.
Bisous, Penny

LuLu Kellogg said...

Guess what? I am so excited for you. I am feeling the same way with us working on the last two rooms in our home :)

I am on the way and bringing my favorite teacup. I will even sip my tea with my pinkie up . . . very proppa!

I hope you have macarons....I am starving!

LuLu♥

deb famularo said...

I am so excited for you! I cannot wait to see this new addition to your home! I know it's going to be beautiful! So ironic how we're both having home "stress" going on!

But in the end, both of us will be in the magical and happy home of our dreams. And it will all be so worth it!

love to you my friend, xOxO

Bonnie said...

Hello! So looking forward to the new additions. What a cute little dog!I would so love a cup of tea with you...sometime soon?

Bonnie

June said...

I just know it will be wonderful Anita! I will be anxiously awaiting the updates. I hope all goes smoothly during the construction. Sometimes a remodel is the best kind of vacation.
Blessing to you
hugs

"Create Beauty" said...

I just know the addition onto your nest will be well worth it! What fun to turn a dream into sparkling reality!

~ Violet

desde my ventana said...

Bonjour Anita,
Bonne semaine â toi aussi and bon travail,
Happy sunday ma belle,
Hugs,
Cecilia

Presépio no Canal said...

Hallo Anita ;-)

How exciting! I can't wait to see the photos of your new nest ;-)

A nice sunday summer ;-)

Here is very hot! Too much! Yesterday, was raining. It was so refreshing ;-) So good!

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh my sweet how exciting...How wonderful!!! I look forward to seeing your very own sparkly place to welcome all those that you love!!! Have a sparkly week...Dzintra♥x

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour dear Anita,
What an incredibly exciting time for you. A long-awaited dream ready to come true. I am positive it will be just as you have imagined to be - only better! Best of luck as you embark on yet another adventure at Rabbit Hill!
Bon Dimanche,
Mimi
P.S. 4 a.m.? We do have much in common my friend!

Kelly said...

I'm so excited for you both! I can't wait to see the results, I'm sure it will be both beautiful and magical~

Xo

Unknown said...

Oh, I can't even imagine what you two are up to now. Your dream I know must be absolutely grand and elegant.

I have a little surprise for you. I took that French Script parchment from 1608 and created a special fabric. There is still tons of room for tweaking, so have a peak, and let me know. Make sure that you need to view it in upholstery weight and 2 yards to see the actual fabric repeat.

http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/karenharveycox

The world is your oyster, and I just think that your angels are gathering to make all of your dreams come true.
Karen

Privet and Holly said...

Anita! I can't wait to hear all about your LOVELY plans over a cup of tea.....In our case, not a cyber cup, but a REAL one : ) Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday and listening to all of your dreams for Rabbit Hill. It's going to be an interesting journey for you to blog about...from dreams to their fruition!
xx Suzanne

koralee said...

Oh I am sooooo excited for you sweet one. How fun!
We are looking for a new home and hope to be in one this fall. It is so exciting to have these dreams and hopes...can't wait to hear about yours. xoxoxoo Happy new week!

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

My dear Anita...

Oh my... I just cannot wait to see what you're going to do... And, to see pictures of your lovely garden this summer too... What a grand and glorious spot... I can't understand how one girlie can be so darn talented... A master gardener, a writer, an artist, a decorator and now a planner of a fabulous, new project too. AWESOME. :-)

I'm so happy to hear you did so well at your garage sale. That's terrific.

Try to stay cool.

Huggies and lovies,
Spence

La Dolfina said...

Hi Anita... wow what a fabulous trip you had... I just finished reading about it! Tail of the Yak is in my backyard! How close we were! Where in the world did you stay in the wine country? It looked amazing, right out of a magazine shoot.
You are so full of love and enthusiasm, it's contagious. So happy you are enjoying your summer :)
Much love,
Terri

Seawashed said...

Looking forward to it! I prefer the rustic.

Splenderosa said...

This is just so sweet. Love your family & THAT DOG!!

Createology said...

Oh do enjoy the excitement and joy of what your new space shall become. Happy creating...

Rosie said...

Oh my sweetest friend...
Am doin' the happy dance for your garage sale success...I wanted to leave you a delicious cuppa yesterday...but alas, when I returned home after work, my dearest informed me, we had no internet {our server was down} how frustrating to want to give a hug and but not be allowed to...you know this feeling WELL.
Oh this post is heaven...I am completely entranced by the use of refined, elegant chandeliers floating in the most rustic of surroundings. It makes the crystal sparkle that much more.
So, has "he" come back with a quote yet?? and is it in the "ball park"?? Oh I am so excited for you. We went through this very experience about 3 years ago. Because our house is so old, we found that a 70 year old addition{ the sun room} that was on the back of the house was sinking due to a rotten post. Our builder {we'll call him Bob} said we had literally days {2 weeks} to decide what we wanted, otherwise we might loose the original glass in that room due to the pressure of the roof. That was a crazy time...in the end I love what we came up with but would have enjoyed it more, if we had had more time. Some day I will do a post of BEFORE and AFTER, just for fun.
I am truly enjoying those silly blinds so much...in fact I went back and picked up enough for the entire living area. Oh...that it was that simple...They aren't the correct size, soooo, I have to cut them all down...Yikes...But if it works it will be quite nice I think. My dearest did a wee bit of "eye rolling" when he heard of my plans and his part in this "blind shenanigan", but he is quite accustom to my hair brain schemes by now, to know that I will give it a go regardless...so has consented to "wacking off" the wood bits when I am ready...Oh, I do so LOVE that boy.
Well must go make lunch before he comes home...have the best day dearest...talk soon...love rosie

Anonymous said...

Hello Anita, I am so excited to see what you and your hubby have planned. I know it will be amazing. It's so wonderful when we can see our dreams taking shape. I hope you have a great week and are enjoying your time off.

Martina said...

Anita, this sounds so exiiting! Are you building an addition to your home or a new house? It's one of the best things to decorate a house and i'm sure you'll have such a great time and have tons to blog about. Can't wait to hear more and wish you a lovely evening, xx, M.

Martina said...

Anita, this sounds so exiiting! Are you building an addition to your home or a new house? It's one of the best things to decorate a house and i'm sure you'll have such a great time and have tons to blog about. Can't wait to hear more and wish you a lovely evening, xx, M.

Elizabeth said...

Sending a shout out to my new friend for a very brave and exciting journey ahead. Always keep our twinkle and happy attitude at hand the next few months will be a challenge but one that is worth every minute. I can't wait to return here again and again to watch your progress. Cheers!

Susan said...

Dear Anita,
I'm looking forward to all of the glorious details! SO EXCITING! There's nothing more wonderful than seeing your dreams become reality!
Blessings!

Rosemary said...

I love a good demo and redo anytime!!!
I just got back from a little trip.
Glad to be back checking out the blogs.
xo,
Rosemary

Woolytales Miniatures said...

I know you and Ruben will make a fantastic new addition for your home but I also know that it will be a place for fellowship and loving-giving.
Sorry I missed you these past couple days... it has been my birthday weekend and my family is taking this very seriouly, grin!!!
Oh MY I am so spoiled!!!
soon...Tita

Vintage Porcelain Art By Amy Enright said...

I'm so glad I found your blog! Soo many pretty fun things to look at!
Hugs,
Amy
http://vintageporcelainart.blogspot.com

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

YAY! What excitement!!! here's to hoping all will go beautifully! Blessings dear and wondrous friend!!! some day when my whole house isn't under construction and the children are bigger you will have to visit!! We have decades, I always say! To someday!!! Cheers! Blessings sweetie!

Susan Houseman said...

How fun to create a new addition. As always I love the photos you select and the dog is so adorable. Looking forward to the sparkling pictures of your new addition.

My Grama's Soul said...

I love it when someone remodels. You notice I said......someone else.......(O:(O: We have remodeled lots of time in various houses and I am not ready to yet again have sawdust in my underwear!! LOL LOL

Can't wait to see yours. I'll be following

Hugs,

Jo

jerilanders said...

Oooh! How big will it be? What will the walls be made of? Wooden floor, stone floor, tile or rugs galore???? Wallpaper, bead board, stencils or paint??? So many decisions, so much fun, so much work, so much money! BUT< I love doing things like this. We restored our 1890's home, it took years and years and will never be quite finished, but worth every penny and ounce of sweat. I will be following your progress with great delight!

Rosie said...

Good morning dearest,
oh you must be so very tired after such a busy weekend...and IT WENT SO VERY WELL!!!what a lot of work, but I always feel so good knowing things are tidied and ready for the next project.
OH MY DEAR...thank you sooo much for the harp music...I can't seem to get it open, but as soon as the wise one comes over for a visit, I shall get him to open this for me...I can't wait...you are so kind, always thinking and giving to others. You are my sunshine :)
OK...so the living room blinds are up...oh, they look "fine"...so soft and fresh. I love them. Some time this week I will do the dining room too{I have them, but wanted a little down time to spend out back with Bill. Finally the hot weather has arrived...Yippee.
You are going to have so much fun with your reno. It is a stressful time, but you will be just fine...i am such a perfectionist, so the hardest thing was to let things go that were not important...some things I was addiment on. The trick is to know the difference...you will be great. Will Ruben do some of the building himself or will your builder do it?
Well off to Vancouver tomorrow. PURSES are NEEDED...and a few other goodies as well...will let you know what I find.
Sweet dreams my dear...It`s off to bed now...have a great day...love Rosie

M.A. the 2nd ~ Frances Russell said...

Dearest Anita ... I am so happy and so excited for you and I can't wait to see how everything goes especially the gorgeous antique marble fireplace and mantle. Dreams do come true and you so deserve it!
hugs and best wishes
M.A. the 2nd

savvycityfarmer said...

oh darling what's brewing?

I found a french settee but it was sky high ...and had just sold ... shall I keep looking?

Jorgelina said...

Hi Anita!
How exciting!
Love your family and dog,sooooo cute.
Hugs

Unknown said...

These are so gorgeous! What lovely inspiration for your home! I could live in a dream world all the time, honestly! Thank you so, so much for your kind comments this week, they really mean the world to me. You are clearly a lovely person, inside and out! XO!

Jenny said...

Rabbit Hill....I love it. All your choices seem divine...thank you for the peek and the updates. dream on.

My Dolce Vita said...

Good Morning dear Anita (perhaps good evening to you)...I awoke thinking about that cauliflower in the fridge...perhaps soup...And then I find that you have visited me overnight and higly recommend the cauli soup...So today it's a must do...Have a lovely Tuesday, Dzintra♥x

Rosie said...

Oh my sweet Anita...thank you for stopping on your way home from our dear friend Koralee's house...She always has a party for the senses goin' on over there.
Had a GREAT day shopping. Picked up the most amazing white purse, with a huge white rose and ruffle leaves...argued all the way home as to why this little number should come to live at my house...I LOST...it is in the shop:(
I really could do the 12 step program when it comes to pretty bags...so I guess I might as well start today...unless I can think of a REALLY good reason to bring it on home.
So how was your day dearest? Did you enjoy a lot of rest and relaxation in the back yard. I hope it was perfect...Well my boyfriend has offered to put on a movie and my job is the popcorn...so will say good night my dear. Have a good evening...love Rosie

Mimi said...

HI!!
Whether it is glamorous, royal, homey or what ever, big or small, it is HOME that makes the heart fonder!!There is no place like HOME!!!SO enjoy every bit of it!!
we love our home and it makes me feel so welcoming when I walk in the door, that familiar smell, the items in it that make me smile!!
I Love HOME
hugs,
jamie

The Dutchess said...

Wish you lots of luck and...don't work to hard..enjoy.

Hugs and kisses dearest..Your nest is going to be a litttle paradise.

desde my ventana said...

Thank you Anita for your whises,I'm better today....and you?? I hope you are better too.
Muchos besos,
Cecilia

highheeledlife said...

Anita, that is wondrful... its an exciting time when planning a home expansion. We are currently in the middle of phase 1 ... and we still bounce back and forth on the style we are doing... can't wait to see the pictures as you embark on this magical moment.. HHL

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Happy happy reconstructing, Anita. Will give you so so soooo much energy!
Lots of love for the rest of the week, hope it's off to a great start. xxx

Vær våken said...

Dear Anita, thank you for your so sweet welcome back greeting! I had such a great time! Hope you're having a wonderful vacation also! So exciting to hear about your dreams come true. Yes, please, I will sit down for a cup of tea and hear more!!

Have a great Tuesday! Kristin XO

Unknown said...

Tending to Rabbit Hill must feel like rabbits giving birth...millions of ideas hopping about and making themselves known.

Please come and pop in to Aunt Hatties house where you will find yourself singing and chasing the blues away.

I will send you an email or a letter very very soon said the hedgehog to the rat.

Burlap Luxe said...

Anita,
What am I going to do with you!
Your amazing presence at my place is welcomed and your enchanting comments I live for!

I love the photos Rustic I could move right in, NOW!!
I could create with passion with a room speaking to me as your post speaks to us.
Merci'
xx
Dore'

My Dolce Vita said...

Hello dearest...thank you for your delicious version of the soup...leeks are wonderful (I used onion but will go for leeks next time)...paprika would be perfect...I love all these little tips. The soup was absolutely delicious Anita, just perfect for our weather...and all with a glass of red...Have a beautiful day...here's cheers to you, Dzintra♥x

Burlap Luxe said...

Anita Belle, Je vous remercie pour vos aimables paroles, vous êtes un véritable ami. J'aime apprendre à vous connaître comme un ami véritable blog. Votre passion pour les dessins et les paroles poétiques en langue française est si évident dans votre façon de vivre et des mots.

Vous me visiter à tout moment, aussi souvent que vous le souhaitez. Ce serait formidable de créer ensemble un jour.
xx
Dore

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Your blog is so beautiful. You must be thrilled to begin the new addition? All your ideas look like great ones. Wishing you all the best. Sure love the photo of your pup!

Cheers ~ deb

Rosie said...

Oh Anita,
I am so sorry...life is so fragile. We just never know when our life here, will be done.So very important that we have our affairs in order, knowing where we will spend eternity...I am so very sad for you...and for that poor man who is left behind...was she a believer, do you know? I shall pray for that family...and for comfort for you as well.
You have become such an important part of my life...thank you dearest.
Will stop in tomorrow morning to give you a hug...sleep well...love Rosie

Unknown said...

Hey Beautiful!

Congrats on a remodel! I will look forward to seeing the progress. I too am in the midst of a redesign of a spare room into my studio. So far, I've gotten as far as slapping paint on the wall. I'm having difficulty deciding on color.

Hmmm . . . . perhaps I should post the choices and see what you all think. (tee hee ;)

Wishing you a beautiful and creative day today.

xoxo
~Kell

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Anita Sweetie...
I can't wait to see what you and DH are remodeling. I have a wall or two I would like to demo and some new paint, and two bathrooms calling my name for help. Oh what is a girl to do? One day.

I will be watching and waiting for news. In the meantime, I have my cup of tea, I am sipping and enjoying all that beauty here now you have to share with me.

Hope you have a gorgeous day sweetie.

Country hugs and so much love, Sherry

Burlap Luxe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Burlap Luxe said...

Anita, tu es une belle femme avec passion.
Je vous remercie pour vos messages.
xoxo
Dore

(English meaning)
Anita, you're a beautiful woman with passion.
Thank you for your messages.

Dore

Burlap Luxe said...

Anita dear, Une semaine remplie d'inspiration pour vous.
xx
Dore

Unknown said...

Right up my alley, my friend. We just bought another house to start work on. Enjoy every exciting step of the way, Anita.

Have a lovely day ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Rosie said...

Hello my sweet...how is your progressing? Well I hope.
Mine is a bit worrisome right now...I received a call from my daughter say she has taken a bad fall, damaging her teeth and her little nose. The worst of it is, that this all happened because she fainted...apparently she has been ill for quite some time. Oh I hate being a long distance mom {she is going to school in another province and is 12 hrs away}...the dentist has assured her that he can fix the damage...we are just waiting for the doctor's appointment...oh I hate this waiting...pray for her...and I shall keep you posted...love Rosie

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Oh ma belle! I am so excited about your new project... and I want to know if you chose elegant or rustic.
Somehow I think you will incorporate a bit of both to make it totally exquisite! Thank you for your sweet comment about my french kitchen... I am trying to use all my beloved things to create the look I want. I'm cramming a lot on the walls so some may think I'm living in a museum! I miss you so much Anita!! And the summer is whizzing by. I'm sure it is for you too. Please send my best regards to dear Rubin and hug each other for moi!!

Mille bisous, Sherry

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Dear Anita...I will certainly try the paprika next time...Have a wonderful day, Cheers...Dzintra♥x

Rosie said...

oh Anita...what a day...as I mentioned earlier...my daughter had a bad fall...we are still waiting for results. I am so worried...praying there is nothing seriously wrong. Lizzy just called and has spent all day in emerg. She is to go back tomorrow for more testing. Poor baby her mouth is really sore because of the damage to her teeth...I just want to give my baby a hug.
She will call tomorrow when she has more info.
Well dearest, I am really tired and need to get some sleep...will let you know when I hear anything ...love Rosie

desde my ventana said...

Belle journée a toi aussi,
Bisous,
Cecilia

Barbara said...

I love it! And the cache pots on the table are DIVINE!

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Wow Anita aren't you the Cauliflower Queen then...thanks for the hint for baking...Bon Appetit, Dzintra♥x

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Anita, sweet friend, I have a little surprise for you. Please come by. xo Lidy

koralee said...

Good Morning sweet friend..just wishing you a happy day! xoxo

Unknown said...

This is exiting and a lot of work! You have great taste. it will be beautiful for sure :)
Have a wonderful day!
Frenchy

Rosie said...

Good morning dearest,
Well, today is a day of waiting...so many tests. As much as I would love to go and be with her, I have already booked a flight in 4 weeks time to take Liz with me to a buying show in Edmonton...so have to be content knowing that her boyfriend is by her side.
Will keep you posted.
In the meantime...I have had a lot of down time, having to stay close to the phone. So pop over, and have a peek at the creek...this is my Friday Pretty...very early...have a lovely day...talk soon Rosie

Martina said...

Dearest Anita, so enjoyed your visit today and hope you've had a lovely time over in your sweet house. I'm cooking some easy Pasta and relax. Is that your dog in the post? He is sooooo sweet! xx, M..

Kirsten Steen said...

Hi Anita,
Thanks for your comment. And welcome back from your trip! Did you love SF? And how exciting to learn so much (and interesting) stuff about your ancestry! Did it give you the bug? As always, love your photo choices and sweet words. Thanks for coming by!
Hugs to you,
Kirsten

Christel said...

Dear Anita, please come and visit my blog. and read my latest post. xoxo Christel

Fine Bessot said...

Somptueuses cheminées ! mais par les temps qui courent elles ne sont pas très utiles, il fait une chaleur de canicule dans le sud de la France.
Merci pour votre message. Prenez votre temps, respirez, décompressez, laissez-vous aller au plaisir du dessin, de l'écriture et de la quiétude, nous discuterons plus tard quand vous aurez le temps. Profitez de votre maison, car si votre chambre ressemble à celle de Sandy vous devez y être bien. C'est une merveille où je serais bien pour écrire. Pour moi c'est le comble du luxe !
Je vous embrasse.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

I an thinking of you dear Anita...sounds like an eye infection...maybe even conjunctivitis...Hope all is well and you are able to get some drops...A Big Hug for you...Dzintra♥x