Sunday, May 2, 2010

Qu'est-ce qu'on fait?

Dedicated to my angel of a mother, who humbly taught me how to make something from nothing-

What do you do when you have a big imagination





expensive ideas that require a substantial purse



grandiose visions of the best that both nature



and man-made opulence have to offer



but have a humble pocketbook?



You quickly come back down to reality



never letting go of your vision







and then you plan by observing the rich texture of the details necessary to achieve your goals.





Then you gradually scale down, research, and see what fits into your lifestyle and budget









plan



and finally MAKE IT HAPPEN.





You start by looking at the small and simple things that are attainable





to add the magic and color of your dreams



to your reality.





Rabbit Hill started out as a house



but has now become our home



by the audacity of our imaginations



and the hard labor of our love.











It may not be Le Hameau de La Reine, YET....





but it is our Dulce Domum, our Home Sweet Home



and though the destiny may not always turn out to be what you originally envisioned





the journey always turns out to be more than you ever expected when you step into your hopes and dreams with your best foot forward



and DREAM



WORK HARD



and NEVER GIVE UP.

Come back next week my queens and celebrate IMAGINATION!



Happy Mothers Day to all my beloved friends!



Photo Credits:

Dream Bathroom Images scanned from the book:

The Bath - Diane Von Furstenberg 1993
Google Images

Bathroom, Home and Garden Renovations - Castles Crowns and Cottages

Fairytale Images - Lissy Elle

Paper Slipper and Bird - Le Jardin de Miss Clara via Google Images

Le Hameau de Versailles - Google France Images

101 comments:

LuLu Kellogg said...

What an inspiring posting dearest one. I LOVE Rabbit Hill!

LuLu♥

Privet and Holly said...

My DEAR friend, Rabbit Hill has YOU written all over it! {And it sounds like Mr. Castle likes your style, as well!}I love how you have taken your dreams and interpreted them to fit your surroundings. Your sweet home has more personality than most that are twice its size.....and those GARDENS....well, don't get me started as you know that I love gardens but don't have your green thumb. Yes, your mother certainly did teach you to dream, one of the greatest gifts a mother can bestow.
Have a Happy Mother's Day celebrating that gift! xx P&H

Presépio no Canal said...

Oh dear Anita, your house is so lovely and cosy!!! "Gezellig" as the Dutch say. ;-)
You are right, my friend, with hard work and imagination we can do everything ;-)
Congratulations! I love your bathroom ;-) So cosy!
Bisous, cherie :-)

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

Beautiful! I really enjoyed the before and after photos. You have made your house a lovely home.

synnøve said...

Dear Anita,
You have a wonderful home!!!
And from your post I can read you have the same attitude towards dreams and goals as I have.
I always hope for the best, work with what I have, and I find that it turnes out quite well, and not that far from what I dreamt of :D
An inspiring post dear friend!!
Wach out for my next post; I have made something from what I had.... and it turned out quite well I think!!
Hugs
Synnøve :)

Jorgelina said...

Hi Anita!
Beautiful and fantastic post.
Your house a lovely home.
Happy saturday.Hugs

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Dear Anita, what a beautiful dedication to your Angel Mother...you have shown us to use your imagination to transform Rabbit Hill into your Home!!! Thank you sweet for the Mother's Day wishes...I'm sure you have some very special treasured memories of your Angel Mother...Dzintra♥x

Jonny said...

Hi Anita I just feel in love with your post!!! I have these grand visions for my home in my head also- and then think how can I actually make it. That Marie bathroom is unreal and that cream one the roses!Those soaps looked so wonderful I swear there edible just kidding I love what you put above your French doorway beautiful!!! And I love how you changed the front of your home it looks so charming and wonderful!This post reminds me when for years for looking at homes I wanted a grand Victorian more that anything but realizing we couldn't do it- so we bought a little redbrick house, the first thing I did was paint angels on my ceiling although its not a high grand ceiling what I envisioned but low. I'm still making my home whats in my heart. Thank You so much for writing such a beautiful post- My best to you Sincerely, Jonny

Susan said...

Oh, my imaginative friend, is there anything more gratifying than working hard to see your dreams become reality? You have made Rabbit Hill into such a beutiful home!
I am craving the crown in your bathroom! I would love a peek into the archway in there!
Your gardens are FAB! So lovely.so insiring! I must go now to tidy up my palace!
Blessings!

Barb said...

Hi Anita,

Lovely post. I agree, with hard work, passion, and determination, all can be achieved.

Jayde and her new sister (Aug or sept)
Wanted me to thank you for leaving such sweet comments.

Big hugs,
Barb

"Create Beauty" said...

Oh my dearest Anita!!! You could be writing the most amazing Home Decor books, books of Inspiration, etc! Because you already do. Here on your blog... You have such a beautiful abiltiy to put together just the right images for your thoughts, which turn into words that inspire and create beauty in our minds, which then motivates us to embellish our own lives and homes.

What a charming home you and your husband have!!! The shrubbery and gardens are so royal! (Why is that not surprising???) I love the french doors and the piece above them, the sconces, your harp (If I was there I would take a photo of you in angel wings playing it.... I see it now....)

There was a time when we were renting and could not fix things up or buy things for our home, and we would go to the most amazing model home tours, where everything is decorated ~ money was no object ~ and I'd come back to my humble abode and be motivated to at least make a couple of new throw pillows for the couch, and just doing that made a difference!

What an inspiring post, it makes me want to work on the areas in my home that need that extra touch...
you've motivated me to dream!
~Violet

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Thanks you so much dear Anita...and I think you have inherited your Mum's talent for turning things into enchantment...Blessings to you...LOve Dzintra♥x

Jennifer said...

What a beautiful blog post! Thanks for sharing all those lovely photos. Enjoy your home! ;)

Anonymous said...

Dear Anita, thank you for sharing your thoughts and steps and dreams about how to live a Champagne taste on a Soda budget :-) - you certainly created a "Hameau" or even your own castle of wishes and dreams together with your partner. I can feel the work and labour which went into it, and Rabbit Hill's front garden is just a dream ! I know from my own experiences how long it takes til a garden matures to that what you wanted it to be when picking plants from a book :-))
Happy Mother's Day to you !

claudie said...

I didn't know you called it Rabbit Hill? I must have missed that one Dear Anita. I LOVE the name. Randy and I were just discussing his dream. It was all about Alice in Wonderland and the "rabbit hole" isn't that so strange, and there you are living at Rabbit hole...ahhh
You have showed us a little bit of fantasy in your home. I can tell your home reflects your imagination. I love that about you.
Happy Mother's Day to your angel mother Anita.
Love you so
Love Claudie
ooxoxoxxoox

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Bonjour Anita
What an exquisite post!!
I love your photos... Let me climb into one of those tubs... ahhhh.
Rabbit Hill is a dream come true.
The love you and Ruben have put into your home shines in every photo.. You know how I love archways! He has done a magnificent job...
Have a wonderful day my friend.
Bisous, Penny

deb famularo said...

Well, it's no wonder your home is a castle, so fitting for the Queen that you are! You always are a breath of fresh air Anita, you know that, right? You have an eye for lovely things! Your students are so lucky to have you- I've never encountered someone with your gifts..... have a wonderful magical weekend! Oh, M. Balzac will go in the mail on Monday! :)
love u, deb

Unknown said...

Happy Mother's Day my dear!

As always, an incredibly rich journey into our imaginations. A visual feast that appeals to our hopes and dreams. Wishing you the best this Mother's Day weekend.

You piqued my curiosity when you spoke of paper maché dress forms. Oh my! Please point me in the direction of photos when you get those done.

xoxo
~Kitty
www.artfulpaperdoll.blogspot.com

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Hello there dear Anita...

I LOVED this post. :-) I, too, have to whittle my dreams down a smidge...darn it.

Your finished bathroom is simply stunning. Show more pix....I need to see every little nook and cranny. :-) Did your fabulous hubby do all that work himself? It just couldn't be more lovely.

And, your cottage? Totally enchanting. I would never have given the house a second look, but after it's magical Anita touch I'd get whiplash stopping to peek. It is soooo beautiful....as are the gardens.

Yes, I think our Mom's are up in heaven, chatting about their daughters and marveling at friendships made across the miles.

Sending you huge hugs....

xoxox
S

myletterstoemily said...

dear anita,

what treasure your posts always are!
this one exceeds all the rest in beauty
and perspective.

my favorite part is that you named your
home 'rabbit hill' like something from
"the hobbit"!

enchanting! your imagination has infected
me!

Chemin des Muguets said...

My Dear Anita,

Please forgive my absence.

I am not surprised at the beauty you have created with your Rabbit Hill haven. You have a magic touch.

I have been thinking of you. I wish I had your drawing skills. I have had two sketch class sessions, and it is a challenge.

Happy Weekend!

Marjorie

Fete et Fleur said...

You have both worked so hard. It looks truly magical, Anita! I love the doorway you added and the bathroom looks scrumptious!!

xoxo
Nancy

Seawashed said...

Dearest...you are so amAzing...Rabbit Hill is a Dream!!!! It is so beautiful...what love you have put into making it your fairy cottage/castle. I can hardly wait to see more...and more. Your posts are so enchanting. I don't know how to use any of the gadgets that make them all soft and sparkly like that. It is like falling into a dream coming here. Your garden inspire me...I'm going to show the Carpenter...he's my gardener.

And yes, I have been to Carmel!!!!! Most beautiful place on earth. If I could live there, we would move in a heartbeat. Thankfully it is only about a 3hr. drive from us. I grew up in the Bay Area, Livermore, a small wine country city. I now live in the outskirts of our Capitol City, on the very edge of farmland. Our sea is a field of wetlands beyond our garden gate. I want to build a dock to sit and watch the hawks from. Our city is known as the city of trees and I love the liveliness of going downtown...it's not a big city and I like it that way. Cute, quaint cottages, one lane tree lined roads, wildflowers and roses, lots of art, and unique shops. All of my children are artists so it is a good place for them to thrive. My oldest son has lots of tattoos and when he was a teenager I would give him craZy haircuts(his request)...my daughter too and their friends. They are very in-style with how they dress too. So the city is a good place for them. Okay now that I've written a book...best be getting my tea. I take Bella Bleu to the groomers at noon! love you ox

lyon de clarasvals said...

Beautiful. The inspiration and advice.

BonjourRomance said...

Dear Anita,
You have made your dear Mother proud! These beautiful glimpses into your home only confirm what we already suspected - your imagination and talent is trés grande!
Ruben looks quite the handyman (mine too!!!) and the bath with all the perfect touches looks marvelous! And the topiary gardens...so pretty!
Your gorgeous nest is far lovelier than Le Hameau de La Reine because love lives at Rabbit Hill!!
Thanks for sharing and bon week-end!
Mimi

Anonymous said...

Wow love your post and can identify with inspiration..
Happy Pink Saturday!

Betzie said...

Wonderful post and so sweet! I love your how you have made that house your home and so beautiful too! BRAVO!

Kimmy said...

I love your beautifully keen sense of imagination and grandiose things! Such beauty and grace is wrapped within your personality and it shows well in whatever you do.
Here's to wishing you a most lovely Mother's Day Anita, cheers!

Papillon Bleu said...

Cmerveilleux de lire tes posts.
J'avais besoin de rêver un peu. C'est chose faite.
Merci encore.

Unknown said...

Nothing is impossible ... what beautiful dreams now reality! Amazing!

Have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Karena said...

I adore all you have accomplished with your home. You are such an inspiration, that we can all make our passions and dreams come true.

Karena
Art by Karena

A Refocused Life said...

Anita,
What a wonderful way to honor your mother. I'm so glad I returned to your dreamland today to see your fabulous and charming cottage home. I hope you will share more images. You bathroom is a dream, and the formal garden landscaping is so perfect for Rabbit Hill. Dreams really do come true. Rita

Cia of Briarwood Studio said...

A beautiful, inviting home, and the post was lovely, too. Thanks for sharing this.

Cia

Rosie said...

Oh my dear, dear friend...such a tribute! Your mother must have been "amazing"...as the apple does not fall far from the tree.
This post is angelic...just as I expected it would be. I scrolled through it twice, so I might savor each and every word. I truly see rabbit hill in the images that preceded it. Such a labor of love. Our home was built in 1902 and we loving call it "the money pit" as we are constantly fix and tweeking...I would not have it any other way.
Ahhhh...today was soooo busy. I decided LATE last night that I should serve my dear ladies mini cupcakes in honor of this special day...so finish baking at 2AM slept a little and got up early and piped at little buttercream on all 72 this morning...I am past exhaustion but what a lovely, lovely day. It was so delightful to see these ladies giggling and carrying on so... selfishly, making my heart sing.
Dearest, enjoy this weekend with your sweet husband and fill me in when we chat again...love Rosie

Libbie said...

You sure have created a wonderful home!!! I LOVE your storytelling! Your imagination is so vivid...& so beautiful!

Sarah said...

Lovely, inspiring post! I so enjoyed my visit.
Happy Mother's Day! ~ Sarah

koralee said...

Love your sweet message my friend..I knew I would find something special waiting for me. May your day be filled with many many blessings...you so deserve it to be. Hope the teaching is going better...we all have those days..hard to believe only 2 more months of our school year left. xoxoxo

Beatnheart said...

What a beautiful post...so much hard work went into that and into the making of your beautiful home...You are amazing!!

Come stop by for a visit...I am having a giveaway..
Thank you, cynthia

Papillon Bleu said...

Si!si!si! les adultes sont les bienvenus pour préparer quelque chose pour Aliénore. Au contraire, j'ai préciser que tous ceux qui sont "young at heart" peuvent participer je mettrai un lien vers ton blog dans la liste des invités si tu veux faire quelque chose dame artiste.Cela me ferait VRAIMENT plaisir Anita.

Teacup Mosaics said...

Another wondeful journey from your heart and your home. Thanks for sharing, Rabbit Hill it truly looks like a dream come true. Happy Mothers Day in your cozy world.
Kelley

Unknown said...

So dearest Anita...where are we now? In the very bright starting point of today is the answer! Thinking back to mama's that planted seeds of greatness in us. To imagine is everything. You and I have some awesome brain power, our imagination never seems to sleep. Great adventures in the middle of the night that become our real dreams during daylight.
I love the rabbit garden leading to the doorway of your home. Hard work on Rabbit Hill...inside and out. Let your imagination be your guide and Rabbit Hill will always be a safe haven and a piece of heaven for your both.
I'm off to church this morning with two men who robbed our home two days ago...story on my blog. Did the apron fit? Bought it at Pier I if you want to exchange it, go for it!
I love you, JJ

highheeledlife said...

What an inspiring post! The images are just beautiful - looking forward to see more of Rabbit Hill! The garden, has sparked my going for an area on our property. Have a great day! And thank you for all th elovely comments you have left on my blog.

desde my ventana said...

Dear Anita
I have travelled the whole weekend and could not have seen before your wonderful post. It is a great lesson of life to love what is possessed but also very beautiful to dream.
Have a lovey week,i hopeyou are well
Hugs from me
Cecilia

Rosie said...

Good morning Dearest Friend,
Ahhhh...such a sunny sunny morning...
What ever will you do on this freshly made day...that is the beauty of spring...everything is ~N~E~W~... thank you for your tender greeting...
hoping there are many happy moments in store for you and your fella on this pretty day...xoxox...love Rosie

Unknown said...

Lovely post! Is it your bathroom, house and garden ? So beautiful!
Happy mother's day to you...May you fell loved and appreciated :)
XOXO
Frenchy

Woolytales Miniatures said...

One of the best post of yours... so much was said in both languages... deeply loved and enjoy to read it.sending you a warm hug today -Nita~

The Victorian Parlor said...

Dearest Anita,

This post is beautiful! Your home is magnifique! Thanks for inspiring everyone in blogland to reach for their dreams:).

Blessings,

Kim

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Anita

Such a beautiful tribute to your Mother.. Yes, she taught you well.
Your creative mind and hands continue to inspire us all...
Bisous, Penny

Princesa Nadie said...

you have a lovely house...and you have created a pretty history again...
I love the shoe. where can I get one?KISSES

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

Dearest Anita
Such a beautiful, heartfelt and ethereal post. You are so lovely and thank-you for your lovely comments. Your home Rabbit Hill is entrancing and looks like something out of a storybook. You are so thoughtful and your vision to never let go of your dreams and never give up is inspiring! Thank-you and I wish you a wonderful day!
hugs M.A. the 2nd

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Anita....I am a couple of days behind on my blog reading. Trying to catch up a little tonight. Anita....your home is so YOU! I love how much imagination you put into presenting it! Lovely!~Hugs, Patti

Rosie said...

Good morning sweetie,
Did you kick up those pretty heels this week end?...I'm sure you had lots of fun...as did I...enjoy this marvelous monday...off to market day...xoxo...rosie

Val said...

Quelle belle leçon de philosophie,ou comment cultiver l'art de vivre tout simplement?Tu es une conteuse dans l'ame,tu as ce merveilleux don..
Bises
Val

Vær våken said...

Dear Anita, what a lovely post! If that is pictures from your house it is sooo lovely! The garden is beautiful!

Thank you for entering my giveaway! And have a wonderful day!

Kristin xxxx

jerilanders said...

How utterly inspiring!

petitebroderie said...

J'ai découvert ton blog et je te félicite, il est superbes les photos sont très jolies, mon blog n'est pas de "lifestyle" mais je t'invite à te promener, j'éspère qu'il te plairat. C'est du point de croix mais il ya des couronnes, Marie Antoinette... Merci et a Bientot

Martina said...

Oh Anita, such a wonderful post- and you're so right about what you said. It's important to cherish the small luxiries sometimes - fresh rasberries, a hot bubble bath, a bouquet of flowers - and to make your home a happy place. You certainly did a great job on your house - and the garden is so pretty! Ah, i'm so happy that spring is here, i love to be out in the garden as well!

My Grama's Soul said...

What a lovely home you have and what a lovely post you have shared. I love it when someone has the imagination to tackle heir dream and make their dream a reality.

Jo

Rosemary said...

Simply amazing!!
Your dreams came true!!!
Just like a fairytale!
Glad I know such a magical and creative lady!
Rosemary

La Petite Gallery said...

Your house is so charming, I would stop if passing by. I can see love there.

Happy Mothers day a little late.
so much going on..
yvonne

Jenny said...

Your home looks like such a haven. Thank you for sharing the love, inspiration, and hard work that went into it. Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Dear Anita I can see you have a beautiful and romantic home. I love your gardens. they are so beautiful! Your house is just lovely. I also love the name Rabbit Hill. I especially like that you took the time to name your home. Our house doesn't have a name but now you have inspired me to look for one.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Anita, I'm so glad you dropped by for a visit today! I always love to visit you, too. And this post is very inspiring. I needed this. Thank you, my sweet and beautiful friend. I love your Rabbit Hill home, and I see that your vision is beginning to take shape. Now, please come to my house and help me!

Hope you had a lovely Mother's Day and that you got to enjoy your very lovely gardens.

XO,

Sheila :-)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

P.S. This has helped my headache significantly. I'm doing battle against a raging one, and I'm trying to think pleasant thoughts. This certainly qualifies.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

PSS... I adore your bath! Great job!

Charlene said...

Rabbit Hill is amazing!!! ADORABLE & I love what you have done. Truly turned it into a HOME! I did a blog makeover & thought of you when I did so. Thinking what will my ROYAL loving friend Anita think of this? Tell me what you think. Sorry I haven't been around much.... been crazy busy but, I've missed my friends. HUGS! Charlene

FrenchGardenHouse said...

What a fabulous post, dearest Anita!! It's so true, and it sounds like you are more than happily ensconced in your petite castle with your King. :)Nothing is more enchanting than a home where love lives. xo Lidy

Debbie said...

Hi Anita! It's been a while since I stopped by but it's always such a joy to wander into your world ... *sigh* ... Also, am going to devote some time tonight to read Ruben's story ... your illustrations are magical!

XOXO
Debbie

Rosie said...

ahhhh...dear girl, today was very, very long...
market day was a definite success... gathered many pretty little trinkets for the shop...will show you in a post tomorrow.
You are so very dear to stop by, not once but twice...I regret that I did not get home in time to spend time with you...so very sorry...tomorrow is another day, and I shall have a little french vanilla waiting for you...sweet dreams dear one... xoxo...Rosie

Simplement ... said...

Ma très chère Anita,
Merci pour TOUT ...
Tes mots, ta façon d'être, de voir la Vie, ta luminosité.
Le monde sur ton blog a les plus jolies couleurs qui soient.
Je t'embrasse très tendrement.
Marie-Ange

Mon mail : reverausud@gmail.com

Rosie said...

Ohhhh...to spend time in France... would be a dream come true...tell me more, tell me more...what an experience! When did you go? I can only dream, but with this visual picture you have painted so beautifully...it can be at lease a day dream.

Well my dear girl the cuppa was fabulous but really do have to go to the shop this beautiful sunny morning. Hoping to spend a little time in the kitchen this afternoon... Hmmm, either scones or cinnamon buns...we'll see how energetic I feel...

hope your day is going swell...sending you a peck on each lovely cheek...Rosie

megan said...

Beautiful!! I love this. Thank you for visiting me and the encouraging words!!

Your house is just lovely. I love how you say 'start with the little things' and show images of pretty soaps and lovely little bottles. It's true!!

Blessings!
Megan

Champagne Macarons said...

Dearest Anita,
Rabbit Hill is absolutely breathtaking!! It is YOU! I love that you have turned your dreams to reality. This is a home.. a home built of love, imagination, dreams and vision. Your gardens and bath are exquisite. Each detail is perfection ~ the french doors, your HARP! Afterall, home is where the heart is. I'm so happy when I'm home enjoying time with my family.
Your mother was very wise lady. Teaching children to dream is one of the greatest gifts a mother can give.
Your home reminds me of a house I have often pointed out to my husband as being my dream home.. it's absolutely perfect. It sits across my college. Each time I see it, I dream of one day owning it or one as lovely.
Speaking of college, today was my final and I'm thrilled to have a break (although it be short).
Just today I started planting hydrangeas, a gardenia and other lovely flowers in our courtyard.
I hope you are having a spectacular week and enjoying every second at Rabbit Hill!!
xoxo, B

Unknown said...

What a wonderful wonderful post. I especially adore the photo of you and your husband dreaming of what you would create. Creating a castle from your cottage...I love your home!

I just got back from Vermont and wanted to stop by and say hello.

Karen

Rosie said...

Good Morning Sunshine,
Hope your dreams were sweet...and you are ready to take on this splendid day. Ahhh... I so look forward to popping over to your site, before I snuggle into bed, to leave you a greeting to start your day...this has become a very "good" habit

Oh I would be so excited to hear about your fairytale vacation/school excursion. I won't open it until Thursday morning at the store...Oh I can hardly wait...

sending you a pair of those cute little "Parisian Kisses"...one for each pretty cheek

Love Rosie

desde my ventana said...

Hi Anita,
The Swedish design comes from the French and are very joined so you likes this one so much. The truth is that it is precious.
Have a lovely day my friend.
Hugs
Cecilia

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

darling this was astonishing. I can relate to every word and you have touched my heart. Bless you and may all your wishes come true.

Unknown said...

WOW what gorgeous pictures!! You did such a wonderful job of telling a story and weaving in your beautiful pictures!!! You did an amazing job as well of taking your dreams and imagination and turning them into what you love in your home!!!

:) T

Anonymous said...

well anita, proof that dreams really do come true with some inventivness...imagination, elbow grease...

well done! lovely post...lovely life!

ciao bella
creative carmelina

Claire Sils said...

Beautiful.

synnøve said...

Dear friend :)
In my last comment I was referring to this last post; Chanels dress! I hope you enjoyed my little story and the dress I made for her as wel as the interior.
The interior is exactly what I would want to put into a appartement or a house if I had some money and would be able to start all over again.. from scratch!!!
Preferably in France :D
How wonderful that my mini interior has inspired you!!! I hope you will post pictures of the inspired interior some day :D
I will send you some pictures soon!!!

A big hug!!!
Synnøve :)

Bunnym said...

I know dreams come true...I too am living it. Dreamy post.

tootles,
bunny

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

What a beautiful post,as always! I've missed visiting, I have been trying to get my website up, it's taken alot of time! Your home is so beautiful!!! Blessings to you~~~Daphne

Rita said...

Hi my dearest Anita,
Rabbit Hill looks marvelous and you cam see the love behind all of it. You've turned it into a castle: just the right place for two very refined crowned heads like Queen Anita and King Ruben
Great inspiring post. I especially love your tribute to your mother as most of what I have accomplished in my life is thanks to her who, unfortunately is no longer with me, but has strongly encouraged me to achieve my goals and always shown love and appreciation for my attainments.
Yes, my address is still the same and so will be for the moths to come.
love
rita

Rosie said...

Ahhh Dearest...Yes there is nothing like a lavender aroma, to give you a little lift. I love to spray linen water in the dryer to give the sheets a heavenly scent. The room smells yummy too!
Am excited to hear of your adventure...well must do a wee bit of cleaning so will talk later...

love Rosie

Seawashed said...

Thank you Anita for all your thoughts, prayers, and care for my daughter(and me)...you are the sweetest! It really does mean so much. The love my blogging friends surround me in is such comfort in times like these. My daughter has not come home. She did text me to let me know how very much she loves me and her Daddy, but that she needs time to think things through. My son, Luke, whom is close to her in age and relationship says he believes she will break up with him(the boyfriend). He has tried to talk to her too. And my youngest, Jeremy, believes she will return soon too. So many friends/family here are praying. No one wants her to stay with this guy. It's a difficult thing...growing up. I try to remember that. I just wish she wasn't so stubborn and would listen to our advice. Thank you again...I will give a brief update tomorrow on my blog. And itty bitty kitty is all well!!!! We are hopefully going to go see her this weekend.

Rosie said...

Oh dearest that was sooo much fun. You are so amazing.Each time you share a little more of yourself with me, I adore you a little more. I should so enjoy to meet you in person, my dear. Someday maybe...Congratulations on your MANY achievements. If you have any more tantalizing stories to share, I will leave you my email again. Just let me know, so I check it.Thank you so much,
love Rosie
rosesandrutabagas@gmail.com

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Gorgeous! All the hard work definitely shows, Anita.
Just received your emails (I am behind!). Yes, I have crowns & haven't forgotten you! I will send message tomorrow but wanted to let you know sweet one ;)
xo~Tracie

Princess Camille said...

I love reading all your posts. They're always full of magic and inspiration. Thank you for your beautiful messages that you share! <3

Rosie said...

Good evening dear girl,
As I scrolled down, I paused to enjoy the fine lady with her feet up, possibly waiting for the finest foot massage ever given, I should very much like to be her...the store was a bit crazy...and soo many goodies to price and put out...I am weary tonight...So...how was your day? Tell me a sweet story, so that while I'm in the garden pulling "tenacious weeds", I might, savor this goodness ...sweet dreams dearest, sending you a "x" and a "o" to start your day.

.........love Rosie...........

Deana Sidney said...

You have made a sweet house a magical one... how I want that marble bath tub. Fabulous work and super post... I'm sure where ever you are, there is loveliness!

Rosie said...

oh my sweet, I am so sorry,to hear of your distressing day. I would love to give you a hug right now. People can be so very callous and hurtful. Indifferent to the feelings of others...You are such a gentle mother, to your kids. They are so very fortunate, to have you to come to their rescue...when you signed on to be a teacher, you wanted to make a difference, and oh my dear, you do. You are their security, their safe place to fall, but most of all, you are their mentor. They will watch how you handle this issue. Make it a life lesson for them...You have an opportunity to teach them to rise above, to pick themselves up, dust off, a be "stronger" for it. They love you and respect your oppinion, so use that to instill the values, that these heartless people are surly lacking.
You will be on my mind and in my prayers all day. I shall pray, you will be wise, knowing what to say or do in each situation today. That your children will go away knowing they have an allie in you dearest.

~ YOU ARE THE GIRL FOR THE JOB ~

Sending you a Double Parisienne Kiss a hug to know you are loved.

now...smile on Rosie

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Anita
Just had to stop in again and soak of the beauty of it all. Such a lovely post dear friend.
Bisous, Penny

Unknown said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous home and blog! I could lose myself here for hours! Love your beautiful little world, will definitely be following your adventures! XO!

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Bonjour ma belle!

What a beautiful post of things of the heart! My heart is so in tune with all of it. I love creating a place that is a palace from the heart. I'm enjoying that process right now and having so much fun!
I adore what you have done to create your own palace on the hill. You & Ruben have worked hard to make your vision come true! Bravo mon amies!!

Please stop by to see a glimpse of our new home if you have time! I've missed you so much mon amie!!

Mille bisous, Sherry

La Petite Gallery said...

Hello Looking Lucky won the Preakness, My hands are bruised slaping and cheering Super saver, So we don't have a Triple crown in America for 33 years now.
I love the post and donot know how you find the fantastic pictures.
It is so breathtaking. You got me over my Loss for SuperSaver.Everything made me feel inspired. yvonne

La Petite Gallery said...

Great post and you have a lot of stores at the bottom..
I think the images are darling the Goats are so loveable..
yvonne

thanks for the comment. well the BELMONT is next..

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Oh Anita, you make me laugh... I even got a drum roll... Thank you for visiting and your constant encouragement and kindness..
Bisous, Penny

Miss Sandra said...

Dearest Anita,

How did I happen to miss this post? I absolutely love what you've done to your beautiful home..how inspiring!Imagination..dreams..and love can make anything possible.

Hugs my dear!!
Sandra

The Dutchess said...

Your home looks so lovely..and safe..a place to come home to..close the door and be safe and sheltered..together with your beloved Ruben!

Tell you a secret..this balloon tels a story..Its going to be A GIRL..!!!!!

The Dutchess said...

O,and before I forget...I made a post for one of my dearest soulmates in the whole wide world..YOU..go see..