Sunday, February 13, 2011

As You Wish

 A young girl commands the farm boy on her land to go chop wood for the fire.


Faithfully, he replies, "As you wish." 


After numerous bold requests, one day with great admiration she sheepishly whispers, "farm boy, fetch me that pitcher."

He turns straight to her and says with his eyes, 

"As you wish."


This Valentines Day, it makes 31 magical years that I locked eyes with the man that would always listen to my ideas, tell me if they were impossible, but with his actions always said,

AS YOU WISH.

We made our nest 14 years ago in an ordinary brick house where the vision for a serene homestead slowly became a reality.




And after months of shoving furniture into cramped quarters


and watching the construction workers brave the stillness of winter's bite


the portal into a new beginning


finally opened.


We have a long way to go until this






becomes this.






But the texture of worn beauty on the walls of a house



is hewn by days and nights filled with celebration

 and by coloring in your surroundings
  with the stamina to see the mélange
slowly form into one peaceful place of repose.



Happy Valentine's Day Ruben


and a splendid MONTH of celebration to all of my dear readers and friends!


I hope to be back with more pictures of our new living space as things take shape, but in the mean time, don't forget that



Photo Credits: Images of The Princess Bride - In.com
Home contruction - Castles Crowns and Cottages
Tumblr
















119 comments:

Rattus Scribus said...

My dearest Anita,

Life is an adventure, even the parts where we have to enter the Fire Swamp and brave the lightening sand and the Rats of Unusual Size.

I can honestly say that my favorite part of the day is coming to our little cottage on Rabbit Hill to you. After 31 years, that's a wonderful thing.

And there is no one on earth that I'd rather be on this adventure with. Thank for this beautiful Valentine post.

I love you

Ruben

Snippets of thyme said...

Oh my! Oh my! This is so very very sweet. Happy Valentine's Day!

Hearts Turned said...

Oh, so beautiful, Anita...one of my favorite films of all time.

Your home is lovely...homes and lives are both works-in-progress, aren't they?

Happy Anniversary to you and your sweetheart--31 years is a wonderful accomplishment!

Julie

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Oh Anita....it is looking so wonderful! I can only imagine how excited you are to make this all happen...your dream! Your Ruben says the most romantic things!! Wishing you a beautiful day of love and celebration!~xoxo. Patti

Sacha said...

Joyeuse St Valentin Anita !
A+Sacha

The Dutchess said...

My dear dear dear friends....I am so happy for you...Have a wonderful valentines day,and when you celebrate please know that I am with you in heart...LOVE the post...So much hard work!!!!

Deana Sidney said...

I once asked a very beautiful woman of 75 what was the secret to her amazing marriage... nearly 50 years with the same man and they were still so obviously crazy about each other. Yes, she was beautiful inside and out (a mane of silver hair that was amazing) and they made their small house into a treasure box... but I think that was a reflection of their love.

So, the secret??? Simple... she said never take the other person for granted. Be grateful. Looks like you have that covered, lovely Anita and Ruben.... have a joyful Valentine's in your new space... fill it with love and most of the decorating is done!

BonjourRomance said...

Dear Anita,
You must be so excited over this new space. It already looks incredible. I can only imagine how beautiful you will make it.
Wishing you and Ruben the happiest Valentine's Day!
Mimi

Pierelantijntjes said...

Happy anniversary Anita. I think your new home is going to be beautiful!
Wish you a very happy valentines day,
Hugs Ester

erin's art and gardens said...

Your home is made beautiful by the LOVE you share. We are lucky girls, indeed, to be married to wonderful men after all these years (I don't see how either one of us could be old enough to be married 30+ years?!).....

Happy Valentines Day to you and Ruben!!

erin
xxoo

i can not WAIT to see your finished room! It's looking so goood!! Your vision of a gorgeous space is coming true.....and your front garden is just amazing, dahling!

Unknown said...

I can almost hear the pitter patter of both of your hearts, spilling out to each other.

This is a place we can relate. Our marriage has been fire and ice and thunder and wind and then the most magical times together...where the teapot gives a whistle and the two become one. We know, the match was made in heaven, just like yours and it's a beautiful thing.

Oh, what a feeling it must have been when the wall came tumbling down and you were able to peek inside your newest rabbit hole. It's going to be wonderful!

We give you 50 thumbs up for living in the jumble which must have felt like the jungle in all of this. Smack dab in the middle of winter no less! Yikes!

From our couch to yours! Love sent from Jacqueline and Len. You two love rats you.

"Create Beauty" said...

I so enjoy how you weave so many beautiful things into your stories you share with us. I love that movie, one of my all time favorites. And you have your own Prince who replys, "As you wish" : ) You both are turning your home into your castle, it is turning out beautifully. So fun to see the transformation!

Blessings my dear,
Violet

James said...

Good for you and your farm boy!

It's me said...

Home is also where the heart is darling....love your post !!!! as you wish !!!..beautiful home you have !! enjoy a lovely...............❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤......❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤.......❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤..... day.........love Ria...

Luthien Thye said...

hello Anita :)
How have you been my fren?
the story in the beginning of your post, made me swoon.
the gorgeous images of the worn walls made my heart swell.
each time i come here, i leave with a smile and filled with inspirations :)
Happy Valentines Day to you and yours!!
HUGS!!
luthien :)

highheeledlife said...

What a beautifully magical post! I'm so happy that your wonderful home is coming together....I know the challenges of living within a renovation.

The lovely images you have shared speak volumes of beauty!!! Happy 31 years mon ami... you are both truly blessed ...many more years to come and enjoy the home you have built together!! xo HHL

P.S. I will let you know when the postman arrives. It has been quite stormy (snow) here ...so it has caused delays in things.... hugs my friend..

Seawashed said...

Ahhh Anita...you are such a passionate person. The Princess Bride has been a favorite of my prince and mine too...and then our children. You are a lucky girl to share such love with your Rueben.

To see peeks of your new home addition is beyond thrilling...and your dream of decor is exactly what I love. I think you need Dore there to age the walls and furniture. She is the only one I've seen who knows how to do it...besides the professionals!

So will you be having a valentine picnic in your new room? Blankets, Pillows, Candles, chocolate...romance. ox

Splenderosa said...

I believe I've just read a beautiful short story & the photos make is SO much better! What a creative mind you have, just so much fun. I love the couch picnic idea! You've made my day. xx's

My Grama's Soul said...

You know I'm a woman of few words.....so here they are HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO YOU AND REUBEN.

Hugs,

Jo

Burlap Luxe said...

Anita my dear friend,
I was so surprised to me that mail lady with a Valentine to me from you :)
It really brightened my weekend with love.

I am sooooo! in awwww with how your villa home is coming along, breath-taking!!!
I now more than ever want to walk into your space and take it all in!

It is truly going to be a home to love.

Sending you a piece of my heart!
I have visited you to...


"Pour vous envoyer un morceau de mon cœur."

Merci belle fille de m'avoir envoyé une lettre d'amour dans l'e-mail, un bonbon Valentine!!

xoxo
I will return the love by mail to you soon.
~Cheers to the home!
~Dore

russian woman said...

Amazing photos. Thank you, it was very interestingly.

The French Bear said...

Anita....I wrote a big response and the power cut out....agh.....
I didn't make it past the first comment...tears...sigh...love it!!!!
What a wonderful post!! You do say things so well.....
Love the new home, it's so exciting seeing it come together.....love to see it as it unfolds....all the hard work is paying off!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

George The Lad said...

Wow that is a big cup of tea,that would keep dad going all day lol!!!
Happy Vatentines Day to you and Ruben ;) and celebrating 31 years, its mom and dads 31 years this year. Just think you fell in love the same time!!! There W/A is in April!!
Great to see your new room coming on, wow all the space, Balzic can do some great zoomies around there. We have white walls to but don't think mom would go to white as I have a problem of muddy paws!!!

Love to all of you George xxx

Unknown said...

Lovely!!! I love U, dear!! So amazing post you bring us! Ruben is a lucky partner, indeed! I am sure your home is already cozy and dreamy!
Happy Valentine´s Day, sweet friend! Although we celebrate this date only in June I feel my heart is singing love songs already!!
Love!
Bela

Vær våken said...

Hi ANita!

So exciting to see your new home developing. Can't wait to see more pictures in the future! I'm sure it will be breathtaking! The princess bride...that movie is special to me. I lived in the US as an exchange student the first time I saw it! So romantic:)Have a LOVELY week and happy Valentine's day!

xo

deb famularo said...

Anita!!!! Wow!!!! It's so great to finally "see" what's been happening in your castle! And it looks amazing! I'll have to fly you to my house so you can help decorate okay!
I am so happy for you and Ruben! Happy Valentine's Day to both of you! xOxO

Rae said...

How most beautiful!
I will never stop saying "thank you dear friend" for your friendship that is growing so sweetly!
I love how you and your Mister show your love to each other on this blog...BEAUTIFUL!!
Your home as well, loved seeing all your work!
Happy sweetheart day to you and hubby!!!!

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

A wonderful post! (And terrific movie!) Happy Valentine's Day!

wendy said...

As You wish....love that. And I've always enjoyed that show.

do you remember the song by Elvis Presely called "The Wonder of You"

well, everytime my husband looks at me like "girl, what are YOU TALKING about", I just keep telling him
It is the WONDER OF ME.

I am happy you have a wonderful valentine of a guy to spend your life with.

and I can't wait for all the updates on your addition. The house is adorable even before you started.
We live in such a teeny house, 950 square feet, and I AM DIEING for more room. You see, hubby built it before we hooked back up and he never thought he'd marry again.
He doesn't want to build on, as he suspects we'll only be here for about 4 years or so.
Hmmmm........famous last words.


I just got off the phone today with Claudie regarding our summer Par-TaY. It will be so fun. I didn't think I'd be able to go, but I made up my mind to just DO IT.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Good Morning dear Anita on this Valentine's Day...I a loving the peek into your very own portal...what a fun Summer you are going to have with it all! We have a morning here tinged with Autumn in the air...soon I will be longing for sweet beach filled summer days...Meanwhile you enjoy them as they are coming your way...Happy Valentines Day to you and Ruben...Cheers with a pink...Dzintra

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Anita
How beautiful Rabbit Hill looks!
So much hard work and alot of love spun within each room.. I LOVE IT! Love you both.. Happy Valentine's Day and 31 years...
BISOUS!
Penny

michelle said...

Dearest Anita what a beautiful space that you are creating! I am so excited for you and how wonderfully it is coming closer and closer to your dream! Your home is just gorgeous and so full of love. :) "The Princess Bride" is one of my favorite movies! I hope that you and you prince have a beautiful Valentines Day together and 31 more years of love, friendship and happiness and of course that couch picnic sounds perfect!
Many blessings to you and yours my sweet friend.
xo

Presépio no Canal said...

Dear Anita,

Thank you so much for the card you send me! It's so beautiful! What a great and touchful surprise! You are a very special person, Anita!
Congratulations to you and Ruben for such a lovely marriage!31 years, uau!!
Your house is becoming so cosy and gorgeous! Congrats! I know how you both have been working so hard to acomplish your dream!
I wish you both all the hapiness in the world!! :-)

jerilanders said...

This is going to be a luscious space. Wishing you both a romantic and wonderful Valentines Day! My dear heart and I have been together a mere 11 years, but each one gets sweeter.

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Anita,

What a beautiful post you have shared with us today. Your new space in your home looks wonderful and how exciting for you both. Look forward to seeing more.
The Princess Bride is such a lovely movie.
Wishing you and your sweetheart a happy Valentines day.

Hugs
Carolyn

Rosie said...

Oh dear, dear Anita,
This is JUST as I imagined it would be. Bob has done his job, and now it is YOUR turn, my talented friend...and I CAN'T CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT AND ANTICIPATION of what is to come. This is so lovely now, and this pretty butterfly will just continue to morph, into the beauty it is destine to become.
Your new settee is so "delicious" looking! I just want to snuggle in and relax for a good bit of girl time...this is SO perfect... congratulations dearest!
That cheesecake has sealed the deal for me...I will shop for a car load of goodness to load up the shop with...and then, will cook a Valentine steak dinner for my sweet husband. Topping it off with, you guessed it, a cherry cheesecake.
Today has been a VERY low key day of housecleaning and laundry catch up...my reward, was a chaise lounge, that I had rescued from the shop, to finish off one of the guest rooms. I am quite happy with it...and smile when I peak into that room :)
Now it is time to relax in a hot bath, and get ready for this new week to come.
Wishing you a MOST romantic Valentines day, spent in the arms of your dear heart...xoxoxo...Rosie

Unknown said...

Oh, your new room looks lovely, and I can only imagine the divine details as they emerge. I am so glad that you are going to share your photographs. Happy Valentine's Day Anita.
Karen

Jenny said...

You and Ruben are so romantic. Happy lovely valentine's day to you both. Oh, the home in progress is looking wonderful. Happy dreaming and creating in it. ...God is Love. (1John 4:8)

Maria said...

Hi Anita... stopping by to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day.
I love the movie Princess Bride... one of my all time favorites!

We also had construction at our home a couple of years ago... It added such a nice area for celebrating as well as relaxing. Lots of work ~ lots of dust ~ but there will be lots of joy to come!
How grateful we are to have come this far in life!
*May your day be filled with much love and joy ~
*Maria

Simplement ... said...

Rien de mieux pour commencer la semaine que de pousser ta porte ...
J'ai toujours ce sentiment étrange de pénétrer dans un univers où la Beauté et le Rêve se cotoient en parfaite harmonie, où chaque image est la quintessence du raffinement ...
En ce jour des amoureux, je te souhaite une belle Saint-Valentin très chère Anita.
Bisous du coeur
Marie-Ange

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Dear Anita
Your vision for your home is absolutely spectacular!!! I couldn't want anything more.. and I know it will include some lovely aqua and turquoise so it is going to be brilliant!!!

Happy Valentine's Day to you and Ruben... I hope it is also spectacular... and as always.. such a gift to all of us to see Ruben sharing his love for you..

Sweet dreams.. day and night.. ciao xxx Julie

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

Dearest Anita .... such a beautiful post and Happy Valentine's Day to both you and Ruben! I hope you have a magical day and it so wonderful to see all the work being done on your gorgeous home!

best wishes always and lots of hugs
Frances

desde my ventana said...

Hello Anita,
Happy VAlentine's Day to you and to Ruben. I hope you will enjoy of the LOVE and the your new and fabulous rooms,
Hugs
Cecilia

Deborah said...

Happy Anniversary Anita!!!
How beautiful is your love story...
Your new addition is gorgeous..how exciting for you both...

Hugs on this special day to you!

Deborah xoxoxox

A Bit of the Blarney said...

I'm speechless!!! So wonderful to e here!! Happy Valentine's Day to youm ny friend! Cathy

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Happy happy Valentine's day, ma plus chère amie!
These pictures of your dream cottage show a lot style and elegance already. I cannot wait to see the result when your big big project will be finished. I adore the black and white on the floor, I love love the arcade in the wall (you'll probably know what I mean).
I crave Summer now, after seeing your gorgeous picnic picture with these lovely colors.
I have been running and sweating all morning, trying to make the best of the Cake project after the idea of lovely lady Koralee. Well, I did NOT manage, and I cannot stand it. One day I will but the next 100 days I cannot even think about this beautiful cake ;)
Lots of Love and Hugs for a wonderful Valentine, dearest Anita xxxxxx

*❀* said...

a Happy Valentine's day to you sweet friend

and many many Thanks for the precious gift you sent me xxx

thank you also for this magical post and for the little glimpse into your beautiful home, you already have so many touches of elegance and the love just glows from the walls

warmest blessings

humungous love

and hugs hugs hugs

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

millie

"Create Beauty" said...

Hello Dear Friend! Sounds like you had such a busy weekend, and your home is coming together beautifully! May your day today be filled with L O V E and blessings! Happy Valentines Day,
(Loved the Valentine you sent!!!)
~ Violet

Silvia C said...

Oh, you wonderful Anita. What a wonderful post (again!). I am so happy to read that your dream home is becoming a reality (and that your wonderful sweetie is right by your side to make this happen). Your home is looking beautiful, my dear. Have a fantastic Valentine's day!

Martina said...

HAPPY, HAPPY VALENTINES dear Anita, you have so many reasons to celebrate today and i'm so happy with you! LOVE is the greatest of gifts and it's wonderful to have a partner to share life with. Ruben and you are a perfect match. And look at your new rooms! To me, they look good already - and it's so much fun to make them more and more pretty every day, as you will! Anita, i'm sure you're celebrating with your loved one tonight and wish you both a wonderful time! Bisous!

Fete et Fleur said...

Happy Valentine's Day to you and Ruben!! Wishing you a romantic day . . .

Anita, your new addition is so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes. I adore your settee. Where did you find it?

Hugs!
Nancy

koralee said...

Happy Valentine's day to you and your sweetheart my friend...I am sooooo happy for you. Your home looks amazing...I so love the sweetness of it all {outside image is adorable}
All your hard work has paid off. May you find love in every corner of your day today..Hugs and love.

jade said...

Happy Valentine,
my dear friend - what a magical post........love the great pictures and your words full of love!!! And i had tears in my eyes, when i was reading Rubens comment for you............what a great love - that´s the paradise on earth!!!!! Have a wonderful time,

Hugs Jade and Sheila ;)

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

I can't wait to see what you do with your new home. It's love that makes a home and I know yours is just gonna be beautiful!!! Congratulations...I'm so happy for you and your sweetie!!!

God bless ya and have a marvelous Valentine's day!!!

Now go squeeze the stuffins outta your man! :o)

LiLi M. said...

Your home is your castle and in your case that is sooo true Anita! Love everything and every detail. I'm a bit short today as I didn't have any time to blog last week, so I am way behind, but of course I didn't want to leave you without saying: happy Valentine's day to you and your loved ones! Bisous, LiLi

Cindy Swanson said...

Ohmygoodness...The Princess Bride...one of my top 5 favorite movies of all time! And I was so surprised that the beautiful version of Poetry Man was by Queen Latifah!

Happy Valentine's Day, Anita...thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts and images with all of us.

Woolytales Miniatures said...

Ohhh I LOVED Ruben's note for you! You so deserve it!
Dear Nita,what a wonderful glimpse of your hard work.... I know is getting closer and closer. I miss writing to you BUT TODAY, I am HERE to wish you a beautiful and romantic day. love you,Tita

Stacey said...

Wow Anita,
31 years, what a blessing and you are both such an inspiration and i love how you unabashedly express your love for each other. Happy Valentine's Day to you both too. I was super excited to get a sneak peek of the room and it looks fantastic! Our driveway is in and so is our mailbox. Those are sure signs that we are nearing an end. Have a wonderful evening sweet friend and a very productive week. XX

Unknown said...

This is so exiting for you !!! You have a great vision for the space :)
Happy Valentine's day !
XO

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh dear Anita please don't stress about responses...perhaps just take a break from it all...switch off for a few days, perhaps that will help...big hug your way, Dzintra

Susan said...

Hoping you and your prince are enjoying a wonderful Valentine's Day in the beautiful new wing of the palace! :)
Blessings!

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Had a need to wander over and take a virtual walk through the beautiful rooms.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Bisous!
Penny

Rosie said...

Just a quick cuppa, to wish you a most romantic Valentines day, filled with L*O*V*E overflowing...Oh dearest you mean so much, to so many...thank you dear heart, for a rare kindred friendship, shared by only a lucky few. I am blessed by your tender words each and every day...love you Anita...hugs and kisses...Rosie

Victoria Sayer said...

Your Highness,
THIS was a very special posting indeed. Sharing your wonderful world with us here in the Land of Blog. A world filled to overflowing with charm and love. Your Ruben is quite funny. Hehehe. His comment made me chuckle, and then left me with gentle snail trails on my face. What a wonderful God...to enrich our lives with such fine men. AND you have shared 31 years together! That's so awesome. Congratulations!
I am so looking forward to seeing how you morph your castles new space. I love your Style and Grace. It is a complete and utter joy to visit you here. You do know, don't you Anita, that you are an exceptional lady? Yes, I think I may have mentioned that to you once before. Doesn't hurt to be reminded of it again, though, eh?
Much Love♥

A Tale of Two Cities said...

Anything that beautiful is worth waiting for--I know it's hard to be patient when we see the vision in our mind of what it will be someday....

Yours will be a reality someday soon, and I know you'll enjoy it. Looks like you enjoyed a delightful Valentine's Day....

Privet and Holly said...

Hooray, you've
got your lovely
little music salon
at last!! And,
the rest is coming
along beautifully,
too! I hope you
had a wonderful
Valentine's Day with
your special valentine.
We had a crazy weekend,
so just now had the
pleasure of your
weekly post! How
do you like this
heat wave we are
having?? My mom
arrived yesterday,
so she is taking
credit for the spring
thaw : ) !! Happy
Tuesday, Anita!
xx Suzanne

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Your drawings are exquisite, so so exquisite ma plus chère amie. Yes, i've just received your amazing drawing. She is sooo very cute and I truly LOVE your sweet Dutch words. That is so thoughtful, dearest sweet sweet Anita. I love the size, I love the style, I love the colors, it's perfect! the glitters make it even more special.Thank you very much for your wonderful wishes, Anita. I cherish your drawings, my children adore them too. Fortunately, I found a way to convince them to find a lovely place to show your artworks off (and not to hang them in their rooms).

How is Ruben doing? Is the painting coming to an end? It's always, always more work than one has planned, isn't it? The rooms look wonderful, I can taste your style and it really is a great one!
Hugs and love xoxoxoxoxo

The enchanted home said...

Love the soft lazy romantic music, so fits all the gorgeous images..the beigey rooms are fabulous and in keeping with my own post today! Always fun and something pretty to see when I visit. Please visit me, doing my first ever giveway, a gorgeous french chair...
www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Bless you, bless you, friend. Love and joy, Amy

Martina said...

Dearest Anita, thank you for coming! I haven't got your sweet card yet, but am sure it will arrive! Sometimes, maybe due to the weather, things sent from the USA or Canada take a long time till they get here. The longest i have waited for sth. was 6 weeks! Whenever it comes, it will make me happy! You are sooooo brave getting up so early every morning, no wonder you need a bit more sleep now and then. Take it! Every blogger has too little time, for me it's always like this! Still love your post and your rooms and can picture working you there. I wish you a relaxed and lovely evening! xx

Vær våken said...

Thanks for coming by even though you're busy, Anita!! Always a joy to see your comment! And oooh, those cakes!!!!!!

Hugs,

koralee said...

Hi sweet one...boy I am pooped today...I can barely keep my eyes open! I think the students had too much Valentine's candy yesterday...they were so filled with energy and just tired me out today. Plus everyone is sick at our school...I must stay healthy...I feel like the last man standing.

Anyways really all I wanted to do was come wish you a great evening....I hope you have your feet up in that new room of yours.

Love and hugs...as always. xoxo

Champagne Macarons said...

Happy Valentine's my belle! I hope you and Reuben has a wonderful day and celebrated your love. It's one of my favourite days! My wonderful husband sent me two dozen roses, a package from Vosges chocolate filled with rose petal chocolates and Piper Heidsieck pink champagne, followed by a romantic dinner at one of our favourite restaurants. Top of The Riverfront ~ a revolving restaurant in the center of the city. How he spoils me!
I am in love with your new addition!! I have been anxiously awaiting the photos and it is a vision. Watching your design, your dreams become reality is wonderful. I know it's exactly how you pictured it.
I hope the temperatures are warmer and no more bus duty in sub-zero temperatures for you. The forecast is showing 67 degrees for us on Thursday. The hills of snow are finally melting and it feels as if spring is around the corner. What a wonderful feeling that is!
Wishing you a beautiful rest of the week, my dearest.
xoxo, B

Rosie said...

Ahhh....a couch picnic, with strawberries dipped in chocolate...Mmmmm...perfect.
Are you enjoying that charming new room of yours? :) yes, I thought so.
Today was spent with my sweet husband, getting "his" workshop in order. Making room for tomorrow's project...a B I G one. I have a vintage bed that is completely "DREAMY"...however until it hits the shop floor the only category it can fall into is "the nightmare" one. She is a beautifully, frilly, mahogany lady who's rails are quite warped. So after much sanding and waxing, I managed to fix this issue, only to discover that it is 51 and 3/4 inches wide, while standard size would be 53 or 54 inches....REALLY????...of course.
Sooooooo, tomorrow is a "CUT THE BED FRAME DOWN" day...care to join me? We'll make a party of it...have you got any strawberries left? I'm gonna need more than strawberries I'm afraid. Did I mention that we are have a linen sale next week, and THIS is what our quilts will be displayed on...YIKES!!!!... We'll give it a go and see how it plays out.
So...off to dream of HOW I will accomplish this insurmountable feat....Have a DREAMY day yourself dear one...hugs...and of course kisses too...xoxoxo...R

Rosie said...

Oops...;O When I said "bed frame", I meant "Box spring"...still bad :(

It's me said...

Good morning darling.....i do not know why you missed it !!..but their is also a newer post since yesterday evening ! did you see my spring post ??? lovely day darling...ik hou van je !! liefs Ria....xxx....

Marie said...

Cousin,

Thank you for this beautiful post. I envy the beautiful relationship you have with your husband but with that, I don't know of any two people I would be happierto see with what you share.

I had to stay on your blog longer just to hear a repeat of Poetry Man. What a lovely choice of songs!

Sending Blessings your way,

Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

How very lovely and such a nice tribute to your hubby! Hope your Valentines Day was wonderful, Anita!! xo

Maria said...

Lovely post.
All the best with the decoration of the house.
I really like the photo of the picnic in the back of the car. Can I use it in my blog? Where did you get it from?
Have a lovely day,
Maria

Edie Marie's Attic said...

I'm so excited for you ma belle!! What a wonderful space you are creating for your beautiful castle/cottage. It is going to be so much fun for you and Ruben to create and decorate. Thank you so much for sharing photos Anita. I think about you and the progress of your home all the time. God bless your new living space mon amie!!

Much love to you both, Sherry

Christmas-etc... said...

Oh...so wonderful!!! Your 31 years, your house, your dreams and those three beautiful words, "As you wish!" So...were you married on Valentine's day or did you meet on this day 31 years ago? No...you said "locked eyes" so you must have met on Valentine's Day 31 years ago! Now that is romantic!!
Blessings to you and your lovely family, dear Anita!
Ann

georgia ~ gi gi said...

Oh your Ruben sounds so dreamy! I love his comment he left you, oh so sweet! 31 years, WOW that is Fantastic!!!!!!
Your home is so charming, just gorgeous!
Happy Anniversay Friend!
xo
gi gi
ps, thanks for your sweet comment on my blog and for visiting me, do come by againg soon ;)

georgia ~ gi gi said...

pss, I forgot to add I so love the Princess Bride such a great love story ;)
xo
gi gi

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Good morning dearest!
Thank you for the invite to have coffee.. May I have a piece of this cheescake? Soooooooo beautiful here and I love the music.
Enjoy your day.
Bisous!
Penny

Barbara said...

Well, between you and Ruben, Anita, you brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful that you have found each other.

And you are so right....home is where your loved ones are.

A magical Valentine's day post!

Martina said...

Anita, gues what? Your card arrived today! And it is SO SWEET! I so love your drawing, and the bits of glitter on it, awwww, i see that fairy in your linen closet has helped you putting this together! I keep it near my computer where i work, as a gorgeous little reminder to treasure each moment. Thank you SO MUCH dear friend! I hope your day went well and am glad to hear your rooms are coming together the way you like it. Have a wonderful evening, bonne nuit!

Marmee's Pantry said...

I'm sure you'll have your new home beautifully decorated in no time at all.

By they way...your construction pic made me smile...my oldest DD is a manager at a local Menard's! :-)

Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><

Peeters Liliane said...

My sweet friend,
Maybe you know that I love magic and this post is magic and everything about love!!!
I love your new living space, when finished it's gonne be beautiful.
I hope your Valentine was great!
Yesterday I started sculpting again, recorvering is so borring :)
A big hug and a kiss from my little part of the world to yours,
Liliane

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Bonjour mon ami!
Looks as if the trunk of that beautiful sports car is all packed for a picnic.. You bring the tea, I'll bring the grapes!! You drive.
Love to this rainy day.
Bisous!
Penny

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I would be hard pressed to figure out who is the more fortunate, you or Ruben?? I think it is quite obvious that you are both blessed! And maybe the greatest blessing of all is in knowing that!!

Just beautiful Anita, as always. One more thing... I have come to look forward to seeing which song you select for your blogs... it always makes me smile!

xo

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Anita!
oh cheesecake! Yes, it is one of my favorites also.. Blueberry cheesecake...
Oh, Maurice's auction is over. Yes, he was purchased! He is already on his way.. Dear Rose thought he and Bebe would make a lovely couple..Simply wonderful!
Did you read the sweet comment she left me about Bebe? I wish I could have seen the children..

Oh yes, vrrrrrrrrrrrrroommmm!! Are you driving?
Green grapes please... I'll bring the PG TIPS!
Bisous!
Penny

myletterstoemily said...

i'm glad you married your prince and your
castle is taking shape! i love what dreams
you have and can't wait to see them unfold.

Rosie said...

Oh dear one, that was a delicious cuppa you left for me this morning, overflowing with decorating goodness. I love the contrast of the rough hewn beams and the sparkly femininity, of your gorgeous chandy...Mmmmm.
Today, I performed a "box spring reduction" and my patient came through with flying colors...losing a whole 2 inches...YIPPEE!!!
So this means that tomorrow night will be spent in the shop, setting up this beautiful bed, so that our "linen sale" can begin on Saturday. We have some of the wonderfully romantic cream, white and gray matelesses you ever did see...they make me smile :)
Now, it is time for a HOT bath and fluffy bed...so without further ado, I bid you "good night" dearest...xoxox...Rosie

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

I am still blown away by your number stats :) I imagine your husband knows what an angel he's found here on earth! Your home will be heavenly no doubt and I do look forward to seeing much more. A home is never finished, it's the skin to our lives and we are never still either. Hugs and Happy belated Valentines Day. It's never to late to send the very best XOXO, Kelly

claudie said...

Hello sweet friend, I hope your catching your breath. I'm dropping by and was wondering how your sweet Valentine's day was? Randy and I had a lovely dinner together. Randy cooked : )
No need to reply, I know you and Ruben must have had a nice quiet evening together and hopefully all the workers left early, lol.
I'm so excited to be picking Julie up at the airport tonight.. yes tonight. I still have to get myself to bed, but knowing that she's coming for a week, well, not sure I can sleep.
I'm also ALWAYS thinking of all of us this summer. I want it to be the BEST.
Spoke to CC last night for 2 hours. I adore her and you will too, I just know it.
Good night my dear Anita.
Love You
Love Me.
xoxoxoxo
P.S. LOVELY POST.

Maria said...

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog and for answering my question!! especially with all those followers you have.. you are great!
I love visiting your blog and do it often. You have lovely photos and posts.
Muchas Gracias por todo!
xoxox

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Good Morning Anita! Thank you for visiting this morning :) Your "stats" I was referring to your awesome years in marriage! I think that is just so wonderful and it fills my heart. I can't imagine being married to anyone else and somedays I think it will so awesome just to reach 25. Seems so far away, yet the time passes all too quickly.

I wish we were renovating. We did our master bath about 2 years ago. Our kitchen has been an eye sore (to me) and this was the cheapest (yet still expensive) way to get a big change without changing much. You know? Next on my list are those orange floors. The previous homeowners didn't have a good job done of them being sealed properly, so not only do I not like the color, the finish is just random everywhere you look. Some spots faded, so really dark. It's a-MAZE-ing :) Ha!

Have a great day!!

XOXO

Kel

koralee said...

Oh I am praying for you my friend...all will go well. I had my evaluation last month...added stress we do not need...but mine is over and so will yours be!!!

Thank you for visiting me...had a few late nights lately as my Sydney has been dancing in a competition...Lyrical and Jazz. So I am once again runing here...there...and everywhere.

Hugs and JOY to you my special friend....tomorrow is FRIDAY!!! xoxoooxoo

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Love and hugs for a terrific Thursday, chere Anita. Enjoy your lunch.
Your gorgeous drawing is in my wallet, smiling at me every time I open it, and trust me, that's quite often ^_~
Sending lots of sunbeams your way xxxxx

Micki said...

Hope your Valentine's Day was wonderful with your Ruben. Your house is going to be so wonderful, and it is so much fun being part of the journey.
Micki

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Good evening dear one
I am been here listening today.
Check your email
Love to you this beautiful day.
Penny

Candylei said...

Woohoo! It's really coming along! Love all of the other wonderful pictures too!

Hugs,
Candylei

Stacey said...

Hi my friend,
I always try to pop by before the weekend to wish you a great one:-). I know you'll be enjoying your lovely new space. I will post pictures soon, but now the interior looks more like a demolition zone(contractors' stuff everywhere, cabinets covered with plastic, lighting covered etc). Have a lovely weekend mon ami! XX

Unknown said...

I guess you are the most romantic person I have met here in blog land! You dream big and your heart is full of love and devotion! I so admire this quality!
See - your sweet ways made your Ruben say with all his love AS YOU WISH! But I am sure so do you!
I am in love with your house, it looks so promising and I can't wait to see what you will do in the end!
PS: We are off tomorrow skiing in Vermont, little blogging I am afraid!
xoxo
Victoria

Rosie said...

Ahhhh...what a VERY LONG DAY! It is late and my cute boyfriend and I, just got home from setting up that pretty little bed at the shop. We are ready for our linen sale to begin...
Closed the deal on that French bookcase today, and it will come to live at the shop in about 4 weeks. Am quite excited to see what she will look like covered in white and cream "goodness"...what doesn't look good in white and cream? :)
Managed to find a couple of very sparkly chandies today as well. They SHOULD both go to the shop....but....I keep thinking how VERY pretty the big one would look in my workshop....just a thought. ;)
Well dear one you made it through another week...how will you spend this weekend? Did you get all that white paint "slathered" about? Don't you just love that fresh paint smell? Ahhhhh....
So, my sweet, sweet friend have a perfectly wonderful day tomorrow with all those "chirpy" baby birds of yours...and get ready for a fabulous weekend with your fella...good night dear heart...xoxox...Rosie

Ann said...

Lovely images...
and I really hope to see the product of your renovation soon,
Oh I just know its gonna be awesome, just like the lovely inspirations you have above.

It's me said...

Hhahahah!! that is not my home darling...but the new issue from the Jeanne D'Arc Magazine !!....you are so kind !!! je bent zo lief !!.....xxx...

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

And off we are for the last day of the week, again and already!! Have a most wonderful weekend, ma plus chère amie. Love to you xxxxx

koralee said...

I am so happy all went well yesterday...how could it not? You my friend are an amazing teacher!

I am looking forward to a weekend filled with rest! It has been another crazy week with the added Dance Competitions. We can rest now until the next one. Oh you would love to watch Sydney's dance my friend. So magical.

Well off I go...today is sunglass and hat day at school...I do not do hats but will see what I can find. The students so enjoy having their teacher's dress up.

Happy Friday....xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Such a sweet post, Anita!!! Hubby & I met on Valentine's week 30 years ago - and will be married 30 years in Oct. :)
Your home is going to be sooooo gorgeous!
Happy Belated Valentine's to you & your sweetie!
~ Zuzu

LiveLikeYou said...

What a wonderful post! First I was surprised how young the actors from the Princess bride looked...When I saw it we were the same age...gasp!! You home looks lovely and the plans are smashing!

Martina said...

It's weekend again, can you believe it! Time is too fast for me, i want some weeks in slow motion to catch uo with myself and all my plans! Are you painting these days? Still love your card Anita, happy glitter and fun! xox

Sailor said...

Beautiful Post....

It's me said...

And Iris and Trevor are in our home !! Trevor on our sofa and Iris on the floor.....geweldig mooi weekend lieverd......welterusten ik ga slapen .....dikke kus van mij...xxx..

June said...

Oh I love your home Anita...and I know that I will love it even more when you are through putting your lovely touch on it.
Coming here is like a mini vacation for me, where I can leave all my cares behind for awhile.
I want to wish you and Ruben a late wish on your anniversary. Isn't it wonderful to have such a man beside you?

Now my dear, thanks to you I feel the need to make a cheesecake!
hugs to you...

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Good evening dear one!
You came to visit!! I am happy you enjoyed my silly little painting.. The crown may have been a little much, but just had to put it there.
Did you notice the castle in the background?
I will be watching for your new post...
Enjoy your three day weekend!
Bisous!
Penny

Christmas-etc... said...

So nice to revisit these lovely posting of yours! Hope you are having a great week!
Ann

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Just had to come back for the beauty of it all! Thank you dear friend for covering up Bebe last night..
As I look at the photo of the front of your beautiful home, I wish I was walking up the porch... KNOCK KNOCK! Maybe someday yes?
Bisous!
Penny

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

Oh my - how did I never find you and your beautiful words before?? What a lovely place this is over here - I look forward to visiting you, your beautiful images and your inspiring words again for a little respite from the day. So glad to come across your blog!