Monday, May 19, 2014

Easing In

It's weird that with all of the end of the year talk of busy-ness and the scramble to get everything done, I haven't been feeling that way at all. I've taken a break from a lot of things, and Margaret isn't super busy (her school doesn't get out until LATE June-- yuck). It's weird to not be needed every second. That feeling was hard to imagine when the kids were younger and they were all up in my business, but it's kind of a quiet empty nest-y feeling and I can't say that I care for it.

We have sports a couple of days a week, church activities on Sundays, and that's about it. I've been working on getting advance reader copies of  my book out, and coming up with some marketing strategies. I realize I get more done when I'm busier, if that makes sense, so I may need to beef up my schedule a bit. And while I know there is a time for slowing down and making space in one's life,  it's not as if I'm at home praying and contemplating all day or even going to an exercise class.

I'm just being quiet in my house, doing laundry, and waiting. Not sure for what.

While I was waiting last week, I painted two very sturdy, lovely end tables from Hickory Chair Company. They looked very good as-is, even though they had some scratches and cosmetic damage on their surfaces. They were very shiny and formal, however, and I don't think that look is selling these days. I thought they might be more likely to find a new home if I painted them a soft gray.

Before:

After:



Ooh! I hope someone special loves them as much as I do.

I hope your week is starting off well. Mine began with a 9 am mammogram, so I think that counts as hitting the ground running (squeezing?).



26 comments:

Christy said...

If I was local I'd snap them up in a second. I think you just found another side career. Seriously. This week I'm FINALLY going to paint my very first piece of furniture and I'm SO excited about it.

Also - I function best when I'm busy too. xoxo

Unknown said...

I love the tables!
I need to go order your book! It's available for pre-order right? I am soooo looking forward to reading it.

M. said...

I have to be too busy to get anything done!

Miss Stewart and Students said...

A mammogram fits in nicely with me laughing at the wording years ago to describe yourself as you perspired your way through selling your remade furniture...under boob sweat I think it was?

Ellen, NOT Miss Stewart and her students

Cassie Bustamante said...

YAY!!! way to go- they look awesome!

Karah said...

I love this and totally know where you're coming from. I am crazy busy this year but for the first time in a long time, I feel really alive and productive. I'm accomplishing many things and involved with many people. Of course, I feel frazzled but in a good way. Looks like the furniture upcycling is definitely a gift of yours to share! Thanks for sharing~

Suburban Correspondent said...

I'm WAY more efficient when I'm busy.

Andrea Mowery said...

I guess when we're busy, we don't have time to think about doing anything - we just do it. That's why I get a lot more done when I'm pulling my hair out, trying to fit it all in...

Gigi said...

They are GORGEOUS! I'd buy them, if I had room for them.

Joyce Rice said...

I love the tables! Great job!

Anonymous said...

yes. waiting. I understand that well. E.

Rita said...

Love how these turned out! Love Gray! Great job!

Unknown said...

Those would be SO cute next to a bed with mustard yellow bedding! I'm decorating a room in my head with them right now!

Alison said...

Sometimes, sitting in that quiet and non-busyness can be a good thing. Love the tables, gorgeous.

Bridget McCarthy said...

I've wanted to try painting furniture. I think I'd enjoy taking something overlooked and making it beautiful.

Rach said...

I totally get the "get more done when busy" thing. I'm the same way.

The tables look great!

McKenna said...

I always do better if I'm crazy-busy. If I have a chance to sit I will just keep sitting and sitting.
The tables are gorgeous.

www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.com said...

Great job on the tables! Those are really cute! Kudos for getting your mammo done too! Since being diagnosed with breast cancer I like hearing women going and getting checked. Early detection is essential!

Anonymous said...

I would totally use those tables. Good for you!

jbhat

Arnebya said...

I really like the gray! I'm into gray lately and my family is not. My idea to paint ONE WALL in the living room was met with blank stares. But I'll have my way with the sofa!

Casey said...

Anna,
I love your blog and have been reading it for a couple months now. I'm only 21 years old, and on Saturday, I lost a former classmate who was a true sweetheart. I didn't know him that well, but I knew him well enough to know that he was incredible. I see everyone on Facebook talking about him and feel for his family and though I don't know them, I wish I could help. I get tempted to send his mother a link to your blog, thinking maybe it would help but I really have no idea. I can't even fathom the pain it must have caused her. Would it be too soon? Should I recommend your book? Would that be weird? Should I just say nothing at all? What would've helped you during this time, if anything even could?

Georgie Sussex said...

Dear Anne,

Please forgive me contacting you in this way but I cannot find an email address for you.

I am currently developing a web resource in the UK for families offering basic information and advice about handling the media after sudden death. I have worked for many years as a parliamentary adviser to bereaved families and also in the Coroners Service. Given your experience with Jack, would you be prepared to offer your thoughts?

Best wishes, (and I also love the tables!)

Georgie (seagrass77@gmail.com)

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

Thinking of redoing our master bedroom in gray and mustard. Those would be perfect!! I get much more done when I'm busy too :) Strange how that works, isn't it?

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

@Casey, reaching out is better than not reaching out. You are so kind to think of her and want to help! I would say a card containing any memories you have of her son, even the smallest ones make a difference. I have a post called 25 ways to help a grieving family that could also be useful! http://aninchofgray.blogspot.com/2012/03/what-you-can-do-to-help-grieving-family.html xoxoxo

Unknown said...

I like your tables, as always.

I don't like to much quiet either. A little quiet is good, but not too much.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

It makes perfect sense getting more done when you are busier, me too! Of course being busier gives our brain less time to think which is a good thing. Excellent job with the tables, I love them.