Is it as hot where you are as it is here in the stinkin', sweaty, humid beautiful southern US? If you walk outside after around 10am it feels like sticking your head in an oven. Seriously. I prefer warm weather to cold, but a nice comfortable spring would have been nice.
Since I last visited this spot, there have been changes. Large and small. I've done some sewing, mostly skirts for Bayleigh. Talk about your instant gratification. I made three in one day. In a matter of a couple of hours. No pictures, sorry. I had some computer issues, as in both my laptop and desktop decided to die within days of each other. Nice.
I do have pictures of our little garden. We did two beds this year instead of one.
We should be able to have a 'mater sandwich in a few days. Yum!
Bayleigh and I love to go out every day and see what's growing.
She got a trampoline for her birthday. It's right beside the garden and at least once a day she jumps and I pull weeds.
We've been blowing bubbles again this year. I don't know who loves it more, me or her. Or is it she or I?
Bayleigh got a tattoo. Yea we went to Myrtle Beach for bike week and she got her first tat.
I kid! We didn't really go to bike week and she didn't get a tattoo. Not a real one anyway. But she has temporary ink all over. On her arm, on her leg, on her side. It isn't pretty at church I tell ya, but she loves them. She wants to be like her mommy. That's so funny to me. Growing up, that's not something I ever heard a kid say. I want a tattoo, like my mommy. Times they are a changin'. Alyssa only has one, by the way. I think that may have sounded like Bayleigh wanted to be covered in tattoos, like her mommy. Not covered, just one.
I've seen some really interesting ones on pinterest and have even given thought to getting one. I think I'm too old for that though. Too old and not nearly cool enough. I'd want something small but meaningful. Alyssa wants us to go together and get one. We'll see. What are your thoughts on tattooed grannies?
Speaking of pinterest, are you pinning? I'm so addicted. That's probably part of the reason I've not posted in a while. Most of my computer time is spent on Pinterest. I think I should be sufficiently inspired enough to keep me busy for the next six years. If only I could stop pinning and start doing.
On the topic of doing... don't you love how I flow from topic to topic? Mitch, Alyssa and I have a big project ahead of us.
Alyssa and Bayleigh will be moving back home. We are going to convert our unfinished bonus room above the garage into an attic apartment. It will be almost entirely DIY. We will probably have to get some professional help with a few things like electrical and maybe building the stairs. Right now we just have fold down attic stairs.
We are thinking of starting a separate blog with updates about the progress of our tiny budget reno. Are you interested in following along? We'd love to hear suggestions about making the most of a small space. It's 11' x 22'. We aren't sure yet if everything will be upstairs or if we will close off part of the garage as well. If you've done anything like this and have words of wisdom, we'd love your input.
glad to see you posting...nothing better than a fresh from the garden "mater samwich". I'd be following your construction project if you decide to blog about it. Sorry to learn that I was right about what were upset about. My daughter started pinit and I've done a little with it...
Posted by: Elaine | June 11, 2011 at 01:13 PM
The first time that I saw a woman tattooed was my friend's grandmother. She was from Lebanon and the backs of her hands were tattooed. I fell in love and vowed if i ever could get my hands on (no pun intended, honest) some middle eastern designs that would be my first tattoo. Thirty years later I'm just beginning to find some literature with those kinds of designs in them and now I'm wondering should I do it? I guess I worry more about the lack of skilled work in the area. But I still seriously consider it because it's part of my ethnic background and 98% of my family has been gone for almost two decades. Just a little reach-out to them.
Posted by: [email protected] | June 11, 2011 at 01:54 PM
First, your are not old at all so go for the tat. I love the just breathe one. The heart with the needle, not so much. It' looks a bit too realistic. I've got a tat which is small, bikini line. It's of Piglet (love him/her - what is the sex of Piglet anyway???). Piglet is blowing on a dandelion and there are 3 seeds that are blown away. I got the tat about 15 years ago after I had a long hospital stay and wanted something to remind me of how lucky it am for just the little things. The 3 seeds represent health, happiness and good fortune. Ah hem...the parents still don't know I have it! So...GO FOR IT!
Posted by: Denise | June 11, 2011 at 02:55 PM
I'd love to hear/follow along your renovation. I have no experience, but I have an attic that could use some help, so inspiration on a budget would be fantastic.
Posted by: 2hippos | June 11, 2011 at 03:53 PM
Hi, I've been reading your blog for several years - not quite sure why I never commented! I think I might have thought you wouldn't notice it as you have lots of commenters already. The attic alteration sounds great. I am a Spatial Designer (Interior Architect) over here in New Zealand (well, before I become a full time Mum 3 years ago anyway). I'd love to help you if you had any questions.
Posted by: Andrea | June 11, 2011 at 07:01 PM
Well, not sure I can offer any advice...but I will love reading all about it!!!!
Posted by: Brooke | June 11, 2011 at 10:59 PM
Hi Autum,
I haven't commented you for a while but, as always, enjoy your blog!! I'm totally addicted to Pinning too!! What a clever invention that was! and as for Nana tattoo - just go for it!!! I want one too and am waiting for my sister to get back from her round Australia trip and we will brave the tattoo parlour together ;)! You should be able to find heaps of ideas for Alyssa and Bayleigh's space on pinterest also, if I see anything I will send it your way! Be sure though I will enjoy that blog too!
Have a great week!
Jen xo
Posted by: Jenny | June 12, 2011 at 09:19 AM
This is me: http://pinterest.com/uklassinus/
My mother-in-law has a tattoo - and she's older than you are. Mine is a small one on my lower back, picked mainly because the skin there won't get too saggy, most people don't know it is there and I don't see it all the time, so I don't get sick of it...
The Ikea catalogue usually has several pictures of small European size places, which might help you with inspiration. I had an appartment in Germany that was about a third of that size (for just me) and it was surprising what I could shoehorn into the place.
Posted by: UK lass in US | June 12, 2011 at 12:57 PM
My husband and I had pull down attic stairs and we made our attic space into 2 bedrooms, sewing area, and a full bath. We had to add in a staircase....we didn't do it ourselves, but wanted to let you know it can be done. We are so glad we did it!
Posted by: allison moilnaro | June 12, 2011 at 08:55 PM
Your daughter is beautiful and you have a lovely family.
Posted by: brenda | June 12, 2011 at 09:07 PM
Hello, please do a blog about the garage conversion. I love reading your blog, and one of the best bits are when you tell us what Bayley has been up to.
Posted by: Debdor | June 13, 2011 at 06:43 AM
Sorry Bayleigh, my cousin is Bayley so I always spell it that way.
Posted by: Debdor | June 13, 2011 at 06:44 AM
I look at the photo of Alyssa and Bayleigh and memories come flooding back. Twenty-two years ago that was me, moving back home with my two year old son. Like Alyssa, I had very generous parents by my side, loving us unconditionally and supporting us through an extremely rocky time. My little boy's all grown up now and getting married soon. I know for sure that he always felt loved, by his grandparents, his mom and his pretty amazing step-dad.
My very best wishes to your beautiful girls and the bright future that lies ahead.
Posted by: laura ~ lulabellesview | June 13, 2011 at 07:11 AM
Your garden looks fantastic! Just saw a super yummy roasted BLT on "Not Without Salt" blog you may want to check out...and I cannot wait to see all the creative ideas you come up with for their apartment...it's wonderful that they have you!! And Pinterest is so addicting! Oh, and my mom has two tattoos and didn't get them until we were all adults....go for it :-)
Posted by: Amber | June 13, 2011 at 02:04 PM
I've missed your happy little spot here! I think your beautiful daughter is blessed to have you as her Mom. And that Bayleigh is in such good hands with you:) And with your DIY skills, that apartment will a sweet oasis for them both.
Posted by: Bridgette | June 13, 2011 at 03:38 PM
Missed your posts. Addicted to Pininterest also - because of you : ) ! I would love to see a blog regarding the apartment progress!!
Posted by: Michelle | June 14, 2011 at 01:27 PM
I love visiting your blog! Everything is just so pretty and your postings are lovely. Have a beautiful day!
Posted by: Reina | June 14, 2011 at 07:00 PM
I would love to follow your reno! I have to confess I've missed your postings but am so glad you feel the freedom to bow out of the blog rat race when you need to! I think it's so great you are making a place for your daughter. As my children approach adulthood I am thinking more about how to "parent" (which often means not parenting!) them as adults...how to be there for them when they need support but also encourage their independence. Anyway, great to have role models out there like you! And I love love love your decorating style so I can't wait to see how you transform the space.
Posted by: Sonyahove.wordpress.com | June 23, 2011 at 05:57 PM
I just found your blog and love the fun things you share. The tutorials are great!!
Posted by: Laura Clauson | June 24, 2011 at 11:51 AM
I don't think tattoos are as taboo as they were years ago. And if you would like one go for it. :)
I only found Pintrest two days ago, i'm still trying to get use to it. It does look very intersting, or maybe i should should say Pintresting. ;)
Posted by: Dotty | June 24, 2011 at 02:50 PM
Daisy Dear, have you perished in the heat?
Posted by: Bridgette | July 20, 2011 at 03:34 PM
Ok, I think I'm caught up a bit now. I'm sorry for whatever had you so upset before. I think I can figure it out, and if it's the same thing, we've also lived through it. But, I can say that looking back, it was the best thing all around. I would love to follow the construction, as well. We are big DIYers. Glad to see you back!
Posted by: Karen | July 22, 2011 at 05:27 PM