Okay, let's just go ahead and start with {happy}!
I don't even have a picture of him, but here's a reasonable facsimile of what we were seeing. You keep looking at the screen and hoping to know more. But then, when you think about it, you realize you know a good deal, just from the little details.
I hadn't wanted to talk about Benedict's abdication. To me, it's understandable that an old man would need to rest (heck, I need to rest and I'm not Pope or even an old man). But inside, I had a sense, simultaneously, of being bereft and of knowing that what God wants of me, of each of us, is to carry on with our own life, with devotion, even when it seems like February, and Lent, and being left without your Papa, all at once.
But today, today I am relieved! Someone has accepted the burden on our behalf, someone who seems to be completely uninterested in the trappings of office, who loves the truth, who speaks out boldly. Even if the new Pope is bad — and there have been bad Popes (we're just spoiled at the moment) — I take refuge in these words: The Holy Spirit guides the Church, but according to then-Cardinal Ratzinger, “probably the only assurance He offers is that the thing cannot be totally ruined.”
I think we will get more than that! So it's a good day!
So, as you know, here at LMLD we share our pretty things because we like pretty things and we also feel like it is encouraging to know that if someone like, say, me, can “do it” — whatever “it” is — well, then, so can you.
So, our pictures aren't staged or anything (as is abundantly clear). Today (well, yesterday) was auspicious. It was beautifully sunny, not cold, and above all, the vacuum cleaner came back from the repair shop (yes, another appliance! needing repair! My thirteen years is up, apparently).
Bridget and I decided to deep clean the mudroom. And thus I have the opportunity of showing you what we did to it. You understand that all our boots and coats (and even some friends' coats!) are still in there, but maybe it's more helpful for you to see it this way, rather than with two light jackets artfully hung on a couple of hooks.
First, a reminder of the before:
Not bad, light yellow, bright, fine. But the bins are no longer needed for all the kids, and so got filled with stuff that just stayed there, more or less permanently. We had never painted the shelves. And it was just not that inspiring any more.
But what color? What if I wanted to be bold? How would I choose? I wanted green! Green is so hard. These are the things that paralyze me.
And then, I was in Lowe's, and you know how they have that bin with paint that didn't get sold? And it's wicked cheap? I always take a glance at it, and there was a gallon of their good paint with a little bit smeared on the top, the way they do, and wow! It was just the green I had been dreaming of!
A $40 gallon of paint in just the color I loved for $5!
So I brought it home and left it in the corner of the mudroom. Then I pondered and wondered if I dared….
Well, when we went to Hong Kong in the fall, I asked Will to paint the bathroom that's off the mudroom with that paint. And then I asked him how it looked. And then I asked him to paint the whole mudroom with that paint.
The before again:
And now:
Give someone the job of keeping the boots and shoes lined up. Don't put them in baskets or anything. Just find a kid who can match any two things — a two-year-old can do this, a four-year-old is a pro — and make it their job, once or twice a day. As long as they're lined up, you're good.
The other, well, the other doesn't.
Yes, People. I think — I don't know, but the two bottles were in the drawer together, don't ask me why, and I think — I may have — actually repeatedly — super-glued the workings of my sewing machine.
And that is why it doesn't work at all, even a little bit.
Kerri says
So happy about our new Pope Francis… this phfr made me smile. Thanks!
Terri says
I love the green paint! Is there a story behind the washboard on the wall? I have one my grandparents bought with their first grocery order and it hangs in my laundry room.
_Leila says
Terri, I got that washboard out of my neighbor's trash! Along with my bedstead!
Sonja says
The thought of glue in the sewing machine is making me hyperventilate a bit. And the fact that that sort of thing could easily happen to me makes the whole thought even more upsetting.
Keep us updated on how things develop there!
Sarah says
Wow, I love the green paintl So bold. And your sewing machine story is hillarious, well potentially not so funny if it is not repairable. It is so easy to have your mind on something else and do something inadvertently – just this week I had loaded my fully clothed, toileted, fed and back-pack toting daughter into the car for 3 year old kindy (she only goes for two hours a week), and realised as I was strapping my son in too that he was only wearing his nappy. Ah, the mind it only works in fits and starts these days.
My I ask how you have your washboard attached to the wall. I have one I found ages ago, but I have never worked out how to hang it without damaging the wood.
DeirdreLMLD says
Hahaha Sarah that is hilarious! I'm sure we can all relate…
_Leila says
Sarah, the washboard is hanging on a screw — there's a lip on the wood and a lip on the screw and it just hangs there. We actually need to put in another screw or even nail, because it's not centered! That's the kind of thing that drives me crazy and then I forget about it.
Susan says
I watched CNN Int'l over here – it was thrilling to wait and see the announcement. He seems like a wonderful, humble, man of God. Love his name. Anyway, the green paint is really pretty and I love all the photos. Especially love the selfie of you in the powder room 🙂
from your reader in Zurich
Suzanne says
I am SO sorry, but when I read about the super glue, I laughed…I really did………..what a classic mistake, and oh, what a poo to have your machine all glued up….I hope you can get it fixed or at least lay your hands on a second hand one soon………..and you know, I love that green, and you know what else….I was going to suggest you whip up a couple of curtains to hang across those open cupboards on either side….but……now your machine isnt working, so maybe not….. 🙁
Catherine says
Hahahaha! Auntie Leila, I loved hearing about your super glue accident. That is SOOO something I would do! Thanks for sharing.
Lacey says
Oh no! The super glue!! I will tell you this is the first time I've ever *really* believed you when you say if you can do it so can I– that's just the sort of thing I would do! So if you can do all the other wonderful, lovely, impressive things you do, well, so can I?
And I loooooove the green. Love it!
craftyp says
With each and every mudroom picture I was hoping to see the top of the paint can that revealed the color combo for that gorgeous green paint! It's my favorite color and wow does it make the mudroom a happier place!
Sorry about your machine… I'll pray that you can figure a way to unhinge it!
_Leila says
craftyp, I know. I am the world's worst decorating blogger. It's all done in such a rush! I will try to find the paint info!
Jocelyn says
Oh my goodness!!! It isn't nice to laugh at someone's misfortune, but I did scroll back to check the caption to make sure it was ok! Wonderful post today and I love the shade of green! Appliances must be on a similar schedule as light bulbs…..they all go out within days of each other.
EML says
I love the new Pope already! I also love that green in your mudroom! It makes me want to paint my laundry room. Great job!
Melissa says
Awesome mud room, so functional and spacious! The color is fantastic. Now that I have 2 little boys and one on the way, I'm all about mud rooms!
Rebekah Es says
Your mud room is inspiring! I love it when people make the call to be bold!
And I am so sorry, but it is also inspiring when people you know are smart and capable and diligent in all they do make really quirky mistakes, like gorilla glue mistakes. Makes me feel like there is hope for someone who probably accidentally, yeah I'm sure I did, throw brand new check book away.
Monique says
Our happy was Pope Francis too!
I love the green color. It's bright and cherry. It makes me even more ready for spring.
Habou says
The super glue thing? I have to admit like mother like daughter. Sorry about that.
Anne says
You DID NOT! Oh Leila! NOO….but it is hilarious! In a queasy sort of way. :/
Alice says
What a lovely green! And… oh nooooooo! I did laugh, though. Then I showed it to Tristan, and he just stared.
Cynthia Haughery says
Hilarious! (sorry….but this made my day) Super-glueing the sewing machine! It just sounds like something I would do…..
Rejoicing with you over the new Pope.
Margo says
oh Leila, I love how real you are! Thank you for not staging your mudroom. I adore seeing photos of REAL rooms in REAL usage that still look good. That green is just wonderful. I am in love with that little soap/cup thing on the back of your toilet, too. (My laundry room is a strong turquoise, my favorite color, and it is just so wonderful is small utility space!)
I'd love to hear how your name-labeled bins work (did you talk about them in another post?). Are they for mail or random things that otherwise are strewn around the house? Do people remember to go through their bins in a timely manner?
I'm going to give the shoe-job to Ben. Why didn't I think of that before?? It's the perfect kid job!
_Leila says
Margo, the bins are office-supply thingies that my mother found. I actually have removed a couple of the layers and put those in the pantry for cans, now that we don't have as many mail-getters.
The fact is, once your children get to college-age, they are just inundated with mail. So yes, the bins work. Every once in a while, I have to tell people to clean their things out and give them a tutorial on managing paper 🙂
I will try to do a post about it – they are a little hard to photograph!
Patty says
It all happens during Lent! I sort of dread it every year because, well, THINGS happen. It's weird! To have real, bad non spiritual (sometimes—like appliances—instead of just feeling “far” from God, although that happens too) happen during Lent still surprises this Orthodox convert. And what a Lent you seem to be having! Your new Papa seems like a very humble man, and if anything gets Americans' attention, true humility and disdain for “the trappings” at least gets one noticed! I am happy for you all! (We recently got a new patriarch ourselves, about whom we are hearing good things as well! Rejoice!)
And oh no, your poor machine! (But I LOLed too.)
Claire says
Wonderful mudroom! nothing like redecorating without a budget; $5 paint, what a gift! The walls and the painted shelves look great. thanks for the tip about assigning someone to do the boots. I have an almost 4 year old who LOVES to be assigned “duties” like the bigger kids. And I sure hope the acetone works!! After I had my hand actually glued to the super glue bottle one night, I think it was Christmas Eve, we always call it “the Dangerous Superglue”. P.S I was thrilled to be named in your Pippo- hippo post! Love you, Auntie Leila!
Lisa G. says
Oh, a definite St. Patrick's Day sort of green! Quite happy looking.
I admit that I cringe when “abdication” is used to describe Benedict's retirement, although it's technically correct. But, “retire” isn't right, either. He just couldn't do it anymore, and he knew it. It's probably dragging him down a bit.
To have a pope named Francis is exciting – the most radical Christian! Unless, because he's a Jesuit, he's thinking of Francis Xavier (in which case, it's pretty cool that you have a grandson pre-named after him – sort of). But, in view of his dis-interest in fine living, he seems to have the Franciscan spirit. I'm watching him with great interest!
I hope you can get your sewing machine unglued safely!
_Leila says
Lisa G, I agree. Abdicate sounds harsh, retire sounds too lame. I will miss him so!
_Jessica says
It is so wonderful to have a new pope! With the installation Mass on the feast of St. Joseph, no less!
That green is so lovely! I love your mudroom.
Elizabeth says
love the green! yay! My Dad paints for a living and I have always loved seeing how new paint = new room! 🙂 * the sewing machine/super glue mix-up – I can so see myself doing the same thing. Hope the nail polish remover works!
Amy Caroline says
OH NO! Super glue on your sewing machine!! I am so sorry! Ack, what a terrible thing to have happen! And so something I would do.
I love the green too. It is so nice! I would love to have a mudroom. Sometimes I worry my whole house is a mudroom, lol.
Nancy says
Thanks for sharing the “real” story of the super glue — it's so reassuring to know that other people besides myself do things like that!
fiddlejill says
I love the green – I'm not sure I would be brave enough to try something that bold, but I love it! I'm so boring in my color choices. I'm in the middle of a bathroom redo and will likely paint it white or gray. But we are also hoping to sell the house in the next year or two so we want something neutral : )
Sorry about your sewing machine – it is a little funny!
Cecilia says
I so love the green and I also started with HAPPY with our new Papa Francisco. God Bless!
Erin says
Well, Leila, I think it would have been more efficient if you just applied the super-glue directly to your sewing project.
And is that Madeline's jacket I recognize on the mudroom hook? I was wondering where that was!
_Leila says
Yes, Erin, it must be!
Amy Marie says
Ack. The glue thing is something I would've totally done also…so sorry. That green looks just GREAT. So fresh and so cheerful! 🙂
sjohnston522 says
I'm so sorry but that super glue story really has me laughing. I hope you can get it fixed! Love the mudroom! And the new Pope!
MtMama says
I have a love/hate relationship with Gorilla Glue (and for that reason I don't keep it in the house). We have a big bottle of the stuff which I got for – such a deal – at a local hardware store going out of business. We use it a lot, since we continually have furniture breaking. I finally learned to wear latex gloves when using it after one particularly involved repair where I got glue and dirt on both hands. My palms and fingers were brown and the stuff would not wash off. And wouldn't you know the next day was Sunday? Nothing would get it off, I had to wait days for the grime/glue to wear off. Hopefully, your gorilla glue problem isn't as stubborn (although I have my doubts – that stuff is strong!) Please let us know the outcome.
Anastasia says
I love love love your pretty AND real mud room. You are brave with the color and it really is inspiring. Love the rest of your post too.
Pippajo says
I just posted a photo of our new green bathroom! Similar colors although I think ours may be a bit more shocking. I felt the same, “Do I dare,” fears before we went ahead and did it but I'm not living in it yet to decide if it was a success!
My first thought when I saw the backs of the two bottles was, “Wow, she should be careful, one of those could be glue”! In a similar, though decidedly more dangerous, incident, The Viking once confused two bottles when reaching for his eye drops and put ear wax dissolver in both eyes. While driving. In Philly. WHO PUTS EYE DROPS IN WHILE DRIVING? Anyway, he miraculously avoided both an accident and blindness and now keeps all drops out of his car.
RubberCHickenGirl says
We are at about 13 years with most of our appliances and other stuff, too, and going through death and near death with them (the refrigerator leaks on the floor so has been banished to the garage). I understand completely and am comforted by your mutual distress (sorry!).
And….I looked at that profile shot of the bottles and thought, “Is that Gorilla Glue?!” Yes, yes it is. I did laugh a LOT over that. But look on the bright side….don't try too hard with the acetone and buy a Bernina on eBay (if that is not what you have already). I someday hope to have that kneelift thingy! The salesman tricked me into an Elna which I do not like mostly because the basting stitch is TINY.
I liked that the new Pople had the people pray for him FIRST so humbly. I like his spirit. Congratulations to you Catholic brethren.
RCG
RubberChickenGirl says
BTW Love the bright green mudroom. Love the black brackets, utility sink and floral platter as well. I am hypermatchy and always wish my projects looked like the magazines with 2 light coats blah blah blah and an empy trash can (although Martha actually showed blackspot on her roses on her magazine once and actually puts trash like waded up paper at least in her trash cans sometimes!) Anyway, one of your children needs to gift you with matchy baskets for you thrifty self from a pottery barn knock-off like maybe World Market for your wooden shelf (hint hint hint Daughters!) Just a wee bit of exacto-matchy freakness to finish it off. Or stain some of those unfinished crates from JoAnn or Michaels, perhaps? http://www.joann.com/wood-crate/xprd74816/
I shouldn't whine. You help liberate us all from being overly perfect and that is a very needful.
RCG
_Leila says
No matchy baskets! Where would I put my large stockpot??
___________________________
Sent from my phone.
RubberChickenGirl says
In a $12,000 Pottery Barn laundry basket!
Now go save me from shame and talke the “L” out of “Pople” on my other post!
RCG
Lindsey says
Wow, that green is stunning! It really makes a statement. I love the sailboat picture too – does it have a story?
_Leila says
Lindsey – the sailing ship is the decoration on a tray, and the tray has little folding legs — it can be a little folding table! I found it on the side of the road for free!
Rebecca says
Your green is so STIRKING! And I love the little lovely details every so often. Like the vintage tin on the bathroom shelf. And the cross-stitch bell band. And the pull out drying rack. Lovely. All of it.
As for the 'funny' this week- that actually sounds more like TRAGIC. Good for you for looking on the bright side. Wow. That is a testament to your character. My reaction would have been very very different, I am sorry to say. 🙂
Grace says
I was smiling first because of your mention of the Pope, and then I saw the green paint! I just painted on of our downstair's walls green, too! Great minds….. Anyway, I wanted to post about our downstairs transformation. Let's just say I got tired of doing nothing down there except moving furniture.:) But now I'm too tired to post about it. I've been moving bookcases and rearranging toys in spite of having a cold. I just know it will make me happy when it's done so I don't want to stop. I did, however, watch the news from my bed in my pajamas yesterday afternoon….happy, but miserable.:(
Kinga says
Sooo pretty and organized! I wish I had a laundry/mudroom…
Nancy says
The mudroom pops …like it!
Uncle Milton says
I have high hopes for this Pope, but John Paul II was a good man & bad things still happened. There is only so much they can do. He sounds good…with the exception of being quiet about the disappeared one. However had he been vocal…he might have become one of the disappeared as well?
_Leila says
We really don't know anything at this point, do we?
___________________________
Sent from my phone.
Uncle Milton says
I'm somehow logged in as my husband…sorry! that's not me! (the link). You're correct…time will tell-they say he was in line with Benedict's stuff…I'm just regurgitating the stuff of the media-so I have no idea as well. It's in God's hands.
Gently Led says
I love your mudroom. Even not-staged, it is all beautiful.
Auntie Leila, I have been meaning to let you know that, ever since I asked you last summer “how can I make my home pretty w/o much time or money?” and you mentioned prayer. God has been answering those prayers in ways which include Lowe's clearance paint! Wonderful colors at $5 or $10 a gallon — and I only buy the paint-primer-in-one since I have time/patience just for one coat! Goodbye, builder's gloomy “white”!
I've also found clearance fabric and have bought a sewing machine . . . I WILL learn how to use it and make curtains!
Love your blog! You teach and encourage me (formerly compentent lawyer turned clueless homemaker) so much.
Jamie says
That is a stupendous looking green!
Does it make up for the feeling imparted by possibly gorilla gluing your sewing machine's innards?
Lynn says
Belly-laughing funny, that is. :). And I love the green. It makes the shelves and fixtures pop.
Amelia says
I'm sorry, but I am totally laughing at your using the glue on your sewing machine. That is TOTALLY something I would do. Oh my!! I really hope you can fix it!!!!
Mary says
The green is FABULOUS!! I love it! A very happy color.
I am so excited about Pope Francis. What a beautifully humble soul. I cannot wait to see how things play out. So glad the Holy Spirit gave us a surprise.
I will admit that I laughed when I read about the super glue then I wanted to cry for you. I hope you're able to fix it.
Valerie says
As I have a love affair with my tiny old standard “school model” singer sewing machine, I thin I just threw up a little in my mouth when I read that you glued your parts…is that a pfaff?!!!! Hoping it can be fixed!!! I hear ya on the applicances…ours are all breaking too!
Sue says
Lovely, and hilarious. I am having a rough week so I don't have anything to link that is pretty or funny, but I am so glad to come by and enjoy a moment chortling about your gorilla glue.
Charlotte says
I am feeling a little green right now thinking about your “real” and it's not a pretty shade like your mud room. Wow. Please let us know what happens.
Lara says
The green is wonderful! As a Lowe's wife (of the paint department guy, no less), that's how I paint my house when I get a painting itch. The $5 rack! AND – if it's a light color, you can always add some craft paint to it to make your very own custom color! (Kinda hoping no one near me reads this so I can still get some $5 paint!)
And I gasped aloud at the Gorilla glue debacle. Yeeks!
Gracie says
Thank you for hosting/sharing your {PHFR} (or today, fittingly, HPF&R} for us, and for your always-encouraging perspective!
Seeing the bin labels in your lovely updated mudroom made me wonder… does your family pronounce “Mama” and “Papa” with the emphasis on the first or second syllable?
God Bless!
_Leila says
Gracie, we are MAma and PApa, or Mommy, or Pop. Or Mom. 🙂
Woman of the House says
I love the green mudroom! Very bright and cheery. So sorry about the glue. I hope you can get your machine running again!
Claire says
I love it that you keep your huge stock pot ( I think that's what I saw) in your mud room. So practicle. Love your whole room.