Oh, Isn’t it Romantic?

Once Upon a Time, there was a girl named Cynthia Fern who was born a Hopeless Romantic. Oh yes that is me, and I have always been what is called, “A Girly Girl”, sensitive and feminine. That’s okay, because it is who I am. A favorite past-time is to read romantic books, watch romantic movies or TV shows, and make my home and garden as romantic as possible without making my husband feel uncomfortable. It truly is acceptable to love lace, pearls and roses. You can be a hopeless romantic, love pink and girly things and still be a strong woman. Plus, it helps me to deal with other things in my life that aren’t as pretty emotionally or mentally, to be surrounded by beauty. (At least beautiful and romantic to me.)

Beauty on a Budget? Why not?

Beauty doesn’t need to cost a lot of money, either. One of the highest, back-handed compliments ever given to me was, “Look at this gorgeous home. It is obvious your parents have never had to struggle.” Well yes my Dear, we surely have. I was angry at first with what this young lady said to my adult daughter Nikkie. Then I went around my home and cataloged it. I wrote down the items I refurnished, or repainted, or repaired. I acknowledged the chairs I had recovered, and the fabric and rugs found on clearance. China that has taken over 25 years to collect. Notes were made about several, and I do mean several Thrift Store Treasures, Yard Sale bargains, e-Bay finds and inexpensive art, gifts from friends and family, re-purposed finds and pretty little bits of loveliness.

Power Tools are a Designer’s Best Friends

There is an admission which needs to be made here: I love my sewing machine, sharp scissors, my paints, including spray paints, my glue gun and my electric staple gun. My wish list for Christmas or Mother’s Day has included things such as a new sander, paint sprayer and power drill. The scroll saw in my workshop was a dream come true. If you looked into my craft and sewing room, you’d realize that I am after all, 100% human, and that room is a hot mess! In it’s defense, it is my Creation Station, and my Happy Place in the house. Besides, I can shut the door.

I am Happiest Outside Among my Roses & Wisteria

A pretty garden is important to me, and many hundreds of hours have been spent tending to my roses, and training the wisteria. Why yes, I DO talk to my flowers! Lots of plants died and had to be replaced. The climate here is different than what I was used to, and I had to re-learn what I knew. I thought I had a green thumb, when actually, I had just lived in a mild climate, where everything grew!

Do you Have any Lemons?

I don’t harbor feelings of hurt or resentment that were said out of ignorance and jealousy. Not everyone knows HOW to make lemonade from lemons. This young lady’s sweet Mama is a friend who had told me, “I just don’t know how to decorate like you do! I need you to teach me.” Her daughter had no knowledge of that conversation. Lemonade is one of my favorite things to make with lemons! and I will happily share my romantic decorating, gardening and lifestyle secrets with you.