Tuesday, September 27, 2011

two years ~ and more autumn decorating

Some of you know that my oldest son, Philip passed away unexpectedly on September 25, 2009
at the way-too young age of 21.
This past Sunday was the two-year mark. Was it any easier than the one-year mark?
I can't even answer that question - at least not in a direct way. There's the famous saying,
"Time heals all wounds" but I can't say that's true. I don't think a parent is ever healed
over the death of a child.
I stayed home all day and puttered, while being a little mopey.
I also decided to make a dinner that Phil would've loved - he especially appreciated comfort food.
I found a new recipe for beef short ribs made pot-roast style.
They simmered on the stove for 6 hours. I also made cheesy, mashed red skin potatoes.
It was delicious. Phil would've loved it.


So, with puttering in the house, I changed things around with my decor again.
And I'm still not completely satisfied, lol.
I think there's too much going on in the middle of this arrangement.


I don't have a mantle over the fireplace. Instead, there's three floating shelves. 
I try to keep the shelves more simplistic.
This lowest shelf on the fireplace wall has a mirror, mini pumpkin, and a bird figurine on top of a couple of small books.
The mama and baby bird figurine are made by Goebel (Germany). Found them in a resale shop.


The wicker basket and dotted glass vase used to be on the console table in the first picture. I think they look better over here on the buffet.


This three-tiered table and secretary desk are behind the sofa, which is on an angle in my living room.
  I really, really want to paint this table, but can't decide on the color.
My living room is done in moss green, beige, crimson, (as in the lamp shade you see), and a teeny bit of orange.


Do you remember this little stool from my June 10th post? It had a red velvet (i.e., ugly) cushion. I finally found some pretty material that matched my living room and recovered it.


This stool sits at the end of the hallway. 
The vintage suitcase was found at the same antique mall as the little stool, above.




An arrangement of pine cones, chinese lanterns, and a couple of Indian corns in a vintage green bowl.
I LOVE this bowl...the unique color and sculpted, pointed edges, plus the fact that it
belonged to my grandma.

Happy autumn...and happy puttering!


6 comments:

  1. It must be very difficult. But how lovely that you celebrated his life with a meal. And how pretty your house looks decked out for fall.

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  2. So sorry for your loss. It sounds like you did well for the day. Sometimes moping is a good thing and certainly understandable. Your Fall decor looks great. Hope your day is beautiful. Tammy

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  3. I think you did the right thing in honoring Phil by cooking a lovely meal of comfort food. It doesn't seem like its been 2 years. You all are in my prayers.

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  4. Dear Melanie, This must be an especially tough week. We have talked about this, and you know I think you are amazing and brave and strong. I hope that talking about it and getting the support of your friends helps in some small way. I have never experienced a loss like this, and my heart just breaks for you. I hope that you will continue to find ways to celebrate the life he had. Cooking a meal you know he would have liked... I think that is a sweet thing for you to do in Phil's memory, and for Brian and Tim. And I hope you will continue to find joy in your decorating and reading and your kitty cats. Phil would want you to be happy. Sending you hugs.

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  5. My hand in yours...

    P.S. you added some lovely touches of Autumn.Sending big hugs and sincere wishes for a weekend filled with joy, Katherine

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  6. I'm sure your heart will always ached for Phil. Your dinner looks so good, I love pot roast so I know I'd love those short ribs. Mmmmmm.

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