Merlin’s Newest, Newest New Spot

Now that the kitchen is finished, I spent some time this weekend rearranging things a bit. Nothing major – just some tweaks to how I’d decorated, because it’s always nice to change things up and make things fresh, right?

Well, Merlin must agree, because he found a new spot (yes, another one), and I’d say he fits right in, wouldn’t you?

Yes, he’s quite the showpiece.

Alas, I evicted him shortly after taking the picture, and he had to find another comfy nook to look handsome in. But he managed. As cats do.

Figured we could all use a smile on this Monday morning, and Merlin always obliges, doesn’t he? 😊

Upstairs bathroom renovation starts this week. Short story hopefully on Friday. Happy creating, y’all!

Merlin’s Monday Reminder

When you’re anxious, when you’re busy, when life just feels a little overwhelming…

Smile. Laugh. Be positive. Because mindset is a powerful thing.

(Short story up in Wednesday, so come back and visit! Wishing everyone a good week of creating and being awesome.)

Progress is progress!

Alas, work on our kitchen has yet to begin, but we did order our new appliances, and they look so good! We went ahead and installed the refrigerator, since ours was broken, and y’all…

…I love it so much. It’s bright and fun, and I think it’s going to look perfect in the space. We also got a new, retro-style microwave, because why not?

I’m getting sort of antsy knowing that the work hasn’t started, and we’ve still got our upstairs bathroom to finish, and Baby Girl will be here in about 16 weeks. But whatever happens, I know it will be fine. And when I do get anxious (which is a lot), Merlin reminds me to slow down.

Cats, y’all.

Our basement bathroom is also (finally) finished, so I’ll post some pictures of it soon. In the meantime, I will repeat to myself: Small steps are still steps forward. I’m grateful for progress.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Snaggle

Y’all, this cat.

As he’s getting bigger, Merlin just keeps getting cuter and cuter. Seriously, just look at that adorable snaggle fang!

And I know I haven’t posted any pictures of her in a while, but Annie’s still trucking along, as well. She’s a sweet old lady who likes to nap in the coolest spot in the house – the basement – and just doesn’t seem to enjoy getting her picture taken anymore. But she’s here, and very much loved.

What would life be, I wonder, without these animals? They give so much to us just by existing.

Found Friday #47: A Very Good Gatsby Memory

This photo popped up in my memories earlier this week.

Apparently, I took it in May of 2007. I don’t remember the when, but I do remember the why. Graham had just come home from work, and Gatsby immediately curled up right beside him as soon as he sat down. And stayed there. It was just such a sweet moment I felt like I had to capture it, and now, all these years later, I’m so glad I did.

I look back now – at how young Graham looked, at how much Gatsby always loved us, at how lucky it was that I had a camera nearby – and I’m grateful. I’m also reminded that we are legacies for the people (and animals) that we love. Even when they’re no longer with us, we carry them in our hearts, and so they’re never really gone, as long as we’re still here to love them and remember them. How very powerful that is.