Friday, January 18, 2013

Time for a Reintroduction?


It has been three years since I started this blog.
My opening post was a bit about myself.
When I learned about my friend Vicki's
I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
It seemed like a naturally good time for 
some reintroductions.
Besides which, I wonder how many people
who read my blog today,
read it at the beginning?


Eight years ago, as my 30 year marriage
came to an end,
and my daughter Kate
would soon be going away to college,
my sister Nancy and I decided to
pool our resources and buy a house together.
I was ready for a change and needed to downsize.
We found our "Buttermilk Cottage"
in a nearly 100 year old bungalow.
It was "almost" perfect.
There was plenty of space upstairs
for Nancy to have an apartment
and I only needed to add a
bathroom and office/sewing room
to the downstairs for me.


Our first order of business was getting
Nancy's space ready for her.
I was committed to staying put for a while
while Kate completed her final
year of high school.
Besides some cosmetic changes,
we only needed to add a small
efficiency kitchen upstairs.
Nancy is not a cook,
but we both saw the merit 
in having both the upstairs and downstairs
as self contained units.
She moved in within a few months
of our purchasing the house.

I spent the next year making the 
necessary downstairs additions,
remodeling the kitchen,
stripping wallpaper, painting,
sewing window treatments
and generally throwing myself into
what was for me,
a huge project.
It was the most empowering 
time of my life.
Who knew I could buy a house,
plan and then manage
a successful renovation???


The house was all ready for me to move into
when we returned from Kate's
graduation cruise/celebration. 
Since then, the time seems to have flown away.
Kate has graduated college,
moved to New York City
where she still lives and works as
an editorial assistant.


Nancy and I still share and love the house.
We DO tell people what has made
it work so successfully for us is that
she has her space and I have mine.
One of her big passions is gardening,
which I must admit is not my forte.
She has developed the garden here into
such a showplace that we have been
included in the last three
neighborhood garden tours.
You can read about the garden
at her blog.


I spend my time with my two big passions,
yarn(knitting) and fabric(sewing).
I also spend my time 
cooking, reading, decorating,
managing the dogs, Daisy and Chaos,
 and blogging.
These are some of the things 
you'll read about when 
you visit Buttermilk Cottage.
Which I hope you'll do often.

In the spirit of celebrating Vicki's blog party,
along with many of the other participants,
I'm going to have a give-away on February 1.
All you need do is leave me a message
that you visited this post,
making sure I have a link back to you
so I can let you know if you win!
The winner will receive one of my handy little
"Tag Along" Bags,
similar to the one pictured.
I have several different fabric choices
and you'll select the one you want.
So leave a comment 
and then go party with
some more of Vicki's guests.

50 comments:

Annabelle said...

I have loved reading about you and seeing your lovely home and garden.
My blog is also about my life and home and garden aand travels, interspersed with crafts and cooking but does not give personal details about my family nor identify my home. I shall have to rethink this reticence after seeing how wonderful your details are and just how much it helps to 'know' you and anxious to follow you to know more. Thanks for a lovely post. x

Deborah Hamilton said...

Hi, I am visiting from http://squaregrannie.blogspot.com Please drop in and visit my blog, too.

joanne said...

What an interesting story. I wonder how many people go back and read our first blog entries...not many I would imagine. Your 'cottage' is beautiful land I just love visiting here and your sis's place.

Elizabeth Johnson said...

I love the story of your house. It is wonderful. Love the porch and the flowers! I imagine it is an inspiring place for you to create.

Gill said...

What a great hop this is - so many new friends to 'meet'
I loved hearing about your lovely house and seeing your beautiful flowers - thank you!

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

Love your bungalow! Looking forward to seeing more of it!

Sue
xo

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

I'm visiting from 2 Bags Full and I have to say how happy I am that you have moved on in a positive manner after such a long marriage. Both you and your sister having your own space was a good idea. Buttermilk Cottage is a lovely looking house.
The little bags you make are sweet, please enter my name.

Dewena said...

It is terrific to find two sisters who have made house-sharing work! And so many perks to this. I enjoyed hearing about the beginning of Buttermilk Cottage because I just discovered you yesterday and loved your kitchen and your cooking rules. The colors of these luscious yarns over to the side make me want to stroke them! Looking forward to more of Buttermilk Cottage.

Dewena
Across the Way

Balisha said...

it sounds like a perfect combination. So glad it works out for you. I read both of your blogs and always enjoy the ones about your sales in the house, as I did the same thing years ago. I'm in my middle 70's now and things have changed, but my love for gardens and crafts never will.
Balisha

Patrice said...

I am visiting from Vicki's. Hello! I am now a follower, since I enjoyed your blog. I think it's wonderful how you and your sister made things work. I also like what you are doing for your business. I invite you to visit my blog www.everydayruralty.com
Please leave a comment and say hello.

Blondie's Journal said...

Since I just started following you a few months ago, it was really a treat to hear your story from the start. I think it's wonderful that you and your sister enjoy that gorgeous house together, yet with privacy. What a win/win! The garden is just beautiful, you are both so creative. Your daughter is very pretty, too, and it sounds like she is happy and successful.

I really enjoyed this post and look forward to my visits! :)

XO,
Jane

Unknown said...

My favorite thing is your red kitchen walls! I've enjoyed reading about your adventures over the past several years!

Deborah said...

What a delightful blog! I'm looking forward to your future posts!

The Sage Butterfly said...

That is a very inspiring story, and I am so glad it has a happy ending. You were very brave to do what you did, and it seems to have made you both very happy. It is very nice to meet you through the Grow Your Blog party.

Anonymous said...

What a powerful story! You did it! The sisterhood is of you my new blog-land friend! It's always interesting to find out the things we can do when we have to!
Well, I will be back for more nosing around your blog but for now I'm off on Viki's party. I am your newest follower by the way...
Hugs,
Beth P

EvalinaMaria said...

You have a lovely blog, thank you for sharing. I am a new follower and 'Grow Your Blog' participant. Have fun at the party!

Evalina, This and that...

Di@Cottage-Wishes said...

I enjoyed getting to know you. Buttermilk cottage looks beautiful. I would love a chance to win your giveaway! Di@Cottage-wishes

Sea Witch said...

Loved your post. We have much in common, I ended a marriage of nearly 30 years in 2003. I am extremely cloe to my sister and we live 4 houses away on the same street called "Sisters Court." My passions include sewing and knitting...especially knitting. YOur cottage has a delightful charming name...Buttermilk Cottage, it just sounds like home. So glad I found you via the Grow Your Own Blog Party.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

going to look around more on your blog. so nice to meet you. please enter me into your giveaway. thanks. take care. please drop by my blog some time soon. take care. ( :

Shane Pollard said...

You have done so well - we just don't know what we can do until we are thrown into a situation- speaking as one woman to another I'm so proud of you.

You've created a beautiful home which is a real credit to you.

Your Kate looks such a beautiful girl and successfully living in a big city.
My daughter and my granddaughters are my greatest joy!

I'm following you now and I hope you'll pop over and see me and maybe you will follow me too!

Enjoy the party
hugs
Shane ♥

kathyinozarks said...

good morning, I am visiting from the blog party-I enjoyed reading about you, I am now retired and living in rural missouri-I enjoy lots of crafts, so my blog is about my life's doings-and all my crafts and share recipes too Kathy

Monica said...

I'm glad I found your blog through GYB party. It is very charming.
Monica
thehooplessstitcher.blogspot.com

Jocelyn said...

What a great way to share a home. So glad that you were able to work this out with your sister.


Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Kathy H said...

Your cottage looks beautiful and just right for the 2 of you. Looking forward to reading your blog.

Tammy said...

I love your cottage and the name you gave it! Your post was fun to read, and I look forward to more! Thanks for sharing!

Lelia said...

I am a new visitor to your blog. How lovely are your photos! thx for sharing. And your bag is awesome! what a nice giveaway ; )

hueisei said...

I am your newest follower :D
Beautiful blog and I love your lovely giveaway...
I am looking forward to more inspiration posts from you :D

Remembrances said...

What an inspiring story! I plan to get back to blogging soon and this has been the jump start I need. Keep up the good work.

Kadee Willow said...

Making my way down the list of bloggers for the party, I have landed on yours. I love, love, love your story! That bungalow is so charming and the fact that you and your sister have converted it into two living spaces is just amazing! I plan on reading more about you in your other posts. And if you have a chance, I would love to have you visit mine!! Your newest follower.... ME! xo

LesleyAnn said...

I've read your blog for a while but didn't start at the beginning. I love it. It's so wonderful you and your sister can share a home and still have your own places.

I adore the bag. Please enter my name in your drawing.

Bernadett said...

Hello,

Nice to meet you in this party.:)

There is a giveaway on my blog,too.

http://petite-armoire.blogspot.com/
betikarauski@gmail.com

All the best.:)
Bernadett

Bernadett said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bernadett said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carolyn ♥ said...

Lovely blog... but those cone flowers with the turquoise bench stole my heart. Beautiful! So nice to "meet" you!

❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁ said...

I knew you and your sister were sharing a home but didn't know the reason behind it. How wonderful that the two of you are able to pool your resources and yet have your own space. I think that's wonderful.
I enjoy reading your blog and love your house as well! I would love a chance to win one of your bags :)

kareninkenai said...

What a beautiful blog, Susan... I am so looking forward to reading more and getting to know you. The bag is beautiful and what a lovely gift. Hugs from Alaska. Karen
(www.alaskabluemoose.blogspot.com) or (www.karendorcas.com)

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

This has been such a great way to get to know some more bloggers! I love making small bags and that's what I carry, too! It's fun, isn't it?

Retired Knitter said...

Ahh, a fellow knitter. I also love the look of your cottage. I am now a follower! And that take-along bag looks wonderful. I would love a chance to win it.

I am also making my give-away. I am hand weaving a scarf. The weaving has begun and I am blogging it about it during this give away period.

Hope you will stop by for a visit.

Elaine
RetiredKnitter@gmail.com
http://mynext20yearsofliving.blogspot.com

Denise Bryant said...

What a lovely cottage! I found your blog through the GYB hop! Love the tag along bag and would be delighted to win one! Thanks for the opportunity!
DeniseB
deniseb777ATgmailDOTcom

sandy said...

Thanks for sharing your story and your home here. I'm visiting from GYB party. I love your Buttermilk Cottage house.It's lovely! I would love to win the little bag!
Sandy @ Hob Nobbers

Patty said...

What a nice situation you are in with your sister. I love your cottage and can't wait to get to know you better!

Thistle Cove Farm said...

What a delightful cottage; it's lovely and so glad you and your sister have found happiness there. Your next post is just as fine, love the kitchen and think the washer dryer looks wonderful, tucked into the corner.
Like you, I almost always have pesto in the freezer; it's a little more difficult as spring wears into summer.
Visiting via Vicki's GYB Party and enjoying your blog.

Marrianna said...

I've been enjoying reading about Buttermilk Cottage history and think it's delightful. I don't have a sister that I could do this with but it makes me wish I wasn't an only child (ok, I've wished that most of my life). I love your kitchen. WOW is the best I can do. I found you via Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party and am glad I did. I hope you will visit my blog and say hello.

Marrianna
Email: marrianna65@gmail.com
www.reddancerstudio.com

KarenB said...

I'm happy to have found you on the GYB party. Looks to me like you and your sister have a great set up. I'll definitely be back for another visit.

Karen

Patty H. said...

What a beautiful blog! And I love your little cottage! I found you blog thru a google for knitting bags. I'm glad I found you.
Patty H.

yaya said...

Beautiful blog and what a great home you have! Love the name and your creations are lovely. I'm enjoying visiting many blogs and getting some great ideas and meeting new blog friends. Enjoy the party!

mitz said...

...i luved ** tagging ** along and reading your blog.. and such wonderful blog candy.. thanksss mitz_zee@yahoodotcom

mybearsnme said...

what a cute blog you have - so interesting! nice purse too :)
I found you through the blog party - if you need a giggle - come and visit me at
http://leftoverchocolatestitches.blogspot.ca/
:)

Quinn said...

I have always wished for a sister, and now even more so! You and your sister, by working together, have made a lovely home and garden!

Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party has been such a nice opportunity to find new blogs to read...I have a giveaway also, if you'd care to visit me at: http://comptonia.blogspot.com/2013/01/and-giveaway.html

Linda said...

Just found your blog thru the party and would love to be entered in your giveaway.

Linda
http://www.bengalcatlover10.blogspot.com/
bengalcatlover10@yahoo.com

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