Thursday, April 26, 2012

April 15, 2012--Transition Assistance


Right about now (I am writing this after the second night of frost), I’m guessing I’ve got a few of you out there shaking your fists in the general direction of downtown Clarksville saying, “I hope you’re happy, Paige!” 
My response, “Yup.”
I am happy.  I just needed a little reprieve from the high temperatures . . . I’ve had it and now I’m ready to move forward.  I do apologize to Stacy for the wasp sting (reference her column last week) I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, least of all my editor.
The cool weather allowed me to do a few things that would have otherwise been a little more difficult.  Number one was I was able to keep the plants alive. 
About two weeks ago we put some plants in the ground, along with our wine bottle garden (more on that later).  Darren was very concerned that, with my busy schedule, I wouldn’t have time for watering the new plants.  I did, I kept them alive for a whole week; the cool weather came and helped me out this past week.  I watered, but it wasn’t a life or death situation for them.

Number two, I was able to climb in the display windows at the shop and do some much needed updating.  Those windows are not climate controlled and they get pretty warm—especially on those sunny days, so I was already dreading the hours I would spend in there making the necessary changes. 

With the drop in temperature I was inspired to get started; to bring a lighter, springy look to my shop windows.  The natural thoughts with the season tend to lean toward pastels and lots of green, but I tossed around a few ideas, moved some stuff in-and-out of the window and settled on whites for now.  That way, when I want to do a patriotic theme for Memorial Day of Fourth of July, I can just spruce it up with the addition of some reds and blues.  I’ll likely add some aqua and a boating theme for the June—in honor of the anticipated opening of the marina.

Of course, all of this window movement started out of necessity.  I sold a large mantel which was an integral part of the display, so the whole display has to be moved to get the mantel out.  I replaced the mantel with another one—which I painted in tones of taupe and grey—then started adding the decorations for the mantel.  Thinking garden wedding theme, I went with whites and a table setting for a casual wedding buffet.   
I told you all of that, to tell you this—your inspiration can come from anywhere AND when it’s time to move or make a change, it doesn’t have to be complete.  Just add and subtract.  I left the table and several items we had been using in the window (the iron lantern, the trellis and lavender topiaries), but with the addition of white dishes and a “just married” banner we have instant wedding.  Don’t be daunted by your decorating projects—think to what’s ahead and plan accordingly.  With this change, I’ve prepped the window for displays to get us through the entire summer.
Thanks for taking a look.

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