Hello my wonderful friends! We’ve been in Navasota for a bit to accomplish some much needed work around here. The Mister does his thing outside and I’m in charge of the inside and the porches. We’ve been busy! I put away the pink springy decor and collected the patriotic decor for a Summer bedroom refresh. I could go crazy with the red, white and blues but in passing the other day, the Mister said he didn’t like over-the-top patriotic decor. After all these years together, he says he likes subtle. Even though I made one bulgy eye and for a split second thought his statement was un-American, I gave him subtle since obviously the man rarely has an opinion on decor.
A Summer Bedroom Refresh
After his statement, I started thinking back to all the other times I used patriotic decor. There was this time and this time and this time and okay this time too but I don’t think any of them were overstated. Hmmm. I wonder if after his statement I’ll decorate more subtly? Doubt it. However, when I decorate this old house I do have a sense of responsibility. Albeit a small one, it’s still there. Maybe because it was important to the Mister’s mom and then her mom and then her grandmother before that or it could be it’s important to him. Either way, I try to keep it “alive”. The Mister’s parents didn’t decorate. They cared more about family, fun with the grands and relaxation. But in order for me to relax or have fun, I need it to be decorated, organized and clutter free. But that’s just me.
A white Matelasse coverlet is typical for us. It’s light weight and easy to clean. Even though the bed is only a queen size, I use a king size coverlet because the old bed is so dang high (over-my-waist high). You should see me trying to get in bed. If the Mister isn’t already in bed and can’t give me a hand to hold, I have to throw one leg over while holding on to the back of the mattress to pull myself up. My face gets buried in the pillow until I can roll over and situate myself. I’ve been told it’s quite something to watch.
Despite all that. I still like the bed and bedroom. When I was transforming the space I realized I’ve been so bored. Have ya’ll? I am seriously ready to look at a new set of walls. But since that’s not happening quite yet, moving some furniture is the next best thing. I moved the hutch I used as my desk into the dining room and put back the tall vintage chest of drawers. The giant trunk that sat in front of the windows got moved to the mudroom. And we need a place to sit so the bed bench was a good choice. I love each piece with all of it’s chippiness. Seems like we have more room. Even the Mister commented on how much larger it feels. Say whaaat? He’s on a roll!
The framed patriotic decor pieces were made back in the 1950’s in honor of the Mister’s grandfather who died at the Battle of the Bulge in WW2. I take good care of it because I know the importance of remembering family members who gave up their lives for our country and freedoms. Then there’s that whole responsibility thing again. Honestly, sometimes I feel undeserving of the task at hand. The undertaking of caring for this almost 100 year old home is an honor (most days) but I wonder if I’m doing the right things.
I add things like the bed bench we made from a vintage bed we found for $40. Plus the antique baby bed and quilts, old frames, fabulous boxes and pieces of found tin, etc. The big question is, would my mother-in-law like it? Probably not. Would she think I spend too much time on the baubles and pretties? I think so. But it’s our turn now to make memories here while telling the new generations how things were and to be grateful for what they have.
Besides this summer bedroom refresh, we’ve done a TON of work to this place making things more convenient. Surely the 3 ladies would love having a dishwasher and the automatic gate in the front – right? I know I do. I know the Mister’s mom would hate the open shelving in the kitchen and the fact I got rid of all 4 recliners! LOL. But oh well, I’d just have to say times are a changin’! Then I’d mention this place is now a retreat for us and for the guests that join us. Glad she doesn’t know about the grand plans we’ve drawn out for the future! Hahahahahaha!
Looks amazing!! And, I’m completely loving that bench! It is soooo cute!
Author
Thanks Emily but I could use some more red, white and blue but I’ll stick to making the Mister happy – this year. LOL! The bench was easy to make. Try it!
Hi Cindy,
I have to tell you, I was laughing about the getting in the bed story. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.
You’re right it’s your turn with this home. You’ve created a beautiful summer bedroom.
We always honor our veterans. My FIL, who passed years ago fought in WWII and Korea.
Enjoy!
Cindy
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Well I’m glad you could get a good laugh out of my misery Cindy. Just kidding. When I picture myself, I laugh too. 😉 Hope you have a happy Memorial Day!
My Army vet husband doesn’t like much patriotic decor either, so it’s not just yours.
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I wonder why that is? Did he give you a reason why? Please tell your husband he is appreciated! Thank you Margaret for the visit today and comment – that’s appreciated too!
Thank you and I will. He’s very particular about the Flag code and honoring that as written, so I think that has something to do with it.
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Oh! I totally understand that now. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I had to laugh about the bed because mine is the same. I use a footstool beside the bed as an assist. And when we travel to Chattanooga and stay in our favorite room at the Bluff View Inn I take the footstool along because that bed is higher than the one at home. When we first stayed there I thought I would have to make a running start and leap onto the bed. Not an easy feat when you’re in your seventies. 😉
The framed flag is a great way to honor our veterans. Do you know the history of the flag itself?
Sheila
Author
Hahahaha Sheila! I’ve thought about the running start as well but this is a super old bed and I’m afraid it would crash to the floor. I need a stool for sure and te hunt for one has been disappointing. I want just the right one. As for the flag, no, I don’t know the history. I’ll ask the last person alive that might know and see what I can find out. Fingers crossed she has a good memory! Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day.
Hopefully she will remember – it will make a good blog post.
Rats! I think when I tried to unsubscribe from comments I unsubscribed from newsletters. Trying to fix it now.
Loved seeing your decor; I thought it was nicely understated. I loved the framed flag and eagle embroidery the best. I don’t have a lot of patriotic decor but I get it out now and leave it through July 4th. Then I tend to go for sunflowers/late summer stuff. My favorite equivalent to your flag is my WWI grandfather’s framed promotion papers! Happy Memorial Day!
Author
Oh my soul, promotion papers would be fabulous! How unique and so special! I do the same with the summer decor. Usually around the beginning of August I have to start transitioning to fall (I know that’s early) so I use sunflowers. I think they’re perfect. Glad you could visit today. Happy Memorial Day Kathy!
What you put in the farmhouse to decorate is just fine, at least you keep it clean and enjoy it and surely that’s enough. What my sons do with my home and positions i don’t care, cause i’m going to be in heaven with my Saviour. I love your bedroom, get you a little stool, i had to, have a wonderful Memorial Day.
Author
I feel the same way Marlene. I’ll be in Heaven and will not care a hoot what the kids do with any of what is left here in earth. I can guarantee though, only one of the three will keep it clean. LOL! You and I can praise Him together. And yes, I need a stool. No luck so far in finding one. 😉
Such a lovely room, Cindy! I love the bed bench and the embroidery piece and flag on the shelf especially…a wonderful space!
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Thanks bunches Linda. I appreciate that. My middle daughter (22 yrs old) doesn’t like the vintage magazine basket hanging under the shelf. I just have to look at her and wonder if I birthed her. You’d think by now she’d get me or understand that I do what I like whether or not it looks “weird”. And so far, I’ve really liked walking through the door and feeling like there’s so much more room. Happy Memorial Day!
Your RW&B decor is very tastefully done. How tall are you!?@#? If the bed comes up to your waist, you should have room under it for a little step stool! I recovered one for my bedroom and love it for reaching high places and cleaning. Have a safe and fun Memorial weekend. (and grab all the folded over chips before anyone else can grab them!!)
Author
😂 When I started reading your comment and obviously before I finished the sentence, I thought you were going to say -you should have room under the bed to sleep! 😂 I’m only 5’2”. 🙄 and still on the look out for a stool. I know it will be so handy if I find one I like. And I totally love the folded chips! Have a great weekend Cecilia.
Happy Memorial Day, Cindy and The Mister!! <3
I love how you've subtly decorated your bedroom there at the farmhouse. <3 We have a 48-star flag that if I were home I would proudly display; I'll have to bring it out for 4th of July. It came from Charles' uncle and from sometime around WWII. I am sorry that your husband's grandfather died at the Battle of the Bulge, in the Ardennes forest, Belgium. I have watched almost every military movie made over the years and I was honored to see Saving Private Ryan alone in a theater back when it first came out. If that "realism" is anything close to reality, the horrors our ancestors experienced…
I imagine your family would be honored that you've kept their traditions alive and that you love and treasure those small patriotic items that they have passed down to you. And every family puts their mark on a home, and that should be okay. <3
Enjoy your Memorial Day,
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
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Thank you Barbara. I haven’t seen as many war movies as the Mister because they are just to horrifying. I prefer the Hallmark channel. You know, where it’s reality! LOL! Saving Private Ryan was terrible. Not the movie but the realism. I hope the generations coming up realize the sacrifices made for all of us but I don’t think they will. It’s up to us to tell them. Just like it is to keep telling the new generations about Christ. It will be cool to see your 48 star flag soon! Happy Memorial Day!
Your bedroom looks amazing. I am like everyone else about your story on getting into bed. Cindy you are a hoot!
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LOL Terrie. I’m just glad the Mister has never made a video of it! :0
Hi! Do you happen to remember where that American flag print is from?
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I’m sorry, it’s not a print but the real deal. My husbands grandmother had it as a child back in the early 1900’s (probably 1920’s) and they framed it about 50 years ago. Wish I had another. Thank you for the visit Jackie!