Simple


When life becomes overwhelming I often find myself focusing on simplicity.  Now more than ever I'm drawn to it.  I found the above tin at an estate sale after all the professionals had blown through.  Of course it didn't look like this, it was covered in what appeared to be motor oil and there was just a tiny glimpse of gold.  For $2 it was worth taking a chance on.  Imagine the joy when it washed clean and this beautiful peacock was revealed.



Inside the tin was a large assortment of vintage buttons.  I had been given this beautiful old Ralph Lauren summer dress but it needed a little mending and a few buttons. I'm working on that now.




I'm finding the simplest of tasks, words and moments are the ones that are the bringing me the most joy these summer days.

xo







37 comments

  1. Thinking of you and Larry often. I'm glad you are finding some light in the simple things. xo

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  2. Beautiful tin! Can't wait to see the summer dress after the mending & buttons.
    Still sending prayers your way!
    Linda

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  3. The tin is so perfectly beautiful.

    Thinking of you and what you are living with now.

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  4. When we were dealing with cancer at our home, I, like you, just wanted normal, regular. I found this video that I have watched time and time again, "A gift of an ordinary day." A bit sad but oh, so poignant. My very best to you and your husband.

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  5. I too am glad to see you are still doing some normal/usual things. The tin is a lovely.

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  6. Oh yes, an ordinary day is such a gift. It has been a little over 2 months since my husband died of pancreatic cancer. Oh to have those ordinary days with him again, but I am on the road of creating new ordinary days. It just takes time.

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  7. Sending love and light to you both. So glad you are finding a way.

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  8. What a beautiful tin and wonderful way to store little bits. Thinking of you

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  9. I think of you both often Janet ❤️ .The tin box is such beautiful find!!

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  11. I check everyday for a new post from you. You didn't mention Larry and I'm praying he's doing well.
    Take good care of yourself too, dear Janet we all love you.💕

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  12. So glad you are finding a few moments of simplicity among the changes life has brought you. My prayers continue.

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  13. So glad to see a post from you. You inspire me so much. This weekend I am mending and painting old wicker chairs. The old me would have ran out and purchased new. But the new and improved me- who has learned through you to live a simple yet glamorous life- decided to find the joy in creating beauty on my own within my budget. I can't thank you enough for that lesson. I suspect that vintage Ralph Lauren dress will look gorgeous on you- even more so due to the love you put into mending it. My thoughts often wander to you and Larry- I am hoping and praying that he is doing well.

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  14. (((Hugs))), prayers, and Love to you both!!

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  15. Janet, finding your note this morning is far from "ordinary." Thank you for checking in with us and for sharing your joys of a new found treasure and in the ordinary. Cannot remind myself often enough of the latter. Love to you and Larry.

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  16. I check quite often to see if you have posted. I also pray for you to be given strength and peace as you go through this horrible ordeal. xo

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  17. All that matters right now is that you are together. So glad you can still find time to look for the simple and the beautiful. Much love.

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  18. I have always had a thing for old tins and this one is stunning in its simplicity and patina of age. Filled with old buttons is even better. Such a good find. Please know you and Larry are held always in my thoughts and prayers. If light can conquer, you will surely triumph during this ordeal. Wishing you both all the best this summer. Xo, Violet.

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  19. Those verses by Whitman made me cry.I wish you and Larry all the best.Efi.

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  20. What a beautiful surprise to find the tin of buttons. I love that quote by walt whitman- it's so simple and so true. Hope you can share your lovingly- mended RL dress w/us soon - so therapeutic for the soul. with much love to you and Larry, Kay

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  21. Holding you both in my thoughts Janet. xx

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  22. Oh what a wonderful find...I love vintage buttons and to be able to make use of some of them on a dress is even better...perhaps you can show it to us when you have it finished?
    Simple routines can be very soothing during stressful times..when life gets bumpy I crave simple easy days.
    Take care Janet
    XO

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  23. I used to spend hours playing with a great box of buttons... many of them vintage even then! they were beautiful. just handling them. sorting them into little piles.
    AJJ you are never far from my mind. bless you and your knight in shining armor!
    gain strength for the task of getting well. tell him how much the two of you are loved.
    XO here's to fabulously simple days!

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  24. Tears spring to my eyes, reading you.

    I collect tins but have I ever seen a one so beautiful as yours? You have the eye. That is one VERY unique tin.

    My roses haven't been doing well. I think my gardener overdid it on the aphids treatment. But I got one perfect bud and had to bring it inside; just plunked it in a clear glass/drinking glass. I have it right by the kitchen sink where I watch it slowly unfold every day. It makes me feel peaceful. So simply perfect. A perfect flower.

    Feel me sending you some of that peaceful, Janet. I think about you often.

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  25. The tin is so beautiful, but it takes the right eye to recognize potential. You obviously have that eye in many areas of your life...personal style & decorating style.

    When my husband died, I found myself one day on familiar roads, running errands & thought of how it had been when he would come out when I got home to help unload the car. At that time, my mantra became...never take for granted the gift of an ordinary day. They have much more value than big houses, cars, vacations or jewels. Just being together & dealing with the ordinary stuff of life...it's what we always remember.

    Loved the Walt Whitman quote & will put it in my bullet journal, which is quite filled with quotes. You have many praying for you & Larry...I believe it will be good again for you both. Godspeed.

    Anita ~ the cabin on the creek
    ...all is grace!

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    1. Anonymous- you are so right and your comment brought tears to my eyes. Your post reminded me of when I would pull in the garage my husband would always open the entrance to the house that attached to the garage so I would not have to. The simplest kindest acts are the best.

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  26. I have that TIN TOO!
    WOULD YOU LIKE TWO for MORE BUTTONS........will send to YOU!
    All we both need now is a REAL PEACOCK to GRACE OUR GARDENS!!!!!!!
    XO

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  27. There will be JOY again…thinking of you...

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  28. Sending you peace, love, and strength . . .

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  29. Yes. I agree with Walt Whitman and you. After each of three heart-wrenching periods in my 62 year old life, I realised that love / togetherness is all we have and that nothing much else has any real importance. I cringe now when I think of my old self - caring about, and attached to, utter banal rubbish. I gave away or sold most of the stuff I had acquired to focus on the essential. Through these trials and tribulations, we grow, they say. Sending all love and luck to you, Janet and Larry.

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  30. Absolutely beautiful...and the vintage buttons! Little treasures that can bring so much beauty.
    I love reading and rereading through your blog.
    I thought of your Larry today and his Father's Day. Praying for him today and your family often..

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  31. Peacock symbolism: Vision, Royalty, Spirituality, Awakening, Guidance, Protection, & Watchfulness
    You’ve been sent a message. I used to feel sorry for people that entered into vocations that require giving up worldly possessions. I see now their sense of priorities were in order much before mine, even though compared to most my life has been pretty simple. Peace to you and Larry. Think of you so often and say prayers daily for you both.
    Best,
    Kathy Instagram

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  32. Praying for you two today.

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  33. Janet,
    I love this post so much! You and Larry are always in my thoughts!
    xo
    Annie

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  34. I love Kathy of instagrams comment!

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  35. I think of you often with warm and loving thoughts and prayers for you and your husband. Thank you for posting your beautiful tin.

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  36. Just here to add to the love and good wishes heading your and Larry's way.

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kindness is never out of style.

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