Tuesday, July 14, 2009

‘Stuff’ Differences

Disclaimer:  This post is NOT about anyone I know in my world, the blogging world, the great Hereafter, or otherwise.

     In terms of decorating, my mother used to caution me about not __________  your house. (At this point, fill in the blank with a person’s name, real or imagined, who brings to mind a layered on thick style of decorating that may or may not include neon beer signs or other startling but stunning objets d’ arte- which in South Texas translates to Stuff).

It works like this:

My mother: “Laura Ellen, don’t Jane Doe (the name has been changed to protect the imaginary) your house. "

     My mother used a pseudonym for an actual person ,who owned a small store down the road from the ranch where we lived, who really did hang neon signs in her living room. This was all said with great affection and respect for the diverse world of personal decor. I guess it was my mother’s way of saying less is more.

Here’s what I say today to Jane Doe.

You Go Girl!” “Plug ‘em in!”

     Living 45 miles from town on an isolated ranch, without benefit of HGTV at which to shout things like,

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING! HOW DID SHE GET ON TV?”

my mother truly developed her style and flair from raw , natural talent.  Her sewing machine never stopped.

     She understood the rationale that of course a girl of 13  (me) who lived so far from town- and a small one at that- who couldn’t even get KTSA on the radio-with no local phone calling (only long distance)- would need a lavender bedroom with lavender carpet in which to live out fantasies, and ‘he said’/’ she said’, and hurts and dreams and hours of record playing (when I was not pretending I was a drum majorette , out in the yard ,blowing a whistle and bossing people around).

     I am so glad I learned at her knee, or better yet, by sitting in the passenger seat of her car. I am so glad that she taught me to appreciate and honor it ALL in home decor- electrified or not.

    

14 comments:

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

I love this! And can so relate! So many styles out there to suit so many different personalities!

Lou Cinda :)

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Here, here, Laura...Me too!!! Bring it on.. My motto is..." You go it, I wanna see it!!! If it's worth doing, do it with all your might!...xoxo~Kathy@ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

True words. Decorating is a personal style and like other things in life, if it makes you happy who cares about a little neon sign here and there.

Unknown said...

That is so funny! I think I just came up with a new saying. "You know....her house was electrified!" Meaning the obvious! And you are so right. If everyone loved the same things I did....I'd never find any of those goodies on big trash day to haul home!

Lee said...

Hmmmm ... your momma was something else. I like life spunky,especially my decor. Follow the rules then break one or two, keeps it from being stuffy.

blushing rose said...

Chuckle ... so true. Great story. TTFN ~Marydon

Blondie's Journal said...

This is just great, Laura!! As I like to say, "Bring it on!!"

You know, there were days early in my mariage where there were no (gasp here) decorating shows (that I knew of) and magazines had ideas so out of my realm. It was like being 45 miles out of town. That's when the imagination likes to roam! So when I see something on HGTV, sometimes I shout, "I already knew that!!"

Thanks for the uplift! :-)

xoxo
Jane

trash talk said...

Electrifying post! I love to say that if you love it, I love it for you! If we all wanted the same thing how boring would life be?
I think "style" is just an extension of one's personality. Now granted, some people's taste is all in their mouth, but that's OK too!
I loved this one...keep 'em coming.
Debbie

Sandra said...

Great Post!! Your blog is so great!! xoxo

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

I totally agree!!! I am sooo tired of all the designers who think they have all of the answers!!! We are talking about HOME...it should reflect the individual style of the owner...not some cookie cutter formula dictated to us by so-called experts!!!

Wonderful post!!!

Enjoy!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Designs on 47th Street said...

Laura (Ellen) :) this post really made me smile. You and your mother speak the truth. With my line of work I have been in many a home and yes, we all decorate a little and sometimes a lot different. That's what makes the world go 'round.

Thanks for the grin.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Great post! It is your home - decorate the way you want to, You are the one living there, not the designers who try to dictate what is right and wrong. Lets all cheer for spray paint redos, silk plants & flowers, bargains at HL, etc., etc., etc. Ok- I will get off my soap box for now. I have seen some stuff out there that is pretty bad - but that is "My" opinion. :-D

Dixie said...

as the years have gone by, my own personal style has changed and evolved... problem is... now I can't figure out what I like the best... and I have to incorporate the "man in my life" into my style.. there are times when, i am sure... i'd have been "jane doe"... i love so many different styles... i just call my style "eclectic" and that pretty much covers anything! happy, hot... week! hugs. Dixie

Lana said...

Wow! Loved your blog...I bet I have seen you at Ross. :)

Blessings to you!

 

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