A Tweak Here, A Tweak There...

You have all been so, so sweet to me about Rabbit Run Cottage. Not perfect

but perfect for me...for us. You also encouraged me to share more pictures of our little spot in the world. So, like it or not, here goes!

Last week I found a tray that was just right for my dining room. I had one there for 6 years but it was not the vintage tole painted one I so desired. I have looked often, and in many places, but the right one popped up on Ebay last week. I put in my bid...a low one at that..and was shocked when I won! That almost never happens! It arrived yesterday and

I could not wait to hang it. I just LOVE it!

As always, each photo can be made larger by clicking on it...

Then, at Tuesday Morning last week, I uncovered two sweet little

oil paintings. Here are the rabbits... Here are the roosters... This is a shot of my hutch's top. A vignette of beloved items... The figures and red box were brought home from our trip to China. The tea pots were all gifts from friends. The oil painting was from Kirkland's 7 years ago and was the first rabbit item I purchased solely for Rabbit Run Cottage! I would love to introduce you to Harvey Norbert Burns. He was a birthday gift from my husband and son. I found him in a shop while out for the day with two of my dearest friends. They loved him and helped name him so that makes him REALLY special to me! Oh, and I am aware that Norbie dresses a bit flamboyantly... it is just his style! He has quite the dramatic and artistic flair don'tcha know!

This is the top of our china cabinet. The lovely Royal Doulton figures were a gift from someone I hold very dear to my heart.

The lamp was a fun find and always makes me think of my sweet blog friend, Andi, and her dog Bully! The picture is our Daniel, his HS Senior photo, and it makes me happy to see it there.

So, there you have it. a few of my dining room trinkets...

I hope your week is going well and that you have nothing but happy thoughts.

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Aha!

Edited: Hello everyone and thank you for your sweet comments. Lilly asked about paint color. This is Laura Ashley #5 purchased at Lowes. The chandy was a closeout from Lowes as well, purchased last year. The shades and cord cover came from Hobby Lobby. The rabbit tray (Just as wonderful as you think it is!) came from our own Penny at Lavender Hill Studio! ````` Hey there dear friends! Our Pamela over at "The Dust Will Wait" is the only one that caught my *deliberately* misspelled word!! Or, perhaps you thought it was truly a faux pas on my part? I mentioned that the dining room re do was achieved with "2 cans of pain" and I meant that literally!! The results are well worth it (which I can say now that it is over!) but using that deep burgundy in a satin finish was...was...well, let us just say it was not Heaven. Ahem. Nope. And even after using a tinted primer, covering up that rich navy blue was torture. What? You are asking if we are experienced painters?? (Okay, so pretend you asked that.) Hmm...what gave us away huh? That answer would be a resounding "NO, oh NO, Help us NO Stop us if we attempt to paint again NO " but it does look oh so gosh danged purty. Then there was the putting everything back where it belongs but only after weeding out and cleaning and polishing and, well, you get the idea. But it is done and my Billy did good. He was the one on the ladder painting around the crown moulding which, contrary to all the rumors, is not really a laugh inducing activity! Especially since he is married to this chubby blond who would drive him batty if there were burgundy paint anywhere on the white moulding. Can you imagine? She really is a battle ax I am telling you. Thank you for your very dear and generous comments about the room. Several of you asked if I put the pictures up in my files at HGTV's Rate My Space and that would be a yes. Yes with a cute little asterisk. Yes, but I was almost sorry I did. I was initially bombarded with bad ratings but hey. I know how many users there are. I have seen the ugly comments left for others so I am grateful not to have received many of those. Just a few *very average* and *Ehhh* ratings. Like it or not, *I* love my room re-do and phooey to those who do not. Hmpf. My home is not grand and will never cause anyone to lose consciousness from design delight (and we all know how painful that can be) but I think it is pretty swell. I will never be asked to host an HGTV show but heck. I know how to do a room on a budget, create a home from many a blank, dingy canvas (Just ask any military wife!) and do it all while belting out Broadway show tunes. When was the last time you heard Clive Pearse or Donna Freeman singing "Annie Get Your Gun"? Any takers? Hm? I thought so. And speaking of New York, and when am I NOT speaking of New York, thank you for providing me with some comfort as I grieved the fact I would not be at The New York Public Library last Monday for the Irish writer and theatrical producer Josephine Hart's poetry evening which was here in the United States for the first time. One Mr. Brian Dennehy was there to read and I was, quite sadly, not. *sniff* I am still suffering but I will put on my brave face. Brian would expect that. I have posted a photo from the library's web spaces that was taken Monday evening. Now, I have no idea who this Susie Q he is reading about could be but we all know it can NOT be moi. Poor Brian had to endure the night without me at his side but I am glad to see he persevered. Heck, he even wore a tie! I am really impressed!

Love and Hugs, Susie Q

Spring Re-Do

I am still looking for the right thing for this wall (above). I am doing my *shopping* inside my own cottage! I will find it, eventually!

A girl gets bored sometimes right? A little change of scenery does the trick even if that scenery change takes place entirely in her dining room! 2 cans of pain, new curtains and a re-arrange of special treasures made a big difference. I like it...until the next time I need a change! I want to thank Penny for inspiring me. I have seen photos of her beautiful home and loved the burgundy walls in a few spaces. I also purchased the ever so sweet rabbit tray from her shop! Thank you Penny! And thanks to Kathy as well. It was 2 of her precious hearts that helped make my decision! Her works are so dear! I hope you are all well. I am still catching up here and yes. I do have many other photos to share. I promise to have them up soon. I am visiting each of you as I can and do try to leave a comment or two! Please know how much each of you means to me. You are all blessings in my life.

Love and Hugs, Susie Q