I might like my couch.

Perhaps it was the yellow inspiration of the last post, I don't know.  
But after combining a forsythia branch, a pear, along with  a new paint 
color and some touches of black, I almost like my couch.  

I had sworn it'd be a long time before I returned to taupes and beiges.  
I think because, in a way, it represented my old life...dysfunctional marriage, 
dysfunctional church, and my prolonged denial of the two.  And, not to mention, 
the good stuff I lost, too.  But, I found that with every brush stroke, I couldn't finish 
fast enough.  It's warmer and richer and just makes me happy - especially with a fire in
the fireplace, chili on the stove, and three girls on the couch - the couch that is somehow
much less of a monstrosity with the new linen backdrop and hand-sewn pillows 

on its cushions.  

Here are some parting pictures of the vintage get-up, pre-couch painting...

While I miss the smaller scale of the flowered thrifted couch, I would not be 
enjoying the improvements of my space, had it not been for completely failing 
with that dreadful couch painting.  (If you give a mouse a cookie...)
It reminds me of something my friend Kathy always tells me...

Trust the process.  

Take the risks, make the mistakes.  

For by them, you could end up with a couch you just might like. 

thrift scores.

A few posts back, someone wanted to see pictures of my (at the time) weekend project.

Duvet cover, white quilt, and lamp, compliments of Goodwill.

Lamp base was previously clear until I spray painted it white.

Dresser was light wood color with a missing drawer and no hardware.

Frames are Ikea - $5 ea.

Albeit small, updates like this give me a boost, especially when I keep my room clean, which isn't often. And I rather like waking up to those faces - especially the weeks they're with their dad and I am missing them.

Other recent projects include painting my beloved, simple-lined, thrifted couch. Not surprisingly, this was a complete fail unless I wanted a couch that could also be used as a nail file (though it did look cool). That's what happens when you browse Scandinavian decor blogs on a budget and wild delusions...you become convinced that your space will indeed mimic an urban loft with white walls and scads of light if your couch was just a different color.  In desperation, I've since replaced the painted couch with a massive, dreadful craigslist find reminiscent of conversion van seats.  It is hideous. Unfortunately, my girls do not share my distaste for the monstrosity and, in fact, "love" it as it is quite comfortable.

There really is only one explanation for their mutual appreciation of functionality at the expense of bad design...

I have officially failed as a mother.