January 12, 2012

Getting My Feet Wet (not to be confused with having cold feet)






I'm not one to do things quickly.  I ponder, ruminate, contemplate and cogitate.  I weigh the pros and the cons.  And I tend to procrastinate….I'm still working on thank you notes from last this Christmas.   I'm also a perfectionist (although some members of my family might disagree), so if it's not done properly then I won't be satisfied. 



When I started thinking about writing a blog, I was worried that I would drive myself crazy with it. If every t wasn't crossed or i wasn't dotted, I would probably stay awake for hours worrying about it.  I would write, rewrite, edit and begin all over again dozens of times before I was satisfied.  All of this is to say that I knew that it might be a very long time from the moment I decided to write a blog to the moment when I actually published my first post.


But I've decided to just go on and get my feet wet.  I want to have fun with this blog; I don't want to fret about it or wring my hands.  It's okay if it's not perfect.


Here's a preview of some things that I love.  Bear with me because I've just gotten a new camera and I'm trying to figure it out.  Out of my comfort zone a little, but here goes….


I've been collecting tartan books, Staffordshire and bamboo for years.  These are on the mantel in the family room.




I think that the rich colors in my Imari china pop against the navy blue walls in the dining room.



I bought these ice skates on eBay.  Love the blue plaid case and the fur lining.  

At this point, you might be wondering why I felt like I needed a pair of ice skates. Not too many frozen ponds in Texas. My husband had a puzzled look in his eyes when he saw them, but it quickly turned to resignation.  "Here she goes again…the beginning of a new collection."      



Brown transferware is another one of my many china obsessions collections.  I love the wall color (Restoration Hardware's Silver Sage) in the master bedroom.



What could be more relaxing than a glimpse of the beautiful azure Caribbean while sipping a martini glass of iced tea from the balcony?




This pretty house in Dallas caught my eye.  Love the lush green of the landscaping.


We always have ducks checking out our backyard in the spring.

                        

Love this silver charm necklace, especially coupled with the carnelian beads.  Forestwood Antique Mall in Dallas has something for everyone.  (Sorry, I haven't been able to figure out the link thingy yet, so it may not work.)


                 

I love to go shopping in Atlanta.  These gorgeous lamps and beautiful mirrors are just a sampling of what Boxwoods Gardens and Gifts has to offer.




Even after our record-breaking heat wave in the summer of 2011, some plants in Dallas did manage to stay green.




Love Chippendale!
                                        


Love this BE&D turquoise purse from the fabulous consignment store Clotheshorse Anonymous in Dallas.




Another collection….wedding cake toppers. I couldn't resist this unusual one with the tartan kilt and sash. 


Oh dear, another collection...  


This ultra-cool shop, Ballard and Blakelyis one of my favorites in Dallas.



Of course, my little dog Bitsy is quite possibly the cutest dog in the world.  You'll be seeing a lot of her around Tartan Terrace. 



So there you have it.  It's not perfect, but it's done. I didn't get cold feet, but I did get my feet wet.  And the water's not bad at all.
   
Come back for a swim anytime.




25 comments:

  1. Oh.... I LOVE little Bitsy!!! You did an awesome job w/ your first post and I love that you shared your personality right out of the gate... that is what attracts readers. You will be very successful in the blog world I'm guessing! Off to add you to my blog roll!! xo

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    1. Debby - I couldn't have done this without you. You've been absolutely WONDERFUL to work with and I will highly recommend you to anyone who needs a fabulous and unique blog design. Thanks for everything!

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  2. Hi happy to find you through Debby. Welcome to blogland, exactly one year ago last week i was just where you were...just started a blog on a whim and its been an absolute ball, such a great creative outlet. Just have fun with it, don't take it to seriously and most importantly stay true to yourself and your passions and write about them honestly....your following will happen naturally. Love what I see so far...yes to chippendale, blue and white collections (there is never enough), Staffordshine and transferware,Imari, beautiful homes and interiors..LOVE IT ALL! Am now following you..enjoy!!

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    1. Thanks, Tina. I consider you to be one of the icons of design bloggers. Thanks for taking the time out from your busy move to comment!

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  3. PS Debby, excellent job here...love the look!

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  4. Love Debby's design for your blog! I love, love, love tartans and plaids! Looking forward to following your posts!

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  5. What great photos, thank you for showing us some of your most loved items.
    You know I've been looking everywhere for blue and white porcelain but her win Scotland it seems thin on the ground - the tartan is another matter!

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    1. Tabitha - I would gladly trade some of my blue and white for some tartan. I especially love the Victorian tartanware that was produced for souvenirs back 150 years ago. Unfortunately, the prices for these pieces are exorbitant, at least here in the states. I'll have to settle for tin candy boxes and books. Thanks for your comment!

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  6. Katherine,
    Welcome. Your first post is very beautiful. I went to Scotland this last summer so I am really enjoying all your beautiful plaid favorites. I noticed that you also love Ralph. On my Pinterest board, http://pinterest.com/ydsimplified/oh-so-ralph/, I have a "Oh So Ralph" board that you might enjoy. My daughter and I are new to blogging so I certainly wish you good luck too! I look forward to coming back and watching your progress!
    Diana Kotecki

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    1. Thanks, Diana. I really appreciate your comment. I've been to England a few times but never to Scotland; I would love to go. I'll be sure to check out your Pinterest board because I can never get enough of Ralph.
      Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. So glad you followed me so I could find and follow you! Your banner literally took my breath away! When I saw that Debby was in charge, I wasn't surprised! She really is a talent, isn't she? This is truly one of the prettiest I've seen! Just gorgeous! I love creating new banners for myself.. it's a little obsession I've developed during this first year of blogging.
    Congrats on your new blog! This first post was awesome and for many would have been the first ten posts! When you're on a roll, it's hard to stop!
    Best,
    Jan

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    1. Jan - Thanks for the comments. I've been reading your blog for months and really enjoy it. I especially like your posts that show houses in Omaha. I like design blogs that bring the readers into the blogger's own world. I think it's hilarious when you talk about how your sister-in-law copies everything you do! That's a compliment, for sure.

      I feel so grateful to have had Debby help me with the design of my blog. She's the best!

      Thanks for your support.

      Katharine

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  8. Love your first post and the photos. I will add you to my blog post haste!

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  9. Love your post...I remember when I first started blogging...I had no idea what to write about...a blogger friend said stick to one subject at a time...give lots of information on it, where it came from, when did you get it...write about stuff you love and lots of pictures...believe it or not that was all the instruction I had and it still inspires me today...I adore your blue and white collection...wow...so beautiful

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    1. Phyllis - Thank you for the tips. As a new blogger, I definitely need all of the help I can get. I'm still struggling (somewhat) with the actual mechanics of writing the blog. Hopefully when I get past these issues, I can concentrate on the content. Thanks so much for your inspiration!

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  10. Your post reminds me of something I read at the blog, Slim Paley (slimpaley.com). She wrote about how freeing the experience of beginning a blog was because it helped her remember that "done" is better than "perfectly". I try to keep that in mind, although it is difficult for me to do as a new blogger. But I can tell you're going to do great-- a blog design from Debby is definitely a best-foot-forward!

    Best of luck,
    Keri

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