I am sure you have heard of the Chinese philosophy about the concept of yin-yang used to describe how seemingly opposite or contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world; and, how they give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another. Well, it has been happening a lot in my world lately.
Last week I was excited – a few very nice things happened to me, I told you about a few, but one that I found out later in the week was that I was chosen as one of 8 finalists in Scotch Brand Most Gifted Giftwrapped Contest. It will be held in NYC in early December. The winner wins $10,000. Ed took this photo of me holding two gifts I wrapped. Happy!
On the opposite end of the spectrum – Sad! Last week my 87 year old dad found out that he has Cancer and it does not look good for him. Ed’s mom had a stroke and was hospitalized. I don’t want to be a “Debbie Downer” as I know this is the yin-yang of life. Both my dad and Ed’s mom are close to 90 and have lived happy fulfilled lives, but it is sad to have to see them struggle to live.
If you look around – you see yin-yang everywhere. It is the natural flow that for me creates a balance in everything I see, do, or feel. It is even happening in my kitchen. I see it in all the decorative kitchen details.
I was so excited to finally get the floor refinished – it looks better than it ever has, but on the opposite end, there are things that still need to be done. Being a home owner there are ups and downs – new things/ old things. Things that never need work/others that seem to always need fixing.
I have the details and accessories back in place, but not the furniture. We were told to wait as long as possible before putting the heavy stuff back on the floor. We can walk and use the kitchen to cook, but the table, desk and hutch will wait until later this week. We can eat in the family room.
I have to repaint the base molding all around the kitchen where the sander and stain from the floor refinishing marred the surface.
Shiny and new/old and pitted. I am still experimenting with paint on the original to the house light fixture that hangs over the island. It has gotten pitted with age and not in a good way. I can’t hurt it to try to change it up a bit with paint.
The banquette and the French door that goes to the dining room have to be painted white. It looks white in the photo, but it is antique white. Old/New – Done/Not Done – yin-yang. Life, I think would be pretty uneventful if everything always went together perfectly.
I cleaned the kitchen and only put my fave things back in. The rest went to the basement and will probably be taken to the local thrift store. I made these fake topiaries a few years ago. They have held up great and made the cut to come back into the room. Fake inside/real outside the window.
My fave colors on the banquette pillows. The striated fabric is a Better Homes & Garden pattern that I bought at JoAnn Fabrics. The green and white damask I bought at an odd lot fabric place. It had no name or company written on the selvage. Pattern/no pattern.
I found these colorful dishtowels at World Market when I attended the Haven blog conference in Atlanta this summer. I don’t have a World Market in my area, so I had fun to finally shop at one. I liked the mix of colors – fall-like – warm mixed with cool turquoise. It fits perfectly in my kitchens color scheme.
I bought 3 of these plates at TJ Maxx. The vinyl grass cloth wallpaper is from Lowes. Smooth/Textured
I have them hanging on the wall the old-fashioned way – with plate hangers.
The kitchen is always the most active room, and on most days it is also the least active room.
When my daughters were growing up, there was a big chalkboard on the island. I decided to move one back to the space and took the one that was hanging on the Grand Central wall in my mudroom. I attached it with Command Brand Picture Hanging strips. Stays the same / frequent change.
Mix of old versus new, white versus color.
All clean now, but it won’t stay this way. Soon it will be dirty again and need to be cleaned. Yin-yang is ongoing.
The Coca-Cola bottle opener has been part of every home Ed and I have ever lived in. It has seen a lot of action. We would miss this simple detail if it were not part of our kitchen.
New versus vintage – shiny/dull. The crock is from Williams Sonoma, the glass spoon holder is old and bought at a flea market. The mix of cool silver and gold metals with the warmth of wood. The contrast makes it look appealing.
So as life moves forward, so will the yin-yang. I will have sad days this week when I take my dad to doctor appointments and for tests to determine what path of treatment he will follow. When I get home – I will do what I love and am passionate about – fix up and create and decorate my house how I envision in my mind – Happy. The mix of the two creates a balance that leads to a well-rounded life. I wish there was less sadness, but the good helps you push through.
How is your yin-yang going this week?
Joelle Wyser-Pratte says
11/26/2013 at 6:03 pmIt’s a beautiful kitchen, Diane. It really shows you’re passionate about home decoration.
Faye says
10/31/2013 at 9:45 pmDiane,
It may not help, but know that others have gone though these sad times too. You and your family are in my prayers.
Good luck in the contest! You always give it your best!
Casey Moore says
10/31/2013 at 10:25 amCongrats on being a finalist!! :) I’m sorry to hear of the sad news for your family. It is definitely hard to watch your parents have to fight to be healthy and just continue living life. I will keep you and your family in my prayers!
Denise says
10/30/2013 at 10:38 pmSo sorry about your father Diane. I lost my mother to cancer at the young age of 71. Do one thing that brings you joy each day. Be there for your father as he makes the transition into the after life and remember to thank him for everything he has ever done for you. Losing a parent is not the end, it’s a new beginning. Blessings to you and your family.
Terri Asbury says
10/29/2013 at 7:41 pmCongratulations on being chosen for the contest!
Sad news about your dad and Ed’s mom. My grandmother passed earlier this year at 93. I can relate to your comment that while living a full life it is still sad to see the struggle to live or have quality of life.
Love your Grand Central Wallstation!
Sheryll & Critters. says
10/29/2013 at 11:14 amI am sad with you about your dad and Ed’s mom. I am happy with you about your being chosen as one of 8 finalists in Scotch Brand Most Gifted Giftwrapped Contest. I can not think of anyone I have ever known that is more talented than you in the gift wrapping and so much more.
Are we allowed to vote on this one?
Diane Henkler says
10/30/2013 at 11:10 pmHi Sheryll – Thanks XO No voting for this contest. I will go to NYC and be in front of a panel of judges. There are a few rounds where all the finalists wrap the same gift. The judges eliminate until there is a winner.
Debbie says
10/29/2013 at 10:44 amSo sorry about your parents. Regardless of the symmetry of life, these events are painful to go through.
I use command hooks for EVERYTHING!! Love them, best invention ever!!!!!
Denise says
10/29/2013 at 10:08 amVickie,
So well said!
Denise
Vickie says
10/29/2013 at 9:49 amI understand completely the yin-yang of life. We are leaving our two year journey of life on the road in an RV and moving into our newly built house in just a few days. Wonderful memories will follow us as we make new ones. In the past month we’ve had two friends lose their sons and lost one cousin who was absolutely always brimming with life and laughter. She was 87 and we hated saying goodbye. However, whenever I think of her I automatically smile. While you’re going through your yin-yang just remember what an inspiration you are to so many of us. You’ve set the bar high and I absolutely love jumping to meet it. Best wishes.
Kathleen says
10/29/2013 at 8:55 amKeeping you in my thoughts & prayers. You’ve been an inspiration to me in so many ways.
Jackie says
10/29/2013 at 8:54 amCongrats on being a finalist! Very exciting!
Sorry to hear about your dad and Ed’s mom. I went through something similar recently. Wishing you strength & peace during this time…
Lia says
10/29/2013 at 7:28 amDiane, I am very happy to hear about your good news, but also very sad to hear about your dad and Ed’s mom. I lost my mom to lung cancer just as my children were becoming wonderful adults. It’s not easy, but you are such a wonderful person and you have a great support system, I think you will handle everything beautifully. I will be thinking about you and praying for your family.
Kate says
10/29/2013 at 3:11 amI too have been a silent reader, and it’s time to tell you how much you are adding to my creative and women-friends life. The Internet has its problems but I believe it is truly a gift. My dad died 3 years ago from Parkinsons, and showed me in the years before, the importance of outlook. He said (and truly meant) that each day was an adventure–he likened it to a mystery story–because you never knew what the next day would bring! While I saw affronts to the physical being, he saw interest in the new and different, and the challenge of being able to get up from the most recent fall. It sounds macabre, but somehow wasn’t. I thought he was at his strongest in dealing with this adversity, but he would never agree: to him he wasn’t strong or even very conscious of the idea, but was just living his life. I learned that simply being present for the person that’s ending matters hugely for their happiness. The little-miss-fixit in me had to accept. Like your beautiful post says, sorrow and joy, joy and sorrow.
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. And, congratulations! Being a finalist (and infusing your home with love) is awesome!
[email protected] says
10/29/2013 at 2:33 amI’m sending you positive energy so you can be strong in the coming days.
Donnamae says
10/29/2013 at 12:24 amDiane, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad…sending positive thoughts your way. I am seriously in love with that light fixture over the island….wow! Kitchen is looking good. You are so right about good/bad and balance. May you have balance in your life this week! ;)
Bettsi says
10/29/2013 at 12:10 amHi Diane, that’s life alright- a mixture of blessings and sorrows. Your kitchen is lovely and I’m glad you have your home and projects to counteract some of the current sorrows. (Your darling topiary was my first favorite “In My Own Style” projects!”
Diane | An Extraordinary Day says
10/28/2013 at 11:31 pmCongratulations on being a finalist, Diane! What a terrific honor. :)
I’m so sorry that you and your dad have to go through this difficult time. May you find comfort and peace as you walk with him through all the medical details.
[hugs]
Pam says
10/28/2013 at 10:38 pmDiane, so sorry about the sad part of your life..on the other side your floors and house look really great. My mother has alzheimers and today I saw a side of her I’ve never seen..so so sad. I know exactly what you are talking about.. Prayers going up!!!!
Nana Diana says
10/28/2013 at 9:37 pmOh That is just a beautiful, beautiful kitchen. Look how great it is all turning out. And congrats to you, too!
I am so sorry about your in-laws. It is never easy with aging family members. It seems there is just a point when all of a sudden everything happens at once and they go from fine to feeble. Sad. I will keep them and you in my prayers. xo Diana
cheri says
10/28/2013 at 9:00 pmThank you for another beautiful post. I’m so sorry about your dad and your mom-in-law. They are blessed to have you helping with their care, and you are honoring them with your words and deeds. Congratulations on then gift-wrap contest. I hope you win!
Melanie says
10/28/2013 at 7:44 pmI’m so sorry to hear about your dad and MIL. Even when our loved ones are older, it’s still so hard when they’re sick. Your kitchen is so pretty and your floors are gorgeous.
Gail says
10/28/2013 at 6:35 pmThank you for this beautiful post, Diane. Blessings and prayers to you as you walk the difficult road with your father and your mother-in-law. Thank your for your wonderful ideas and continued inspiration!
Denise says
10/28/2013 at 6:33 pmDiane, so sorry to hear about your dad and mother-in-law. Somehow it just doesn’t seem right to have achieved this longevity and then have to deal with these tests of the human spirit. May you all find peace.
Love your floors and, believe it or not, love the patina on your light fixture. Seems to flow with the striated pillow.
Warm thoughts coming your way,
Denise
Linda says
10/28/2013 at 4:45 pmLove your kitchen, love your blog and your constant pleasant, uplifting attitude about life :)
Sorry to hear about your father & mother in law :(
Sending prayers your way…
Tricia Sherry says
10/28/2013 at 2:16 pmSorry to hear the bad news about your Dad and Ed’s Mom. I am glad you live nearby. It helps.
Your refinished floors look amazing. Gorgeous. I enjoy seeing your projects and thanks for sharing them. I wish the best for your family.
Emily says
10/28/2013 at 2:04 pmThis is my first time commenting, although I’ve been reading your blog for several months. I finally realized that by never commenting, it was like receiving a gift and not saying “thank you”. So thanks for all your hard work and for the awesome ideas & inspiration you share.
I am so very sorry that you are going through a hard time with parents & their health issues. It is not easy & my prayers are with you today. Blessings to you & your family!!!
Barbara Fox says
10/28/2013 at 1:51 pmLove the newly refinished floors! Gorgeous… Did you paint your cabinets at one point? Do you have a post on that? It’s amazing how similar your kitchen layout is to mine. Love what you’ve done to brighten it up–can lights look great by the way :-)
Lizelle says
10/28/2013 at 1:39 pmI wish you, your dad (and your family) lots of strength in the time ahead; will add you to my prayers.
PS – Congrats on being chosen as a finalist as a most gifted giftwrapper! :)