Summer & Life


I know I am not the best blogger during the school year, but I find it even harder in the summer. It isn't that I am busy vacationing somewhere exciting but instead am at home enjoying life with the family not doing a whole lot of anything.



Working on the One Room Challenge has given me some design focus, a kick in the pants but that has had it's challenges....like trying to track down white cotton for dining room chair slipcovers for a great price in a city that lacks any decent fabric stores. Argh. I hate set backs....

But in light of the recent events in the US, those tasks seems so meaningless. And recently we here in Canada lost a bright and energetic blogger and entrepreneur in a tragic accident. 


Tara Jamieson, from Lauren Lane Decor, was a regular on Twitter and on our western Canadian Design & Lifestyle bloggers Facebook group, she was bubbly, bright, talented and her voice is now silent. 

Strange how you have never met someone, only have had interaction with them online, yet when their voice is quiet, they are missed? 

Weird that how these tragic events that seem to happen "over there" yet impact life and invade your thoughts "over here". With my daughter heading to university in the fall, my husband's recent job loss, the woes of renting and wishing we weren't, the turmoil of uncertainty, has really weighed heavy on my heart. Life sometimes has a funny way of going a different way than you planned. I guess the trick it to roll with it and look for the silver lining.....

Sorry about the non-design and DIY focus, just a lot occupying my thoughts recently.

Sending you all a virtual squeezy hug.

Just because.

XO Barbara



21 comments

  1. I am so sorry to hear of Tara, and the recent Colorado shootings have also invaded my head as well. They make you stop and redirect and appreciate everyday with family even more. Stay positive and I hope that silver lining comes sooner than later.
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

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  2. I'll be covering you in prayer today that you may find peace and meaning in this crazy season of life, Barbara.

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  3. Some times we need reminders in life about what it really important.....and I have no doubt you know this. Stay strong girl....I am hoping things turn around for you soon:)

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  4. aw Barbara - I'm so sorry your heart is heavy, and sad to hear about Tara. Hopefully you can find time for a little break to regroup ;) A little bike ride or a mini-vacay? We're all here for you! Please lean on us.

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  5. Life can be pretty mean at times..Recently this has come home to us with loss of friends this past month. It does make one realize that each and every day is a gift.
    Patty

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  6. Gives you a reality check doesn't it? When I heard that the shooter from the Colorado shootings was from where I live, San Diego, I felt even worse. All of it so tragic and senseless. So sad about Tara, I didn't "know" her but just reading what you wrote and looking at her cute face, you can see the passion she had for design. She was really following her dream. You might try ordering the fabric on line?? Good luck.

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  7. Reality checks and reflection are always a good thing. Without them, we move so fast from one moment to the next, and I think we lose something along the way. Enjoy the time you're taking, because before you know it, this time will be gone. Hugs to you XO... And fingers crossed for higher than 12 degrees to come in August! ;-)

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  8. Hi Barbara - Yes, life certainly has a way of turning out much different then we planned, doesn't it? And it all happens so darn fast. You are right, I think the only thing to do is look for the silver lining. And hug those we love just a little tighter!

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  9. I didn't know Tara besides a few chats through blogging but this news has certainly hit me too. Perhaps because she was so passionate about what she did and how young she was There are so many places she was noted on the internet.. it certainly makes you stop and reflect on not only her short life but our own.

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  10. I can't stop thinking about Tara... I didn't know her other than through the facebook group... but it's just so hard to believe that she is gone.

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  11. Rolling with it is easier said than done. Be sure to take it easy on yourself and acknowledge all those feelings so they don't creep up on you. I sometimes think of these interiors we are all making beautiful as our soft place in a crazy world. You've got a lot going on... I think this calls for more pillows! smiles:)

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  12. Life can be pretty cruel. It's not always easy to just roll with it and no, things don't always go as planned. Enjoy your quiet time and savor all the goodness life brings xo

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  13. Oh Barbara, I am so sorry ... all of the above state it well ... take care of yourself and your family. We really have no control, but do our best to keep our loved ones safe. And know in this crazy blog world you have so many friends and a larger family here to help you through this. We are all so blessed!

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  14. Sending you a hug right back Barbara. Life has been full of its challenges and poignant reminders lately, hasn't it. I hope better days are ahead for you and soon.

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  15. So sorry to hear about Tara, I know what you're talking about...about your online friends. I have gotten to know some really great ladies in the blogging world, and I can't imagine the sadness you're feeling. Sending you some happy vibes for everything that's going on in your life. Glad I met you this weekend on twitter, looking fwd to chatting with you more =)

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  16. You are all so sweet. I guess that is why I LOVE blogging, it is the community that is created and the love and friendship you get from it! Thanks!

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  17. Oh, I didn't know about Tara but I do know what you mean about having online friends, blogging is a wonderful community full of beautiful people and I cherish our friendships too.

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  18. My gosh, I've been off the grid the last week and didn't hear about Tara- so tragic. I feel for you Barbara, sometimes it seems that turmoil and uncertainty can weigh us down. I try to remember that change brings about new opportunities, and that brings hope.

    Keep going and enjoy the summer, your challenge and time with family. This is a reminder to me to enjoy life to the fullest.

    Best, Kelly

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  19. Nice post! Thank you for this!
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  20. Big virtual hugs to your, Barbara.

    I had the pleasure of meeting Tara this year at the Edmonton Home Show, she was such a sweet and inspiring gal. It's truly devastating.

    It's times like this that make you want to focus on the positive. Hope there is lots of positive coming to you too!!
    :) Christine

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