The Weekly Muse: 5th Edition
Step into this week’s edition of The Weekly Muse, where I bring you along for a journey through the little joys and interesting finds of my week, from eye-catching decor tips to must-try recipes and everything in between.
PinThis week’s random’ness
• This is a hard one to write. In fact, I had to wait a few weeks before I could do it. I’m dedicating this week’s The Muse, to my sweet, sweet girl, Zoey.
PinShe became ill with several issues and we made the very hard decision to put her to sleep. And it was HARD y’all. I’ve had to put many pets to sleep throughout my life, but somehow this little girl weasled her way into my heart like no other.
The day after it happened, I dreamed that my husband walked in our front door with her in his arms, carrying her like a baby. It immediately woke me up and it still haunts me.
I’m almost perfectly okay now, but I think I’ll forever have a Zoey sized hole in my heart.
• Yesterday was the completion of a Mini Summer Decorating Crash Course. How did you like it? Summer is such a busy season for most of us, between kids home from school, activities, and vacations that it seemed like the perfect time to focus on simple, quick decorating changes that could make a big impact without too much effort.
Did you manage to incorporate any of the tips from the crash course into your own space?
Which brings me to a question for you – are there any decorating topics that you’d like for me to blog about? Above all, I want this space to be an inspiring and helpful space for you!
Pin• You guys were so helpful in recommending new reads to me and I thank you for that! I’ve added them all to my list.
Now, I’m on the hunt for a good Bible study or commentary. I tend to get the most from studies that go deep rather than skim the surface.
Any recommendations for ones that you’ve loved?
Caught my eye
I do love a pretty ginger jar, so naturally I think this coffee table decor is fabulous. The splash of pink is a fun addition, too!
PinThis light fixture makes an instant upgrade in any room.
I’m drooling over this recipe for skirt steak marinade with chimichurri. There is nothing like a citrusy bold marinade for summer grilling.
PinI can’t believe that this art print costs less than $12. It is so pretty.
Julie at My Wee Abode has a great article about toning down red, white and blue to decorate for patriotic holidays.
PinI’ve seen so many people share this rug and I love it more and more every time I see it.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, my friend!
Our pets hold our hearts. I hope you find comfort in knowing you gave Zoey a great life
Thank you, Gail.
I have enjoyed your posts this week. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved dog. I wish you peace.
Thank you so much, Josee.
So sorry for you pup. We just had to have our baby put down also. She had been in bad health for a while. My daughter (worked for years with recuse and foster pets) asked me something that helped. “Mom who are you keeping Millie alive for? you or her?… The best thing you can do for her is the let her go….” It still hurts, but somehow that helped..
Thank you so much, Harper. And I’m so sorry about the loss of your baby too. Yes, that was my biggest concern. I didn’t want her to suffer AT ALL and once the vet confirmed that she was no longer having a good quality of life, we went ahead and put her to sleep. You’re right though – it hurts no matter what.
I’m so sorry you’ve lost your sweet dog. We just gained our first one. Very sadly, my sister-in-law passed away suddenly, and we’ve adopted her shih tzu, Robbie. He has been a gift from her to us. I hope that perhaps when you’re ready, another pup in need of a home will find love with you and bring you the same.
PS The link for the ginger jar actually takes you to the rug on Amazon.
Hi Terre. I’m so sorry about the loss of your sister-in-law. I imagine that now having her furbaby brings you a lot of comfort. And thank you for letting me know about the incorrect link to the ginger jar.
I have enjoyed seeing how you use green colors with the colors blue and white in vases, candle holders, lamps, and dishware, in your dining room, living room, porches, etc. I enjoy using blue accents with my traditional furniture and would like to learn how to incorporate some Asian influences through framed pictures, wall hangings, ginger jars, lamps, etc. in our home, (if this is appropriate with traditional furniture.) Any ideas and suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Hi Judy. If you look around my house, my look is very traditional and much of what I decorate with does have an Asian influence. I think it’s a look that fits in very well with traditional decor. My suggestion is to just start adding it to your existing decor a little at a time, as you find pieces that you love. It will all work together beautifully. Let me know if you have any specific questions and I’ll be glad to try to help you out.
Hi Suzy,
Thank you for your helpful comments regarding decorating with an Asian influence. I have begun the project and am right now using my mom’s beautiful “rounded back” white upholstered couch with “rounded back” matching white chair, and a “rounded back” green chair (none are overly stuffed). Not sure if this style couch and chairs are Traditional, but hopefully they are. The room is a LR/ DR combined. I purchased two 19 1/2″ X 33″ beautifully framed Magnolia prints at Habitat and thinking of hanging them on each side of the dining room hutch, but wondering if they are out of style?
I’m sorry for the loss of your sweet pup. I know from experience what a hard decision it is and hope remembering all the good memories of her brings you some comfort.
Been meaning to say also how much I love your posts, especially since you have gone back to the warm, vibrant colors and plenty of blue in your house. It just sings!
Thank you so much for your sweet sentiment. And thank you too for letting me know that you’re enjoying my colorful look – it’s really who I’ve always been.
So sorry about the loss of your sweet doggy Zoey. I do understand what it feels like. Praying you find comfort and peace in knowing you gave her such a good life.
Thank you so much, Shelley.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Zoey. She was obviously well loved and cared for, and no other companion animal could ask for more. Thank you for sharing about her, as well as for the other articles.
Thank you so much, Deborah. Love your email address by the way. 😀
I, too, have had to go through the heart-wrenching decision of putting down a beloved pet. My heart goes out to you.
The Bible study I truly enjoy is both online and televised, though I’m not sure if it is shown in all areas. It’s Through the Bible with Les Feldick, and comes on weekdays, usually very early (or very late), on different channels. The easiest way to find it is on lesfeldick.org; scroll down and you can access all his teachings. He compared scripture with scripture and explained the verses in easy-to-understand, non-denominational language.
Oh – I forgot about Les Feldick! Thank you for the reminder. And thank you to for your sentiment about Zoey.
So sorry about your loss of your sweet furbaby!
Do you have a link for the cute pagoda lantern in your breakfast room?
Thank you so much. My exact lantern came from FB Marketplace, but here’s the link to one that comes in four different colors and two sizes that has a design similar to mine: https://rstyle.me/+fZWSaJUktaNf1VZcu1d4KQ
I am so sorry about your dog. The responsibility for deciding when to send a pet on its way is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do. I cried myself to sleep for a week before I had a favorite cat put down and had nightmares as well. I do believe they, above all others, will be there to meet us on the other side. Please accept my condolences.
Thank you so much for your sweet message.
My deepest condolences to you and your husband. Once your tears abate, you will forever have the best memories of that little dog. We put our baby to sleep in 2016, and I still think of her often, seeing her clear as day in my mind doing something sweet or silly. She will be with you forever. Best regards
Aw – my heart goes out to you. Thank you so much!
Hello Suzy,
I can recommend a great Bible study author. We had a wonderful speaker at a women’s retreat, Shadia Hrichi has a series called Behind The Seen, Exploring the Bible’s Unsung Heroes. She shared parts of Hagar, Rediscovering the God who Sees Me.
She has other studies, Tamar, Legion and her newest study, Rahab.
Her email is: shadiaharichi.com.
P.S. I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet dog
Thank you so much for the suggestions!
So very sorry about your Zoey. Mine was a Gizmo that was beside me when I worked in the yard or house, and I talked to him as I went about what I needed to do. He was great company and left hole in my life for a while when he was gone. I read somewhere that dogs are in our lives to help teach us about love. When they’re gone, they help to teach us about loss. Pets are great additions to our lives.
Yes, they sure are! Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I loved hearing about Gizmo. It sounds like he was a wonderful, loving companion and I know you sorely miss him.