Well, today is supposed to be when all the hype about the Eclipse takes place, but so far, I think it’s been a dud… There were no traffic jams in town, the streets weren’t crowded like they said they’d be, there are fields and fields on SIU property designated for parking, but not too many takers… What IS busy are the campgrounds around the area. Maybe everyone was worried that the hotels would be too crowded, so they opted for campgrounds in the surrounding towns.
The news on Sunday night said many of the businesses were very disappointed in the turnout…the city had built up their hopes so much and it didn’t materialize like they said… Of course it might all happen later this afternoon, when the Solar Eclipse actually takes place… maybe things will change, but I had my doubts from the beginning… I guess maybe I’ll have more to “report” tomorrow…but if not, it’ll be okay…
SO… why don’t I show you some shots of my living room. It’s still not finished but I’ll show you what it looks like SO FAR!
The walls are all painted in a color called Sackcloth. It’s kind of a tan, gray, beige all mixed together…Cindy says it a Greige…I wasn’t sure I liked it at first but now that I have it all done, I REALLY do. I have SO much light in my living room that every wall can look a different color all at the same time. It’s nice and neat and clean looking…and what I wanted was something to make my Colonial White trim pop. It does now! It’s pretty subtle, and the average person might not notice the difference, but I can sure tell, and it’s the prettiest in the evening.
Reuben wore out the top of my couch from looking out the window…hence the towel covering his area… *sigh*
If you click on any of the pictures, they will enlarge. (I hope there are no dust bunnies hiding under my couch!)
My blue cabinet does look nice against it and my hubby and I put up the curtain rod (I’ve had for at least 5-6 years…maybe longer!) I bought it at Joann Fabrics and knew some day I’d put it up. We raised it high since we have lower than average ceilings. (One of these days I want to paint the planks white!!)
I was thrilled to get the trim up next to the ceiling… it’s been missing since we moved into the house 13 years ago. It finishes off the room like you can’t imagine!
I’ve also had this fabric that I’ve wanted for curtains for probably just as long. It’s very sheer and has the prettiest design on it. I just have the fabric draped over the rod for now… (we had a “Welcome Back Students” picnic this weekend) and there was no time for sewing… I’ll get them made one of these days… You can see how much light I get in this room… it reflects off my ceiling all the time.
I’m hoping to get that living room window painted soon too… I can’t imagine how much difference just doing that is going to make…
The dining room wall was a wall we had to rebuild. We called it the termite wall as it was rotten from termite damage and was an awful mess. There is a dip in the wall, that we didn’t get perfect and I’m sure you can see…and I’ve debated about filling it will spackling and trying to make a new groove in the paneling, but so far, I’m a little intimidated to do it. I painted my light switches with my trim paint to save money… They turned out really nicely and are a perfect match!
Well, that’s enough “home decorating” posts for a while…until the flooring goes in… then I’ll be back with Home Decorating 101 for a post or two!
So TOMORROW will be a DOLLY POST! I promise!
See you then,
Blessings, Jeanne
The last picture really shows the contrast between your Sackcloth paint and the Colonial White trim, and I think the ceiling looks nice with the new trim around it. A friend said that a darker ceiling brought the focus of the room down to where the people are and she, for one, found it much more comfortable. Framed by trim, the ceiling looks intentional, and I like the way it glows in the sunlit room. Your curtain fabric is so pretty that it will almost be fun to iron it. I like the way you’ve arranged your pictures too. What brand of paint is the Sackcloth?
I’ve been a little concerned about all the cars belonging to eclipse viewers, especially when they all leave at once, but it looks as if that may not be a problem. It may be a nice relaxing day in Carbondale.
The other thing to celebrate is that it looks as if there may be several new outfits for sale on the AG site and in stores. This may be a very nice day. I hope yours is.
HI Marilyn,
That last picture truly does show the difference in the paint on the walls and the paint on the trim. It’s even prettier in person… It’s a very warm and homey color… and I am so happy I chose it. The paint is by Sherwin Williams, Ovations is on the can… It was really nice paint and went on very smoothly. I didn’t have trouble with drips or runs and it covered well. (except I had to go over the grooves in the paneling with my paint brush instead of the roller first…) That took extra time but it was cheaper than putting up drywall…
I wasn’t in town today but my hubby was, and he said it was crazy busy down town. Today was the big Ozzie Osbourne concert at one of the wineries out of town… and I saw pictures on TV that looked pretty busy out there.
I ventured back in my sewing room and it felt GOOD! No telling what I might get accomplished today!
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Your walls do look nice, Jeanne, and I love your curtain fabric! I really need to do something around here, too–paint, drapes, carpet–but have much to do before I can even start those!
You do realize the ecclipse is supposed to be Coming yet today, the 21st, don’t you?! I know your post is dated the 21st, but it showd up in my inbox at 2a.m., so it hadn’t happened yet when you wrote it.
I can tell you that in the Seattle area there is a great deal of excitement about the coming ecclipse–at least according to the news media!! I understand that traffic into the Portland, OR, area (where it will be a 100% total ecclipse–we only get 93% up here) is getting pretty bad, some gas stations down there are running out of fuel, etc. They also showed a camping area just loaded with tents and RVs–everyone getting ready for the Big Event.
It’s supposed to start about 9:08 a.m. our time (Pacific), and will take about 2-1/2 hours all together. I will probably still be asleep at 9:08 a.m., and will not be truly awake an mentally alert until quite a while after that (I’m a slow starter! LOL), so it’s just going to be a mostly big yawn for me. If I think of it, I may turn on the tv–some stations will be broadcasting it live–but, as I remember from the one in 1961 or so, it was almost as exciting as watching grass grow!! I remember trying to watch it thru a pinhole viewer thing (two pieces of paper, one on the ground, one with a pinhole in it, held at just the right angle so you can see it on the paper on the ground, without risk of damaging your eyes). As I recall, I had to weight the one paper down with a rock or two because of a breeze, and it just took so long to happen, I grew bored and went inside are did something else! LOL
HI Charlotte,
I think half the battle of decorating is getting all the prep work done… getting down cobwebs, pulling out old nails in the trim, deciding on a paint color, getting the brushes and rollers lined up, etc… it all takes time.
Yes, I knew the eclipse was today but it was so late when I wrote my post, I made it seem like I was writing it this morning. I generally write them the night before and they get published at 1:00 a.m. Illinois time…
You are too funny with your description of your last eclipse and the way you viewed it through the papers… whatever works! I hope you got to see some of it…
Blessings, Jeanne
I slept thru it! I had gotten up a little after 9, but hadn’t slept well last night, so went back to bed, and by the time I woke up again, it was over. Oh, well…
Oh Jeanne, there is so much improvement in what you have done! I can feel you bursting with pride, although I know how questionable it is when you try to change up a room. You can breathe a sigh of relief now, that things are meshing together! Yes, the first thing I thought, is that the window trim should match the rest of the trim, and that will make a big difference, believe me! Your fabric looks so elegant and will make very pretty drapes! Next up for you—-new floors, how exciting!
Our morning newspaper has an article about Carbondale, but it sounded like things were going very well, and that a lot of people were there. Who knows?
We are expecting clouds around the time of the eclipse, but we will see. So much of the weather forecasting is always off a bit.
A dolly post is what I think we all are getting excited about! Have you decided who is the lucky girl this time?
HI Linda,
When I was sending pictures back and forth to Cindy, she said she wished she was here…she’d get that window painted for me… It will get done… maybe this next weekend.
I was determined to get some sewing done…because this isn’t a home decor blog!
I’m glad you like the looks of the room now… me too! It’s so fresh and uplifting to me.
The fabric IS wonderful and I can’t wait to do the curtains. I’d love to have them just stay at the side, but I don’t like the looks of the blinds showing… Cindy is trying to help me with that… I’d almost like something on a traverse rod that slid over to the side and was out of the way. I don’t like the strings hanging down from the blinds. The window is 114″ wide, so one blind is too wide to put up there. I’ll figure something out…
Things did pick up in town and the Saluki Stadium had 15,000 sold out seats.. it looked like it on TV.
There were clouds at the stadium until about the last 5 seconds but at my house, it was clear and I could see it perfectly.. They all should have been at my house! :o)
You’ll see tomorrow who is next… :o)
Thanks Linda…
Blessings, Jeanne
Your living room looks lovely. Everything combines so nicely and it looks so fresh and clean. I like your curtain fabric very much. I didn’t even notice it was just draped at first. The crown molding certainly dresses up your ceilings. I hope you are enjoying your new living room!!
Have a good eclipse day!
Take care.
HI Charlotte,
I appreciate your kind words about my living room. It’s slowly coming together and pretty soon it will all be done… I’m liking it very much just even the way it is now!
It’s not really crown moulding around the ceiling but just cove moulding… it’s fine with me though…
I AM enjoying what I’ve done so far…and can’t wait to do the rest…
Thanks Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
The living room is certainly coming together. I think Marilyn’s friend may be right about the ceiling, and even if she isn’t, it’s nice to have a vote of confidence about leaving it as it is. It does reflect the light nicely during the day. I remember the mirror over the fireplace which was a Jeanne Marie find. How about a picture edit on the computer to see how the white ceiling would look. Might be too much for the style of your house, but I don’t know how it would look at night; maybe too dark. It would also depend on the mystery color of the floors. So glad things are coming together.
I think people with campers are the most excited about the eclipse and campgrounds are full. I imagine a lot of people may drive even a couple of hundred miles to see the eclipse and then go back home today. Hope everyone enjoys the show.
HI Susette,
Well, for now, the ceiling will have to stay as it is, but with the room being painted it’s made it okay for me… for now! I’d still love to see it painted white, but there are other things that need to be done worse. The room does have lots of light in it, and I’m thankful for that! I should do one of those pictures where you can choose the paint to see how it would look with a different color. I might have to put Cindy on that! :o)
I think everyone around here enjoyed themselves… I think some partying is still going on. I didn’t ever venture into town, but George did and he said things really did pick up downtown… but not like they were expecting, I don’t think.We’ll have to wait and hear the stories from Rebecca. Today she was working at the Cancer Center where George had his Chemo.
They interviewed someone on TV who had come all the way from Maui, Hawaii to be here for the eclipse… I hope they weren’t at the Saluki Stadium… they had clouds there… My house was great! :o)
Thanks Susette,
Blessings, Jeanne
What fun to see your pretty living room after your work on it! Your fall/autumn will start out so refreshed with this newness in your home. Having waited so long makes it even more special.
Trusting that the day will not be too hectic in your or anyone else’s home area and that the eclipse will be viewed safely by all.
Blessings.
HI Becky,
I have waited so long for my living and dining room to be painted and finished, I am overjoyed at the progress so far… Just wait till I got the flooring… I’ll probably pass out! :o)
I stayed home and viewed it all by myself… George was in town helping our church hand out water bottles to people on the street. He said it did get pretty busy… it was 107 with the heat index…so he came about as red faced as I’ve ever seen him. One of the wineries had at least a dozen people carted off on stretchers from heat related episodes… I’m glad I stayed inside mostly…
Thanks Becky,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh Jeanne, the living room looks just beautiful!! The color of the paint does make the white trim pop! A white ceiling in time would be perfect!! Love the look of the blue cabinet against the paint color. I simply like how you have the furniture placed and the blue cabinet, while being across the room from the blue/ gray wall, compliment each other. The curtains are gorgeous too and I would agree that the light from the outdoors flows in right and cheery.
I love make overs and always enjoy seeing yours.
By the way, all my married life with all our pets, have included sofa coverings of all types. That includes doggie beds here and there on the floors- especially for our beloved greyhounds, and now, on our bed, two poodle pillow beds – with their pink baby blankets and all – so I totally get the towel on the your sofa!!!!
Hope everyone gets to see some image of the eclipse.
Thank you Paula,
After all that debating and paint splotches painted on the walls, and sample paint jars bought…I am happy with the color iboucked. It’s a very soft, easy on the eyes, and comfy color.
Well, these 2 rooms were in definite need of a makeover. I hope to paint my big living room window soon…that will make a big difference, I know…
Reuben wore a hole in the loosely woven fabric on the top of the cushion. We pulled the fabric over and fastened it down…a new couch is definitely in the future, but for now, it will have to do…
I used to put a coverlet over the couch, but this couch that was given to us is way too big for a coverlet. I’d like a more tailored couch…:o)
Thanks Paula,
Blessings, Jeanne
Wow, a decorating masterpiece! Love it. The rod height for your curtains is perfect and the molding certainly fills in those pesky gaps. The picture grouping in the dining room covers any imperfection which, by the way, I never would have noticed had you not mentioned it. 🙂 All of your hard work has certainly paid off.
Unfortunately, we’re fogged in this morning. It may lift by 9:00 for the eclipse at 10:15, but if not, guess we’ll watch it on tv. Heading up to the other house to pick up my father’s old welding glasses to see what we can see with them. Me, I’m going with the pin hole effect.
Have fun everyone.
Forgot! We saw Carbondale on the 5:00 oclock news last night. Nice town you have. I was telling other person, there’s Jeanne’s town!
Still fogged in. Drove up to the top of the hills and just more fog. So, came home and watched the Oregon clip. Pretty neat.
And then Carbondale was on tv again, so we watched the stadium group all looking at the clouds. Just a quick peek of the sun between clouds. But, was much better than our fog which still hasn’t lifted today.
Hi Joy,
I always thought everyone who came to my house noticed that dent in the dining room wall first thing…maybe not…thanks for letting me know I had I point it out to you!!
Cindy told me if I hung the rod as high as I could on the wall, it would make the ceiling look taller. I think she right!
It w as kind of weird seeing Carbondale in the national news. They were broadcasting from Saluki Stadium and of all places, the clouds covered the majority of the totality. But at my house it was perfect viewong. I was about 2 or 3 miles away from the stadium…
I’m sorry you only saw fog…:o (
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Here at least Charlotte T got it right. The sun got less bright for a while, but if I hadn’t known there was an eclipse, I wouldn’t have noticed. I didn’t have glasses so I didn’t look at the sun — my guess is that the thrill is seeing the dark moon surrounded by a halo of light.
In books, per-historic people are frightened by the disappearance of the light, but unless someone looked up at the right moment, I don’t think most of them would have noticed it was happening.
My thrill was looking at Etsy for some reason I can’t remember and seeing an AG “Eclipse 2017” shirt. It seems to have been a one of a kind item, which is too bad.
So, good luck to all the Carbondale viewers. We can toast them in iced tea and hope they don’t sunburn badly.
Hi Marilyn,
I was glad I stayed home and got to see the eclipse as the people in town didn’t get to see it as clearly as I did. The clouds got in the way in town.
George went into town to help out with a water hydration station our church had set up. He came home quite sunburned!
I guess it’s back to normal now…I’m back in my sewing room…and it feels good!!
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
We had a cloudy day but you could still tell when it became so eerily dark. There was a traffic jam going west out of Omaha on I 80 because the western part of the state had clearer skies. Me? Iwatched on TV 🙂
I was interested in seeing the color of your paint..my living room needs it to…but maybe a shade darker. I could see the color best on the wall with the wainscoting . Loved it with the white below it. Love the drapery fabric…and the rod. It’s going to be a knockout!
Isn’t it time to post your fresh pickle recipe? I was just thinking of it yesterday.. I think I have it but some new followers may need it?
Have a good week
Hi Kathie,
There were some traffic jams as people were leaving Carbondale…but they just said on the news it’s pretty much cleared up.
I do like the color of my walls and it’s much prettier and darker than it looks. It’s my favorite color in the evening hours.
I may have to post Linda’s pickle recipe so my new viewers can see it. It IS a great recipe!
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
Your living room looks just lovely, bright and airy. It will be great in the winter as well as I think the sun will stream off of the walls nicely. I’m sure you feel as if you are living in a brand new house.
I had to laugh at you towel on the couch. We always had coverings on the sofas that only came off when company came. Our one little Yorkie used to sit on the top of the sofa and push down the cushion to nestle into a comfy space. The kitties sleep on the sofa, but never do any scratching or damage. I’m so use to having pet beds on the floors and toys around that it wouldn’t feel like a home without them.
I’m going to check out all the new doll releases now and see what Nanea’s collection is like and all the new releases.
I’m with Linda, waiting for a dolly post and learning who is up next. Hint, better get cracking on 1940’s dresses with Nanea and Molly to return from the archives.
Hi Laura,
It does seem like a new room every time I walk through my front door. I like it!!!
I really might have to check into a couch cover because I don’t think a new couch is in the picture right now. I’d like to get the trim up around my sewing room door and window thar opens into the living room…
I will have a dolly post tomorrow and I guess I better start thinking of 40’s ideas…
Thanks Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne