Monday, April 1, 2013

Color Me Happy

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Easter.  We started the day at Church enjoying an amazing Easter Cantata by the Choir, then spent the rest of the day with family and friends, eating, sharing and laughing.   It was a bit overwhelming for Cole.  Holidays and large gatherings can be difficult for those with Autism.

April is Autism Awareness Month.  Since learning that Cole is Autistic my world has gotten alot more colorful!  My sweet precious baby makes me smile every day.  I've been striving to make our home a place where he feels safe and happy.  In the Family Room I've been moving things around (yet again!) and finally came up with a configuration that we all like, especially Cole.  He doesn't like big open spaces.  I moved the furniture closer together and he just loves it.  And I love how much cozier it feels in here now.


Of course one thing leads to another when you start moving things around.  A week ago, I posted (here) about two new pieces of furniture that I added to this room, and that quickly they are both gone!  That's just how I roll.  Now one is in my booth for sale and the other is in the basement.  For now...

A few months ago we brought a bookcase to the Barn to sell and it just wasn't moving, so I got the idea to use it in my Family Room.  I'm learning that when you buy and sell furniture for a living, you tend to swap things out a lot.  It's hard to resist the temptation.

Here it is in my booth:


And now in my house:




I won the little footstool at an auction a couple weeks ago and painted it coral.


Then brought in my Decor Steals ladder to display some of my more colorful quilts.


The lampshade and floral pillow are from Target.  Have ya been there lately???  They just keep bringing in more and more great stuff.   And their Clearance section is the bomb-diggity!!


I love this table in the corner of the room.  It's great for using the laptop and will make a great place for Cole to color when he gets older.



Before I sign off I want to share something that happened to me last week.  I have a nosy neighbor that I try to avoid as much as possible.  Well the other day she called on a number I didn't recognize.  I reluctantly talked to her for a short while when she started asking questions about Cole and his Autism. The conversation came to an abrupt end when she asked me if I would have had my son if I knew he was going to be Autistic.  In my state of hurt and anger I vented about it on Facebook and the response I got was overwhelming.  People I haven't heard from since High School reached out.  Others that I didn't even know that well sent personal messages of support.  I was touched more than you could possibly know.   Why am I telling you this?  Sometimes it just feels like we only hear about the bad things that happen.  It's important to remember that there is more good in the world than evil.

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulicious day!
xoxo,
Kim

Joining:  Creative Cain Cabin's Budget Decorating Party
               Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesday
               Common Ground's Be Inspired Friday

24 comments:

Stacey said...

OK Kim. I started to spout off about your neighbor but I'll be nice. I'm sorry you had to endure such rudeness. Hopefully over time she will gain a wider understanding of autism and unconditional love.

Your home is gorgeous. I think it's neat that you are already figuring out the little things that help Cole feel safe and cozy.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a great bookcase, Kim! I love it and I love it in your family room. I think it's great that you are able to figure out what makes Cole comfortable and are able to put it into action ~ like moving your furniture a little closer together.

Your neighbor sounds like an idiot. What is wrong with some people? How do you even ask a question like that of anyone? I'm glad you got such a good response for the people who matter.

Paula@SweetPea said...

The bookshelf looks fabulous in your room. I love the pop of orange!

Your neighbor must be one of the most insensitive people around!

Calypso In The Country said...

I am happy to hear so many friends supported your facebook comments! I know several people like your neighbor and I always tell myself that people that say hurtful things are usually very unhappy with themselves. Most of the time I really find that to be true! Idiots! Anyway, I love all the color in your room! It's so inviting and cheerful in there!
-Shelley

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Kim I don't even know what to say about your neighbors comment...except what an idiot, and I'm being nice!!
Love love love your rooms new arrangement and LOVE all the color!! That piece behind your couch is fabulous!

Dawn said...

Loving your space and all the changes that took place, this is my favorite arrangement and color combo so far. Great work:)

An Oasis in the Desert said...

First off, I can't believe how unthinking some people can be. Your neighbor must be a very small, sad person to have said that to you. I'm so glad you shared that on FB.

How about that happy family room! I'm seriously crushing over that area rug -- I can't seem to get enough turquoise right now! I really like all the cheerful colors that you've added and they all look so great with the rug!

Have a great week, Kim!
Carol

Melinda said...

Your neighbor obviously has no knowledge of what Autism is and
how it affects a family.

Glad you were able to find a "cozy"
layout for your family and Cole.
Children with Autism like those
"cozy" areas. We have a lot of those
in our classroom.

Love all the color!

M :)

Marigene said...

It is amazing how rude people are...I am sorry you were subjected to some so lacking in intelligence and manners.
I have always loved your family room...and living room...and kitchen!

Debbiedoos said...

Your neighbor is a whackadoo, but you know that already. Kim your room looks fabulous. I love all the fun color you have brought in.

Handbags*and*Pigtails said...

Oh Kim...that bookcase is GORGEOUS! You need to keep that! If not, I want it! :) We need a reason to meet up IRL anyway, right? :)
As for your son, He is precious and some people are just rude and ignorant. I have students who are autistic and they are wonderful little people. Keep up the great job!

pam {simple details} said...

What a stylish and comfortable space you've created, Kim! Love all your vibrant cheerful colors! I spied my favorite pillow from Ikea, too! :)

As for your neighbor, I have no words, you handled the situation very graciously!

Kate @ Eating in the Shower Blog said...

Kim, I love this room! Such a cozy style. Thanks for sharing,
Kate

Anonymous said...

I am sorry your nosy neighbor hurt your feelings. So insensitive & rude.It's ok to vent. So glad all your facebook friends were there to support you.
You are right It's important to remember that there is more good in the world than evil. Thank you for sharing.
Your family room looks so cheery & colorful. Beautiful! Just think your sweet Cole, was your inspiration for re-decorating the room. Glad the room is comfortable for him.

Unknown said...

The bookcase looks perfect in your room. I think it was meant to be!:)

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

What a cheerful cozy room and what an idiotic neighbor! Sheesh...

Angie@Echoes of Laughter said...

I love this so much! The bookcase looks so pretty and the colour and pattern are just perfect Kim! Have a lovely week! Angie xo

Sweet Parrish Place said...

Wow, that is so ignorant! Pure ignorance! You should pray for her! She probably needs it more than your precious little angel does. I love your entire room! Great job!

Lee Caroline - A World of Inspiration said...

I love the way you have used colour in this room, especially the orange patterned paper at the back of the shelves. I have a current love of orange and posted about orange and velvet the other week. I spotted your post on Savvy Southern Style. I hope you get to check out my latest post which I shared there, I think you might enjoy it as it is about colour and you obviously have a love of colour.

Lee :)

Katie - Something to be Found said...

Yum colors all OVER the place in that room!

Newest Follower,
Katei

Debra@CommonGround said...

First, I love this room full of wonderful color, the bookshelf makes such a fun statement, and second, I often think people are so lacking judgement and sensitivity. so sorry you had to endure ignorance and rudeness, but glad to hear you had a wonderful outpouring of "good" from Facebook. I'll be featuring your post on Be Inspired.

awal.ny said...

So sorry to hear about the neighbor, she spoke out of line. I love the bright colors in your room. Can I ask where you got the lovely carpet or if it has a name?

Poppy said...

Hi Kim,

Love your style, colour choices, and creative energy! Have been taking a little tour of your gorgeous blog and booth at the Barn, where your style is also evident!

Following you and hope you will, too!

Poppy :)

Krista Aasen said...

Wowza!! I absolutely LOVE your living room!! So beautiful and crisp and colorful. That bookshelf... the cushions... those are the couches of my dreams. It is all fabulous!

Sorry to hear about your neighbour. Some people don't understand that sometimes our blessings come in the most unexpected ways, as I am sure your son is to you.

Krista @thehappyhousie