Monday, July 27, 2015

When Life Gives You Blackberries...

Gifts From Readers...


I'm back at Cottage, where things are improving ever so slowly... It began with no running water and no electricity upstairs... Then the running water was put back, only the cold one, though... After a few days, I had hot water, then a sink in the bathroom, then electricity in the bathroom and the next day in the home office and in the bedroom...

Me voilà de retour au Cottage où les choses s'améliorent très lentement... Au début, je n'avais pas d'eau courante et pas d'électricité à l'étage. Très vite, l'eau courante est revenue, mais seulement en version froide... Puis, j'ai eu l'eau chaude et le lendemain un lavabo! Enfin, l'électricité dans la salle-de-bains, le bureau et la chambre...


That leaves me today with running water, hot and cold, electricity nearly everywhere except in the stairs and on the landing, and not one TV plug working!

Aujourd'hui il y a donc un certain confort, mais toujours pas d'électricité sur le palier et dans les escaliers et aucune prise télé ne fonctionne!

 
Some days are harder than others. Cottage is an awful mess and there are various little problems coming my way every now and then that everyone who has renovated an old house might understand: leak dramas, door handle dramas, electrical switch dramas, bathroom sconce dramas...

Certains jours sont plus compliqués que d'autres. Cottage est un bazar sans nom et il y a toujours des problèmes qui surgissent et que toute personne qui a rénové une vieille maison peut comprendre : le drame de la fuite, le drame de la poignée de porte (ce sera pour un autre article), le drame des interrupteurs, le drame des appliques de salle-de-bains...


But you know me, I try to see the best in every situation. So when my somehow hectic life right now allows wild blackberries to grow in my garden because I don't have time to weed, I enjoy eating them!

Mais, vous me connaissez, j'essaie toujours de voir le meilleur de chaque situation. Ainsi, mon jardin est une jungle dont je n'ai pas le temps de m'occuper, mais au moins, des mûres sauvages y ont poussé et je me régale!

One of the thing that can really brighten my day, as you may guess, is finding little things for Cottage... I don't have time to go shopping or thrifting lately, but I can count on my readers to take care of Cottage!

Une de mes activités préférées, c'est de trouver des petits trucs pour Cottage... Mais en ce moment,  je n'ai ni le temps de faire du shopping ni même de chiner... Mais mes lecteurs s'occupent de Cottage presque aussi bien que moi, vous allez le voir.

Now, truth be told, when I began writing Cottage's story on the blog, I never ever thought that my readers would send  Cottage gifts. But it does happen sometimes that my postman rings at the gate and hands me a package for something I have never ordered and I suddenly feel like a little girl on Christmas morning. 

Je vous l'avoue, quand j'ai commencé à écrire l'histoire de Cottage sur le blog, je n'ai jamais pensé que mes lecteurs enverraient des cadeaux à ma maison ! Mais cela arrive de temps en temps et quand le facteur sonne et me tend un paquet que je n'ai pas commandé, je me sens soudain comme une petite fille un matin de Noël.

I don't share it every time on the blog, not because I'm ungrateful - I always send a private email - but because I don't want my readers to feel like they owe Cottage something. On the other hand, readers have become a part of Cottage's story, sending items that get used everyday...

Je ne fais pas un article à chaque fois, non pas parce que je ne suis pas reconnaissante, mais parce que je ne veux pas que mes lecteurs aient l'impression qu'ils doivent envoyer quelque chose à Cottage. D'un autre côté, ces cadeaux font partie de l'histoire de Cottage et sont utilisés presque tous les jours.

So I decided to do a little round up of things we got in the past twelve months, in chronological order.

J'ai donc décidé de faire un petit résumé des paquets reçus ces derniers mois, par ordre chronologique.


You might remember those very useful tags I have on some of my jars in the kitchen. They were sent to Cottage by Sarah from Little Hideaway. I thought it was such a clever idea that I've had every intention to make more of them... But haven't found the time yet!


Peut-être aviez-vous remarqué sur les pots dans ma cuisine les étiquettes façon tableau noir. Elles m'ont été envoyées par Sarah du blog Little Hideaway. Je les trouve très pratiques et j'ai prévu d'en recréer d'autres sur son modèle... Mais je n'ai pas encore eu le temps!

Le bracelet qu'elle m'a envoyé en même temps est adorable et je le porte souvent! J'aurai aimé pouvoir supprimer mes rides de main grâce au logiciel photo... Mais c'est une fonction payante, alors comme je dois payer mes fenêtres, vous allez voir mes rides!


It came with a darling bracelet that I love to wear! I'd have loved to remove my hand wrinkles on picmonkey but it's not a free feature... And I need to pay my windows...

On my kitchen counter, I love having different contenant for spoons, knifes and so on. One of them was sent to me by Gilly (I hope she won't mind me sharing her name), a reader, who also sent me a funny tea towel that always use to wrap my homemade bread, for some reason.


Sur mon plan de travail de cuisine, j'ai plein de pots différents dans lesquels je place mes cuillères, mes couteaux, mon presse purée... L'un d'eux m'a été envoyé par Gilly (j'espère qu'elle ne m'en voudra pas de donner son prénom). Elle avait joint au colis un torchon anglais que j'utilise toujours pour envelopper mes pains maison.



Since we're talking about tea towels, let me show you that seaside-perfect one I received from Jo from Anne's Attic. She had it beautifully wrapped and there also was in the package an adorable heart banner that stayed on my dining-room door until the renovation began and apparently I forgot to take a picture!


Puisque qu'on parle de torchons, Jo, du blog Anne's Attic, a pensé que celui-là serait parfait dans ma cuisine de bord de mer. Il a été fait main il y a des années par quelqu'un de sa famille. Le paquet était superbe et la guirlande de cœurs qui était jointe est restée dans ma salle-à-manger jusqu'à ce que les travaux commencent. 


The following pictures were taken only a few days ago in my messy kitchen (the electrical pannel is still open as there are still a couple of unresolved electrical problems). Wrapped in a vintage map of the area where I live was a beautiful embroidery with the perfect saying for this home. Nicolette who sent it explained that she used French silk thread to create it.

Les dernières photos ont été prises il y a quelques jours dans ma cuisine qui est tout en bazar car le tableau électrique et la gaine d'évacuation sont encore grand ouverts. Enveloppée dans une carte  de ma région  se trouvait une magnifique broderie qui semble être faite pour être chez moi puisque la phrase dit : "une maison n'est pas complète sans un chat". La broderie est extrêmement fine et Nicolette qui l'a réalisée explique dans sa lettre qu'elle a utilisé du fil de soie. 


This probably won't go in the kitchen, but will join a project I have for my landing... Something that is not happening soon!


Cette magnifique broderie ne va pas rester dans la cuisine. C'est probablement le premier élément d'un mur-galerie que je prévois pour mon nouveau palier... Des projets en perspective!

A huge thank you to all those who at some point saw something that reminded them of Cottage and sent it to us! Cottage is very thankful... and a little proud...

Un grand merci à tous ceux qui ont pensé à Cottage en voyant un objet. Il est très touché... et un peu fier de son succès...

See you soon,

A bientôt,


PS: I hid a little before and after of Cottage in the post. Can you see what has changed?

PS : J'ai caché un petit avant/après de Cottage dans cet article. Vous voyez ce qui a changé?

64 comments:

  1. allez je tente, je dis le mur de façade de cottage??

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  2. It must feel good to be home even if things are still a mess. Wild blackberries are 😋 delicious!

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  3. Oooh, I love seeing your little gifts. The embroidered cat in a frame is gorgeous and I love your tea towels. I am wondering if I spy skylights? Also, your hydrangea is spectacular. Are your cats happy?

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  4. P.S. I forgot to mention the pretty bracelet and utensil holder. That old map would be so nice if you could have it framed, especially as it shows your area. The kitchen looks so nice!

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  6. YOU and Cottage are well-loved, Magali...aren't bloggers such generous and loving friends? The sweet mementos and thoughtfulness here is evident that there are wonderful moments in a human being's life that show that LOVE is not just a thought but real. How beautiful each item is (I LOVE THAT HANDSTITCHED TOWEL!)

    May each day inch by inch be proof that progress is being made, and that by the colder months, you will be safely tucked into Cottage's arms. Much love! Anita

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  7. Looks like it's all coming along a treat, Magali. Many bloggers strike me as being not only kind, but also very clever with all they things they make and projects they tackle - anything from making a cute decoration to renovating a house...

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  8. You're definitely a 'glass half full' kind of gal Magali, and that's one of the many qualities you possess that I love and admire. I can somewhat relate to what you're going through with cottage (on a much smaller scale) as our RV has had more than its fair share of electrical issues. I didn't think you'd be back in your cottage so soon, but it probably didn't feel like it's soon enough for you!

    Such lovely, thoughtful gifts you've received from your readers!

    (And what wrinkles are you talking about?!)

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  9. Lovely gifts - blogging friends are the best. I am glad Cottage is almost normal again.

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  10. How sweet! Enjoy your lovely gifts and your beautiful cottage - even with all the issues, it looks amazing and everything will be sorted out eventually (I hope!)

    Happy Monday!!

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  11. I spy new windows!! Looking good! What lovely gifts.

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  12. How lovely to have such pretty gifts for Cottage.

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  13. Hi....i'm SSSo happy to hear you're back..i was honestly no joke..thinking about you yesterday an how things are going..wonderful gifts you have there..the cat is just darling..isn't it amazing how plants can still come back after yrs of being buried..or mower down when cutting the grass..i used to walk every morning an the rd i went down had the blacktop scraped off an they cleared about 2 feet more to one side..the most beautiful flowers started growing there..then one day they covered them with blacktop..broke my heart..this spring i had a friend bring me some top soil for the veggie garden..i had tomatoes come up out of that soil..it was from a home site that had long gone to ruin an cleared out..he wasn't sure how many yrs that had been..now i'm hoping it was long enough ago there aren't GMO tomatoes..i hope everything is in good working order very soon..if not already...hoping your week goes like clockwork..Swiss clockwork..is theirs supposed to be the most accurate....

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  14. Happy to hear that you are back home once again! These are such sweet gifts. I too have little gifts from blogging friends sprinkled around our cottage ~ they make life so much sweeter, yes?
    Have a wonderful week.
    xo,
    Lin

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  15. I always enjoy your posts and learning of your adventures in renovating Cottage. In regards to your before and after pictures, the hydrangea is blooming in shades of beautiful blue, one of the gates is open, and I see an extra window! I grew up in an old house built during the Civil War, in America, and, yes, I understand the problems that arise with older homes. I love Cottage and all your accomplishments. Looking forward to your next update.

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    1. Yes, yes, yes! This is the extra window the city rules didn't want me to open... It's there!

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  16. I always enjoy your posts and learning of your adventures in renovating Cottage. In regards to your before and after pictures, the hydrangea is blooming in shades of beautiful blue, one of the gates is open, and I see an extra window! I grew up in an old house built during the Civil War, in America, and, yes, I understand the problems that arise with older homes. I love Cottage and all your accomplishments. Looking forward to your next update.

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  17. I love that you always see the bright side in life... And you have been rewarded for it... What lovely gifts, Magali! They are all so thoughtful..
    I have really enjoyed reading about the cottage... And yes, always surprises along the way.. But you have done such an amazing job.
    blessings,
    Penny

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  18. I love reading about your adventures in renovating Cottage. We also did a lot of work on our house. Love all your surprises from your blogging friends. Looking forward to your next post...Barb

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  19. With any renovation there will be bumps in the road. Glad you are getting yours worked out. For your cottage being as old as it is it sounds like everything can be fixed or updated so that is great. Love all your sweet gifts from bloggers. I tell you we meet the best people in this place called Blog Land. Have a great week.
    Kris

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  20. Sorry things are still in disarray, but it does sound as thoug it is improving and you are handling it well! Love all the sweet gifts you have received! Have a lovely week!

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  21. It is so fun to my little sailing towel at your house. It really seems fitting for it to be near the sea side. Have a lovely week. Jo

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  22. Awe Bloggy friends are just the best Magali!! So many beautiful gifts for Cottage. You have been one busy blogger with all of you renos and still have time to enjoy your blackberries! I am so excited for you and have been following along on my Iphone as my computer is giving me grief! Happy summer my friend.

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  23. Such sweet and thoughtful gifts. Your reno, while having stumbling blocks along the way, is progressing better than ours. We are having so much rain the rebuild is all soaking wet with water coming in the finished kitchen! Very stressful! xo Patty

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  24. Oh, what lovely gifts you and Cottage have received.

    I love the little towel and am thinking that I need to embroider some pretty towels for Steve's kitchen.

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  25. Contente pour toi de ton retour à ""Cottage"". Je trouve, moi qui vois ça de l'extérieur que tes travaux ont avancé d'une manière plutôt satisfaisante. Bien sûr que vivre ailleurs n'est pas le top mais tu vois le bout du tunnel et bientôt tavie à la maison va être très agréable.
    Tous les chats sont à nouveau réunis. Shadow a-t-il été content de son retour?
    Je te souhaite une belle semaine. Bisous. Babette

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  26. Yum, wild blackberries. What a wonderful treat. It is always good to be home. Even when things aren't perfect. Love all of your gifts. xo Laura

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  27. I'm glad you got those gifts (and the blackberries) to remind you of all the blessings you have with Cottage despite the inconveniences you are currently experiencing on and off!

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  28. Little blessings when you need it the most....blackberries and sweet gifts for cottage who is also suffering......My daughter just bought a vintage cottage and it is one thing after another......I just know it will all be worth it in the end for you. Until then, you can enjoy blackberry stained fingers :)

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    1. Your daughter will solve each problem after the other and thus create a bond with her cottage just like I did!

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  29. What a gorgeous home. It looks so serene and welcoming. Love the sweet gifts. You are certainly loved by your followers.

    Janet

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  30. I have been going through the same thing in my old place, though do not think it is as old as yours! Always something to work on! Here in Oregon you find blackberries everywhere! They are an invasive plant here. Hard to get rid of them.

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  31. Welcome home, Magali! Happy that you and cottage are reunited. Thoughtful gifts, sweet blackberries, and back at home - life is good again!

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  32. Oh, blackberries :-) I have them now, a lot :-) Cottage varies with each post, it's cool that participate in such a metamorphosis. No wonder that readers are sending you gifts, very cool and useful. Me too it happens, send, I get :-)
    I greet warmly and tasty blackberries :-)

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  33. Ravie pour toi que tu retrouves enfin ta maison, les chats doivent être contents !
    C'est tellement bon les mures, en vrai plaisir à grappiller au passage...
    Les présents que tu as reçus sont de belles attentions, la broderie est très jolie.
    Il y a effectivement une nouvelle fenêtre de toit, mais je n'ai aucun mérite, j'ai lu les commentaires plus haut :)...
    Bonne journée. Nathalie

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  34. Je viens de découvrir ce blog et je le trouve vraiment très sympa!
    Je m'y retrouve aussi un peu car je rénove également une maison...
    Bon courage pour la suite de l'aventure!

    Lucile

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    1. Bienvenue au Cottage, Lucile ! Je serai ravie que l'on échange nos trucs et astuces de rénovation !

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    2. Sans souci pour l'échange de trucs et astuces! Selon moi "l'astuce" primordiale c'est optimisme et persévérance lorsque l'on rénove.

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  35. What lovely gifts and friends you and cottage have made and blackberries, too? Fabulous! ;)

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  36. Everything is so beautiful and heartwaming!

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  37. Even with all the renovating drama it must feel fantastic to be back at cottage! Welcome Home!!!. What nice and useful gifts cottage has received ~ how fun to get them in the post and how thoughtful of the senders. Have a grand week ~ Mickie

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  38. Gasp, Windows, I see Windows!! Tres chic! Love your wild blackberries too. Jealous. Apparently I may be moving to where the Gilmore girls is filmed. Mel says she is extremely envious.

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  39. Glad everything is working out, even if slow and the minor things can drive you crazy...but then no hot water is NOT minor!
    I see windows up top on the roof....al in a row bringing in great light! What lovely gifts you received! Bloggers are great people, but how do they know your address?

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  40. Magali que bueno que ya Cottage te tiene en casita aunque las cosas no Deben de estar como tu quieres pero se que prefieres estar de vuelta con lo tuyo, me gusta mucho tu cocina se ve acogedora me gusta todos los regalitos que has recibido cuando yo vaya a Peru traere a Cottage un presente tambien ;) nelly

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    1. Nelly ,
      Cottage está mejorando día tras día ... El mobiliario es nuevo en las habitaciones de arriba , ahora se necesita un buen polvo !
      Magali

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  41. The blue hydrangea is so beautiful. I like the blackberries. I really want to grow it in my own garden

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  42. I hope all your mess is finished soon. That is the hard part of renovating. You have been truly blessed with sweet gifts from thoughtful readers!

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  43. Oh, Magali! You poor thing, you have really been through it. Glad that things are getting back to normal. But those windows! Light, glorious light! You place is adorable! Enjoy the berries!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  44. Oh, Magali! You poor thing, you have really been through it. Glad that things are getting back to normal. But those windows! Light, glorious light! You place is adorable! Enjoy the berries!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  45. How would we know it (Cottage in your case) really belongs to us if we weren't called and able to take care of it? Great progress. Jo @ Let's Face the Music

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  46. Dear Magali,

    how very kind of you to remember me after all those weeks. Things are getting better for a while, so I am back and enjoying your blog. Have a nice summer!
    Yours
    Sarah

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  47. Hi Magali :)

    How lovely your readers are to send you sweet gifts. All of them are darling.

    I'm so sorry that this renovation has had so many problems. I guess that's the way it is with old houses... trust me, I know ;)

    I hope it goes smoothly from now on. Take care!

    xo,
    rue

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  48. I will send you a soothing song to calm the nerves ! This young man is from Sweden, but no need for language problems, for he 'joiks', that is he sings in sounds to express his emotions...I hope you will enjoy his talented voice!!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwmEjszVlZk

    Greetings, and lots of courage as to Cottage's adventures !! Marie

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  49. how wonderful! We have also been enjoying blackberries, and I have made 7 jars of blackberry jam for later days

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  50. Blackberries make everything better! Cottage will be gorgeous in the end. Lovely gifts from friends! Jo is a sweetheart and sent me a gift as well.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  51. Contente d'apprendre que tu as réintégré tes appartements. Toujours plus facile d'être sur place au plus près des travaux.
    Bonne journée.

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  52. I must add my voice - I also enjoy following your cottage adventures.
    Amalia
    xo

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  53. Glad you're back in the cottage. Sounds like there's a few glitches. Isn't renovation fun? The kitchen looked great. You are loved by your readers. Sweet gifts

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