GOLDEN GRAHAMS

I feel as though I have failed majorly as far as posting about my golden child. Earlier in the year I wrote a few posts explaining my getting back in the saddle but never really continued the horsey stories! Butters is our baby, we are utterly obsessed and cannot get enough of this Cheeto-eating crazy. I cannot believe it has been nearly 6 months since he became ours. Butters story is a little hard to tell because I wasn't around for the first part. My 4-H leader from middle school found this wonderful guy starving in a stinky pasture on the edge of town and saved him last November. In March of this year she asked if I'd like to have him and of course I jumped at the chance. A few months in the poor boy colicked and we nearly lost him. After a few trips to the vet and some professional nutritional advice from the doc he started to bloom from underneath his tough malnourished coat. Today he is glittering and has quite the personality. As I mentioned earlier, he eats Cheetos. He is also the loudest horse I have ever known with a killer nicker. This gelding lives with three beautiful girlfriends - two arabian mares and a crazy cute appaloosa. His dad spoils him and his mommy kisses him constantly. We ride lightly but enough to help build and maintain those Quarter Horse butt muscles. He's the sweetest horse and even participates in community benefit events. 

I cannot express how it feels to provide for an animal who has suffered in a previous life. I make it a point to do something special for him everyday and I know in my heart that he is happy. Butters came into my life at a time when I felt I had no purpose. I lost my job in February and although it was quite a relief, I felt as though I was quickly losing myself as I became more and more depressed. When Butters became my "child" and as he became stronger in my care I realized what I difference I was making in his life. He is 20 years old and I have turned his life around. He will be a part of our family for the rest of his life and I want to work hard to provide him with the what he deserves. He has pushed me to get out and be active everyday, he has shown me patience and trust, and has changed my life forever.

He is more than our fur kid, he is our best friend and I love him so. 

Horses lend us the wings we lack

"GOLDEN GRAMS" MARCH-AUGUST 2015

Looking Forward:: Preston Cottage

Ever since my first summer in Kent I have dreamt of living in a oak timber-framed cottage like so. My desire to create and decorate a freshly painted modern tudor grows by the day and there is nothing I can do to make this obsession go away. Here I am trying to study mortgage interest and proration for my real estate license exam and all I can think about it muted earth tones and woodland creature illustrations. Today this desire is heightened by the sudden change in weather..

Our region of Washington has experienced some of the highest and driest temps in the United States this year and apart from acquiring a decent tan this year, it has been miserable. Today though, the skies are grey and the air is humid. I am hoping for a thunderstorm while I sit here with my comforting cup of Ceylon Maple Tea. Like many living in Eastern Washington, I am ready for fall. To me fall has always been a "new beginnings" time of year - maybe even mores than Spring. What are your thoughts are fall? Are you prepared for banana bread and pumpkin pie evenings?

I created this mood board above to try to satisfy my need for cottage living today. I admit that pinning about my future home is an addiction and like I said previously, it just can't be stopped. I know there are many romantics out there who feel the same way I do, so of course, I decided to share my findings.

So here's why I chose these specific photos and also where you may find the source..beginning from the top-left: 

1. I am really pretty fond of the shape of this little cottage. I am in love with the dormers and mesmerized by the combination of the sage green trimmings and clotted cream colored stucco - it is just perfecto. Styling and photo by Merry Albright
2. Beams, stairway and door. The hinges are seriously a must - I will be having my in-laws send these sort of things over - there is just something about authentic English finishings. Merry Albright
3. My favorite plant atop and marvelous handcrafted farmhouse - yes please! interiordesignseminar.com
4. This painting just speaks to me. It reminds me so much of a little town in England that I hold very dear to my heart. I do think that in another life I must have lived here.. Shere, Surrey. This painting is called Fox Hill, Upper Norwood and is available at Wayfair.com!
5. The bedroom fireplace - just so romantic. That's all. amyvermillion.com
6. Modern + Tudor = <3 The transparency and the modern flair of the staircase - I can't imagine a more beautiful living space! Openness and brightness is something to hold precious whilst most cottage type homes are pretty snug. lalalovelythings.com
7. That gold though.. so delicate yet so profound. I'd love a little powder room done in gold and grey/green. Can you believe that this is overstock.com? ps: this is a rug!
8. The hare. These things are curious and whimsical. The English are very proud of their hares, with the exception of the field farmer of course! I wouldn't mind a hare or two living in my garden! I found this cushion cover on a lovely little etsy.com shop!

What does your dream home look like?

xx Meg