DETAILS

I came across a marvelous quote several weeks ago and wanted to share it with you:

“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.”
~William Morris

 

Details have long been a part of my life...in the work that I did, as well as what I'm currently doing, if I didn't pay attention to details, I would be in a world of hurt.

 

The difference between how I normally view details and the perspective given in this quote is enormous.  It's all about taking a genuine interest versus paying attention because I have to.

 

I had a chance for a practical application on Easter weekend.  This time, I very deliberately paid attention to details for our family brunch.  Here are a few pix:

 

 

I decided on an all white, cottage flavored theme for brunch.  Easy enough in my kitchen because I have long favored white dishes.  Add a white tablecloth, distressed white wooden candleholders, white candles, a white porcelain pitcher and white tulips and then just add food...which was served on white platters or bowls.

 

 

This is the family room which attaches to the dining area...the cottage white armoires house my scrapping stuff...and they are filled to the brim.  What was missing was something to tie together the white armoires and the white table setting.  Enter a white beverage keeper and a couple pots of white kalanchoe...one little detail tied the rooms together...and that enhances everyday life and just makes me wonder why I didn't think about it sooner!!!!

 

 

A close up of the kalanchoe...just look at the details on the tiny white flowers.  So pretty!

 

It was fun to pay attention to the details...and to take a genuine interest in making them happen.

 

As I'm working on kits for Inspired and creatologie, not only am I paying attention to details in presentation and making sure that all of the product is included, but I'm thinking about next month's creatologie project, which is going to focus on very detailed presentations done in small scale...so excited about sharing that one with you.   

 

What details of everyday life have your attention lately?

 

Comments

[peggy forma]

carol
love your armoires and your home. warm and inviting just like you!!!
i too love details - in my home and in my crafting. one special vase or plant make the difference in a room as you showed. in making books that one flower or lace or button can change an ordinary page to extraordinary. right now - this minute - my details are putting away everything in my room that i left out!!!! i spent about two weeks REALLY cleaning my room and i see it starting to get "out of hand"
xxxoooxxx
peggy

[Sophie Anne]

Thank you for posting the quote, it's just what I need in my crazy life. Beautiful blog, I am really enjoying it.

[Ernestine]

THANS FOR SHARING YOUR SPACE..WHEN WILL YOU HAVE YOUR PROJECT UP A SCRAPBOOKS ETC.

[Susan M.]

Watching my teenaged son's face. He is going through a tough time right now, transition from high school to college, and the different moods show on his face. He cannot believe how I can pick up on the different ones.

:)

[karla]

nature.... my bearded iris' are blooming like crazy and its such a blessing to see.

[Claudia]

Those armoires are beautiful! I love the way they look in your room!

[LenaS]

Details...well, i have recently noticed weeds in the yard that need to be taken care of before it gets too hot!

[Ida]

Carol-
Your armoirs are beautiful.
I, too notice details in my life everday. I see it in nature (spring's first blush), my hobbies (the choice of a color that works), food and cooking and the texture, smell and color of food and its presentation. And so much more... I see it in my work life, too. As the school year is beginning to come to a close, evaluating my students' progress is required. I need to step back and forth to evaluate each child. Did they make progress in particular areas? If so, what specific skills are involved. Perhaps the slightest nuance of a newly acquired skill deserves futher reinforcement so that the child can cement that skill. It is in the details that we can refine our lives to be more meaningful. Noticing the details forces us to live in the moment and see the beauty that surrounds us.
Hope you are well. XOXO Ida

[Pearl Maple]

Happy Easter to you and your family.

Glad you enjoyed your trip down under!

Have long been a fan of the Inspired Workshops and do hope one day Australia can start hosting similar - I would be first in line!

[Sharyn]

I love that quote! thanks for sharing!!