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:)

Saturday, March 7, 2009

It Happened One Night. Very Late At Night.

Did I ever tell you I have bouts of insomnia? Well....yes I certainly do. I go to bed at around midnight (normally) and wake up about an hour or two later.
This bout is a rather bad one...accompanied by nightmares that will literally throw me out of bed and have me reluctant to try to go back to sleep. So...what does a Tootsie do when she is not sleeping when she should be?
She re-arranges accessories...Of course ! That's what she does.
This old suitcase has been hiding in my closet for a while. I had not one clue what to do with it, but I knew one day I would think of something. It sits on the bedside table on my side of the bed.
(all of the photos you are about to see do not do the actual areas justice. They seem not to look as warm or inviting in the photos. I think it was the camera settings I used-but was too lazy to re-take)
I filled it with the flower ball bouquet from my sister's wedding 10 years ago...two old cork buckets, some candle holders an old mirror frame and a plate. Perhaps I should have added some dusting to that activity...hee hee.
What do you think? I like it for now...and it gets that suitcase out of my closet!
Okay, after you do the side table, you MUST change the dresser a little bit right?
I don't know if I like this yet or not. I did it at about 4AM...so of course it is a little off. I just can't figure out how. Should I mess up the runner? I do like the crystal on there...and it gets that out of my closet too! (can you see me behind the flowers?- it is NOT pretty)
Lets see where else I dipped my tired little fingers-
Yes -I put a crown and one of my clocks on the shelf in the alcove where I hang the kid's hands and feet frames.
I dusted and re-positioned the stuff on the piano...finally she dusts something!
And then I noticed a horrible thing had happened!
One of my fish had passed! This cabinet used to be filled with the 20 Beta fish that I rescued from the local pet department of a Wal Mart here in our city. Some kids were torturing them in the little cups, and my bleeding heart made me take them home to safety! They had two years of happy lives in each their own (for the males) 5 gallon tanks...the girls live happily together in the 10 gallon you see here.
Well, since one passed, there is no choice but for me to decorate that empty shelf-right? (the top one-after the memorial flushing of course)
I took out the tank, moved it's partner tank to the second shelf next to the 'Ladies' tank, and went to work...
This is what I ended with about 1/2 hour later! I like it alright for now I think.

Here's the second shelf -with the remaining 8 fish....when they are gone...I am DONE for a while with fish.
Okay...when I did the top shelf, I took things from this table. So I HAD to replace them with something. I took the finial things out of the bathroom, grabbed a tray, a silk arrangement, a cherub and a tea service.

That should hold me off for a few days at least. Well, all in a good night's work right?
By the time I finished this all it was 5AM, I layed on the sofa for a few minutes and then moved back into my bed where I napped a little bit until 7 when the kids got up for school.
Who knows what tonight will bring me...hopefully some sleep. Living on 2 hours a night is not doing anyone's attitude any good (if you know what I mean)

32 comments:

Unknown said...

I like the way you have arrange things. The suitcase is really neat. I hate it when I can't sleep. Feel for you on that one, hope this night brings you peaceful rest Tootsie.

~♥~ Monica S said...

I just know this Tootsie.. if I ever wlaked into your house.. I would feel right at home... and you couldn't get me to leave ;-) haha!! LOVE everything!
HAve a great weekend!! Hope you got some sleep!?

Monica

Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960 said...

Well atleast your lack of sleep was not for naught! I loved looking at all your rearranging. Everything looks great! I laughed about the fish, (not the dead one!), but what you said about not having anymore fish! I still had one left that just would not bite the dust...that sounds funny for a fish to do! anyway...I found someone that loves fish and gave it to her! She had a daycare center in her home and had exotic fish tanks that the kids loved!
It was hard for me to concentrate on your decor because I was so worried about your insomnia and especially the nightmares! I hope you get a peaceful rest tonite! I will be saying a prayer for you! God Bless you today and tonite! Lauralu :)

Raxx - A day in the life said...

Hi Tootsie, did you ever consider taking a walk for about 20-30mins before bed? It works wonders for me and my sleep issues.

Love your re-arranging though, the chest looks so creative!

Anonymous said...

Hi Tootisie! Oh, I'm so sorry to hear you don't get much sleep. But you're so active in your not sleeping state! I love everything you've done. The suitcase looks grand! That big hutch looks fantasti too!
Now,Dear One, can you take anything to help you sleep? I do hope you can doze off tonight and stay there!
Be a sweetie,
shelia :)

Betty said...

You have been busy and it is looking really nice. I love the little alcove. I didn't spot you but I did spot your gorgeous bed in the background. You have such a knack for making everything look so great.
Take care of yourself.

Betty

Jill said...

Everything looks great but woman you need some sleep!!!! You are like me! When I can't sleep I start projects. YOu have some really nice things... but they can wait you need SLEEP!

nikkicrumpet said...

Yikes...I don't know how you do it living on so little sleep. I also don't know how you create such beautiful decor while you're that sleepy! I love what you did with the suitcase. Everything looks really beautiful. You do great work in the wee hours...if you continue not to sleep...you can always come over to my place and rearrange stuff lol

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Girl.. you've been busy..I love all your vignettes, my fav is the one on the shelf..warm, cozy and inviting.. now.. I hope you get a bit of rest..cause I know you'll be at it again. That's what we do, we move, we design..we go forth and conquer.!!! Thanks for the visit darling, it's been a bit on the "hectic" side around here.. not sure if you knew I had Mr.P in the hospital last week, things are still quite the roller coaster ride around here..so I'm back to "full" blogging again.. I think..lol have a super w/k
hugs ~lynne~

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

Bless you for giving the little fishies a good home. I have a friend who does this too. How do you tell the girls from the boys in Beta fish? I thought they were all boys?!
Your awake time was well spent. The arrangements look great.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

Salmagundi said...

At least you didn't waste the hours of insomnia - you accomplished something! Things look great! You're getting quite a crown collection there!!! Now, go get some sleep tonight. Sally

cindy said...

Well heck, I was up all night too, stuffy nose..couldnt sleep. Your 'late night' arrangements look great...I have an old suitcase like that that I put up on a tall shelf and then I put some faux green plants in it...I love those old suitcases! Take care, and I hope we both get some good sleep tonight! (wild game feed tonight here at the store...and a house full of guests.) ~Cindy~

imjacobsmom said...

I've got an old suitcase in my crawl space - Jacob will have to do some digging in there for me! ~ Hope you get some good sleep tonight! (I go through that now and then) ~ Robyn

onlymehere said...

For some reason it didn't tell me you put up a new post so I'll be back in a bit to read it. For now, I was over at Nikki's Blah, Blah, Blah, Blog who I see on your sidebar that you visit. She needs your help knowing what to do with her crowns she bought! I told her that you just may bring them home and then she won't have to worry about them! Go see her and give the girl a break before she has a nervous break down!! LOL! Cindy

onlymehere said...

I like the suitcase idea. You're so creative. I also really love those hands and feet frames! I get bouts of insomnia like that sometimes after a nightmare (as long as I'm not fracturing teeth) but that's usually when I catch up on cleaning or laundry. I like your decorating idea better!

Helen said...

I can only imagine you wandering thru the house in the middle of the night snapping photos,
re-arranging shelves ... I must say though it's not funny for you, it is entertaining reading. I know what you mean about the camera and 'warm looks' .. as my photos often don't depict how it really looks. I marvel at others who make their photos look like a magazine spread. I am concerned about your sleep patterns .. not good for you. I'm sure you know all the dos and don'ts before bedtime, trying to remove as much stress from your life as you can, no big meals or heavy exercise before sleep, etc. Take care!

Julie said...

I have been having the same problem last 4 nights!!! I get up and read the Jan Caron series about Mitford, and I didn't think I would care for it, but it is great, all about Father Tim, in a small town. Have you read it (the series)?? It is a lot of fun!

9405018--Pat said...

Love the suitcase idea. Your home is beautiful...I too can't sleep some night. But you poor girl have three children at home ouch!...Take care and try to rest...Pat H

momstheword said...

What a lovely touch you have. I loved it all. I have to laugh at you doing this so early in the morning.

I had trouble getting to sleep last night but I read that menopause can cause insomnia so maybe I'm starting to go thru that. Who knows. Or maybe it was the caffeine. I can't drink caffeine in the evening anymore or I am up till 3 a.m.

LisaLisa said...

Hi Tootsie,

I like the suitcase idea....you are very creative. I'm sorry that you don't get much sleep but I must give you the up most respect for utilizing your time very well.

I know as one of your other readers stated ....I can feel the warmth and love in your home.

Blessing and sleep to you my friend!

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home said...

Oh girl... I just had to laugh at this post....it's like watching home movies! I've been a fellow insomnia sufferer for years!

It's amazing what you can accomplish between 2am and 4am!

Love the suitcase...sorry about your lil fish. :(

Have a blessed Sunday!

LaurieAnna

Anonymous said...

Wow Tootsie you sure made the most of your sleepless night! Everything looks fantastic!

I have those kind of nights several times a month also- It bothers DH when I am up tweaking while he is in bed (I guess somehow he misses me in his sleep? who knows!)so I usually just toss and turn.

I pray you have a most restful night sleep tonight!

blessings
mary

Kim said...

Wow, your imagination sure comes alive in the wee hours of the night! That's some great decorating you got goin' on there!!! I love your blog - you're a real hoot!!!
Kim~

Four Paws and Co said...

Wow, you're always amazing but you totally rock when you're deprived of sleep! Love your dresser too! ♥

Glimpse of My World said...

Very cute suitcase!! Hope all your planting is going well.. I started last week-end.. pop in and see me!

Anonymous said...

I have those sleepless nights also...... not the night mares thru..... that must be horrible..... but something beautiful came from no sleep..... I usually just wonder around the house like a zombie......
Love your blog....
HUgs
Linda

Nancy Jane said...

The suitcase is gorgeous! You did this in the middle of the night??? I'd have trouble doing this in the middle of the day! You'd better get some sleep woman! Read an article that said computer time before bed keeps you up. They recommended reading a book,watching TV or meditating instead. Maybe worth a try???
Now tonight, go get drowsy...Nancy

Tracy said...

Hi Tootsie,
Just dropping by from Texas. I love your blog! Your gardens are gorgeous! (and home)
Tracy

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What a busy and productive night you had! Everything looks great! Get some sleep. laurie

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Wow, Tootsie...you sure got a lot done! It all looks beautiful! I sure hope you are sleeping better these days. I know you've read all the stuff about not using the computer before you go to bed...(bright light is bad for stimulating the brain.) Not exercising or eating before bed...etc... You probably have read all that stuff...if not, just google about sleep and you'll find lots of ideas. Insomnia is noooo fun! I love the suitcase vignette...sooo creative! When does spring hit your area? Are you playing in the greenhouse these days? Susan

Lori said...

The suitcase is really nice... I sleep great, but am a very light sleeper. When I hear a noise I jump up. My husband bothers me when he snores. I often get up and go to the guess bedroom.

Everything looks great!!!

I hope you sleep better tonight...

Melissa Miller said...

Tootsie it all looks sooo beautiful!

Love the suitcase idea and the crown looks really pretty in the alcove.

We have fish tanks as well!