Welcome to the weekend view.
It has been a quiet kind of a week over here- we didn’t do too much other than work on taking down some of the holiday decor and cleaning up some of the tree damage. Thankfully, the weather has much improved and our power is back. Waiting on internet yet so am using my hotspot for now. We did find some damage to the potting shed while cleaning the tree that fell across the road- but it looks like it won’t be too involved of a fix. And we also made a trip over to see Juju and spent a few hours sneaking in some snuggles.
Quiet
It seems there is always a bit of a lull after the holidays and this past week it seemed to be extended with the storm and power outage. I am looking at it as resting and rejuvenating a bit before the busy starts up- and can I say- I am excited to be planning spring photoshoots and projects already?
Beautiful Views
This snap is the epitome of beautiful warm January weather and bright blue California skies and it was giving me all the energy while soaking it up.
Juliette
She is getting so big already- and crawling around like a wild woman now. Something kind of funny, my husband has been growing a bit of a beard for awhile along with both of our sons. And this week, he decided randomly to shave it. When Juju saw him on FaceTime she just stared and lifted her eyebrows and looked confused. haha. We are going to be spending some time helping them move across town this week so it will be interesting to see what she thinks in person. 🙂
Bucket
One of my favorite hens is this little black silkie named Bucket.
She seemed to not be feeling good last week and we were keeping a close eye on her. We aren’t sure what happened but think she may have gotten too stressed with being moved from her usual house to the cottage during the storm and the crazy cold weather and we noticed that she wasn’t eating and just standing around a lot. We kept her inside the house for a couple nights to make sure she stayed warm and gave her some of her favorite treats and she seemed to perk up for a few days. My husband noticed she was not looking right and when I picked her up to hold her she had what seemed to be a seizure and didn’t survive unfortunately. I am already missing holding this sweet girl- our chickens have really made an impression on my heart.
Cleaning Cupboards
I emptied out some of the cupboards this week to clean and declutter. I am on a mission to donate anything we are not using- and that includes my props. I have a lot of photo props but some are definitely used more than others and so, thinning those that are not used. You know, so I can make room for a few new ones haha.
Simplicity
In simplicity there is all kinds of detail. Kind of a strange way to look at it I suppose but really there is. And this weeks wandering and theme is all about just that- simplicity and detail.
Antique Farm Sink– Remember this antique farm sink we put into the cottage bathroom? It is a simple classic style but also has so many beautiful details. It is a favorite-and filled with gorgeous roses- even more charming. You can read more about it HERE
I also loved this post all about 17 ideas for organizing the bathroom. Another way to look at simplicity and organizing all kinds of details.
Coming your Way
We are kicking off the ‘slow living’ series that is about quieting, reflecting, being more intentional in the moment. I am pretty excited about this one.
I am also working in the bedroom on a couple of fun changes. Sharing a bit about the warm winter touches in the bedroom and then stay tuned for a refresh and new look.
And Narcissus flowers. Is anyone growing paper whites at the moment? We have a row of clay pots on the windowsill with them growing as we speak and I am going to share a bit more about them and why I love them.
Hope your Sunday has been a good one.
Shelley Humpal says
Courtney I’m so sorry about Bucket. I enjoy all of your post but your videos and posts about the chickens are so much fun. Bucket was such a beauty. You have not had an easy go the last several weeks just keep taking one more step and breathe.
Courtney says
This past year seemed to bring a lot of issues with the chickens. Even so, they brought and continue to bring us so much joy.
Linda says
It’s so tough when one of our cherished pets passes. Bucket was a beauty for sure. So sorry Bucket moved on. Someday there will be a whole flock of sweet chicks waiting for you in heaven!
Courtney says
She was a special girl for sure. Thanks Linda.
Sandra says
I’m sorry for your loss of Bucket.
Could you please tell me where you got your wooden bar stools? I’m looking for something similar.
Courtney says
Hi Sandra, Several years ago from Restoration Hardware
Lori says
Sorry to hear about Bucket. Those are the prettiest chickens I’ve ever seen. Just like our dogs that have passed..we shall meet again…
Here is to easier, slower paced, intentional days ahead…
Courtney says
They really are so pretty and sweet and if you ever have a chance to hold one-be prepared to fall in love! They are like little furry fluff balls and love to be held.
Chere’ Sterk says
I understand your loss regarding Bucket i Care for so many hummingbirds amd have lost two of my faVorite duE to this freezing cold weather. I Took a couple of days to mourn and now am thankful for the hummingbirDs that survived. I love the idea of your statement of in simplicity there are many details. That is so true and i haven’t heard it put that way before i really admire that iDea. Looking forward to your posts on projects and cAn i say spring!❤️
Courtney says
The weather has been so crazy and cold! Hummingbirds are such special little creatures- sorry for your loss.
Wendy says
I am So sOrry About Your sweet hen. My daughter jUst lost 2 bunnies To a RACCOON recently. Our pets are our family. I’m JEALOUS of your grand baby time! Both my daughters have covid in their families. We can’t spend time with them for a while.
Courtney says
That is hard- I am sorry about the bunnies. We have had raccoons, mountain lions and sometimes bear that wander through on occasion as well. We keep the goats and chickens locked inside the barn at night and have a lot of motion sensor lights around the perimeter of the area. I don’t think it would help with the raccoons though- they don’t seem to be too afraid of lights and people.
I hope that your daughters and their families are all feeling better soon!
Connie says
Cleaning out, clearing away both physically and visually….a good thing for the start of a new year! The flowers remind me I need to buy some when I go shopping…Such a bright spot for our long upper Midwest winter days!
Sadness over losing a pet…..We’ve had 3 dogs for several years now and one very unexpectedly died of a heart attack this past summer. The grief is real…
Courtney says
Our furry friends sure are special. So sorry about your dog.
Kym Morello says
Juju is precious. We will be first-time grandparents in July. What a beautiful stage of life to enjoy life through the eyes of a grandmother. BTW, what did you decide will be your name?
I am new to this group and unfamiliar with Silkies, but I quickly fell in love after seeing your videos and pictures. I am sad that bucket is gone. Our barn where I keep my horse has chickens. I inquired yesterday about the owner’s experience with that breed of chicken. The owner said we buy inexpensive egg chickens because they are so fragile, and the coyotes, dogs at the barn, and weather in Aptos seem to get the best of them.
Courtney says
Hi Kym, first up – I love Aptos! Our oldest son lived there for a couple of years- always a favorite spot to visit! Congratulations on the new arrival coming! Juliette is about 7 months old and we have mostly just called all the grandparents ‘grandma and grandpa but we were thinking grandma ‘Coco’ for Courtney. Yes, silkies do seem to be more fragile than other breeds of chickens. Especially the frizzle (sizzle) birds too. They seem to have such fragile joints and feathers. We had regular feed store variety chickens years ago (when we had a horse also) and they didn’t seem to have too many issues – even in very cold weather in the midwest. Even with their issues, I just absolutely adore silkies- they are such sweet birds.
franki Parde says
oh, heck…so very sorry…franki
Courtney says
Thanks Franki
Jeri Lyn says
What a joy to read your post! I too have chickens and lost a favorite just this morning… her name was little sheIken. She was deformed but i loved her. Thankful for your talents. You are an inspiration! Be blessed!
Nancy Brantley says
So sorry about Bucket. It’s heartbreaking when I lose a pet. They are my precious fur babies. JUJI IS ADORABLE!
Mia cannel says
Not A REPLY… But a quEstion…hoW to clean a HANGING CRYSTAL DOUBLE ROWS CHANDELIER…i will try to CLEAN
MYSELF…THANK YOU MIA
Courtney says
Hi Mia, You can ask a professional electrician to do it- they wire them a certain way and then you can hang each chandelier where you would like.