Saturday, September 30, 2017

Block 9 The Love of Home BOM (and a peek at my home)...

Eight sleeps in and this house feels familiar, comfortable and welcoming. 
It feels like home.

Everything is now unpacked and in it's place, though we'll continue to move the odd thing around, after all, it's not until you live out your day to day life in a new home that you discover the most convenient locations for ease and functionality. 

This morning I was woken just before dawn by the welcoming laugh of two kookaburras perched high atop the street light at our front door.




This was very special to me as they are my favourite bird and bring immense joy to my heart whenever I see or hear them, but an extra joy came this morning because I sensed the Lord's favour and blessing in their visit.

Sophie sat at the front door watching with interest as I photographed my visitors.
She's still not allowed outside and it pains her. Fortunately it's a large home with areas she can play or hide during the heat of the day. 




Another blessing and an answer to prayer are the two frangipani trees, one in the front garden and another outside my sewing room window.






I gather the fallen flowers and sit them in a small bowl of water on the kitchen bench where their fragrance fills the room.




I don't have a separate office in this home (I wanted a spare bedroom instead) but my dear husband does. It's a delight to have him settled in his own space with a new desk where he can spread out school reports and lesson plans, whilst still being close to the open plan area where my own desk and business matter reside. 

Having my 'office' area in the main part of the house allows me to wander between desk and kitchen, easily tag-teaming the book work, blogging, sketching and emails with my daily baking and other food prep. Bonus!










I haven't lived in such a large open-plan space before so I was daunted at first by all the sweeping, mopping and vacuuming ahead of me...but you know, there's no reason to do it all at once. Dividing it between days makes this manageable and I don't have to clean floors every day. 
Life is about balance, not perfectionism or an unreal expectation that a home needs to be on show.

Home is about feeling comfortable and safe.
Home should be welcoming.
Home is a sanctuary.








We have an enclosed patio which opens out from the living room and our bedroom, allowing a beautiful breeze to flow through the house without any annoying flies or mosquitoes!
(a great blessing in the tropics)







There's also a servery window in the kitchen which opens to the patio as well. When I bake bread it sits on the servery bar to cool and the breeze pushes the aroma all through the house. 
This could be why Mr E has been asking for bread or toast 'a lot' this first week in our new home?




My sewing room is set up and is quite sparse compared to how it was in the old house.
I gave some things away and only kept what I knew I'd use, or things I thought Blossom may have a purpose for...but those photos can wait for another day. 




The next free block in this year's "The Love of Home" BOM is due tomorrow but isn't it fun to receive your gifts early?

The pattern is an older one I designed back in 2012 and quite frankly I still love it, so hopefully you will too. Having just moved house there was not time to design and stitch a new block this month, however I don't think you'll mind sewing the October stitchery...


...especially as your FREE pattern includes not just the stitchery/applique block but instructions to complete the design as a cushion too!

You'll love how the back of the cushion ties with lace.





Okay, enough from me today.
I have bread rising on the bench, an apple cake to bake, and a tutorial for that garden book to prepare.
All good things.

Have a wonderfully peaceful and relaxed weekend, dear friends.

hugs


49 comments:

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Oh Jenny, Your new home is lovely! Thanks for the block.

Joyce said...

Jenny, your new home is lovely. I especially like the floors, red tile in the kitchen and enclosed patio. You are wise to keep kitty inside. So many dangers outside for them. Mine are never allowed out as we have an abundance of wild life. So happy for you!

Allie-oops Designs said...

Wow Jenny-girl I love your new home!!! Look at all that counter space! Love the floors, the covered porch, it's all just lovely. You're right to break up the floor cleaning - ran into that problem myself. Love the new block too, thank you!!

Ondrea said...

Thankyou for sharing pics of your beautiful home. I can see why you are so happy. I have an Enjo mop to clean my wooden floors. I literally dance around the house LOL. Unfortunately, we chose to have our floors sealed with a water based product and they are plantation pine. They mark and wear so easily. I was so environmentally conscious that I didn't consider the downside. Your floors, however, will be so easy to maintain. The latest BOM is so pretty and I forgot it was almost that time again. Funny how you mentioned the kookaburras as I just finished blogging about our feathered friends and how I love the sound of the kookaburras. We must have been on the same wave length. Your home is so "homey" already. Now is the time to relax.

Jean - Oksewnsew said...

Oh Jenny, your home is beautiful. I would love to have an open area like that, with white cabinetry, and hardwood floors, just gorgeous. I know you will enjoy your closed in porch, very nice. Maybe you could put a harness on Miss Sophie and take her for a walk - haha. Do you still have your little doggie? Do enjoy your new home..

Jean

Maria said...

How nice to feel settled and at home in your lovely new home.... Enjoy !

Janice said...

What a lovely new home. I can't believe how settled you already look. Look at those kitchen counters. You won't know yourself. It looks like a lot of thought went into the design, being so well suited to the climate. Having your office area in the living area is a great incentive to keep it nice and tidy....maybe I should move mine LOL.

Christine M said...

Your new home looks lovely, Jenny. I can see you spending lots of time stitching in the porch. This months BOM is beautiful. I love the fabric you have used. xxx

DIGBY said...

What a lovely home, Jenny! I really enjoyed seeing the frangipani. I have only seen stitchery designs of it and I now I know what it really looks like. Your home seems much more spacious than your previous one. May you and Mr. E have many happy years in your new home!

Julie said...

Gosh Jenny, your new home looks wonderful .... & light & airy & cool hopefully. Your new kitchen looks wonderful too . ... can imagine you will enjoy cooking in there. I love the open plan look. Are you allowed to hang anything on the wall this time around I wonder? Those frangipani flowers look so beautiful, they almost don't look real ... how amazing to have them growing in your own backyard.

Lin said...

What a beautiful new home you have Jenny. So spacious and airy. You have worked so hard to get it looking lovely so quickly. I hope that you will both be very happy there. xx

Anonymous said...

Thank Jenny for the beautiful stitchery. Maybe one day soon.

I love your new home. It looks so fresh and inviting. I especially like the screened area. I have never forgotten how hot and humid Townsville can be. God bless your new abode.

Unknown said...

Love the new home. So bright with all the natural light. Perfect for sewing and quilting. I also noticed your quiet area for enjoying our Lord's word. It looks cozy and peaceful. Enjoy.
Faith in Texas

the girlfriend gap said...


Blessings to you in your new home. Enjoy all the goodness of God in all that he has provided for you. It looks beautiful!!! I was so looking forward to the pictures. It's not hard to cozy things up when you already have a domestic homemade mindset. All your pretties will just fall into place. I just bought a sign that say, "Home is where your honey is" It is in the shape of a bee hive for fun with two little bees attached. Enjoy all the moments together with your honey! Janita

Little Quiltsong said...

What a beautiful kitchen and home you have with the closed in porches. So, so happy for you! Yes, you are right - things often get fine-tuned later on, but I must say - you have settled in nicely. Now to enjoy :)!!

Little Penpen said...

Jenny, your new home is beautiful!! And how exciting that you saw your favorite birds on your first morning. Those flowers are beautiful on your table and I can only imagine how heavenly they must smell. Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Bonjour jenny

Merci pour votre partage , je vous souhaite plein de bonnes choses dans votre nouvelle maison , qu'elle vous apporte beaucoup de bonheur à y vivre .
bises de la France

Donna said...

How wonderful I find it to read about your life. So different from my lifestyle here in Pittsburgh, PA USA! All the best in your new home! Thank you for ALL of your patterns!!! Blessings sent your way! Donna

May said...

Sweet Jenny, Thank you so much for sharing your new home with us It looks gorgeous... I am so happy for you both, The kitchen looks amazing Bright and Airy... Thank you for the beautiful copy of the wonderful stitchery I plan to make that one... Just finished my second stitchery ever and very happy with it... Your designs are perfect.. Have a blessed week ahead both of you.... May x x

Apple Avenue Quilts said...

Your new home is lovely. I can't believe you have it together already. Love the screened porch. I wish they were more common in our area. I also love your stitchery!

Kay said...

Your home looks just lovely, so much space and it really does look like a home so soon after moving. Congratulations on a your wonderful move. x

Brenda said...

Hello Jenny; Your new home is magnificent! How delightful to have so much open space , I would love your home! Especially with all of your enticing smells of breads, cakes and delicious dinners floating throughout the house! Along with the Frangipani flower, oh how I wish that were a delight I could encounter in person! The flowers look so gorgeous, Jenny. I am so glad that you are getting great enjoyment from them. I am also glad that you and Mr. E are getting settled in nicely. What a perfect block to chose for this month and it is a lovely welcoming block also. Thank you for sharing and have a fantastic day!

Alicia Mae said...

Your new home looks just lovely Jenny! (Your patio in particular looks so spacious, and like the perfect space to sit down and relax for a spell.) How nice to be getting all settled in.

e said...

It feels really good to be settled so quickly. May God bless this home. I haven't seen mention of your pup for a while. I hope she's getting on well, too.

barcord said...

Your new home is lovely Jennifer. Health to you and your husband to enjoy living there. Thank you for free BOM. You are very generous. xx

Unknown said...

So, y'all moved to paradise - Congratulations!! Poor cat!

Createology said...

Jenny your new home is lovely and you look like you have lots of room now. Clean, bright and spacious for you and Mr. E to fill with lots of Love. Thank you very much for the HOME design and cushion tutorial. Warm freshly baked bread or apple cake sound delicious. Many Happy Hours in your new kitchen and creative spaces. XO

beefi8 said...

I love love love your pictures. Thank you for sharing. I can't wait to see more!

Anonymous said...

It seems much bigger than the old house, and that enclosed patio is wonderful! I would love that myself. It looks like your home, with your furniture and your decorative touches. It makes me so happy to think of you there. I look forward to seeing what you've worked out for a sewing area now. Thank you so much for the cushion and stitchery pattern. I really like those lace ties and buttons on the back. Thank you for sharing your home with us.

Chris said...

Your new home is lovely! And your kitchen? Wonderful!! So very happy for you and your Mr. Praying blessings on your new resting place and you both.

Baa. xxx said...

Jenny, it is gorgeous! Beautiful, open and so airy! Love it! All your things look perfect in their new setting. Can't wait to see your sewing room! I'm heading for a holiday for a week so will enjoy reading your blog when I get back. Blessings and Arohanui
Miss H, the Mother and Baa. xxx

Glenise Magnano - Gold Coast said...

Your new home looks lovely Jenny and you look like you have everything in place and looking so homely. You have waved your homemaking wand and the house looks magical already. Congratulations. Rest up and relax now. You have plenty of time for fine tuning. Thank you for taking us all on a tour of your lovely home. Look forward to the sewing room though!

Cattinka said...

Jenny,
that house is beautiful! It already looks perfekt and you just moved in a few days ago!
I know you will be happy there, and the spare bed room is such a good idea, your children and grandkids can stay overnight now!
KATRIN W.

Tammy said...

Jenny I love your new home. It is so spacious looking and I love all the clean lines and white ....And the sun porch is amazing. Oh how I wish I had a big sun porch like that.....You will be much happier with the spare bedroom. I can't believe how you have gotten it all unpacked and totally functional and decorated. You are an amazing woman and a blessing to your husband. Can't wait to see the sewing studio ... Hugs and much love

Ingrid said...

Guao Jenny! Es una casa grande. Pareciera que siempre has vivido allí, jejejeje. No dejas de asombrarme. Gracias por compartirnos esa preciosidad de diseño. Recibe un fuerte abrazo!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful new home Jenny, it looks gorgeous and you have so much lovely space! I hope that you and Mr E will be very happy there. Alison xx

Farm Quilter said...

Your new home is so open and airy...beautiful and calming. I think it will be lovely to be able to so easily move from one task to another without having to flit from room to room. The screened-in porch is a lovely blessing, bringing in the fragrant air without the allowing the bugs entrance! May you and Mr. E be blessed as you create your new home here!

Susie said...

Your new home looks wonderful and inviting. I hope you continue to be happy there. Thank you for a lovely block.

Winifred said...

My that house looks enormous! I love those floors, they are gorgeous. It's a beautiful house and the frangipani is so pretty. Thanks for sharing the photos.

Linda said...

Hi Jenny and thanks for updating us on your move into your new home. Looks lovely and peaceful. So fun to see you have a cat named Sophie. I just love that name. She must be a wise cat! Your creativity is such a blessing to so many. Thanks for the new block! Happy new home!

gracie said...

You can felt the welcome to your new home.

Cindy M said...

Oh, Jenny, what a BEAUTIFUL and big home......Love the porch and the openness of it. I know you will constantly continue to make it fit you and your family. May God bless this new home and all the memories you will make in it.....so beautiful!! Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures and the 'freebies" of course.

Gmama Jane said...

Jenny, I'm pleased to learn you are settling into your lovely new home and already unpacked!? I'm x! I would be in boxes for weeks but then that's because I would be toting my "stuff" that I've held onto for years. I enjoy everyone of your lovely stitcheries! I can't explain why they give me such a sense of calm, beauty, and Home! Growing up in the 1950's, your embroidery is reminiscent of those slower sweeter times. You may not realize how much your call for humble domesticity resonated with me when I began reading your blog. I retired from a 30+ yr career in teaching in 2008. Up till Dec. 11, 2008, I had worked some kind of job from she 14. I had to work to help out food on the table after I had children. Husband was a teacher/coach as well. I yearned to be a SAHM but alas, it wasn't meant to be. However, God answered my prayers only in a totally different way. I now enjoy being a Stay At Home Grandmother, time to quilt, stitch, sew, bake, garden, and short road trips with hubby. I've been blessed Jenny! Thank you for your constant reminder too honor our place in the home regardless of our age! Your words comfort me and your testimony of being used of God to build a world wide army of Proverbs 31 women!
Love and Blessings
JaneEllen Hillis

Judy1522 said...

Jenny your new home is beautiful. Having spent three years in a tropical country I know how wonderful it is to have a screened in porch area. One of my favorite parts of the tropics was the fragrance and beautiful flowers of the frangipani tree. How blessed you are to have two in your yard.

Julie said...

I loved reading about your new home, especially the kookaburras. I work with special ed students ages 11-14 years old and we are learning about the animals of Australia. We just read about the kookaburras and I played the song about the kookaburras in the old gum tree. We learned today the gum tree is a eucalyptus tree--one of my favorite smells. I want to show your post tomorrow. Thanks for the patterns too.
--Julia

Elaine said...

Such a lovely new home, Jenny. May you be blessed in all your and Mr.E's ways.
Thanks for sharing your world.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Julie (Julia) have a look at these posts for great close ups of Kookaburras visiting home.
http://www.elefantz.com/2014/11/rainy-days-and-birds.html
http://www.elefantz.com/2014/04/kookaburras-his-eye-is-on-them.html

hugs
Jenny

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the free block and for sharing your home with us! Love the pops of color and then the softness of your creative touches! You have a sense of peace that you share.

Gloria said...

Thank you for the cute House block! Your new home is Beautiful! Looks so peaceful and welcoming.