Thursday, July 30, 2020

On Vacuums and Life

Dyson V7 Motorhead Fuschia

What a difference a day makes. I have been in my house officially for 24 little hours and it feels like home. I was in the other house for 9 months and it never ever felt like home for one minute. I have high speed Internet, I have TV, and I have a brand new security system with cameras in a gated community with great security guards. I have already made great strides in the house with most rooms looking pretty wonderful. I am in love with this house. I always loved the title of Bunny Williams' book An Affair With a House.

I am waiting on starting to hang art for a couple of weeks. My one and only phobia in interior decorating is hanging artwork. For two of the One Room Challenges, I hired the owner of an art gallery in Alexandria, Virginia who hangs art in people's homes to hang all of my pieces - one was very large and another was a set of six, both of which I was nervous about doing myself. I would love to hire someone for a few hours to come over and put everything up for me. Do any of my local followers have a recommendation?

I mentioned ordering the pink Dyson cordless stick vacuum for this house. This review is "An Affair With a Vacuum." It is pink. So so cute. It is light as a feather. It has no cord. It has excellent suction. It goes 30 minutes on a charge - I can do this entire house in 10. I am very very visual. I can't stand ugliness. Even my cleaning tools are works of art to me. Here they are hanging in my old laundry room.


I think this vacuum visually is a little work of art and functionally fantastic. And remember I have two long haired dogs. I highly recommend it.

It's one reason I have always had Apple products - gorgeous form and great function. I still have my raspberry pink IMac.





I came across this old post of mine on Pineapple Monograms. aren't these fun?


So "Florida" style, I think.

I am taking the day off tomorrow - I have not had a day off in weeks. On tap is HomeGoods - the manger has probably already sent out a search party looking for me. And seeing my friend and hairdresser for a cut, color, and blow-dry.

On a somber note, I am incredibly saddened by the number of emails and comments I have received from other survivors of domestic abuse who are followers of CC. Covid is not the only pandemic out there, I'm afraid. I think many women suffer in silence and I think many others who speak out seeking justice face a system that falls so far short of what it should be. I hope when the dust settles I can find a way to use my legal background and personal journey to help other women.



25 comments:

  1. So happy you and your pups are safe!! It’s true many have suffered at the hands of a monster!!! I hope you can use your knowledge of the law and your recent experience to help. Stay safe and mark your calendar so that you can celebrate YOUR Independence Day!! Can’t wait to see all of your work in your new home!!

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    1. Such a great idea - my Independence Day. I love it. Thank you.

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  2. "I hope when the dust settles I can find a way to use my legal background and personal journey to help other women." If you could only see me crumpled over my keyboard as I read these words of yours, I had sooo hoped your path would lead you to this realization [but it would not be for me to suggest such a thing]. WHAT a story you have told us, I cannot believe your courage, your strength, your physical on-site presence all through yesterday, the control you negotiated, your brilliance in the struggle between nameless and law enforcement, Beth. With so much admiration from you fan in North Florida...

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    1. This has been a real game changer for me. I have to become involved . Thank you so very much for your wonderfully supportive comments always.

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  3. Once you know where you are hanging your art call The Hanging Man. He has hung our art, some of which are Clyde Butcher 7 foot long limited edition pieces, and a 19 piece framed crystal piece. He does everything from hanging a TP holder to works in galleries and priceless art in homes. Plus his prices are great and he is a former NYC police detective. He did all of our artwork in our LBK home. After Irma we had to gut our place and I trusted him enough to oversee the company to build the crates and remove the art. +1 (941) 376-1495. (His name is Dan Pollock)

    We found him through our Chicago based interior design team. I wouldn’t trust myself or most people to hang anything. He is super careful, measures, has a great eye.

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    1. I appreciate this so much. Thank you! I will touch base with him now and get on his schedule. This is great.

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  4. Enjoy your much deserved day off, pamper yourself with a salon visit, and have fun! The pineapple monograms are to die for! I have always loved the design, meaning, and taste of pineapples! The crystal I chose as a young bride, Waterford Clare, has cuts which suggest a pineapple design. One of the deciding factors in my choice.
    Your desire to use you knowledge and skills to help other women is admirable. There are many out there who could use your advocacy. It is so hard to seek help and break free from a toxic situation. Women need the support of other strong, independent women who have been in that situation. Have fun today!

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    1. I love Waterford Clare and I have lots of pineapple items. On the domestic abuse, I could not agree more. I think there is too much focus on protective orders that IMHO are often useless or counterproductive. I would like to educate women more on their legal rights and how to take back their power and control.

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  5. I look forward to your blog everyday and so thankful you and your pups are safe. Take care of yourself in every way!!

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  6. Do you recall who the monogrammer is who did those amazing pineapples? Happy things have settled down for you. Enjoy Homegoods!

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    1. I researched and it was not monogrammed but a pattern or template or whether you could purchase on Etsy if that helps.

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  7. Hallelujah! I actually teared up as I read this post. And I finally exhaled. I hadn't realized it but I have been holding my breath in fear for you & your little dogs. Now can we REALLY TRUST that the nightmare with GG is truly OVER and DONE? I certainly hope so. You deserve peace of mind and absolute safety. Definitely enjoy your day of pampering...rest and rejuvenate. i can't help but encourage you to remain watchful...I am leary of unstable people like your ex...I don't want him to "get the drop on you" unexpectedly. I hate the thought of you looking over your shoulder every second but.....whatever it takes to be safe. I am thrilled that you are finally HOME and I loved the comment about your INDEPENDENCE DAY! We are all celebrating for/with you. I am going to continue to say little prayers for you in the days ahead....decompression may come in fits and starts.....but it will come. Much love, as always.

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    1. Thank you as always my sweet friend. I am being very vigilant but I am not going to let him control my life snd movements. I have done much to be safe I have not shared.

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  8. As a survivor, I have to say— no one says “oh, I think I’ll marry a man who beats me!” (Or abuses in other ways.) It’s a long, slow slippery slope. I went to a battered women’s group and met with girls from the projects and rich wives, all telling the same stories. I weighed just over a hundred pounds (I’m 5’8”). I refused to let that jerk define me. Therapy helped. I’m married now to an excellent man and we have 3 kids. I thank God every day for my new life.

    As a Christian, I give money to single moms and battered families. They are the true “widows and orphans” of today. I wish more pastors knew this.

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    1. I am so happy to know of your happy life now and that you continue to support others who have experienced the same abuse. My hat is off to you.

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  9. You are doing some real good here, Beth. I have often thought about using my legal background to benefit survivors of domestic abuse. No one goes into the situation thinking that they will end up in a nightmare existence. It happens and most of us are ill-equipped to understand it. I know that has been my own experience. I think the Dixie chicks or someone had a song about Independence Day in these circumstances. Best of wishes for a happy life going forward!

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    1. This is all so very true. And I was warned of this, but his behavior really got exponentially worse once we were in Florida and I was out of my own home and away from my entire support system.

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  10. Enjoy your coming back to your life day. But I have to ask, pray tell Madame CC, which of your lovely shoes from your rather extensive collection, were chosen to kick that bastard's door in? Combat boots would have been my weapon of choice, but I am sure yours were beautiful and a delightful accessory to your dress!!!! Every woman needs a tool kit—both mentally and physically—and I place a wonder pry bar and a small sledge hammer right there with resilience, knowledge, patience, and being fearless when times call for it! Big hugs. So proud of you.

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    1. Thank you. Glad I am getting a pedicure today. LOL

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  11. Love the VAC! Agree on having pretty things around no matter how insignificant.

    I've been known to obsess over a bucket that would go inside a closet and have changed new sets of hangers a few times til I was satisfied with the right look and color. It's one of those things...

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  12. How like you to want to help others in this situation.
    I was on a rape crisis hotline many years ago and part of our training was about domestic abuse, since the two often cross over. I learned a lot.
    Abuse happens in all socio-economic groups,faiths and ethnic groups. It is an epidemic, as threatening as a virus. Sadly, it is often multi-generational-boys who see abuse grow up to abuse, and the girls grow up to be victims.
    People often say "Why don't they just leave?" Simple answer- they can't. Often no money , no place to go. And abusers are very good at making victims feel that they are to blame "You pushed my buttons" etc.
    Thank you for being willing to use your education to help them.
    May all good things come to you for having a generous heart.
    Your friend in Oregon
    Penny

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  13. "I have high speed Internet, I have TV, and I have a brand new security system with cameras in a gated community with great security guards." Sooo perfect, but as Columbo says, "...just one more thing." [You're probably too young to know who Columbo is/was!] When you get a chance, take a look at full house generators. Your handyman coming next week can advise. Not that you aren't already fully aware, we here in FL have this beast known as Hurricane Season June-November. You may have all the conveniences, but without power you've got nothing. Most folks in my part of FL have the Generac models. But there are many more.

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