Breathing Again

White Wicker S Chairs

Today was such a nice day. I had my hair done and my stylist has become a personal friend and it is always such fun seeing her. I made a Costco run and they restocked on the Pho that I am literally addicted to. I bought 8 boxes. Met new neighbors - including two gorgeous Afghans with their owners. This neighborhood is VERY dog friendly.

Tomorrow the puppies are getting groomed and I am having a pedicure and manicure and then going to a Happy Hour a few doors up the street.

GG texted me jut now blaming me for his house looking like crap. 90% of the furnishings were mine, and apparently in his mind I was supposed to just walk away. It occurred to me he thought he could keep the dogs and furniture and decor and art.

To those worried about me, I am sleeping and eating and trying to return to normalcy. Normal seems weird I have been living in such a pressure cooker altered universe with GG.

I never made it to HG today, perhaps tomorrow. I am enjoying a lovely glass of wine on my lanai with so many sounds from the preserves.

These white wicker S chairs arrived today. For entertaining, I can mix them with my white Chinese Chippendale chairs with the Williams Sonoma Home Mercer table. They have a beachy mid century vibe I just love.

So, if you recall, I am using the extra large Mercer table styled with coffee table books and blue and white ginger jars and such like a library table for everyday use. For rare larger dinner parties, I will grab the Chinese Chippendale chairs from the breakfast room and the S chairs will be at the head and foot of the table.

My Chinese Chippendale dining chairs from Charlotte & Ivy

Williams Sonoma Home Mercer Table - still awaiting delivery

Thankful

I don't know where to start except to say that I decided last night that today was my opportunity to get this done. I researched Florida law and changing the locks is illegal under these circumstances as is withholding my belongings as is threatening me. I also ascertained definitively that I could use any reasonable means to gain entry into my residence.

When the movers arrived at 8 AM - I waited around the corner until their arrival, I rang the bell and knocked at the door and he would not let us in. I called 911 and two officers arrived who were very sensitive to the situation. They attempted to speak with him to no avail. To make a long story short, 5' 3" Beth in her dress kicked in the double French doors and invited the two officers into my residence. He tried to deny them entry and I explained to GG that I lived in the house and had invited them in. Speechless!

GG was shocked. He accused me of breaking and entering and they explained that what I did was 100% legal. And they told him that children have better behavior. A third officer arrived and read him the riot act as well. The movers were able to complete everything.

The police yesterday empowered his nonsense. They let him be in charge because they were pro male, insensitive macho men. The officers today did not enable him and it was very different. I am not suggesting this approach for anyone else but me. Protective orders IMHO are not worth anything and just serve to enrage already angry men. And the justice system in this country is not a panacea. I assessed the situation and with the presence of police officers, I had confidence in a good outcome. He is basically a bully. And sometimes you have to stand up to bullies.

I feel good that I did, but please don't use me as example and get hurt. I have been walking on eggshells for a long time with this narcissistic bully and I am a lawyer. I was married to a lawyer for 35 years. I "discussed" the law with the officers on evictions, changing of locks, theft of property, extortion, and threats of violence. A refresher course never does any harm. I was in the presence of the police and/or movers at all times today.

 I am in my gold leaf pagoda bed all beautifully made - as exhausted as I am, I wanted just my bed perfect tonight. I am sipping a lovely glass of Champagne, cuddling with the pups, and very thankful for all of it. I am on high alert though, trust me.

Hopefully now we can start doing some interior design posts. Such as, my reviews of Simplisafe and my new cordless Dyson. The handyman is here next week installing all the new lighting and the bathroom sinks and faucets. The countertops are gorgeous - pictures soon.

A new dawn, a new day, hopefully a new and happy life.

I'm Safe

I'm Home

I so appreciate all the emails, texts, phone calls, and comments. I am safe in my new home with all of my belongings and most importantly, my pups. The movers just left. Today was horrible, but I ended up with three wonderfully helpful police officers and me taking complete and total charge of my situation. I am proud of myself.

I will fill in the details later after I decompress for a while - including a run to Publix for sushi and the nicest bottle of Champagne I can find. And I will say a silent toast to all of you for all your encouraging, supportive, wise, and extremely helpful comments. Thank you all so much for helping me get through this terrible ordeal. My painters stopped by to check on me as have half a dozen new neighbors today. So nice.

Update from Hell

I ran to Venice this morning to let in the counter people and while I was gone GG called me and threatened to kill the dogs who were still at the house and me if I set foot on the property. I called 911 and two officers met me. He would not let them in despite long negotiations or hand over the puppies. A supervisor/negotiator was called in and finally got them out safely. The first two policeman were horrible - blamed me for being there and laughed at me for being upset and said dogs are belongings like chairs.

The movers are arriving tomorrow and he said he will not let them in and the police are not being of assistance. Threatening my life and my dogs and holding them hostage for hours and not giving me my belongings is a civil matter according the the officers. He also changed the locks to prevent me from getting my things which is illegal. Wow. And I have no furniture or linens or even underwear and am sleeping on the floor with the pups - slumber party. But we are safe and alive.

Not To The Finish Line Yet

I hate to be a downer, but yesterday was a disaster. On the positive side, the painters finished and the house is spectacular. My painter surprised me with a stunning silk damask finish in tandoori on the column in the guest bath. The countertops go in this afternoon.

On the negative side, GG informed he will threaten the movers when they arrive tomorrow that they are trespassing and he will call the police to have them removed from the property. According to him, I am not allowed to remove my belongings. Could this be any crazier?  Keep me in your thoughts as I navigate this totally insane situation.

I worked 18 hours straight yesterday moving and have not eaten or slept in days. I just need to get through the next 24 hours. And then get a restraining order. This is pure insanity. I will save more details for when I am safe. Send positive energy my way - I am drained.

Crunch Time

Wicker Suitcase - Society Social

I made 6 round trips to Venice yesterday and I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel - I am so motivated I am moving thousands of items myself (with no help from you know who) and unpacking and putting away every single thing as I bring it over. The good news - I do not have one box to unpack. But I am exhausted.

I was so tired I took a nap on the limestone floor - hard but cool, looking out onto the preserves with dozens of birds chirping away. Bliss.

Here is my candle cabinet - I love opening the doors just to smell - intoxicating. I have more candles scattered around the house - I am always burning a candle. I also love diffusers.

CC - Candle Cabinet

Here is a sneak peek at the tandoori orange - in high gloss BM.

Benjamin Moore Tandoori

Recall the wallpaper - Clarence House Chinoiserie Baroque.

And here is a shot of the stone - the countertop people are Seashore Granite in Sarasota (near UTC). They are so great to work with.

Driving back from my last trip yesterday, as I left the house there was the most beautiful rainbow. The skies here are stunning.

The painters finish today but countertops tomorrow and movers Wednesday, so no house to myself yet. But soon.

I am waiting on delivery of my two new sofas and my dining table - hope they arrive soon. I delayed ordering because I didn't want them until after the painters and movers, but now I want them! LOL

A Great Day

Progress in my closet

I had a truly amazing day yesterday and I realized that I am not in this alone.

My sweet daughter texted me and said, "Mom, are you o.k?'

A dear dear friend called and said she felt we needed to connect and she apologized for telling me GG was the one when we started dating. I assured here that I and I alone am to blame.

I am beyond grateful for the support from all of you. I have made new friends all over including Florida and even in Venice and in my own community! Many of you have reached out with your own stories of survival and perseverance for which I cannot thank you enough.

My painter hand gold leafed the huge mirror frame in the dining room and it is stunning!!!!!!!!! Then he hand stenciled in gold, feather palm fronds in the panels below to represent the preserves. Amazingly gorgeous. Pictures this week, I promise.

I was driving back from Venice on 75 to pick up more things and the skies opened up and it was the worst driving conditions of my life. You could not see your lane or other cars or anything. Blinding. It was too dangerous to pull over. I was scared. Really gut wrenching scared. I said out loud, "I am really scared, help me," and within seconds the skies cleared and the rain stopped and it was blue skies and sun ahead. I hope this is a message that God, or the gods, or the universe, or karma has my back. I hope this was meant to be a metaphor. I think so. I hope so.

My new closet is happy too.

Is this a happy closet or what?

I screwed up and didn't take pictures, but the tandoori orange in the guest bath is wonderful. The countertops go in on Tuesday.

Three more days and I can breathe again.

Thank you all for joining me on this journey.

A New Day

Thank you all so much for you wonderfully supportive comments and emails yesterday. As one commenter said that loved "You've Got This." Trust me to handle things prudently.

A few great developments from yesterday.

I met several new neighbors and was invited to join a nightly wine hour in a neighbor's driveway - bring your wine and chair - sounds like a great way to meet neighbors and social distance. I do not own a folding chair though - hahahaha. A new purchase I think. Is there a chic version? And my Mark and Graham rattan monogrammed wine tote.

Rattan Wine Tote

I received in the mail yesterday this very Florida pink Palm Springs kimono from Anthropologie.

Palm Springs Kimono

I decided to store some of my blue and white porcelain in the pantry in the kitchen for a few days and fell in love. Thinking of upgrading the shelves and taking the door off and keeping it as there is another pantry for food items.

What's for dinner?

On Monday the painters are doing touch-up, cleanup, and finishing the mirror frame in the dining room. Tuesday the countertops are installed, and Wednesday the movers. I need to squeeze in a food run as the only food in the new house is dog food. Wednesday, my first night in the new house will be sushi from Publix. Publix has brought back $5 Sushi Wednesday and I pick up sushi every single Wednesday. It is fantastic - try it if you are near a Publix. I have the cutest coral pink chopsticks I use, not  a fan of the free wooden ones, and of course blue and white Chinoiserie plates.

I Can Really Pick Em

I may need a little support and blog forbearance the next few days. Bear with me.

The night before last I had a terrible nightmare that GG had locked me out of the house and had taken the puppies hostage. Bizarre I know. But wait.

Then yesterday afternoon, while packing my car to make another Venice run, the printer started printing pages out - GG was outside. It was a demand letter from him and threatened lawsuit if I don't pay him a very large sum of money. A shakedown. As I said, I can pick em. I said nothing, he proceeded to come in, collect the document and go to the PO to mail it registered mail to me, I am assuming, then came home all smiles as if nothing had happened. Would I like a cocktail, he inquires. Wow. There is of course no substance to it, but this is unnecessary stress and drama, which is his forte.

Sorry if this is too much sharing and not enough interior design, but I wanted to explain if I am distracted the next few days as I move my dogs and myself into my new home in the middle of the epicenter of the pandemic and respond to a demand letter and likely lawsuit. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that you can't fix crazy.

On a lighter note, everything is great at the house, the countertops were postponed until next week because they needed the vessel sinks on hand and they had not arrived. The tandoori orange is gorgeous but another coat is needed today. The painters have done a beautiful job.

I am working around the clock to get things packed and out of here - 5 more days of hell. This too shall pass.

Updates and Great Finds

Pottery Barn Kids Bailey Crystal Chandelier

For years I wanted a crystal ship chandelier, but never got one. I never really had a ceiling high enough for these massive chandeliers. Here is one at 1st dibs for $35,0000.

1st dibs

Last week I was playing around online and spotted this mini Pottery Barn Kids crystal pirate ship version on sale for $70.00 and free shipping. It arrived last evening. Too cute! It might go in my toilet room in the master bath - LOL - why not? Who doesn't want a crystal pirate ship while using the toilet I ask you?

I ran into my HG yesterday and found a Chinese Chippendale brown rattan bar cart for $79.99 and two gorgeous Ann Gish silk dupione pillow shams for $19.99 each that retail for $340 each. All are slated for the master bedroom.

The painters are getting down to the short strokes on the house and will be done by the end of the week. Tomorrow he starts lacquering the guest bathroom in the tandoori orange.

Yesterday I drove to four Home Depots to score enough of the huge globe lightbulbs for the ceiling fans. 100 miles of running around but they look amazing! I am on a mission.

This morning I am off to Michael's for liquid gold leaf as my painter is matching the frame of that massive mirror in the dining room to the Ralph Lauren gold leaf and crystal pagoda lantern that will hang in there.

And I did find a new handyman through my realtor that she has been using for years. I am on his schedule and he seems very nice.

One week from tonight I will be sleeping in my new home.

New topic for your assistance. BTW, I loved everyone's comments yesterday on the question of a TV in the master bedroom - very interesting. I am leaving the Pit Boss grill I own here with GG. Visually I don't want a huge barbecue grill in my new lanai. I just want something small and easy to use with minimal smoke and cleanup. I had an outdoor standing George Foreman electric grill before that I might replace. Any other thoughts? My lanai is not huge and looks out on those gorgeous preserves, so I don't want anything out there to take away from the view. I guess I could just pass on a grill entirely. And what is the deal with the Big Green Egg grills??? Am I missing something amazing? A Japanese style grill does have a certain CC appeal and they are very attractive.

Small Big Green Egg Grill

Here is an electric grill from Target in coral pink for $19.99!

MyMini Personal Electric Grill

Life in Florida

As I have said before, I never ever thought of moving to Florida. GG wanted to play golf every day and I was looking for a fresh start after the loss of both my husband and best friend in Virginia. But now that I have moved here, I love it! I live in paradise.

I thought as a little departure from my home escapades, I would share a little more about what I have learned about life here.

1. I have always been completely and totally neurotic about my hair being perfect at all times. I went to my hairdresser in Alexandria twice a week and NEVER washed or blow dried my own hair. Here it's "Beach Hair, Don't Care." I wash my hair once a week, let in dry naturally, and it looks great. Blond and beachy. Beach hair, don't care.

2. High heels that I wore every day because I am petite are a thing of the past. Jack Rogers sandals and Tory Burch flip-flops. Bye bye stilettos.

3. Bras are also adios. In this heat, they are so annoying. Seriously not comfortable.

4. Here is my Florida look above. A loose breezy dress, sunglasses, straw bag, jewelry, done.

5. My skin here looks fantastic. I always wear sunscreen and sunglasses, but my skin is dewy and radiant - must be the humidity.

6. I love the sunshine 365 days a year. It makes me happy.

7. The skies here are stunning, so blue and amazing clouds.

8. The food is so good and so cheap - Everything is local and fresh and delicious. Fish, crabs, produce, the quality and prices down here are fantastic. I love cooking,

9. Palm trees everywhere. Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10. HomeGoods is the best.

11. No state income taxes.

12. Real estate is so much cheaper than DC.

13. Gardening here is delightful. You can garden 365 day a year. Everything grows like crazy with the heat and rain. And so easy to plant with the sandy soil after the clay soil of NOVA.

14. The style here is very casual both in fashion and interior design. The look here is not Palm Beach, although mine is very Palm Beach.

15. People tend to be from Canada and the Midwest, although this area has been discovered by New Yorkers, so that is changing.

16. People are very physically fit - lots of walking, jogging, biking, golfing, tennis, swimming, etc.

17. Everyone wants to come visit - a problem now of course with the pandemic, but hopefully that will change.

Well, I have a busy week planned. The painters will be finishing up and I have lots more to move before the movers come next week for the furniture. Furniture deliveries will be starting in a couple of weeks. I need to get a handyman in for some projects. The handyman I used here is quarantined because his wife is having hip surgery. I interviewed someone highly recommended on Friday and he gave me the creeps. He showed up with no mask and was a bit too familiar. He ended with "Call me anytime, day or night." Yuck. Any handyman recommendations in my hood would be greatly appreciated.

An Update

Amy Berry

A progress update....

1. I am putting about a hundred miles a day on my car going back and forth to Venice with several trips a day which is nowadays more than I drive in a week. I promised my car a complete detailing when this is done.

2. Of all the bad timing, my community is having all the roads milled and paved this week and next - my paving was yesterday, so juggling the painters, wall-paperer, and my unloading with trucks everywhere. We got our cars trapped in my driveway yesterday afternoon for several hours. Oh well....

3. The painting is going really really well. I love the BM Classic Gray in Matte and the Aura is so worth it.

4. The wallpaper hanger was over yesterday morning and we are a go on the guest bath and laundry room. Super excited.

5. I had no idea that my Wedgwood Chinese Tigers once came in blue - gorgeous!

6. Great progress on my closet - I hope I have left clothes here for the next couple of weeks. LOL

7. Granite question - the granite in the kitchen is quite pretty, but has surface tiny fissures? and a rough feeling - it definitely needs sealing but I am thinking it needs professional polishing too? I know Corian and Quartz care much more than granite. Suggestions? Thanks!

8. Many comments from you on colored towels fading - here are my tips- use half as much detergent. Wash, especially the first time with a cup of white vinegar to set the color. Wash always on cold or warm, not hot and cold rinse. No bleach. No dryer sheets. This works IMHO.

9. I was thinking yesterday about the fact that I have a coat closet in the vestibule (most homes here do not) and what could I use it for? In 9 months here I have never had on a jacket, sweater, or coat. The answer came in a flash - a wine closet to lay down red wine. There are several sites where you can configure what dimensions you want for wine racks. I love this idea - any suggestions? My painters have removed the rod and hardware that I will store.

10. The pink Dyson arrived a couple days ago, but I have been too busy to unpack it. Hopefully in the next couple of days. A pink vacuum!

11. Several people asked about my trim paint. My painters said BM has reformulated Advance and they are dissatisfied with its adhesion and now prefer Sherwin Williams. I went with Ultra Reflective White and it's amazing with the BM Classic Gray on the walls. Gorgeous. It really pops.

12. My painters should be finished by the end of next week and then the real fun begins - furniture deliveries, wallpaper installed, half a dozen new lighting fixtures installed, movers, and ADIOS to this ill begotten adventure.

13. I may go to my stone place today for a break and look at black/dark green marble and granite for the guest bath as in the photo above. I said this before, but how could they have left the toilet lid up for the photo shoot? It pains me.

Closing Today

Urban Outfitters Surya Sun Wall Hanging

So in a couple short hours I will be the owner of my very own dream house in Venice, Florida. The past few years have included my dearest friend dying in my arms from stomach cancer, my husband of thirty five years dropping dead of a heart attack, moving to Florida with someone who turned into a nightmare, and now living in an epicenter of a global pandemic. Is there a happy punchline here? Hardly. But hopefully "Happy Days Are Here Again."

I bought this darling sun wall hanging at Urban Outfitters. I love Amanda Lindroth's whimsical wicker and rattan pieces, but the price tags not so much. This sweet rattan piece reminds of the beautiful sunshine we have virtually every day of the year here, and serves as a metaphor that the sun is coming up on a new day in my life.

I can't wait to start sharing this house redo with all of you. I think and trust it will be great fun and that I will find the peace that has been missing in my life of late. Thank you for joining me in this journey. It is so much more fun sharing it with all of you.

Before Photos

Casa Chinoiserie Chic

Thank you for all your lovely comments yesterday. I appreciate them very much. Yesterday went absolutely great - my Alexandria home has lovely new owners and the inspections on my new house went smoothly. My painters came by after the inspection and surprised me with the best prosciutto ever and Italian bread. We all observed social distancing - I brought my treats home for a  lovely lunch. They start the day after I close. We looked at paint samples - he has a wonderful eye, and he had some great ideas on the project. They did a stunning job on this house, and I can't wait for them to transform the new house. Paint makes such a difference.

The house is so perfect for me. Three bedrooms, two baths, one level, a lanai that looks out on to beautiful preserves. I celebrated last night with a great bottle of Champagne and carryout from by favorite Mexican restaurant in Sarasota. I am not eating at restaurants, but like to support those I really like by taking out.

Here are lots of the listing photos. The community has swimming, tennis, golf, and a fitness center as well. I am going to take the weekend off and relax after a very productive week. I am so excited to have each of you follow along as I transform this already pretty home into a Chinoiserie Chic/ Palm Beach/Old Florida/Tropical home of my dreams. I also love gardening and am very excited about designing the garden.