My life is in such imposed disorder, plus I had the flu this past week, that I have no pictures for you other than these that I took on this low-light day and not yesterday when the sun was shining because I'm a bad blogger BUT — they are of the cabinets!! HOORAY!!
Even though I didn't turn the light on and it's raining and cloudy, it is bright in here! Hooray for big windows!! By the way, the trim for the window is that object leaning against the fireplace. Stalkers will note how it has just been moved all around over the weeks… Once the counter is in, it will be popped into place!
Here, below, we are looking towards the pantry, and that door will be installed on the other side, the door between the mudroom and kitchen! So light can come through! (The pantry door was taken down long ago, on the theory that one can only cope with so many places in one's house where doors bang into each other.)
Here is the radiator, newly painted and placed in its new spot:
The radiator used to be over here, below, when the wall came further into the room, where those cabinet boxes are sitting on the left. Imagine the radiator in front of those cabinets to get an idea of the change:
A peek of the cabinet color (for the lower level and fridge cupboard): Benjamin Moore's Governor's Gold (everything else is Calming Cream):
I don't know if I posted my inspiration photo for the colors here yet. Here it is (taken from my favorite decorating book ever – affiliate link):
The island, which is more of a farmer's table idea but with enough storage to compensate for some of the upper cabinets I eliminated:
I know it's hard to picture everything in this state, or even be very interested, so thanks for sticking with me — I had to share. You can go to other “kitchen reno” posts (just search the tag) for befores and so on. Later, when it's more pulled together, I will have more analysis for you!
But for now, let's just bask in the light at the end of this particular tunnel of endless waiting!
On to promised chit-chat:
Wow, I have noticed a considerable increase in the pace of commercial-driven pseudo-seasons. We went to Christmas before Halloween was even over. Thanksgiving doesn't even get a glance in the rear-view mirror.
But I also have noticed a funny thing: this year, people are saying “I have this feeling, a strange thought, like maybe preparing, getting ready, not for Christmas exactly, but for setting the stage for my actual Christmas prep… I feel the need to clear things up and make it possible for me to bake cookies and decorate when the time comes… if only I could, like, attend to the things I need to do before it all gets going… ”
If only there were a season, a liturgical season even, for just this purpose and more! If only we could do a sort of preparation for a coming time, in our homes but also in our souls!
Good news! There is such a season, and it's called Advent!
And more good news! It doesn't start for a bit, so we have a little time to enjoy Thanksgiving! Yes, that is a secular feast to be sure, but one dear to our hearts as Americans and a joyous occasion of gathering and, dare I say, giving thanks to God. It is good to be mindful of the passing of natural time, of the harvest (even if some are a bit removed from it — all the more reason in my humble opinion), of our fellow-feeling with our countrymen.
If we keep it simple, we can do some small tasks we need to do for the time ahead, like order cards. And if we had curtailed the more ghastly, crime-scene aspects of our Halloween observance (as I hope we all have, to say the least), and spent November, spiritually speaking, contemplating death and the afterlife, as tradition urges us to do, our autumnal decorations can stand us in good stead right up to December 3, the first day of Advent this year.
I am nothing if not pro-Advent.
I can hardly link to all the posts I have on this subject. It's not too much for me to say this: Your whole life will be transformed if you observe Advent.
It is a season that offers a needed and gentle penitential, austere path while consoling us in the darkening days with feasts that should not be missed. It takes us from “the people who walked in darkness” to those who “saw a great light,” at its own pace. It brings us Baby Jesus, coming to save us. No one can resist His charm, not really! But we need that purgative way — how can we have festivity if we don't prepare ourselves?
Not to mention the very real necessity of actual preparation, which takes time. Instead of burdening ourselves with the goal of producing “Christmas” all at once, let's do it little by little.
It's so odd to me, the response I often get: “But I love Christmas!” Yes, so do we! That's why we are happy to finally have it all pulled together by the first day of Christmas, December 25th, and then continue to celebrate through all twelve days and beyond! Believe me, it's much more fulfilling this way.
Start here with this post, The week that is not Advent. (People always ask me about Advent music, and there is so much of it! Time to learn so many beautiful, traditional hymns and amazing pieces. Let's recover our Christian heritage!)
bits & pieces
The Catholic Thing has great articles. Two I've recently enjoyed are these:
- The Lord of Substance by Michael Pakaluk. A reflection on the miracles of Our Lord changing the substance of things, or, what actually happened when He walked on water, and what does it tell us about other things He did?
- The Two Ways: Hearth or Hygiene? by Julian Kwasniewski. Using the poetic diction of types, Julian is able to contrast approaches to life that are oriented either to flourishing or to death.
They also published one of mine today:
- Fr. McTeigue picked up my Happy Despite Them post and interviewed me on his podcast. We had a great conversation — come listen!
- We know the Toppings, and it's so nice to see them featured on this program about large families. Theirs is a lovely model of prayer and joy. Nine boys and a little girl! And Ryan and Anna are so sweet. If you are looking for some gentle encouragement, here you go!
- This article is in that somewhat annoying “collection of tweets” mode, but observing the 20th anniversary of the making of Master and Commander is a good thing to do! Great movie, a must-watch for your family. Men doing manly things.
- The John Senior You Tube channel is at least partially restored (oh, the irony! IYKYK).
from the archives
- I should have posted last week, sorry: the Thanksgiving post with all my tips and thoughts for families with actual children and other vectors of chaos. Hey, guys, make all the jokes you want about dusting baseboards but I personally cannot think if the background noise — AKA mess and dirt — is not turned down. Once the baseboards are wiped I can give my attention to gravy. But wiping baseboards on the Wednesday of is insanity — do it now.
liturgical living
Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul.
Next Saturday I won't be popping in here, so be sure to prepare yourselves for Christ the King if not going by the Traditional Calendar, and here's Deirdre's cake for you!
follow us everywhere! share us with your friends!
My book, The Summa Domestica: Order and Wonder in Family Life is available from Sophia Press! Also in paperback now! All the thoughts from this blog collected into three volumes, beautifully presented with illustrations from Deirdre, an index in each volume, and ribbons!
My “random thoughts no pictures” blog, Happy Despite Them — receive it by email if you like, or bookmark, so you don’t miss a thing!
My podcast, The Home Truths Society, can be found on the Restoration of Christian Culture website (and you can find it where you listen to such things) — be sure to check out the other offerings there!
Stay abreast of the posts here at LMLD, when they happen:
Consider subscribing to this blog by email.
We share pretty pictures: Auntie Leila’s Instagram, Rosie’s Instagram, Deirdre’s Instagram. Bridget’s Instagram.
Auntie Leila’s Facebook (you can just follow)
The boards of the others: Rosie’s Pinterest. Sukie’s Pinterest. Deirdre’s Pinterest. Habou’s Pinterest
Katie says
Yes, it does seem like the commercial “pseudo-seasons” are getting more and more out of hand with each passing year. I’m in Canada and it’s strange because these same commercial marketers won’t even go near the idea of Christmas or, for that matter, Hannakuh, so it’s become just a very, very long “season” of ???? I guess it’s hard to contemplate death, judgement, hell, and heaven if you one can’t even hear oneself think over the tinny noise and false brightness. But of course, there is Hope.
In the traditional calendar next week is, in my Anglican-Catholic tradition, Stir-up Sunday, based on the final collect of the church year which begins “Stir-up we beseech Thee O Lord, the souls of thy faithful people.” It is also the day people traditionally begin their plum puddings—stir it up! There is even a traditional way to stir it.
Your kitchen is looking great! The floor is beautiful!
Bailey says
My favorite Advent album is The Advent of Christmas by Matt Maher- we listen to it daily in our house during Advent and the whole family loves it!
Amy says
I can’t wait to see your kitchen when it’s all done. Everything is looking great already!
Rochelle Marshall says
Hello! I’ve been following you since 2011 and I’m looking for an old post but it’s not coming up in my searches today. Maybe you could guide me? It was a lengthy post about Epiphany parties and singing carols. I’m trying to help my mother as we host a similar event for family on Epiphany. Any help you can give would be wonderful. Thank you!
Leila says
Yes, I think you mean this one? https://likemotherlikedaughter.org/2017/12/restoring-culture-twelfth-night-festivities-bits-pieces/
Mrs. Bee says
At least the flu had the courtesy of showing up before Thanksgiving! And a very different Thanksgiving this must feel to you, without a working kitchen… Thank you so much for posting many pictures here where I can see them! The ceiling is a favorite with me, reflecting the light from the lovely sconces. And the new island, how very beautiful! Definitely having the air of something that has belonged to the room for ages, which is exactly what you wanted. I can’t wait to see it all come together.
Your posts about Advent are very near my heart, every year I rejoice in the gift you’ve given your readers. Sometimes the things that are out there for all to see just need to be pointed out. What I treasure is also your attitude that small acts of trust and fidelity will have great consequences – it cuts through the cynicism that is becoming ingrained in so many people.
And you likely found the post Rochelle above was thinking of, but another old post by Deirdre about Christmastide entertaining has stayed with me, so I’ll leave the link in case its simplicity inspires others as well: https://likemotherlikedaughter.org/2016/01/modest-hospitality-a-hot-cocoa-party/
I had trouble leaving a comment earlier today, I hope it goes through now! Warmest wishes for a happy Thanksgiving!
Catherine says
Auntie Leila, I’ve wanted to ask for a few years now—can you give us your wisdom on how it’s our job to step up and do the extra work to prepare for holidays? In general I don’t resent my roll as wife, mother, homemaker—I’m so grateful for it! But around the holidays, especially Christmas and Easter, I find myself grumbling about all the extra work that falls to me. My husband is sweet and wonderful and helpful when he can be, my children are young and monster-ish. Everyone is looking forward to the holy, happy times, and I’m sulking inside! Send help!
And thanks for all your wisdom. Prayers for that sloooow kitchen redo. It is looking beautiful. 🙂
Leila says
Hi Catherine — I really think the key is to keep it very simple when the children are young and follow my advice for preparing as much beforehand as you can, as outlined in the Thanksgiving prep post. As the children get older, they will be more interested in adding certain elements, but also more able to help. Thus, you will all gradually grow together.
Remember, the layered and textured celebrations of the past represent whole communities and multiple generations. We are starting from scratch. So we have to build up slowly and with grace towards ourselves.
As the years go by, you will come to see how rich your celebrations have become, and how much help you have surrounded yourself with. But it takes time!
Sarah says
Catherine, I’ve been there too, and occasionally still am! I couldn’t agree more with Auntie Leila’s words to keep it simple. Simple with a sparkle in mommy’s eye makes it plenty magical. No wrapping paper – just gift bags. A moderately clean house with holly here and there and every red thing set out gradually over Advent. Tree trimmed by children, with NO glass ornaments in the house. Sugar cookies plain. Easy dinners. I really love Flylady’s holiday control journal too, and her constant reminder to fight the good fight against perfectionism. If you are having fun, they will be too. Keep on doing the easy version of things until it feels doable and you are having fun:).
Leila says
Thank you, Mrs. Bee! Yes, I was so grateful that my illness was timed the way it was! Could have been worse! And my husband didn’t catch it!
Thanks for your warm wishes, appreciations, and continued presence!
Sarah says
Auntie Leila, your kitchen is looking so beautiful! Such pretty floors. Thank you for the pictures. Also for the link about the Toppings. I enjoyed it so much, I watched it a few times over the week and then saw a bunch of videos on the channel about other large families.
I just love how your sconces turned out! Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving.
Leila says
Thank you!
Tamara says
May I ask where you got your island? It’s beautiful.
Leila says
Thank you! I made a drawing of what I wanted, and the cabinetmaker executed! I will post all the details when things are put together. I’m glad you like it!