Enter as a stranger, leave as a friend -The Friend Door

Have you heard the saying, "enter as a stranger, leave as a friend?" Well, at our house, when people visit for the first time we have them enter through the front door. Then, when our visit has ended, they leave through the side door or what we call, The Friend Door. From that point on, the rule is that they always enter our home through The Friend Door.

The Friend Door welcomes you with cute little porch and a sign that says Rosewood Cottage est. 2001, the May family.

We even wrote our name in the concrete on the porch.

We put two lucky pennies May of 2001 (get it, our last name is May the year 2001,hee,hee,hee) in the concrete, wishing all those who pass by lots of luck in their life.

There is a cute little bunny (complete with bug bits in this picture, ewww!) to greet you.

Then as you enter, we have a little mud room for you to hang your keys and leave your worries behind. We don't wear our shoes in the house and neither do most of our friends, so shoes also get deposited here. There is a little chair in case you need to sit down and a mirror for your to take a peek at yourself and make sure you don't have veggies in your teeth before you leave for a meeting with people that have never met you before so that you won't get home later to find you had veggies in your teeth, your husband didn't tell you, and you now know why the people were staring at you (yes, that is a true story). I do like how the garden elements, on the opposite wall, are reflected in the mirror.

And here they are. I think it's fun to take outside elements and bring them inside. And yes, I spray painted these white. :)

I think my blog has a Friend Door too. You visit as a stranger and then leave as a friend. I think that's pretty cool.

xx, shell, sugie and harrington

Pearls of Wisdom. Survey Results

I want to start off this post by saying Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
I cannot thank all of you enough for taking the time to help me think things through. I believe sometimes we all just need a little help from our friends to see things in a new light and gain perspective.

So what did I learn? Well, lots!

First, I learned that I will ask my friends in blog land their opinions because their answers are much better than David's, "whatever you think Shell," as he looks at the TV or his car parts magazine. hee,hee,hee.

Second, I thought I was needing to "focus" my blog on one certain thing like a lot of people do when trying to build a business. But I realized from reading your comments that my personality is not "one thing" and I can't put parts of it in a box (even if the box is pretty!). I love to write and share and I think I would get bored talking about one thing all the time.

Third, I was getting consumed with the storms of worry over making money, finding a career "identity," having a purpose and it was stealing my joy and my creative spirit.

But then you helped me remember that if I would just try and clear my head of those storms that I might gain some clarity and inspiration. That there are always rainbows hidden in the storms if we just remember to look for them.

I made a card for a friend the other day who is starting the next chapter of her life after 20 years at a career. It was ironic that when I looked for the perfect quote to put in the card, the quote spoke loudly to me as well.
"The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination." --John Schaar

So, what am I going to do? Well, I'm going to start creating my own path. I am a writer, an artist, a decorator, a bunny lover and a friend. My true success comes from how much joy all those things bring me. I will look for the key that unlocks the door to combining all of those things so I can earn a living while making a life.
 "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. --EE. Cummings.  Thanks to Karen at Briarside Lane for sending that!

And yes, I will continue blogging as you are all pearls of wisdom and I treasure your friendship!

Congratulations to Juliet Wilson of Crafty Green Poet in Edinburgh Scotland. Juliet, you win this little book as the random number generator picked you, number 34. (Funny that it picked Juliet. She is a poet!) Check out her blog. Send me your address Juliet and I'll get your prize to you!

Join me tomorrow for the next block on "A Sentimental Journey" and of course, another giveaway! Hmmmm...I think it's something white. ;)

Hugs to you all!

Friends and Gifts

I have been truly spoiled. I received some wonderful gifts from some sweet friends for no reason at all. The cool thing is they came when I needed a little lift. None of them knew I needed a lift, but they gave me gifts just the same. Isn't it wonderful how friends just seem to know that?


There's a miracle of friendship that dwells within the heart
And you don't know how it happens
or where it gets its start
But the happiness it brings you
always gives a special lift
And you realize that Friendship
Is God's most precious gift


I don't know who wrote that, but I love it and write it in cards. Feel free to share it with your friends.


My friend Lyd gave me this teapot. She know's how much I adore collecting these creamy pieces. In fact, Lyd has given me most of my collection. It's simply beautiful and I get so excited over each piece. I'll take a picture of my display case with all the pieces when the light is better. It's rainy today. Thanks again for this Lyd. You didn't have to, but I love it!!!!!!!! You know I'm doing the happy dance right now. :)



This little notebook came from my friend Carrie Gonzalez, at Noelle Garrett Designs. I purchased something from her and she included this charming little notebook that she created. Carrie makes lots of beautiful and unique art. Check out her site and her blog here. Thanks Carrie! I love it!!!!


This bracelet is simply incredible! It was designed and created by my friend Gail Friend, at Gail Friend Designs. Yep, her last name is Friend and a good friend she is. Gail makes some of the most incredible jewelry pieces. I'm always drooling over her work. I have a really tiny wrist and Gail made this especially for me. It's a perfect fit and I think it's just gorgeous! I mean it doesn't get any better than bunnies with bling! You can find Gail's site and blog here. Thank you so much Gail, I will treasure it always!!


This adorable sign was given to me by my friend Amy at Bunny Rose Cottage. Amy and I share a love for bunnies and frou frou stuff. I think this sign says it all. I have it hanging up in Bunnyville and I look at it and love it every day. Visit Amy's sweet blog and shop here.
Thanks so much for this Amy, I love it and it's the perfect decoration for Bunnyville!!!



Finally, is a pillow I made this weekend. It's made from a vintage dresser scarf, a vintage hanky and a rose appliqued onto a piece of vintage linen. I love the way it turned out. It's soft and simple. It's available on my site if you have a friend you might like to send a gift to. You know, just because your friends, you care about them, and they are your most precious gift.

Bunny hugs and kisses to all of you,
Shell