Today is my birthday, and since we were hit with more snow and cold weather, I stayed cozy inside, baking muffins and casserole while watching the January light change throughout the day as it filtered through snowy winter branches. Nature is the best artist and puts on a spectacular show! Less than a week ago, these pics were snapped at my baby sister’s rustic Mediterranean Arizona home:
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It wasn’t a vacation. I flew to Arizona with my sister Jo to help our mom with rehab after knee replacement. (My sister Lisa’s bulldog, Luna, is a sweetheart!)
BTW. Thank you for your prayers and encouraging words for my mom…there were low moments, many tears, complications, and a trip to the ER I’d just as soon forget along with a few blessed ones. Time with my parents always feels sacred, and I tried to offer as much help as possible, though it’s my sister who is the nurse and leads the team valiantly.
There was drama trying to fly home as well, with just one runway open at O’Hare and more extreme weather in the forecast. The plane from Phoenix landing before ours slid right off the runway (did you catch it on the news?). So I’m extra glad to be in a no drama zone today.
My Birthday, Robert and Sol’s House & Ramblings
Personal Reflections on My Birthday
There’s so much for which I’m thankful on this low key restful birthday. What stands out is how far God has brought me in the last decade. If you spend any time in social media land, then you know the 10 year challenge is wildly popular at the moment. Ten years ago, when I came undone, I feared I might never again feel safe or calm. Love had left me, darkness moved in, and I stayed deep in a pit of despair, holding my breath, struggling to do simple things like swallowing.
Should you ever experience such agony, know that it will pass and the shackles will fall away. Know that even the darkness is purposeful and shaping you into something better. There are realms within realms we cannot see where the Mystery is at work. Trust it and give yourself time to grow.
Years later, I’m someone new. Someone wide awake with deeper compassion and higher mercy. Still a beautiful mess, I now live with more freedom and hope.
I listened to a heart-stirring sermon the other day, and the pastor concluded with: LIFE IS A GIFT. LOVE IS THE POINT. So simple and elegant!
If tattoos were my jam, LIFE IS A GIFT – LOVE IS THE POINT might be inked on my flesh because the sentiments somehow both energize and soothe me.
Isn’t it sort of miraculous how 8 words can begin to heal a soul?
And this is the part of the post where I’m supposed to segue from an English bulldog into Spanish decorating ideas so here it comes…
Don’t you love the rustic stone hardscape of my sister’s outdoor kitchen and firepit area her husband designed and created? It is slightly reminiscent of a rustic style rarely seen on the blog…
*Do I get my gold star?*
A few readers emailed me about Robert and Sol’s lovely Spanish Colonial home after I mused about Grace and Frankie’s beach house on the Netflix series “Grace and Frankie” RIGHT HERE. So what the heck! People want to get the look! Let the people get the look!
Let’s have fun deconstructing a beautiful pretend home.
Robert & Sol’s House on Grace & Frankie: Get the Look!
The style of Robert and Sol’s house is a blend of Spanish Colonial and Contemporary California. Set designer Devorah Herbert told Traditional Home she incorporated lots of warm natural tones, organic textures, and a mix of patterns.
The tile used in the kitchen is a handmade encaustic tile from Granada Tile.
Robert & Sol’s House on Grace & Frankie: Get the Look!
Spanish Colonial Design Elements
Interior designer Lisa Farmer summarized Spanish Colonial style beautifully with plenty of lovely examples of interiors. Interestingly enough, one of the images in the post depicts Jane Fonda’s New Mexico bedroom (in Architectural Digest) with its Spanish Colonial design. Do you suppose Jane joined the set designers when it came time to create Robert and Sol’s place?
Get the look: Rustic beams, weathered finishes, grand-scale doors, heavily textured walls, rich colors, elegant living rooms, handmade tiles, traditional Mexican folk art, built-in wall niches, rugged wood furniture, handcrafted art objects, retablos (devotional paintings), antique Spanish folk art, and traditional pottery.
Robert & Sol’s House on Grace & Frankie: Get the Look!
Here’s a kilim pillow I found that seems to capture the cozy handsome bohemian vibe of the home’s interior:
Paint Color Ideas Inspired by Robert & Sol’s Home on Grace and Frankie
The quiet, neutral paint color on the walls has a similar mood to one from a renovation project we recently explored HERE. From the Magnolia paint line, this color is called Blanched.
For help choosing the perfect white paint color for your walls, SEE THIS.
Robert & Sol’s Kitchen Cabinets
The deep, moody greenish-gray on the kitchen cabinets is such a sophisticated hue, isn’t it? Such rich depth and warmth to it. Here’s a similar paint color to consider.
A dark gray with a shimmery green undertone, this pronounced shade mirrors plush, deep feline fur.
Find more designer favorite paint colors RIGHT HERE.
To discover antique folk art options, SEE THIS.
Caramel Leather Sofa + Spanish Inspired Rug Ideas
Robert & Sol’s House on Grace & Frankie: Get the Look!
Two Seat Leather Sofa Ideas
Robert & Sol’s House on Grace & Frankie: Get the Look!
Ikat Curtain Ideas
Rustic Cabinet With Hutch
Interior Design Inspiration: Spanish Colonial and Contemporary California design.
Rustic Wagon Wheel Chandelier Ideas
Need a slightly smaller scale fixture?
Interior Design Inspiration: Spanish Colonial and Contemporary California design.
Mid Century Modern Arm Chairs & Grey Throw
Interior Design Inspiration: Spanish Colonial and Contemporary California design.
Find more options for armchairs RIGHT HERE!
Kilim Square Pouf Ottoman Ideas
Interior Design Inspiration: Spanish Colonial and Contemporary California design.
Leather Pouf Ideas
Organically Rustic Table Lamp Ideas
Get the look of this design style…in case you love the sets on Grace and Frankie!
Get the look of this design style…in case you love the sets on Grace and Frankie!
Rustic and Refined Side Table Ideas
Warm & Rich Pillow Ideas
Get the look of this design style…in case you love the sets on Grace and Frankie!
Get the look of this design style…in case you love the sets on Grace and Frankie!
Don’t miss the Grace and Frankie beach house post HERE!
Ramblings Right Where I Am
If you have ever cared for someone experiencing great pain, then you were likely changed forever. It’s uncomfortable and messy. There’s always the temptation to deny, run, or numb because joining someone in the valley demands so much capacity, strength, faith, and courage when reserves may be running low.
I’m here with a reminder that just a little faith will do. It will. Because grace is always flowing in abundance. You’ll be stretched in a way which will ultimately prosper you.
When you choose to say YES to the invitation to join another’s struggle , you are stepping on to holy ground, friends. So I encourage you to keep giving your YES, keep seeing the golden haze, keep purifying your filter to see the sacred in everything.
I hope to be very young at heart like my mom even when I have bionic knees or use a walker…how about you?
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Happy birthday! Wishing you many, many more and all in good health.
I LOVED that Grace & Frankie post. Huge fan of Lily and Jane.
Author
Thanks so much! I am enjoying another day of living in a snow globe with gentle flakes flying through the air and collecting in our snowy woods! I love watching the show!
Happy Birthday, dear Michele. You are a blessing to all whose hearts you touch.
Author
Thank you kindly, Mary.
Happy Belated Birthday! Where did you get your darling dress from?
Author
Thank you! It’s from The Gap a few seasons back. 🙂
Happy Birthday dear friend. May you continue to grow in grace and joy. My prayers for your Mother; I know how difficult TKR is. I’m coming up on my 10th year anniversary. Therapy is truly worth the struggle. I pray for courage for your Mother. As usual, I enjoyed today’s Hello Lovely.
God bless you
Teresa
Author
Thank you for the encouragement for my mama – she just got an excellent report from the surgeon yesterday and is beyond where he thought she would be! Thanks for your kindness and for reading, friend.
Happy Birthday Michele!!! I am in Algonquin at my daughters home!!! I too am staying in a snow globe!!! So much snow I hope my plane gets me back to Raleigh NC. I know you live nearby but don’t know where. Are you in Dundee? Or South Barrington? I hope to come back in May for the event in Rockford. Looks fun!!
Jan
Author
How fun! Hope you are enjoying the winter beauty. I keep my location private for safety reasons. 🙂 We can always meet at Main Street Market in May! 🙂
That would be fun!!! Enjoy your beautiful snow!!
Jan
Author
Yay!
Happiest of days to you and may your new year be as special as you are! Cheers….
Author
Such kindness flowing here – thank you so much!
Happy Birthday, Michele! I hope you enjoy your peaceful day at home. Nature is the Best gift of all. 53 is going to be a good year!
Blessings,
~Joanna
Author
It truly is, and I hope you are right – you usually are!
Your blog is always so soothing, energizing, and inspiring! I love your quotes and collect them and others in my “quote” journal!! Thank you, and wishing for you the happiest of birthdays!
Author
Thank you for collecting them! That helps this blog so much by spreading the word! It was a wonderful birthday, thank you so much. 🙂
Well very HAPPY BIRTHDAY Michele! I’m glad you are in a good place for this one, albeit a cold place. My son lives in Chicago and had trouble getting home from his visit to see me for the same reason. He shares with me how bitterly cold it is there so I feel your pain. Baking warms both the heart and the home so glad you got to do both on your birthday.
Author
Thanks so much, Celia. The snow is so pretty and makes our property look magical, so I can’t complain, although I worry about the homeless in this weather! Baking makes me so happy, and the house smells wonderful! xox
Happy Birthday and stay warm…
Author
Thanks! I’m hunkering down at home and am nice and cozy! 🙂
Happy Belated Birthday, Michele! Sending wishes and prayers for a happy, healthy and blessed year! Love your beautiful blog. Your words of inspiration always touch my heart. Stay warm!!
Author
Thank you! So happy to have you here adding to the beauty. It’s coooooold – will do!
Wishing you a belated Happy Birthday! Hope you had a marvelous day, Michele. Hope your mom is recovering well. Those pics at your sister’s home are gorgeous! You look so happy and healthy. Take care dear friend, and stay warm and cozy this weekend. Xo
Author
Thanks, Karen. She is doing so well with her rehab, and I’m so proud of her. My sister’s backyard is dreamy – I actually looked like a ragamuffin with the tough, hardworking week we were having, but I decided to let you see me in a very real way (next time – give me my weave – give me my makeup!). xox
Parabéns! Desejo muitas felicidades e muitas alegrias. Amo seu blog. Todo dia vejo as belas postagens.
Author
Gracias!