My life is to make everything around me beautiful.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

On Being Famous

As I've stated before, we moved to this town of about 90,000 to get out of a very small (5,000 population) town as I realized after a few years I was not a small town girl. I've lived in large cities most of my life. I feel a certain safety living in anonymity. Small duck in a large pond instead of a large duck in a small pond. I've always felt that way. I cannot explain what originally led us to move to a small town but we did, which led us to here.

So several months ago I received an invitation to have my house photographed for a famous magazine. While it was very flattering, I decided to not accept their offer.

Then again a few months ago another magazine contacted me with the same offer. Again, I said no, thank you. I was again flattered. But I'm not sure I want the fame that comes with that or the trouble and anticipation of doing an actual photo shoot. While I splash all kinds of photos on this blog, there is still some anonymity for me, which brings me to a recent tragedy in Colorado. Horrible, horrible thing to happen to those innocent men, women and children.

I have read some of the articles of what people thought would make a man kill that many people in a theater. Some said it was the fault of guns. Nope, I don't think so. We have guns and have never shot anyone and if someone sane with a gun had been there that night I think fewer people would have died. I believe he is mentally unbalanced, plus it was his quest for fame. (Remember, for us, the desire to have guns comes from being robbed 3 times and walking in on 2 guys, one who came at me with a screwdriver. Hubby subdued him but it was absolutely terrifying for me to face a man with a potential weapon. Never again!)

Hear me out.

We have instant gratification now with iPhones and cameras recording every single act we can photograph. These people have serious psychological problems. Their quest is fame. We see it all around us every single day on news sites, youtube, facebook and it's getting ridiculous. I hate what social media has become. A faux pas moment can instantly be caught and sent around the world in mere seconds to the embarrassment of the person being photographed. That gets the photographer FAME. And the ones being photographed fame also, but most of the time it's embarrassing or criminal fame. If the media didn't bring the acts to everyone in the world, then it might stop. I certainly don't know, but I doubt that's going to happen. News is news to stations fighting for ratings. Sad, very sad. My heart just crumbled for those people facing such a situation. I know, however, that my hubs would protect me with his very own life should this happen. He carries a gun and while the decision to use it would wrack him with grief, I know he'd take that chance to save his or his family's lives.

I have used my camera phone one time and only once. It was a shopping situation where I had to send a photo of an item to a friend to see if it was something she wanted me to buy for her since she lives about an hour's drive from shopping. I don't text; I talk on my phone. I'm one who wants to hear their voice and emotions. And yes, my kids get on me all the time about not texting but I just won't succumb. I don't need to. I've lived without texting for 70 years and so have billions of other people. I don't think we need it as much as others think we do.

So bottom line on this is: I'm not itchin' to become famous. I love my privacy and anonymity much more.
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This is another “dream bedroom” of mine. I think it’s gorgeous.


Another beautiful one I adore. I think it’s the dripping linens on the bed that drew me to this one however.


I like the duvet in this one a lot.


This looks like it’s in Europe somewhere. I love my backyard but I could get used to living here for a while, maybe summers here. No backyard neighbors. ☺


I try to avoid stairs at all costs anymore but I do love this look. The wisteria would smell so good though.


A little rental in France.


I think these are the prettiest afghan pillows I’ve ever seen. Just love all the colors she’s used.


A serene place to rest.


If you’re inclined to vacation like this then this would be an excellent spot to do it.


I would LOVE to have a tub like this in our backyard. It’s secreted so no one could see you and that’s what I’d like. Oooooh, this really speaks to me.


What a darling room with all white cushions and pink roses for a touch of color. Fabulous.


This shower I could see in my backyard also. Taking a shower out here in the summer would be a lot of fun.


I cannot possibly see anyone sleeping like this. I’d get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, step off and kill myself flopping to the floor below. This is just not kid-friendly and I think the owner should be smacked for letting a kid sleep on it. Can you imagine?


Another interesting place to dream.


Isn’t this cute?! I love how it’s decorated.


This is the most interesting pantry I’ve ever seen. I still think I’d put doors on it though. Very pretty.


Ooooooh, yeah. In a heartbeat!!!!!


And a perfect farmhouse for all you wanna-be farmers out there.
~*~
Linking up with At the Picket Fence and French Country Cottage

20 comments:

  1. No texting here either! Love your pictures - always so much beauty! When I was young (I'm 71)it was said that "a lady"'s name should be in the paper only 3 times: when she was born, when she married, and when she died! Seems there's an awful lot of "TMI" out there now!

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  2. A thoughtful post, my friend. We have to be very careful about just how much of ourselves we put out there. It's so easy to fall into the social media overkill thing. But it can come at a price.

    I always love hearing your thoughts, Connie.

    xo
    Claudia

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  3. Well said! High Five!

    Have a fantastic fun filled weekend!

    xoso
    Sandy

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  4. What a beautiful post! I love your dream bedrooms, the outdoor spaces, and that sweet kitchen! Hugs, Penny

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  5. Connie absolutely Beautiful!! I highly dislike people on their cell phones in grocery/store lines... I don't want to hear their conversations! Besides how rude to the cashier!
    Thank you so much for joining us in Thursdays Favorite Things Blog Hop! With His grace, wishing you peace and many blessings to you and yours... Carla

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  6. Love all your pics, so much insiration out there! I'm with you .. i don't text. The kids want to teach me but I'd rather just ring and talk to someone. It's so much quicker anyway! take care, Maryann

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  7. Hi Connie: I'm with you on texting. Can't even have dinner with the grandson, he's eating with one hand on top of the table and texting with the other under the table! Thank you for visiting the Cottage and for your kind comments..Happy Thursday..Judy

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  8. Love your great assortment of pictures,and your comments. My sentiments exact-ally.
    Blessings from Ontario, Canada eh?
    Bernice

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  9. I have to admit, I text. But, it's not my only means of communication. I text with the hubby to let each other know of our comings and goings. Other than that I have the rare FYI texts with a couple of other friends. I have to say though, that I agree with you 100% on all that is put into public view via various social media, the news and what people are watching for "entertainment" in the movies and on TV these days. It confuses me that blowing people up is considered entertainment. It obviously confused that gunman in Colorado as well.
    I love your choice of rooms to share. I'm with you on that marvelous bathtub set in stone! So private and cozy but still outside in the fresh air. The retro kitchen, the hammock and that rental in France are all calling my name!
    Have a great weekend!
    Robin

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  10. It is flattering that you were asked to share your lovely home. I understand why you said no. i love these photos!! Thank you for your bloggy friendship and for sharing on the Thursday Favorite Things hop. Hoping you have a great weekend xo

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  11. Well poooh for us (we don't get to see your beautiful home in a magazine) but good for you for knowing who you are.
    We have concealed carry permits. We have guns in the house and will not hesitate to use them to protect ourselves and our GRANDbaby.
    HAH I do not text either ! I too want to hear my children's and friends voices, gah we have lost enough in this high tech society.
    Once again Connie you give us such beautiful photos. I'm lovin' you more and more (())

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  12. I would love to see more of your home but these photos are wonderful, too. There are so many ideas and we can incorporate some of them in our own homes and decor. Enjoy your weekend!

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  13. I don't text either and my family also gets on my case for it but I just don't want to. Love all your photos, especially the bedrooms. Absolutely gorgeous. Great post, thank you for sharing. Blessings, Lu

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  14. Count me in on the dripping linens (2nd pic) and the drooping wisteria and stairs... just love those, sigh. You always have the best photos, and I can therefore live vicariously. RE texting, I totally agree - plus it's destroying any sense of correct spelling and grammar. Happy Pink Saturday!

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  15. Happy Pink Saturday!!!! My heart breaks for the innocent families caught in such a ridiculous nightmare. I find it very strange that this man studied "neurological conditions". It makes me sad that he was given a gift of knowledge and was smart enough to make a difference in helping people with neurological problems, instead he made the choice to hurt people.
    I adore your bedroom pictures!!! Love, love, love the idea of a secluded place to rest!!!
    xo
    Olivia

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  16. woow...really nice an inspiring photos...
    and do not miss....

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    It is FUN :)
    WELCOME
    HÃ¥kan ( The Roseman)

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  17. Hi Connie, Finally a Saturday that nothing is going on. I have a terrible time having time to visit.I really agree with your opinion on what is going on in our world today. I do not text either and do not intend it ever. Your home must be so charming on the outside. I know it is charming on the inside. I too would not like people to see where I live. Privacy is important to us as well.

    The entertainment business can ruin anyone. What a pity so many fall into a lifestyle that is so false and harmful. A few manage it but most do not. The whole lifestyle is not real. There are so many who only want to make money ruining the lives of others. It is a sad state of affairs.

    Love your dream photos this week. It is fun to dream about a style or design and sometimes we can even make someones ideas happen for our own home. I have always loved to get decorating ideas.

    Have a happy weekend,
    Hugs, Jeanne

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  18. I'm so with you on media. My hubby watches the news once in awhile...but since we live in a foreign country...don't get much except world news which is bad enough. I manage to avoid it at all costs and many of my friends think I'm kookie. Beautiful pix here. The one of the two houses with the water between looks Just like a shot I took while in Detmold, Germany.

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  19. Hi Connie! I love your thoughts! I posted on FaceBook about all the political junk going around and Chick Fil A! Good Lord they photo shopped Jesus at the Last Supper with a Chick Fil A lunch in front of him! I think enough is enough! I never was raised around guns but my Sweets has them and he would use the if he had to protect us! I just get tired of all the junk out there! My friend Lyn has a policy! Every Sunday her grands have dinner at her house. No cell phones are allowed!Her daughter is a police officer and she is as bad as the kids! Her rule states one hour of family conversation at the table. No electronic devices are to be there!
    I was born and raised in Colorado and still live here. I do think a larger city has more privacy! LOL! Sounds weird huh?
    As for the shooting I ache for all those families who lost their loved ones. The gunman is just a sad statistic! Too much time alone. Too much money from mom and dad buying his stockade of guns and ammo and such! I am tired of his face on y T.V. screen.
    I was grateful for the Olympic coverage taking my mind off all the worries of this world.
    As usual your photos are stunning! I could use that cabin or that French retreat! Sigh! Love all the romance and those linens! Heavenly!
    Thanks for youer tohughts here. Hugs Anne

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Comments are so nice and I thank all of you that leave one for me.