Sonata Script #30 – Love at First Wag

Giving you a peek into the past week for me and Sonata Home Design. The week in review, my favorite finds on the web, and just a little “this and that.” I always want to give you great ideas, inspiration, creative motivation, light bulb moments, and a hearty “You can do it!”

I know I am not alone in my passion for home decorating, crafting, and nesting. So, please join me each week for this creative weekend jolt.

Hey Friend!

Can you beieve we are halfway through January?

We have had warmer than usual temps but I’m ready for when the freezing temps inevitably appear!

Let Me Introduce You

This week’s Sonata Script comes with a mix of tender hearts and happy tails.

Many of you remember our sheep-a-doodle, Bentley, and how deeply he wove himself into our family and our home. Letting him go was one of the hardest chapters we’ve turned, and not a day goes by that we don’t miss his sweet face.

But life has a way of opening new doors when we’re ready, and through one of those doors padded Winston, our new rescue dog!

I found Winston online on the Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue website…an amazing organization! I found myself checking the site each day to see new dogs listed (their stories bring tears to your eyes) and to then rejoice when I saw each get adopted.

And then…I saw Winston.

His eyes were all I needed to instantly fall in love!

After doing quite a bit of research into the breed (this is a new one for us), reading and re-reading Winston’s story, and have some pretty serious discussions about whether we were ready…we applied!

And were approved!

So, let me tell you about my new little buddy!

Winston is 6 or 7 years (the rescue is not sure.) and has spent his life in a puppy mill. For his entire life, his world has been a kennel, rushed group feedings where he had to compete for every bite, and being used to produce puppies.

It breaks your heart.

But Winston is a true sweetheart and is gradually getting used to life as a dog!

While he is shy and guarded (he doesn’t like to look people in the eye), he is also a velcro dog who follows me everywhere through the house and snuggles up into my lap any chance he gets.

We are working on housetraining. He does a great job of going outdoors when I take him out but hasn’t figured out that he shouldn’t also go indoors. We’ll get there!

I’m sure my neighbors are having a giggle when they see me jumping up and down in the backyard and praising Winston when he is “successful.” In my bathrobe, no less!

He is learning what it means to play with toys. Can you imagine not knowing how to play as a dog?Small rubber toys and braided ropes are his favorite. And when he starts to play, he hops up and down and surprises himself!

We are also gradually introducing the concept of a leash for future walks.

He is very timid with men in general and will bark or growl when my husband walks in the room. So he is learning what a gentle giant my husband is through loving pats, treats, and attempts at play.

While training will come, our primary goal is to make him feel loved in his new forever home.

I am constantly researching best practices for welcoming a rescue dog in the home. Please send me your tips!

Winston is already claiming his spots in the house. He has absolutely claimed a spot in my heart!

HGTV Home Sweepstakes

I’m not a gambler.

Las Vegas holds little appeal to me. (Unless I have tickets at The Sphere!)

And I know that entering lotteries and sweepstakes is pretty much wasted time.

But every year, I jump onto the HGTV Home Sweepstakes and dream of winning the home of the year. Yes, I have filled many daydreams with this dream!

So while I am entering daily, I thought I would see if any of you enter as well? If not, you might as well throw your hat in the ring. You can enter HERE.

If anything, you’ve got to take a look at this year’s house.

North Carolina…it’s time to draw my name!

My First Online Auction

As you well know, I love a great thrift store find!

But I have never tried an online auction.

Who knew that with my first attempt, I would bid on and win a baby grand digital piano!

It’s not for me. We already have two pianos in the house!

This auction buy is on behalf of my daughter who lives in Chicago. She has been wanting a piano for her apartment and was thrilled when I found this.

She let me know what she was willing to spend and I jumped into the auction fun. Isn’t it fun to send someone else’s money?

The last 10 minutes of the auction were a little intense, but we got the piano and spent just a tiny bit above her pre-determined budget. (Thank you to my dear friend for picking the piano up for me. You know who you are!)

Perhaps there are some future Sonatas to be played on this gem!

Blog Posts You Might Have Missed

What to Put In a Decanter: Decorating Ideas Beyond the Bar Cart

The Frozen Fruit Cups I Reach for When I Need Something Sweet

In My Cart This Week

Some of you asked about the metal utility shelving unit that was in a photo in last week’s Sonata Script. Perfect for your garage or storage area…my Christmas decorations have found their new home for the next 10 months!

I love this unit so much that I ordered another one! You can see it HERE.

Look What I Found On the Web

Mindful Home Manifesto with Jennifer from Cottage on Bunker Hill

Easy Chocolate Covered Pretzels with Kim from Cottage in the Mitten

Creating a Cozy Winter Home After Christmas with Nancy from Artsy Chicks Rule

Wishing you a great week!

Always remember…”Home is where your story begins!” ~Annie Danielson

Cheers!

A Little About Me