Keep it simple, stupid. I try to tell myself this all the
time but it just does not sink in. I don’t think I could ever be at minimalist.
It’s not in my nature. I never keep anything to a minimum…not my decorating,
not my shopping, not my brilliant advice to Gracie, not the amount of friends I
have, not the amount of times I call David a douche bag each day, not the
amount of perfumes I have, not the amount of gilt mirrors I can stuff into one
household, not the amount of Cheetos or gummy bears I can eat, not the amount
of times I check Instagram, and certainly not the amount of reality TV that I
watch. It’s just not who I am. I like stuff. The more the merrier to me. I like
excess. More is more.
However, I am not such an ignoramus that I do not appreciate
minimalism. I like to look at it but for God sake I’m never going to do it. I applaud
those who can. I applaud those who can refrain…from anything. I totally get
minimalism and I respect it. But why put such limits on yourself? Why hold
back? I’m starting to think that restraint is a near impossible virtue. I don’t
think a minimalist would like to be friends with me. I talk too much, judge too
much, buy too much, eat too much and would drink too much if I could. I imagine
a minimalist with short hair and perfect lipstick. That’s not me… I am a lot of
hair, Carmex as lipstick kind of girl. Don’t confuse a minimalist with a
perfectionist though. I am a perfectionist in a weird way. Like, I will throw a
mini fit if my gray cashmere sweaters are not folded according to hues of gray.
Lots of them. I think a minimalist would throw a fit as well but only with
three of them. See the difference?
As much as I would like to just once in my life have a
minimalist Christmas… It’s never going to happen for so many reasons including
the main reason which is that Gracie would kill me. However, I do love it… Take
a look…
See! How chic is that! God I wish I could do that.
Simplicity is sublime. If you want to see more chic simplicity, check out my
Pinterest board Have Some Decorum A Very Minimalism Christmas HERE!
*Something you don’t know about me? Maybe it’s time I explain
my husband. He is no shrinking violet and an absolute character. It takes a
special person to love David. I secretly “stalked” my husband, David, from the
time my daughter was in second grade to the six grade. Just ask Yolanda, she
witnessed the whole thing. I never spoke to him and I never even knew his name.
He would drop his children off at the same school my daughter went to wearing a
gray tailored suit with tennis shoes and would be screaming on the telephone in
French the entire time. He was so handsome and arrogant it was disgusting. I
waited patiently for him to get a divorce. Just kidding, no I’m not. Finally,
the day I met him in 2006, I froze. I could not utter a word to him.
FlashForward eight years later, and that man is now blowing my nose, putting my
pajamas on, feeding me through a feeding tube and loving me more than humanly
possible. Want to hear more? Stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog…
I am with you, I try to be minimalist, but it isn't in my nature. My father is Dutch (cheap!), but he likes well made practical things. My mother is French, so well…you know the rest! I love your story about David. It makes me smile that he bakes;) Glad you are feeling better.xob
ReplyDeleteYou are a scream, of course I want hear more.
ReplyDeleteI want tree like the first image next year - bad syntax - too lazy too go back and fix but you know what I mean!
Yessss. You preach in my church! I am most definitely a maximalist. There have been times where I've attempted minimalism, but it always ends with layers of more, more, more. It's pretty when other people do it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a true love story! What a man! Also glad you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteDenise
I love this blog, Ellie. I have never met you but you are so fun and always make me laugh. I tend to agree with you on most things aesthetic and always look at my husband like hes crazy pants when he doesn't agree with me- of COURSE marble busts are a thing ding dong! of COURSE i should have a huge black lacquer closet (he's still fighting that one. not sure how it will end). So glad you're feeling better. Love from DC.
ReplyDeleteI am a minimalist - because to much stuff around me clutters my mind and I can't think correctly. That is why I have to be minimalist. Its weird how everyone's brain works in different ways. Even when I go into a home that has been decorated tastfully but with lots of stuff I can't wait to get out of there. I almost get the feeling of closterphobia. .
ReplyDeletecan't wait to hear about your saint husband. Would love to know what his profession is too.
Love your blog and love YOU in Boise, Idaho! Jennifer
What a GUY, sweet picture! May the universe answer my dreams ~ sorry for the crazy grammar, your, you're, yur, you, typos, I'm simply overwelmed with this packing, sipping champagne to forge ahead, I shouldn't be writing anyone…just couldn't help being so thrilled to see you here again! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI admire minimalism too but it is not in me to be a minimalist ~ in fact a corner of my office is looking so scary piled up with vintage and antique finds that I am afraid my husband is trying to contact A&E behind my back and have me put on Hoarders. Speaking of my husband, he was my brothers' cute friend back when I was still with my first husband. I used to joke with my two brothers that if I was ever single again I would go after him. Of course we did NOT joke about this in front of my ex husband, it was more like a private joke that only my brothers and their buddies knew about. Since I couldn't date him myself I started fixing him up with my friends. As a result of him dating my friends we became better friends. Then I got separated. Then one of my friends dumped him so I moved in just like I had sworn I would about 5 years before. Fifteen years later the rest is history.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear more about David tomorrow!
I prefer a well edited room and think of myself as a minimalist. I can sit for hours staring at my Christmas tree decorated with nothing but white lights and clear balls! Pure bliss. Which is why I didn't send you a picture of it, not very glam compared to all those other trees you posted. Who knew tinsel could be so elegant! Thanks for showing me a different side to it. Glad you're back!
ReplyDeleteNO way JOSE can you put me in that category!The MORE the BETTER.............I like STUFF and STUFF likes ME!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shot of the two of YOU!
XOXO
So, out there in Paris, you read my tiny little Northern CA mind. I have been dying to know how you met the gorgeous French husband (can I have one?) and here today my prurient curiosity gets satisfied. CANNOT wait for tomorrow's post. And I love that picture.
ReplyDeleteI understand the concept - just can't do it. I laugh at minimalism.
ReplyDeleteStaying tuned for tomorrow's post.
Love that photo of you and your hubby, Ellie, you both look so sweet and so content, and you can really tell how much you love each other. What treasure.
ReplyDeleteWould love to see a fashion show of you in all your grey sweaters, one after the other, in all their variable greynesses.
I am a maximalist. But until I married I pretended to be a minimalist, (and now I can see it was denial...) It had to do with being able to run off to Europe and other parts and to be able to drop everything at a moment's notice to go do a play or a bunch of singing somewhere. I lived in group houses with my total furniture being a futon and its frame, a Shaker style bureau with an oval mirror and a 1920's arts and crafts style buffet, (which was given to me by a friend). I worried I had too much stuff and vowed that next time I went off on an adventure I would just sell everything so I wouldn't need to worry about storing stuff. I really had to put on blinders and not even entertain the idea of beautiful furniture and decor, because it was just so addictive, and really, the important thing was to do what I loved in life: Dance, Act, Sing. Then at 39 I got sick, and eventually at 43 I got married and found myself the Chatalaine of a 4000 square foot Tudor, (complete with a 30 foot tower, and yup, even a Corgi). "Decorate," said my husband. I thought I'd do the Arts and Crafts - Hobbity thing, (yes, I was out of touch with my inner Rococo). I looked at antique american sleigh beds on line. Then I thought,"...maybe there's another style I'd like better..." Obviously, I went with that, and now everything I own is curvacious, carved and highly detailed, (though probably somewhat wabi-sabi, in that most of it is chipped and cratered). Remarkably, friends still show up at my apartment with gifts resembling my former life, (Celtic knotwork textiles, Isle of Lewis reproduction chess pieces...you know what I'm talking about). And then they are confronted by my chandeliers, the sevres bisque porcelain 1815 jardiniere of nine dancing maidens in their Empire dresses,( with their thumbs missing) the boulle style dining table, etc...etc..."I don't need to go to Paris," they say, "just to your apartment." If only it were true. There's not enough alimony monies to furbish it in the way that runs rampant and awol all over my imagination -- oh, the agony!!! Recently, during an-all-day Migraine-Fest I managed to solve all of my architectural/design problems, (Port Townsend is NOT Paris, after all). I just forgot about a budget and treated myself to Sevinch Passementerie and Watts of Westminster fabrics...Sigh, sigh, sigh...Gone are the moments when I can savour a warm, cherry wood floor, Zen in its spartan beauty. without even a yoga mat for comfort. Minimalism is now the Shangri-la of all hedonists like me, (although I have never smoked a cigarette).
Love and Hugs,
Sabrina
Your version of a cliff hanger....more on David tomorrow! Glad you are back in high form.
ReplyDelete*swoon * That photo is so very beautiful. Not only are you both movie-star stunning but the strength of your love is shining so strong. And yes, more of your story please. How amazing that you waited for so long, you finally "met" and that your love continues to grow...hooray for Love! Sending my Daily Dose to you...
ReplyDeleteAs for minimalism...I love a lot of minimalist designers...vintage Helmut Lang, Margiela...does that count? ;)
Beautiful pic of you and your David. I have a David too,he's my rock. Hmmm,I'm not even sure that minimalism looks that good....it looks like something is missing. Quite a few things actually. But that's just me,I have bits and pieces everywhere lots of treasures from my mum and grandma. I'm the sentimental one of the family and hang onto lots of stuff. Something nobody knows about me....I still have a scrunchie from the 80's that was my older sisters that she gave me. I can't part with it for sentimental reasons and tie my hair up with it most nights when I go to bed. Looking forward to hearing your love story,Katrina xxx
ReplyDeleteSoooo glad you are back!
ReplyDeleteWow is he handsome. So glad you are feeling better. Just found your blog and stayed up last night to read it all!!!!
ReplyDeleteHe's a great guy, but then I think he knows and loves a great woman! <3
ReplyDeleteMinimalism lets the sun shine through and the spaces in between sparkle. It is not as easy to accompish as it might seem. I do think that you tamed your guy. Christmas week blessings. xoxo Mary
ReplyDeleteDear Ellie, I share your blog postings every time with my best friend Michelle and I told her that we need to get matching PJ's (only best friends would understand). Since you like to do things BIG, how about a BIG New Year Pajama Party with all of your friends and fans. To celebrate you, your daughter, your husband, Have Some Decorum and to bring awareness to this devastating disease that you and your family so courageously battle. Kind of like a Diner En Blanc but only in PJ fashion or cashmere of course. Just a thought. Do you think "Linda" would mind? :-) xo Lori Rolison
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is all just too minimal...and bare...and boring. I like my "stuff". I like to look at something and remember the story behind it. I like lots of things to look at, to stimulate me. Lots of color, lots of excitement. Plain can be restful...but isn't that why we sleep. When I'm awake I want more. Perhaps that is just me.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of my kinda Christmas decor . And such a lovely picture of you and David .I do remember the suit and tennis shoes at MUS ! Love you darling Ellie :)
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful candid and loving photo of you both, can't wait til tomorrow blog. Suzana x
ReplyDeleteEllie you are amazing. David is amazing. Grace is amazing. I cheered from the sidelines and the Christmas tree lights shone more brightly and the tinsel glittered more brilliantly when I knew you were fine again. I wish you the most wonderful maxi Christmas ever. Love Christine
ReplyDeletemmmmmmm, oh good, a story I'm waiting to hear
ReplyDeleteNo minimalism here either! I live in a mini museum filled with things that are full of memories and make me happy :).
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to read more of your love story...
Xo
Nathalie
I can't wait until tomorrow - you need to post tonight! I'm smiling and joking as I type this! I don't even know you and I LOVE your posts! And I LOVE that picture of you and your husband! And I agree; I love the IDEA of minimalism but I simply cannot be a minimalist. I have so many clothes I am taking up two closets in my bedroom and part of the closet in one of my son's bedroom and the closet in the hall and if I could make both sons fold all their clothes so I could have ALL the closets in the house I would! I don't have TOO much and I don't just buy everything I see and I do practice restraint but I cannot be a minimalist. I do love that home tho. But I love my family pics on my tables and my books and my blue and white pots and vases and etc! Can't wait until tomorrow and I'm happy for you that you're feeling better!
ReplyDeleteMinimalism be damned. I am a More is More person when it comes to my garden, cooking, cushions, the tree, friends, books, and my hair.
ReplyDeleteGlad you've rallied.
Cheerio. x
How could he not love you? I do, and I have not met you - but you write so clearly about yourself that I feel like I do. This is my second year with the minimalist tree from Restoration Hardware. Really, i prefer my "old" tree but I don't have the strength or the patience. So, I have gone minimal and it gives me peace. I am SO glad you are better. I missed you.
ReplyDeleteDavid is just friggin hot! Wish I could be more restraint in my opinion, but no way. I have had breast cancer three times and my sweet husband has been a saint - as with your David. Jesus, life sometines is just so friggin unfair, but we get these men who just curl up next to us and help us fight the demons. Blessings to you Ellie. We are with you! Barbara
ReplyDeleteMinimalist is great for others......but, Ellie.......NOT US!!!!
ReplyDeleteI had you "with me" at Hutton and Ruthie's party last week or so.....I took pictures! (a few....it is so rude!) but you would have LOVED it! pics coming!! My fingers hurt from "pinning" your entire "Chinoiserie" post....and I'm not even half through it!
XXOO
PEnny
Hiya Ellie, just got home, raining here, 11:31 pm on winter soltice, Dec. 20, soon midnight, checking here see what's going on in Paris, from Santa Rosa Beach, Fl. raining here, listening to the trees after cocktails…thought I'd drop by, Joyeux Noel to you, David, and Debbie, i.e. Linda, hugs! XOXO
ReplyDeleteYou have a great spirit and a huge love of life. I too read your blog. You also have great taste.
ReplyDeleteI"m greek, minimalist never gonna happen...I like my 'stuff' & feel lost w/out it....love the photo of you & David, I can feel the love..xo Jeannie Kartis
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I could never be a minimalist either except when it comes to exercise. You and David make such a handsome couple! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas, sweet Ellie.xx
ReplyDeleteI check every day, a few times a day to be honest to see if you have written a new post! I even have to click to refresh button just to be sure. Can't wait for your next post. Love all that you write. Love all that you are.
ReplyDeleteDear Ellie,
ReplyDeleteon the recommendation of Katies Blog I am reading your blog - backwards, I am deeply touched and so great entertained too.
I would never be a minimalist. Love your writing and your photos.
Blessings to you. Eli