Monday, October 17, 2011

Big Sister-ing

The sideboard is finished and so is the table. 
Woohooo! I'm getting a bit closer to my big reveal.



I've been playing again...

Actually, I think the table is my favorite piece of all. I'm so crazy about her legs that I named her Betty Grable,  Betty for short.

Look at the gams on Betty...



You might recall that my cost for this set was basically zilch. It was given to me in its fix-r-up state by my sister. Now, this is not the tablescaping Farm Sister who shows up regularly in my posts. This is our Colorado Sister.

She's our big sister.

Several folks wanted to know what the Colorado Sister said about the furniture transformation. Well, I sent her some pictures, and she said,

Way to go, Kiddo! I knew you could do it! 

You see, that's the kind of sister she is. She's a giver and a cheerleader. She didn't need that set  because she already has a gorgeous one of her own. She didn't sell it because, to her, the joy of giving is far above rubies.

I said in THIS POST  that the word "sister" isn't really a noun; it's a verb. That's because being a sister isn't something that you are. It's something that you do. And big sistering? Well, that has a connotation all its own.

Big sistering Debbie was no small task. I was afraid of everything and good for nothing. I was a cry baby, a tagalong, and a copycat.  To make matters worse, I lived in a happy little place called Debbie Land.

Oh the thinks I could think...

Bless her heart, she tried. Whether driven by duty, love, or humiliation, I do not know, but my big sister tried. She taught me to catch a fly ball and not throw quite so much like a girl. She would have taught me to get a base hit, too, but she's a sister and not a miracle worker.

She loves horses and tried to teach me to love them too. Unfortunately, I'm more of a Shetland pony kind of gal.  In case you didn't know it, if a horse starts to gallop when you want to trot, it's best not to close your eyes and scream bloody murder.

Have I mentioned that she was a pretty fast runner too?

When I tried out for cheerleading, she taught me the moves. When I had tribulations in trigonometry,  she talked me off the ledge.  And when she was away at school for an unfortunate Homecoming incident, she sent me flowers, with a note that said just the right thing.

Yeah, as big sisters go, mine pretty much rocked.
She still does.

I just wish that she rocked a little closer to home.

38 comments:

Ann said...

Debbie, have I told you lately how fortunate I think you are? You have two sisters, each with their own abilities, that have played a major part, and still do, in your life. How blessed you are!
AND to have one who gives you stuff that you turn into amazing pieces of art! Your talent is incredible!
You can be very proud of your accomplishments and I also love your white pumpkins!

Cheers!

Denise said...

Oh how I wish she rocked a little closer to home, too! She's always been pretty special to both of us. If I remember correctly, I was often her clone. Thankfully she made a lot of pretty good choices because wouldn't it have been terrible to have hated my job because I "copied" her degree?!!

I think you've captured her giving spirit to a tee in this post. Wanted you to have it. Knew you could, and would, fix it. And praised you for the finished project. Always the cheerleader.I just love that big sister of ours...

Amy Kinser said...

Hey Debbie. What a sweet sweet post about your sister. I read it out loud to Beth, my oldest daughter. I told her that I think she is the "verb".

Hope you are well.

no spring chicken said...

Your sisterly words are even more beautiful than your amazing dining room set... and that's beautiful!!

Blessings, Debbie

elizabeth said...

I'm blessed with three sisters, one now in heaven with our mama. Sharing our recent trip to Maine and PEI with one of my sisters was the richest part of the trip.
Your room makeover is so, so lovely!

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Beautiful buffet and table--is it Duncan Phyfe (spelling?) Reminds me of a buffet I gave my kids--so, so pretty.

Yes, you are blessed to have wonderful sisters. What a joy.

Thanks so much Debbie for all the encouragement you have given me during the last few months. I appreciate you so very much.

Love,
D.

Chatty Crone said...

Well I know you and I know that as much a blessing as they are to you - and they are - they feel the exact same way about you! I know it.
sandie

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

I think the Farm Sister and the Colorado Sister are pretty lucky gals, too! It's obvious that you've all been blessed with each other, and it's great that you know it. I get to see my Texas Little Sister this week; she and her DH are meeting us in CA to help set up the exhibit for the big event. I can hardly wait to see her! I wish we rocked a little closer to each other, too.

BTW, beautiful Sunday post, Friend! Close enough to hear God's heartbeat. Now there's a "desire of the heart"...

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

I really LOVE this furniture! I saw your previous post about it, and I prefer old things, too, especially furniture. They just don't make it like that any more. You really did an awesome job refinishing it, and it glows with love and pride. As much as I like the furniture, I love the story that goes with it even more. What a sweet, heartfelt tribute to a sister that I can tell you really love! She sounds like the best. I'm an older sister, and I feel inspired to be the sister verb rather than just the noun. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful reveal and story.

I just realized that you have another sister named Denise. How cool is that? I almost never meet anyone else with my name :)

XO,

Denise

Barbara F. said...

A great post Debbie - I would be happy with any of you as my sister, big or little!! The furniture looks fantastic. Great job. xo, P.S. Does her name start with a "D", too? :)

Debbie said...

Oh yes, Barbara... We're all D's from both of my parents through all four kids. (I had a brother too) Cute, aren't we?

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Both Betty and her legs, and the sideboard are super! You did such a great job. I get in too much of a hurry and I want to see the end result before the middle part gets dry, so I am an appreciator of people like you who take their time and do it right!

As to sisters... 100% agreement on the blessings and heartstrings attached. Mine is in Oregon and I wish she were next door! Our cell phone bills prove it!

Great post Debbie, and while I'm commenting, your post on the 'heart' yesterday made me cry. It was beautiful!

xo

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

What a precious tribute to your sister! What a true blessing for God...a true blessing. Count yourselves all blessed.

Now your furniture is just beautiful and I am now looking around my house to see what I can attack..."Debbie" style.

Your Dining room is just wonderful...what a talented little sister you are!

At The Picket Fence said...

My big sister rocks too and I also wished she rocked a little bit closer to my home! I so agree that the word sister is meant to be a "verb" and think that mine is pretty darn fantastic too. :-) That being said, she has never given me gorgeous furniture so maybe she and I need to have a talk about that! LOL! Your sideboard is absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to see the whole room. :-)
Vanessa

Christine said...

This post makes me want to try harder, even though I don't have a sister or brother. It just makes me want to try harder, to be better.
Great post!!!!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Loved reading this. Every word. And love your newly redone pieces. GREAT job. GREAT job on being a good little sister, too.

XO,

Sheila

Ivy and Elephants said...

Your big sister sounds like a real gem. Your dining set is going to be absolutely gorgeous.
That is the style that I love, so elegant!
Enjoy, I can't wait for the reveal!
Hugs,
Patti

Lynn said...

That's so nice Debbie! I wish I had a sister, sounds like a very special relationship! Your sideboard looks great and the pumpkins are fun:@)

Miss Char said...

From someone who is sisterless I can say that you are one lucky girl to have such a wonderful relationship with your sisters Debbie.

Anonymous said...

A treasure of an tribute to your big sister! As it is - I am the big sister in my family. And, with me - it was all about living in "Kathyland" - my other two sisters are the practical ones. But, sadly, practicality is no substitute for spirituality. I pray they make that "12 inch journey" - if you know what I mean . . .
Joy!
Kathy

Sharon said...

This was so much fun. I cannot wait for the *big reveal* - it looks like the new dining room is going to be elegant, just like you.

I am the big sister in my family, and I thought your tribute to your big sister was very touching. She sounds like a wonderful person! And she has a very special youngest sister, too - just sayin'...

Betty has gorgeous legs!

One question - when it's all finished (literally - HA! HA!) - do the invisible people get invited to a sit-down dinner?? :) Sign me up.

GG

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

It's looking good there, you have been hard at work! I like the white pumpkins vignette too!

Nice tribute to your big sister! My sister and I have never been real close.

Katherine

P.S. - Love the heart story below too!

sheila from life @ #17 said...

oh my word...I just found your blog via Miss Char's blog...and then I scrolled around..saw the scarecrows...and now I have to talk DH into driving over to Sylvania this weekend :))

they're too cute! and I like your sideboard too...it looks elegant...plus your Big Sister sounds wonderful

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I had to sneak back here for a minute and tell you that our kids were here tonight and read your comments on my blog. They BURST out laughing, just like I did, even my hubby laughed out loud... he is usually just a 'smiler'!! I'm telling you... you have to write a book!!

FrouFrouBritches said...

Such sweet loving words about your big sister! I feel like I know here just from reading this. I LOVE the finished project. I wish I had a big sister who would give me furniture! Of course, I don't have the patience for the big re-do like you do either!

It's beautiful! You did a fantastic job! Can't wait to see the table!

Maryann said...

Such a sweet tribute to your sister, you right about one thing sister is not a noun but a verb, sistering something you do. Sounds like you have a great one

Tanna said...

Oh, my gosh, Debbie... your heartfelt words about your sister are simply beautiful... even more beautiful than your furniture refinishing, which is doggone beautiful!! You are both very blessed. Have a great week. Tanna

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh, I wish I had a sister, she sounds like everything I dream one would be....I have useless bother...love um, but!

Carol

Ms.Daisy said...

Debbie,
You said just the right words, too, in your tribute to your big sister. I am the big sister in my family and my two younger sibs live far from me. We were close once upon a time but now...not so much. Love Betty's legs - they are so fine!


~Jean
P.S. Great "heart" post on Sunday.

Renée said...

You are such a splendid Georgia Peach! Your buffet is just fab and I love everything you write. Your "listening to her sons heart" post yesterday was just inspiring. I love this one about your big sis and appreciate the fact that you have added yet another wonderful character to the clan. I can hardly wait for the big reveal!!!!

I owe you an email and some pinterest help. You will hear from me tomorrow. xoxo

The Decorative Dreamer said...

That is such a sweet tribute to your sister. You have done a beautiful job once again from what I can see. Your set is absolutely beautiful! I love how you named your table and she certainly deserves a grand name. My poor dining room table is so plain I guess I would have to name her Mable, as in the Mable the table. LOL! I just cannot wait to see the big reveal!

Always Nesting said...

Amazing legs and amazing post. Love this sweet, sweet post about your sister. I, too, have an older sister and she, as a child herself, always tried to care for me and brother in the crazy world we grew up in. You are very very blessed to have your sister.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I have 2 sisters that I wish they were closer to me too....You are blessed to have sisters. I am amazed at your talent also!

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

I am a big sister to one sister.

She lives in Colorado.

She wishes not to be close to me, although I try.

I am jealous.

Debbie said...

Hello...I have been going to pop over and visit your blog many times as I have seen your comments at a few of the others I follow. Anyway, I am really glad I did. I really enjoyed myself reading through several of your past posts. As for this one...I LOVE the sideboard...soo pretty. And can I ever relate to the sister thing....I have 3 and better friends can just never be found. We live near each other but our busy lives make it difficult to "hang out" very often so we sure do treasure those times we do. OH, and I read in the comments here somewhere that you were all D's...us too. And there were 6 of us! Diane, Debbie (that's me!) David, Danae, Dean & Donna...haha My mom had combinations of the names going when she called us, so funny. Soo glad I stopped by, I am a follower now. : ) Have a wonderful day!

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Debbie, you are so talented with this furniture stuff. Wow! It's amazing. And big sisters are just in a category all their own. My big sis is my role model.

P.S. You asked which baby twin was wearing the big smile, I think you're right, putting your money on Gayle, but honest to God, I'm not sure about this photo. Mother usually labeled them, but this one is anyone's guess. I will ask Gayle what she thinks. :)

Shanee said...

Debbie how blessed you are to have such a wonderful sister! Oh and the gams on that babe are awesome...great job girl!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

That is beautiful furniture Debbie, and even more beautiful because it was a gift from your sister. I just love the way you think and the way you write (oops, have I said that before?). laurie

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