Hello sweet readers. Thank you for your constant kindness and encouragement. Without a doubt I have the best readers in blog land. Many precious friendships have been established through Everyday Living.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
I am excited to invite you inside the Sunshine Cottage.
The cottage was built for me to play with my “Little Princesses” and we have already been playing and playing. Before there was furniture in the cottage, Ella Mae and I had a tea party on the floor. We plan to have many, many more…you will be invited, I am sure! Last Friday night, Ella Mae and I slept on a blow up mattress on the floor. She was so excited, and best of all, I wasn’t even sore the next day. When the cottage was being built, I never guessed that I would be sleeping in it. If Butch misbehaves, I am sending him out there. It is also a fun place for me to decorate with dishes, share flower arrangements, and who knows what else!
If you missed seeing the outside of the cottage, you can see it here. I won’t repeat myself with the specifics.
The French doors are antique with beveled glass. They had been sitting in RM’s workshop for at least forty years. I am still working on the glass panes with a single edge razor blade to remove paint and stain that has been on them for half a century!
There was a little peek into the cottage on Monday Morning Blooms. Some of you mentioned a glimpse of the animal print chair. It was moved from our guest bedroom
The table’s under cover is made from painter’s cloth and the toppers are easily changed for a new look. The table itself is wicker with a glass top that came from my Daddy’s screened porch. My beloved Mother enjoyed it and now we will also be able to enjoy.
The green wicker chair goes with the table. The hubby gave both of them a fresh coat of spray paint. The floor is luxury vinyl plank and I love it. We chose a rustic look that has the appearance of real wood. It is perfect for the girls, easy clean-up. Many new homes have the LVP throughout. It doesn’t look like the vinyl from the 70’s, 80, and 90’s. I guess you noticed the walls are not shiplap. Not that there is anything wrong with shiplap, I see it all over blog land and it looks great. As I have gotten older, I don’t try to be up on the latest trends. I just have my own style that pleases me. The walls are bead board, which I have always loved.
The cottage interior is 12’ x 16’ which feels much larger that when it was first roughed in. The back wall has a window in the center with shelves on each side. On the left side you can see I am displaying blue and white which is always classic.
The silver-plated coffee and tea service is special. I haven’t often shared that I am a musician. I studied piano and voice, and had a few organ lessons. I began playing the organ at our small church when I was twelve years old, not because I was good, there was no one else that could. Our small church had grown quite large through the years, and on my 30th anniversary they gave me the beautiful service that is engraved. By this time, I was no longer playing the organ, but I was the keyboardist…I am still playing!
With the shutdown of our country for several months, I haven’t been able to purchase the few pieces of furniture that are needed for the cottage… making do with what I have. The small table was moved from a bedroom. The girls’ favorite books are on the bottom shelf. Reading is a big part of our days together!
This image gives you a general idea of the left side of the room. On sunny days, the light pours in, hence, the Sunshine Cottage. I was going to order white woven wood shades, but the earliest I could get them was January 2021 and that was “iffy”. The bamboo woven wood shades had been stored in the workshop for several years, so hubby installed them. We have these in our house and I love them. In my opinion the bamboo warms up the “dove white” walls. These are the first white walls I have had since the early 80’s. You all know I love color. The white walls add versatility in decorating and making seasonal changes.
There were no woven woods in storage the correct size for the French doors. The sun pours in during the late afternoon plus we will often be sleeping in the cottage, according to Ella Mae. We have no local fabric stores and I didn’t want to buy online. This cute garden fabric was found at a discount store thirty miles from home. It has flowers, vines, ladybugs, and butterflies. Remember, Ella Mae calls it the Butterfly Cottage. This may change later, but for now it is cute and my oldest “Princess” loves it.
On the butcher block counter sits my Daddy’s old Underwood typewriter. He bought it when he started taking typing in the twelfth grade. He graduated in 1948, the typewriter was several years old when he bought it…yes it is old, but still works. We used it for our son’s and daughter-in-love’s wedding where it displayed a typed message.
More blue and white on the shelves with a tole tray on the counter. There are several coffee table books in the cottage. It is enjoyable picking one up that I haven’t looked at in a long time. There’s always something that had not been noticed before. Do you do that?
The photo of my Mom and me (at least 30 years ago)was taken near where the cottage stands today. The Madame Alexander “Victoria” doll was given to me by my Mom a couple of years before Seth was born. We both thought if I ever had a baby, she would be a girl. My granddaughters love playing with Victoria. She is showing a little wear, but that is ok. The rocking chair was our son’s…Emma rocks in it all the time.
The rocker/swivel chair and ottoman are new. I wanted a really comfortable chair, and this one is. A garden stool was moved from the house.
The Sunshine Cottage has become my quiet place. When my Renaissance Man leaves for work, I grab my cup of strong coffee, and head to the cottage. There is complete silence except for the wind chimes on the porch. This has become an important time for reading scripture, devotionals, and reflecting on God’s faithfulness. A few moments without distractions is a blessing!
The cottage had just been completed when a lifelong friend came by. We had such a sweet visit. This made me sense another important purpose for the cottage. I hope to invite one friend at a time to come for coffee, fellowship, and prayer.
I have moved many of my flower and gardening books to the cottage. The butterfly trinket box was in the girls’ room, Ella Mae said it belonged in the cottage!
Now you see the big picture! On the wall is the best thing my hubby added..a heating and air conditioning unit. The unit is highly efficient and is keeping us comfortable while we work and play! Underneath the painter’s cloth is storage for dishes and some of the girls toys. We rotate the toys from the house to the Sunshine Cottage. The rug is a get by for now since the girls needed one to play on. Some day I may find a replacement, but if not, this one is fine.
Early morning light!
I did find eight framed botanicals in a favorite local shop! The floor lamp came from our family room!
We left the rough rafters exposed and had them painted white. Rustic meets the glam of the chandelier!
Thank you for staying with me through all the photos and commentary. I am usually much less talkative on my posts. Many of the things placed in the Sunshine Cottage have memories attached. I am excited to decorate it for fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. My precious Butch and I dedicated this little room to the Lord to use it for His glory. My prayer is that you will sense the peace that only He can give when you visit Everyday Living. Wishing you a joy-filled day!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Dear Pam,
your fairytale cottage is a bijoux! Daniela
Thanks so much Daniela!
Dear Pam, your cottage is a bijoux!
♥️
Oh Pam, How delightful, I love all your choices! The ‘big picture’ wall with your shelving is so spacious and allows for so much beautiful fun with dishes and flowers! So sweet that you and EM camped out on a blow up mattress before the furniture was moved in. I know you and the girls will have fun making memories with tea parties and reading time. I think I prefer the warmth and contrast your bamboo woven shades provide as opposed to white blinds to pair with the butcher block counter top and your chandy. What I would give for a/c in my shed in this heat and humidity…! Enjoy your little slice of heaven and sunshine cottage! ♥
Thank you Mary. EM and I spent last night on the blow up mattress. She loves it and we are making sweet memories.
I just want to say what a joy it is to read your blog. Opening with scripture and the lovely pictures are a wonderful escape from the tedious news of the day. What an incredible ministry you have for the Lord.
Blessings
Thank you for your kind words, Yvonda. Blessings…
Pam, I love everything! I can visualize you reading to the kids with them snuggled up next to you in your comfortable chair. The flooring looks nice and was a wise choice. I love the ceiling and the rafters painted. The drapery added a soft pleasing touch. It will be fun to see things evolve with time. Finding things now is a problem but you have done a great job.
How wonderful to have all that storage at your fingertips.
We will all enjoy seeing you change with the seasons and display your floral arrangements. I was excited to see the reveal today and certainly wasn’t disappointed.I am impressed how you did all this during Covid and didn’t miss a beat blogging and instagramming during the process.
Congratulations on a job well done.
Thanks so much Bonnie. Ella Mae and I were snuggled up in the chair reading this morning. We spent our second Friday night on the mattress on the floor. She loves it, I think it will be every a Friday night. I hope to start fall decorating after church tomorrow.
Your cottage is lovely, a special place of peace and happiness where many memories will be made.
Thank you Mary.
Pamela, did you EVER in your life think that you’d be given a blessing such as this cottage has already provided?! Playing with dishes seems so underwhelming now compared to enjoying the private space as worship/meditation, having a one-on-one friendship sharing, or spending the night with your sweet granddaughter!
The cottage is truly an inviting space. I love every bit of the decor you picked from your house (which is full of beautiful things), and the complementary additions in the chair/ottoman, drapes and botanicals.i also love how EM insisted on the butterfly trinket. It’s oerfect.
Thank you sharing your space with us. I know it will be a source of many fun hours and rich blessings. I’ll look forward to each one you share.
Thank you Rita. We have spent the past two Fridays nights on the blow up mattress on the floor. I think this will be every Friday night…memories for sure!
Pam, your little Sunshine Cottage is lovely and so inviting! I love that you have used precious things from your parents. I know they remind you of dear memories, What a wonderful, quiet space to read, pray and reflect on God’s grace and goodness! May you enjoy every minute with your sweet granddaughters.
Thank you Linda. I hope to enjoy every moment!
What a wonderful cottage. I know you and your granddaughters will create so many wonderful memories. I love your idea of inviting one friend over. What a sweet time of fellowship you will enjoy.
Thank you Nancy. Sweet fellowship and memories…
Love the Sunshine cottage! I can imagine the fun times you will have with your granddaughters. Love your blog and always have to stop and read and enjoy all the photos. I never comment but today I just had to tell you how much I have enjoyed your blog. I know you will enjoy many hours here.
Ann, thanks so much for commenting. I love to hear from sweet readers. I am spending a lot of time in the cottage. I must get started on fall decorating.
Good morning, Pam! I have so enjoyed my visit to Sunshine Cottage and reading all about it and your special treasures. Your cottage is absolutely gorgeous, and you have styled it beautifully. It is just what I imagined it would be. I know you and your precious granddaughters will make many wonderful memories in this sweet cottage. I am so happy for you! Enjoy your new space, sweet friend!
Thank you sweet Shannon. I am so grateful for my sweet hubby doing this for me and the girls!
What a lovely place to play and dream!
Thank you Penny and I am doing both!
Oh, what a delightful and charming place! Can imagine you and your princesses making some lovely memories here. And your idea of spending peaceful time in prayer here is also so apt. I have been reading your posts and love all your tablescapes, but this cottage decor that you did shopping your house, really takes the cake. The cottage looks so beautiful and inviting. Enjoy this little haven you have here.
Thank you Asha…sweet comments. I am enjoying this special time with my princesses.
Lovely and elegant. But the best part is your sharing time with your granddaughter and fellowship with friends.
Thank you so much Gail.
Pam, Your cottage is precious, just like all the memories those beautiful grandchildren are making with you. Would you have ever thought you would be sleeping on a blow up mattress in a cottage playhouse, having tea parties on the floor. What love and blessings. There is just nothing like the love of a grandchild. Love and hugs.
Thank you so much. We spent last night in the cottage…two in a row. I love it!
Oh I just love it! You will make so many wonderful memories with those babies!!!! Now I am wanting to turn my she-shed into a lovely cottage!!!! But mercy, I need the storage. What a blessing for you Pam and for those beautiful grands. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thanks so much Cindy. For the second Friday night in a row, Ella Mae and I have slept in the cottage. Memories being made…
Oh, Pam, I am enchanted. I love that you have this special spot to share with your girls, yet it is so sophisticated and divine that I can see in future days inviting a good friend to tea! I love the personal touches — the photo of you and your mom, the typewriter, the butcher block. It’s just charming!
Thank you dear Jeanie. I don’t think I have ever told you this. Butch called me Jeanie for many years, my middle name is Jean.
Pam, honestly I don’t have words to describe how truly beautiful and what a special sweet place this is. I am so happy for you. You have been richly blessed and those blessings will flow to not only your family but many others as well.
Thank you for sharing this precious place with us, enjoy every moment there.
Thank you dear one. I am spending a lot of time in the cottage!
Wow! How sweet and wonderful! I love everything, beginning with the beveled French doors. I had those on my Craftsman bedroom growing up, and I miss them. 😉 The cottage is so charming! I didn’t realize that it was going to be so much like a real house. I thought it would be more like a potting shed. But this is comfortable. I love how most of the furnishings have special significance for you and your family! May God bless your ministry and your Sunshine Cottage/Butterfly Cottage, along with your grands and the friendships that bloom there! 🙏
Thank you Rebecca for your sweet comments. Yes, I love things that have memories attached. Blessings…
So peaceful and so beautiful! Blessings
Thank you so much!
Be still my heart. A place of your own to spend time with the One who gives life to everything good. Yes we are to play after spending time with Him in prayer. I can just imagine the gift of time spent with loved ones and the memories each will take with them throughout their life. You provide so much peace and beauty through your blog. Thank you.
Alice, thank you for being such an encourager and a blessing. Many blessings to you, my friend!
Pam, I woke up thinking we would have a tour of Sunshine Cottage! I so enjoyed all the beautiful and thoughtful touches and memories. The cottage is spectacular! By the end I had tears as I read you and Butch dedicated it to the Lord and how you hope to have friends over for prayer and friendship. It has already become such a special place. You truly are a Proverbs 31 woman. Blessings, my sweet friend.
Thank you Roxanne. You have been such a blessing through the years. Blessings always to you my friend.
Pam, Sunshine Cottage looks so lovely. Such a beautiful place to share with your sweet granddaughters. I can see many tea parties and quiet reading time ahead in your beautiful space. You have furnished beautifully with some family treasures. A happy place to enjoy with friends and family.
Thank you Linda. Making memories is at the top of my list.
What a wonderful and beautiful place! You and your granddaughters are going to have so much fun creating sweet memories in Sunshine Cottage 🙂
Thanks so much ☀️
What a delightful cottage. I always wanted a playhouse when I was a little girl and I would surely become a child again having tea parties with the princesses. I thought you would probably have a dedication ceremony and was happy to read that you and Butch did dedicate the cottage. I am blessed to be able to enjoy your blessings even if it is through blog land. I hope you have many years of good health to enjoy the cottage.
Bobbie, thank you for your sweet and encouraging comments. God is so good…blessings…
Oh, how fun…all you need is a roll away bed and a mini fridge and you could live out there. You will have so many lovely moments out there…and a great place to leave a project ‘going’ instead of having to pick it up all the time. Hugs, Sandi
Thank you Sandra. I am enjoying spending time in the cottage. You are right, I can begin a project and leave it unfinished until I have time to complete!
Pam, Your Sunshine Cottage is beautiful! I love the bead board, exposed rafters, and bamboo blinds against the white paint. You have so many memories within the walls of your cottage already and oh, the memories you will make! My grandma and I shared many special times within my play house which was an outbuilding really (open flame heated but no A/C). I am in my 60’s and they’re still quite vivid. Congratulations sweet friend! I love the wall with your beautiful blue display. We’re looking forward to many wonderful posts from the Sunshine Cottage. It’s so well decorated and inviting. It’s perfect for your devotional time. Thank you for sharing this with us! Clara
Thank you Clara. Memories are so very important, I want the girls to remember how much fun we had.
Just perfection! I’ve been so eager to see inside. I love that you are repurposing things from your home. It’s beautiful with the things you already have, no shopping necessary. The girls will remember playing in the cottage all their lives. And what a gift to have a dedicated place for quiet time and study! Thank you for sharing this jewel with us!
Cheryl, thank you so much for your visit. Yes, I am repurposing things from my home to the cottage. It is fun to see them in a new way! Blessings…
So love your “steal away to Jesus” haven from the world. Knowing of your abundant sense of
love and caring, I can imagine you in the role of a paraclete inviting others to be comforted in the
Word while sharing thoughts over tea and understanding. Now on to the décor! Studied and flawless choices for such an atmosphere.. simple, serene and balanced… with just enough time and space for frolic with the Princesses. Each piece is fraught with meaning and memory, as well as discerningly good taste. What blessings you, Butch and the Family will accrue through your dedication of Sunshine Cottage to Him. Many thanks for opening the beveled glass door.
Thank you Mary for your most encouraging words. They were meaningful and most needed on this particular day!♥️
Pam, you and I are kindred spirits. With an exception, that is. And that is I don’t have the talent for combining the wonderful possessions with such flare. The first connection between us that I noticed was my everyday Blue Willow and the other beautiful blue pieces you have. Then the typewriter that is so clean and shiny. That prompted me to look to see if I still had one like it. But no, I had given it to the man who used to repair typewriters years ago. The swivel rocker and ottoman is perfect and similar to one we have. Gardening coffee table books are great to have around for browsing for inspiration and enjoyment too. And finally, I love your idea of the painters cloth for the undercloth on the round table. It softens the look of a table cover so well. God bless you and your family. You inspire me and make a special bright spot in my day.
Thank you for your sweet and encouraging comments, Connie. It is so good to know we are kindred spirits…blessings…
Your cottage is precious!!! You have the perfect getaway for time with the Lord, the grandchildren and friends! I live in Opelika and was wondering when you sow your Dahlia and zinnia seeds? Your gardens are so beautiful and I am trying a cottage garden. About half of it cam up this year, but I think the birds ate the majority of the seeds, so the garden is a little straggly!’
Thank you so much Jeanie. I sow zinnia seeds in early May. I purchase dahlia tubers and plant around the same time as zinnias. The dahlias all came back from last year. It is recommended that you dig them up in late fall. Our winter was so mild, they came back. I have a hard time with dahlias, they are prone to insects and snails. I don’t think I will bother with them next year.
What an enchanting and precious place! Love hearing about your art,a pianist, and the silver service… Precious typewriter and gorgeous dishes…Everything is so sweet and beautiful! I wish you and your famiy happiness in this treasured Sunshine cottage! Hugs,dear Pam! God bless.
Thank you for your sweet words, Maristella! Blessings…
Such a wonderful place, like a fairy tale. A place to just let the rest of the world slide by, while you enjoy peace and beauty. I have no clue why this cottage makes me tear up, but it does!
How sweet, Nonie…thank you!
You said you hope we “will sense the peace that only He can give when you visit Everyday Living.” You have reached your goal, sweet friend. I DO sense God’s peace when I visit you here. Every, single time. As you know, yours is one of my absolute favorite blogs. And, oh, my! I absolutely LOVE Sunshine Cottage! Oh, my goodness, it is just everything I had hoped it would be and more! SO, so peaceful, serene, and lovely. Thank you for sharing it with us. I have been so anxious to see it. I can just imagine how precoius it is to spend time at Jesus’ feet in such a wonderful place! The guests who are invited here, one at a time, are abundantly blessed! God bless and grant you and your sweet family many years of memories in your dear Sunshine Cottage!
Cheryl, you are a wonderful blessing…thank you for your sweet comments!
I knew you would have decorated Sunshine Cottage very pretty! But the beauty is in the memories and making more memories. Dedicating this Cottage to the Lord will surely give you much enjoyment!
Thank you so much Nancy. Blessings…
Pam, your Sunshine Cottage is too wonderful for words. I especially love that you’ve made it a place for a beautiful quiet time with the Lord. May the memories made with your grandgirlies be sweet and the fellowship enjoyed with friends treasured.
Thank you for your encouraging comments, Cindie!
Pam, this Sunshine Cottage is beyond adorable! I love how you and your precious husband dedicated it to the Lord’s service. Without a doubt, you and many others will have lots of sweet memories made inside those walls. Still missing my precious mama immensely after her passing 8 years ago, I can’t tell you how I connected with you putting that picture in there. So happy for you sweet lady.
Thank you Brenda. What sweet and encouraging comments that you have written. Blessings…
Pam, your Sunshine Cottage is truly beautiful and such a labor of love. I loved every word about your memories, the way in which you use it for devotionals, spending time with your girls and friends…a special, special place. You have decorated it so beautifully filling it with treasures that warm your heart and those of others.
May you have many, many beautiful memories made in the Sunshine Cottage.
Thank you Shirley. I love sharing and making memories.
The thing that makes your Sunshine Cottage the most beautiful is the fact you filled it with Love…the furnishings belonging to your parents, the anniversary silver tea set, the lovely plates and tea pots, your favorite blue and white, flowers, books…and toys stashed away on the low shelves for your princesses! I know you will have hours of fun and therapy styling, decorating and living in your fairy tale space Pam, and look at all the memories you have already made there!! Thank you for opening your heart and your cottage to share with us, a truly beautiful tale!
Jenna
Jenna, thank you for your sweet comments. The cottage is a beautiful gift from my hubby and I am so grateful!
Your cottage is so lovely! I love it all! What a sweet place for your grand children to play in with you! You could use it as a guest house if needed! Not one thing needs changed, it is perfect!
Your husband is a real sweetie to put this up for you! Your grands will always remember Granny’s little cottage
Thank you Shelly. My hubby is definitely a sweetie.
Dearest Pam, your Sunshine Cottage is filled with love and everything lovely and cherished. You have planned and chosen with love and it shows. First, I love the floors and walls. The table from your Dad’s porch is the perfect choice with your painter’s cloth so you can change out the topper for every season or any occasion. The sunshine gives a perfect glow to that area. Your blue/white collection looks so beautiful on your spacious shelving and storage. I am so extremely happy for all of you. The books to include the girls books have a special place. I think I can envision you and Butch praying God’s blessing on this new gift. It will be a gift to us your readers also as you continue the beauty and blessing of your words.
Thank you for your most encouraging words Dianne. We are grateful for the cottage. EM and I spent last night in the cottage, that is two Friday nights in a row. Love these special times…
It is beautiful! Thank you for being willing to share it. I enjoyed this special “private” tour!
Thank you Sherry!
An absolutely delightful space Pam! And I love that it is decorated with special mementos of your life.
That chair & accompanying stool look so comfy. The blue & white crockery are my all time favorites.
How lovely to have such a precious space to share with your granddaughters. Thank you for sharing it with us too!
Bless you sweet friend, ♥
Jennifer
Thanks so much Jennifer. We are enjoying making memories!
Oh Pam! It’s a fairy tale that came true! You and the princesses have a lovely cottage to play in the Sunshine!
The wall of blue and white is exceptional along with each sweet treasure that’s filled with memories. 🥰
I am glad that you and Butch dedicated this lovely place to the Lord. We will feel his presence every time we come and visit.
Thank you for the lovely tour! Looking forward to many more! Enjoy your weekend!
Thank you Nancy. EM and I spent our second a Friday night in the cottage. I think that is going to happen every Friday night. We are certainly making memories. Enjoy what is left of the weekend 🥰
Oh this is gorgeous!! A perfect country cottage, serene and peaceful, a wonderful relaxing space with such charm. Love it.
Thanks so much Carole. We are enjoying and making lots of memories!
Pam love everything about it your cottage!! I love all the beautiful decor, especially your blue dish set! Absolutely a wonderful place to read and have some quite time with the Lord. Many blessings! 😉
Thank you Elizabeth. I am enjoying the quiet time and the play time!
Silly me I thought it was a place to pot plants. It’s lovely and what a sweet place to make memories your granddaughter will cherish in years to come. Cherry
Thanks so much Cherry. Yes, we are making lots of memories…
I’m so excited to see the inside tour of your charming little cottage! I love it!
Thanks so much Kristin!
Pam, I feel like I”m late to the party! I’ve saved this post in my inbox in order to have plenty of time to read and pour over the photos! What a treasure! The Cottage is beautiful and it’s perfectly YOU! I love every detail, especially the fact that everything in it has a story! The bead board is beautiful and I prefer it, too. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely new space with us. Can’t wait to see more of the Cottage.
Stacy, thanks so much for your kind words. I am having lots of fun decorating for fall.
Thanks so much Stacy. I am all about things with a story. Wishing you a lovely autumn season.
Your sweet cottage really is an inviting space that is filled with love and memories of the past and new ones you are creating now…it is perfect. I knew I had been busy but I can’t believe I’ve missed so many of your delightful posts.
I understand how busy life is, I sometimes can’t get around to all of my blogging friends to comment on their posts. Thank you, Karen!