Theodore Roosevelt was brilliant.
In between being president and riding with the rough riders and speaking softly and carrying a big stick….
….he said something that has stuck with me forever.
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Everyone experiences it.
Everyone.
At some time in everyone’s life, we all encounter a situation where someone is smarter or funnier or richer or wittier or more stylish with better hair and a house that dirt wouldn’t show up if you paid it to. And we all compare ourselves. And feel smaller.
STOP.
You are amazing.
Truly.
Don’t ever forget that the you that you are is so bright and funny and witty and clever and unique and special and wonderful and shines so brightly….
….that the rest of have to wear shades. 🙂
Need help with paint colors?
Here’s a super helpful post on how to choose base colors for your home.
Tips and examples and new paint choices….oh my.
I’ve been on the hunt for a work space table project.
And this might be it.
DIY for a pallet desk….here.
Need an idea for a summer mantel?
Here’s a reclaimed wood whale DIY project.
But the story behind the project is even better.
Ever wonder where photographers get their amazing photo backdrops?
Here’s how you can create your own from Celebrate Creativity.
DIY found here.
And now in random news this week:
A basket made from paper? Yes, please.
I’m obsessed with this arrow project.
Does your house match your wardrobe?
This used to be a laminate cabinet?
This summer house tour made me sigh.
And my friend, Kim, just started a fun new link-up. Link up or be inspired by others….here.
And one more for the road.
Here’s a simple, easy July Fourth Dessert that takes five minutes and a mason jar.
Recipe found here.
Happy Random Saturday to you. 🙂
I always love your Saturday T-keeping! Wow, that laminate cabinet looks amazing- they had to have lots of talent and patience:)!
Wow! The quote by Teddy Roosevelt was exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you for posting it.
I read the quote and it brought a smile because I have had some experience on this subject, that "if only"...I can't say I am immune but definitely getting better of being true to who I am. I deal with it daily with others. I help to run a hula halau (school of Hawaiian dancing) and most want to dance like some one else, wants 10 years of knowledge in 6 months, wants to learn dances more quickly, wants all the costumes, adornments and the list goes on of the "I want". My answer is "patience and enjoy the journey with who you are now". Be the sponge, absorb the knowledge offered and some times you just have to go with the flow. Thanks for the little tidbit of a quote to think about and will check out some of the info that was offered. I do LOVE the pallet desk with it's character and certainly" a story ready to be told" kind of piece of furniture. Enjoy your weekend. We are off to visit a winery here in the Sierra foothills of California. We forgot we joined a wine club so imagine our surprise that we have 15 bottles of wine to pick up from the past year. I don't drink much but I do enjoy a glass of fabulous champagne or wine every so often . It will be a pretty drive and it is Saturday so a few stops for yard sales and finding an unexpected treasure would top this toasty summer day.
As a young woman in my 20's, I happened upon a quote that said "If you compare yourself to others, you shall become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself." As with you, it has stuck with me all my life. Happy beauty-full day dear, sweet lady! : )
What a treasure trove of good stuff this morning! I do love that quote, and it's nice to see the reminder that we all shine, even when we don't feel like we are shining. I also really needed the backdrop info for photographing "stuff" for my blog. She did a really good job explaining exactly what to do...and the part about painting front and back two different colors...so simple, yet, I wouldn't have thought of doing that! I'm almost embarrassed to admit that... ...and so many other fun things you've shared here. That whale...Oh my goodness. Thank you. Judy
Well I wish I had longer legs and a longer torso -- that would make me taller and my weight would spread vertically instead of horizontally :-( BUT!! God gave me three great children, four fantastic grandsons, and my own twinkling brown eyes. Thank you for thinking we are all rock stars -- that's because you are the rock star leader. Have a wonderful weekend with the family.
Thank you for the uplifting message! We all can benefit from it. What a gift you are!
As much as I enjoyed the Summer Home tour, I found myself feeling well, inferior. So silly. We are all different and our houses should reflect who we are not someone else! I needed this reminder. Thank you. Had fun thinking about if my decor and wardrobe were similar, like the photo prop post and really want to make that Fourth of July dessert. Yum! Have a blessed weekend, Karianne!
This always "funs up" my Saturday! Lots of great material here, but you know me. I never miss those furry babies! One of the stand-outs for me was the cute mixed DOG in the cabinet re-do article. Wishes to all for a wonderful weekend.
Thank you so much for the highlight! I enjoy Thistelkeeping so much each week so to be included has more than made my day. The quote is amazing and so important to keep on the tip of my tongue. Thank you for your amazing style and support! kim
Love your posted quote! I have another one that kind of goes along with it ...... that I've absolutely have claimed for my own....I have no idea who or where it came from but here goes...... "Keep your joy, it's your strength for living!" Wishing you and your Family a Beautiful Father's Day Celebration!
You are always so sweet and encouraging to all of us, Karianne!!! You must be a wonderful presence and influence on your family. Thank you so much for spreading so much happiness!!! Oh, and many thanks for the July Fourth dessert. It looks decadent!!!
Love that quote so much. Thanks for reminding me of it Karianne. Thanks also (SO MUCH!) for including a link to my Honeycomb Armoire makeover :) Kristine
The quote from Theodore Roosevelt was a wonderful reminder for me personally. Thank you. So many of you bloggers have wonderful decorating skills that I admire soooo much! And I feel like if it wasn't for all of you, I'd be hopeless:)
Thank you for reminding us that we are all some kind of wonderful in our own unique way and that we all matter! Life is much too short to spend it constantly criticizing yourself and chasing after the impossible...we would do much better to put that energy towards making ourselves the best "me" we can be, utilizing all of our talents and abilities to help others and putting it towards making this world a great place for everyone! I know you walk it like you talk it, too, KariAnne, which makes your advice all the more pertinent for us! I loved looking at all of the projects you linked to...thank you for bringing them all together into one place! The internet seems to be all abuzz about Kristine's armoire makeover, in particular...and it's no small wonder because WOW! I'll never pass over a laminate cupboard again! And, oh my...that yummy dessert...MUST have! :)
I love your blog. At the age of 72, I have NOT mastered the art of comparing myself to others. It seems as though my favorite words are "What if".
Hi Karianne, Here is another quote from a famous Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt. "No one can make you feel inferior except yourself". Always loved that one. Your story is lovely as usual. Enjoy
Yes yes yes I agree
Kari Anne, from the bottom of my heart...thank you! Thank you for linking to my DIY arrow project and for this wonderful reminder in your post. It was just what I needed! I had a fun time treasure hunting this weekend...found a cool wooden cheese mold that was from a torn down cheese factory..such awesome texture. A few ironstone plates with watercolor violets on them...so delicate and beautiful for my daughters room. Oh, and a farmhouse kitchen cabinet with glass doors that had been stored in an old barn. The best part, it was 10" deep...perfect for the little nook in my kitchen. It was a good weekend!! Woot! Woot!