My stupid, unpredictable, incurable and chronic illness has flared again completely out of the blue. So today I am trying really, really hard to be kind to myself. I’m going to take it easy and hope that the fire that’s been ignited will burn out by itself. Fingers crossed!! While I rest and hopefully recuperate, I thought I’d share a little idea I had about being kind and generous to others.
I found a lovely old mannequin in the antique shop down the road from the guesthouse in Millthorpe. I’d been keeping an eye out for one because I needed a nice display for a collection of beads I’d been gathering for the house.
My bead collection includes Elk (my fav), eb&ive plus others in various styles and colours. I’ve been on a few girls’ weekends away and have been keeping a note of things I’ve appreciated in other guesthouses and things that have made me feel completely welcome. Making guests feel welcome is something I’ve had in the back of my mind right from the beginning. It’s so important. With this in mind I welcome guests to borrow a necklace (especially if they’ve forgotten to pack one) to wear out to dinner, the markets or just around the town.
I have been warned about breakages and theft, but I’m prepared for that and I strongly believe in Karma. I hope guests appreciate the gesture and are happy to borrow and return.
Finally, I’m looking at doing to plate display in one of the rooms. Here’s my collection so far. My favourites are the bird, rabbit and yellow dinner plate by Mozi. LOVE!!
RedAgape Style & Design Old 
Lovely post but I am sorry to hear about your illness Mandy. I like your whole philosophy, its perfect. We had a furnished unit for short term leases at one point which I had so much fun decorating, and it wasn’t til we came to sell it and unsaying strangers came through that someone ripped off 2 ikea glasses. I mean really? They were hard ones to get but still… I do think it’s right to expect the best from people though. That yellow plate is divine. I love a wall of plates, haven’t gotten around to doing it but I certainly have enough. Waiting for my own country retreat. Also have dummy envy big time. Would love to come and stay. Where is Milthorpe? All the best to you.
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Really?! Two ikea glasses? Now that’s disappointing and a little strange. Maybe they were just really thirsty?
Not sure if I can pull off the plate wall display, but I’m having fun collecting them. I love my dummy too and now I want one for home.
I’m looking forward to seeing your website Sandy! How exciting!!
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Oops forgot to say that Millthorpe is 15mins from Orange. Around 3.5hrs from Sydney. 30mins from Bathurst.
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opps, damn autocorrect, mean to be ‘unpaying strangers’
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No I’m pretty sure they were ripped off. They were very lovely white painted glass glasses on an open shelf. Anyway, I believe in Karma too and am quite pleased to not be living the life of someone who feels the need to steal from others. Their mind must be punishment enough. Anyway, thats a bit dark for a Monday…Thanks for the vote of confidence on the website. I’m going through periods of excitement and self-doubt in furious succession… Anyway too late, just got to get in online and stop fussing and driving my lovely uber patient web designer crazy. Have a great week 🙂
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Totally agree with everything you said about karma and feeling the need to steal from others.
And yes, I understand the moments of excitement followed by self doubt. It’s so very Annoying isn’t it?! You have a good week too 🙂
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Oooh. Love that Orange/ Bathurst area, especially in the winter. How does one go about renting your guesthouse? Looks amazing…
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The area really is lovely. We are mad keen to move there, but can’t until our youngest finishes school….in 10 yrs!! I am about to start looking into getting a website constructed for the house, but until then it can be found here – http://www.stayz.com.au/131167
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What a lovely post! But do feel better soon! Hugs, Katherine
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Thanks Katherine. I’m thinking healthy thoughts, which i’m certain helps.
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Nice work on finding a mannequin in such great condition! Looks great!
LOVE the blue plate down the bottom, where is that from? Love the Mozi plates also, hehe looks a lil bit like my blog a week or so ago… They are my fav plates from there too of which I have bought- a wall display is a great idea!
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Yes! I noticed your blog on plates and I thought that was a coincidence…or maybe we both have great taste!
The blue one was from Target and cost a massive $4! 🙂
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What a lovely idea about borrowing the neclaces! Love the plates too.
If people didn’t feel welcome in your guest house, I don’t think they’d feel happy anywhere! xox
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Thanks Vicki. I really do want people to feel welcome. It’s the details that make the difference. 🙂
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Great photos. Big fan of the mannequin – I’d love to find one of those for sale in a charity or junk shop one day. I’ll keep hoping! Fabulous plates; I love the patterned ones especially. You have a great eye 🙂
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If you’re in Melbourne Claire, The Junk Company has some, last time I was there they had 6 in varying levels of antiquity!
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six! My local area must be deprived of mannequins! we do own another one, but my husband had to buy the jacket that it was displaying, before the shop owner would let it go. 😉
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Aww! I’m in Scotland but I figure of I ever swing by I can grab one to post back home! 🙂
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Hi Claire. I’ve been looking for a mannequin for a while. I guess they are in vogue at the moment, which makes it more difficult. It was so funny to find one at the antique place down the road, when I’d been searching the countryside!!
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Lady luck was smiling at you I think 😉
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Fantastic idea!! I have to say that I REALLY love the large, red one… and might be tempted to “forget” to return it. 🙂 It would be so cute with a white t-shirt and jeans.
I’m sure your trust will be treated well… but maybe don’t gamble with anything you love.
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The red one is my favourite too! yes, i won’t gamble with anything to precious. There are things in the house that i’d be disappointed to lose, but not devastated.
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Where do you find such stunning plates?
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All over the place! Target, secondhand, on sale at myer and mozi. I’m having a lovely time collecting them..now I just need to get them on the wall! 🙂
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I vote for the two blue plates. The tiny blue leaf plate is cute while the other is awash in extraordinary color
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Thanks! The little leaf plate I found on etsy for a few dollars. I love it too!
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