Saturday Spotlight: Shirley from Housepitality Designs

Spotlight: REAL LIFE BEHIND THE BLOGGER

 Hi, everyone!  Myself and (Kris) Junk Chic Cottage wanted to do a regular feature on our blogs, something unique that hasn't been
 done before.   So we came up with an idea to 'spotlight the real life behind the blogger' in a more personal way.

There is so much talent and inspiration in blogland, and we thought it would be fun to bring you a closer look at the person behind the blog.

Every week on Saturday we will spotlight a blogger and have them tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs.  You will be able to see and read about each of the bloggers on both Kris's and my blog. 

Most of you probably know Shirley from Housepitality Designs, but whether  you do or not, you're in for a treat!  Shirley has such elegant style and her home is absolutely gorgeous!  She has such a sweet spirit, and has always left the kindest comments on my blog. She's got such an interesting story so sit back, relax, and enjoy getting to know her a little better!  Then hop over to Kris's blog to read more about Lynn from The Vintage Nest.

Hello everyone...my name is Shirley and I blog at Housepitality Designs

I was honored when Susan asked me if I would share something about me.

Hmmm....where do I begin?

How about at birth?...I was born in Yokohama, Japan...

My Dad was in the Army stationed in Japan after World War II.

And as you may have already guessed, that is where my parents met.

My dad the handsome "G.I." and my mom the beautiful Japanese woman...

They have a wonderful story that I wrote a post about here.

Well, as one thing led to another, they married and had me!..

Now...do you see that background in the picture?

It is a pineapple design fabric drape...

So do ya think that is how I acquired my love for pineapples.

The symbol of Southern Hospitality??...Just may be!!

When I was 6 months old, my dad was shipped back to the States.

My mom leaving her family and beloved homeland behind to be with the love of her life.

Our family lived on Army bases during most of our childhood....

It was so hard for my mom as you can understand it was right after the war.

 But she is so strong and wise with a beautiful soul.

My dad has passed away...my mom is 88 years old and in great health.

I have 4 siblings and we are all very close.

Now, talking about "loves of your life"...

Did I tell you that I met the "love of my life in 2nd grade?

This is still my "fav" picture of him...he is always smiling!

Fast forward to high school...

 Here we are!...Our last names began with "stan".

 Therefore, when sat alphabetically in class we were always next to each other.

And here we are now...

We celebrated our 43rd Anniversary this year.

After high school, he went to the Univ of Florida...

And I started working.

A year later, we got married...and a year after that we had our son.

My hubby worked 2 jobs so that I could stay home with our son until he went to school.

But his second job at night was umpiring...so he at least did what he loved.

...being at the ball field.

This is our son and his family...

 

 This is one of my favorite pics of my hubby and granddaughter.

She was 3 years old at the time, a flower girl at my niece's wedding.

And here she is today...my CEO and Creative Director of Housepitality Designs.

She is concentrating on making her next move!

OK...let's fast forward to the career I had for 25 years.

I worked in the healthcare field.

In my 25th year, I had to make a decision...to drive 40 miles one way to a new office.

In a job that required more than an 8 hour day.

It was then my hubby said, it is time to retire....retire?..sure, you talked me into it!!!

I began to pursue my passion of decorating. (The back view of our home)..

I decorated for friends and family all the time...all my life..

When I say all my life...well, as a young girl, I would much rather read a shelter magazine.

My dad used to make us kids sit quietly on a sofa when visiting friends...do not touch anything.

I spent my time on the sofa re-arranging their friends' furniture in my mind...

I decided to get some "credentials"...I took a one week intense course on Re-design and Staging.

And thus, started my business, "Housepitality Designs"

 

 I love classic interiors...southern classic with a touch of French Country...

And love to incorporate architectural elements in our home.

I must admit....I am a "Flag Waver".

My front porch on "Flag Day"

My dad taught us the love of "God and Country"

My all time pet peeve you ask???

When people are walking around, talking, not taking off their hat, during our National Anthem!!

 

 I sleep on the left side of the bed...really...(too much information?)...
 

 I love having company...one of our guest rooms.

 

 And entertaining...

My favorite room...the sunroom.

 

You can find all my favorite colors in this pillow...

And my love for monograms...I had everything monogramed when I was a young girl.

I even had my Bass Weejuns (remember those) monogramed..!!

My dad used to tease me...

He said that one day I was going to come home with my initials tattooed on my arm.

Hmmmmm.....

I asked my hubby to write down some things about me...

He wrote:

1. You are a "social butterfly"...always coordinating things.

Was the Social Chair in my community for 3 years.

2. You love Christmas...I have been on many Christmas Home Tours...in Florida and..

The past several years in my community...for a Charity.

3. You are in contention for having sat (permanent bleacher marks on my rear)...

And watched more baseball, soccer, and softball games than any wife in history. Really??!!

Note: hubby in the middle front row..holding their championship plaque..those old guys can play ball!

And by the way.."I" can still swing a bat and hit a softball and do cartwheels across the floor!

AND keep a great a baseball/softball scorebook...even though I relinquished that duty a while ago!

So, if you ever read that I am excited and doing cartwheels across the floor, I really am!!!

4. You love your car...your convertible..but the top never comes down when it is hot!..

However, it comes down fast when you find a treasure that is too big for the car.

5. You enjoy traveling...you have a very long list of places to go...a very long list!!

 

6. You are a magazine hoarder!!!..I am running out of space to store them! and they are heavy!

Yes, I am...I need therapy...If you want a particular Country Living Magazine from back in the 80's..

There is a good chance that I may have it!

7. YOU LOVE COFFEE!!...

Yes, I drink a pot every day!...I know, not a great thing!

8. You ALWAYS find time for family and friends...especially your granddaughter..

9. You are very sensitive..you take things to heart...you are sentimental...you are generous.

Thank you my sweet hubby!....

So on that note...I want to thank Susan again for having me here today...

To share my "long story" with you...of me and the life that I love..I am blessed.

  Shirley, thanks so much for sharing your personal story with us!   Please visit Shirley at Housepitality Designs and Kris's blog to read about Lynn at The Vintage Nest!