I feel like it’s been about 12 years since I’ve written a blog post. I have missed writing, more than you can know. And I’ve missed having something REALLY tangible to write about. This fall – especially teaching – has been the most trying and stressful of my career. I have been pulled in more directions than ever. There is so much happening, and just staying afloat is taking all of the time. Add to that, a puppy who is still VERY much a puppy, and other obligations….. the house has taken a backseat. And blogging isn’t even in the backseat – I think it’s tied on the bumper being drug through the mud.
I’ve missed you, friends.
I am ready for 2018 to be done. There have been some great things about this fall – don’t get me wrong. Doug ran his first New York City Marathon (not his first marathon, but first in New York), and we had a wonderful trip. We’ve had some awesome times with family and friends, and absolutely love our lives. We have big dreams ahead, but we really need life to slow down a little. I’m not sure when it will, but I know this – I’ve learned this fall exactly how much working on the house is part of my soul. And when I can’t do it, I don’t feel like me. 2019 is going to be about rediscovering that, and making time for the things that make our souls excited.
This blog has always been about real life. It’s not a TV show here – we aren’t going to finish a house in 6 months. If you can do that, I really think you either have a ton of money to hire everything, a ton of time, or you’re really doing something wrong. Sometimes I think, “WHY can’t we move faster? What’s wrong with us?” But I know this is real. It takes time. And this fall, the pause button was pushed. But we’re ready to get back at it. Soonish. Because I need sawdust and progress to breathe. And Doug and I have so much fun together working on the house – we’ve really missed it.
What’s next?
Four Things.
- The Study : It’s SOOOOO CLOSE. Just a few more things to knock off the list, and it’s done.
- The Basement : Doug is making the shop in the basement. I would say HIS shop, but it’s ours – I use the tools as much as he does. But he’s doing the planning and plotting. Not a pretty or glamorous job, but it needs doing, and hopefully this means we can do things faster in the future! (I cannot find a picture of the basement. Clearly, I’m a mess. And I can’t bring myself to walk three flights of stairs to take one. Ha.)
- The Dining Room : The Dining Room was the BEST and most intact room in the house when we moved in. It doesn’t need a lot, which is why it’ll be the perfect thing for me to work on while Doug is in the Basement. Drapes, some sconces, some reupholstery, and some decor. DONE.
- The Library : This is the next BIG project on the horizon. We’re going to do this in phases, because we won’t be able to afford it all at once. I’m working on a design, and I can’t wait to get started. Do you like bookcases all the way to the ceiling, or do you like room for art above them? TELL ME!
So, while we all wait for us to get back at it, here are some pictures from Halloween and Christmas!
Made using a tin-type app!
We hope you’ve had an amazing fall and holiday season!!! Thank you for always encouraging us and being our biggest cheerleaders. This community really does make a difference, and we love you!