Leaf by Elizabeth

The art space is coming along. I've hung up fabric on the ceilings and to make "walls", and it's amazing how much more it feels like a room. I've started coming down here just to hang out on my own in the evenings sometimes, even when I'm not making art. Thankfully the electric space heater does a great job heating up the space. One thing I didn't realize until now is that since I've been married (almost 10 years), I've never had a full room that is just my own. It's so nice to have a space where I've chosen all the colors, I can decorate it how I please, and I'm the only one who hangs out in it. Clara helped me with this photo shoot. Matt had the brilliant idea to tie fishing line across the ceiling, so that the fabric can rest on it. I absolutely love the lamp in the corner- it's the kind you can bend in all different directions. Panels of turquoise and gold on the side opposite the window. And a dark turquoise,

For awhile now I've been wanting a bigger space to work on art projects. Matt suggested making an art studio in the basement, which for awhile seemed impossible, mostly because our basement was such a disaster! But I finally gathered the strength (and motivation) to work on it, and am so excited about how it's shaping up. Here are some before and progress pictures- I've carved out a 12x12 area at the back left of the basement, next to a window. Hopefully after I hang curtains all around and set up the 2 small space heaters, it will be warm enough to use in the winter. Can't wait until it's all finished! Before Before Progress: with Clara modelling- floor lamp, chair and footstool all courtesy of Craigslist. Progress Progress- I love the big window. And here it is with the new rug and wall covering! The red/orange pouf was a gift from my dad. I love how it pops against the navy rug. This shot shows what still needs to be do

"If Miss Honeychurch ever takes to live as she plays, it will be very exciting both for us and for her." -Reverend Beebe from Room With a View by E.M. Forester My recent art project- a fanciful mobile. "I didn't feel like a big fat idiot anymore. And I didn't feel like a hard-ass motherfucking Amazonian queen. I felt fierce and humble and gathered up inside, like I was safe in this world too." -Cheryl Strayed, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail   Beautifying my least favorite place- the kitchen. "I am here alone for the first time in weeks, to take up my 'real' life again at last. That is what is strange-that friends, even passionate love, are not my real life unless there is time alone in which to explore and to discover what is happening or what has happened. Without the interruptions, nourishing and maddening, this life would become arid. Yet I taste it fully only when I am alone here and 'the hous

I had a blast this year, making homemade Christmas presents for the girls. Seeing them have fun with the presents I made has brought me such deep joy. The first present: transforming the end of our 2nd floor hallway into a special nook for the girls. I made window and outer curtains, sewed pillow covers and a blanket (with my Grandma' indispensable help!), and then hung a small shelf and a light. The before shot And afters! And the second present: a balance beam (pictured further below). It was actually very easy to make- just a 2x4 cut into a 5 foot section and 2 9-inch sections, which I then sanded, stained and sealed, before screwing them together with 4 metal brackets. A wonderful surprise for me was that as I worked on the presents, I realized they both have symbolic value, as they each represent a less tangible gift I hope we can give to the girls in these coming years. L, we give you the gift of space. May you always have a peaceful, sa