Twelve Years Ago

I published my first blog post

and 

the content was based

on 

what I knew and loved best:

My home.

In the last 12 years

I opened my garden gate and explored 

various paths other than home décor

that led me to 

YOU.

Many of my readers inspired me, encouraged me

and they changed my life.

I took a year off from my teaching job

to open an Etsy shoppe.

I took writing classes that ignited a love for

poetry.

I have been gifted fine photography equipment

to launch off my idea to compose

a written and visual collection of memoirs

and 

my dreams continue to expand
as

I've shared my photos on

Instagram

for the past five years.

But on this first day of a new decade

I return home

for 

just a moment

to not only share a photo gallery of progress

but 

to celebrate the child-like happiness

my husband and I share

as we build our life together. 

Kitchen 1997

Same kitchen corner transformed in 2000

 

Kitchen hood redone beams installed 2019

Timbering installed 2019

Hallway/kitchen pantry 1997

Hallway/kitchen pantry with timbering 2019

Front room 1997

Opening the wall off of living room 2000

Creation of my studio space off of living room circa 2003

Studio space December 2019

Living room 2019

Studio space fall 2019

As I look at the things

we 

were able to achieve

I am in constant awe

to think that one day

It will be revealed just how much

my soul 

has been salvaged and transformed.

Happy 2020

 

Thank You

Kris from Junk Chic Cottage

for this 

~gentle swan Christmas ornament~

when I see it

I am reminded of your elegant style

and perseverance through 

the challenging currents of life.

A neighbor and good friend from Instagram

just got back from Paris

and 

gifted me this enchanting 

~Cinderella carriage ornament~

as I admire it sparkling in my studio

I am reminded 

of 

his playful nature

and all the fun summers we've spent 

gardening and beautifying our street.

Merci 

mille fois Vicki Archer

for this token of friendship

~all the way across the Atlantic~

when I hold this little child 

in

the palm of my hand

I am reminded of the journey

we've shared 

as 

maturing women

who remember the child

who

once held us and who we are now

so we can

become the fullness of our destiny.

Merry Christmas to all

and

a healthy, joyous 2020.