Living in a snow globe
Well hello. It’s been a second. I’ve moved back into the old stone house in the city. I’ve a good handful of reasons, personal and practical, for making this decision and I feel solid about my choice! The land is just four hours north so I can split city time with country time, tend the land and get into endless projects up there in the coming years.
The move back into the house was a jolt. Not because of the city aspect, that part felt great (those that know me know I love cities) but because the tenants I’d had in the house for 3 years trashed the place. I wasn't expecting that at all… we’d had such a nice relationship!! It’s taken a lot of committed time and way too much money to get it back into a cozy habitable condition. The garden and backyard was a towering wall of weeds and thorns taller than me. That was the very first thing I tackled, so the house wouldn’t look uninhabited to the outside world! From there it was day after day of deep cleaning and replacing major appliances…I won’t go into all the details but it was a wreck. Every minute of my energy and time has been focused on it - I have to live here after all! But now, awww yes, it’s smells good, it’s gleamingly clean and I’m finally starting to settle in. I was even able to engage in some meaningful talks with the tenants. We kept it kind, we stayed human. It ended as well as one could imagine given the scenario.
Now my thoughts are turning back to work! While I’m here living in a snow globe, it’s gardening time in California and I’m here for you. I’ll be providing virtual consulting and helping you zhuzh up your outdoor spaces. From talking about major design overhauls to simple changes that will unify and beautify your space I’ve got you covered. We FaceTime and take a stroll around together and you come away with a game plan.
Click here to view consulting services.
I’m wishing you love and safety through the holidays and in the new year ahead. May we all keep the flame of collective hope lit, even if it feels just a flicker in our breast at times. May a path, forged with love and community action lead us to a brighter future for everyone.
A Bohemian Waxwing.
Watching birds in the snow is one of the things I’m loving. Embracing the snow and cold takes some intentional adaptation. For me, just marveling at the resilience of the ecosystem and all the life that continues on in this extreme climate is a big part of embracing it. In the mornings I go out into the yard and check out all the different animal tracks, lots of busy critters! The people too, are so hardy and kind and community minded. I’ve been here a month and know almost all my neighbors on the block!
A women I met the other day has a Golden that buries her face in the snow too and she said she calls it “Coke Nose”. HA!
From the hall to the bathroom. I wall papered the dark floral in the hall and repainted the whole bathroom, walls, trim and vanity and put a new countertop on the old vanity. It’s amazing what colors can do to transform space. The original tiles really pop now. The bathroom was in sad sack state. I will have to do a post of before and afters of the things I’m doing around here.
