Yes, it's true, it's true. I am officially installed in my renovated home office (once a canning facility created by the previous owners 30+ years ago). And, boy am I delighted.
I have been up ladders, down ladders, used tools over and over again, unpacked boxes and packed boxes, painted walls and floors and then, poofed all my beloved treasures around me for inspiration – all to a bliss sigh of office installation finales…
For three months I have worked from the minute my eyes opened until at least 1 a.m. - moving constantly. Not only have I finished my office, but I have spent much time (including almost all of the week before last) tidying up my city house and putting it in order.
I took everything out of the storage sheds that are on our property in the country and rearranged things. And then in the midst of that, turned the gallery into the Witches Cottage for the Halloween party, as you know…
It is safe to say, the last three months have been one huge blur.
I feel fantastic about getting my living spaces in order. I don't know how I have been operating my whole little business (the operations part, e-mails, writing this blog, packaging, housing cards etc.) out of the pseudo dining room at the country shack for 3+ years. I guess it goes back to making the best of what you have to work with. Yes, yes, I am certain that is it. Also, I had the studio to escape to, so that has been good…
But now, I am typing from my office and I feel a huge weight lifted that I didn't even know I was carrying around. I am super organized and everything is in its place, down to the linens. I love this feeling…
I will confess, I had extra motivation to get my jobs done, which I will share soon. It's like they say, plan an event or a party so that you can push yourself to get your home in order and get loose ends finished. Wait, did somebody say that? Well, it works either way.
I have placed little things I love all around me in my office. It truly is inspiring to surround yourself with things you love, even if it is a magazine page or an old photo taped to the wall.
For me it's things like, peeling paint –
Old light fixtures -
Fresh (and dried, which I love) flowers…
Little creations and creatures hanging on the wall…
Bits –
And bobs, of things that make me smile…
And, a perpetually messy but happy desk, from where I can bore you with my nonsense…
In this little office, I have carved out a space for relaxing in a bit of a sitting room area. As well as a tiny kitchen…
And the white bright bathroom in here might become my main one, instead of my current girlie bathroom in the main love shack…
This area that is now my office used to be a rotten horrible place. My friend couldn't believe that my office was the same spot. Proof that you can turn any yucky old place into a decent little spot of your own. I wish wish wish I had taken before photos. Imagine exploded canning jars, giant freezers, canning counters, bad ceilings and unnecessary walls. Which thankfully, are all gone…
I have a ton more full shots to come. You might get sick of me and run away screaming though 😉
But for now, I am happy to be right here -
Surrounded by things that no one else might understand, but that inspire me…
Although, I will confess, inspirational items surrounding me or not. It was not easy designing new 2009 Holiday cards (which I can't wait to arrive, I think UPS will be here today, I hope!) when it is 93' F out. Luckily, one night at 2 a.m. I had a huge wave of the spirit of the magical Christmas season visit me, and that was the night the cards came to life…
I can not fathom the fact that Halloween has passed. Last week it was so cold our birdbath froze. And today, we are having a record high of 94'F. And since the last three months were a blur, my body clock still thinks it is July or August.
Thankfully two men have helped me through Holiday inspirations and late night office completions. You see, that is a perfect example of my dual personality. You haven't met the other horned side of me have you? The bad side is more obvious in person I think ;) or maybe not…
With that, I will stop babbling, and I will say -
Thank you. Thank you for hearing (err, reading) me go on and on about how busy I have been. About the constant going and going and going. I am more than delighted to be on the downslope. I bet you can tell though, that I love staying busy. It keeps my brain healthy.
Anywho – thanks again, your moral support is invaluable! And, never taken for granted. Please know that. You meeting me here is the only reason for sharing as such…
Mwwwwuah!
Much Love, V
🖤
(update)
The sunset was sooooo amazing tonight. I had to come show you. I could see it out the window in the studio, and I had to run out there and take a photo. Nature is so breathtaking…
I also decided to take a snippet of one of the corners of my studio, to show you where my office space is in relation to the studio. (even though indoor night photos aren't the bestest)
I have been creating in my studio here for 10 years. It is where I go to let my mind wander, to create and to be totally comforted. It is my safe zone…
You see that door straight ahead, which I love painting on?
The new renovated space houses my office – on the other side of that door.
I am going to take you inside very very soon. I just need to go through my photos, which I am doing right now in fact 😉
My studio and the new office were both canning facilities. I turned the studio space into what it is when I first set foot in the country house 10 years ago, and comically, it took 10 years to find the courage, energy and determination to take on the office part, which is why it is so exciting for me to be in here ~ finally. But I fear, my chatting on and on about it is borderline annoying 😉
So, in a totally unrelated topic ~ I want to bake something super lovely. Have you all started baking? Any ideas? I am in a baking mood, but don't know what to choose to bake. I can't wait for the scents of the holiday season. Cinnamon and spice, Mmmmmm…
More sooooon 🖤
Hooray! So glad you’ve finished all your renovation/organising/arranging to your satisfaction. It looks and sounds fabulous and a perfect place in which to create your magical art! xoxox
even the details are magic! glad to hear is is completing so well!
xxx
What darling little fotographs of you in the garden…that is you, is it not? Or at least your former self from whence you came to be. Such delightfulness dripped in shades of sepia!!!
xoxo Cori
fan-freakin-tastic! I too love surrounding myself with things I love – although my loved ones call it “clutter”! You seem so happy and at peace – I am not sure that if I was actually “organized” I could be happy – I am the most unorganized…well you know…yet happy as a pig in all my sh*t!!! *grins* <3 to you V!
Yay! You did all that! Moving is hard enough – but to move into something you describe as being as nasty as that and make it incredible, wow! How on earth do you have time to work as well?
My book got its first review today and it was a good one. Now I just need everyone to buy the book 😀 Message for the universe: I gratefully accept all the good stuff I know you want to give me 😉
hugs
Welcome Home Miss Vanessa! Sounds like the perfect place to create.
Enjoy the day!
Erin xox
Hi Vanessa,
So glad you are finally there! Well done to you and Mr Lovee! Enjoy it.
Sarah x
Congratulations on moving into your newly created office space. From the little snippets of the photos, it looks quite lovely. But what is most important is that it is truly yours. Enjoy! 🙂 Theresa
I’m so happy for you! This inspires me to keep going with my re-do on our spare room. Reading, “But for now, I am happy to be right here – Surrounded by things that no one else might understand, but that inspire me…” made me happy! (Because that is exactly how I feel!)
Oh Vanessa, I am so glad the renovations are done…I can imagine how accomplished you feel. Can’t wait to see those Christmas cards…and wait a minute! You aren’t NESTING are you?? As in, what the heck is your other motivation for getting all this done? Oh my, do spill the beans 🙂 🙂
Jamie 🙂
p.s. love those baby pics…is it you?
yea for you! Congratulations!
How lovely! It’s so nice to feel everything is in its place! You are so right, plan a party or something and you wind up doing so much stuff around your house {or office} to have it ready before people come through.
I can’t wait to see pictures of your studio, I remember when I moved into our country house, and I fixed my studio. I love it, problem is now I’m so organized I can’t find anything
But remember the studio space is constantly changing and new inspirations appear here and there, a picture of my studio is at the end of my blog
Karey
Well…I was laughing the whole way through this post, I love your description of what you went through to create your office. It must be nice to breathe a sigh of relief, to relax and enjoy all of your hard labors…
I LUVVV the two photos of the darling little girl, especially of her blowing the kiss! How cute is that! You are a wonderful inspiration. It must be so satisfying to be organized. Can’t wait to see what you are creating on the side lines!
You are totally right. Well, my studio is always changing, I have
been working in there for about 10 years. But this is a whole new separate
office space, and I can already tell it will be changing and evolving 😉
Yes you are right, inspirations flutter madly around, that is the beauty Indeed
😉 I totally agree
Whether it’s work or for fun — a spot to call one’s own and to store their hearts belongings in — that’s truly magical. I am certain we will see more enchanted entries from you soon and that thrills me. 🙂
Want to hear something funny? As much as I LOVE Halloween and am sad it’s “officially over” (for the general populace) — I’ve been itching to pull out my Christmas tree and decorations. Already!? Crazy I am.
Congrats on getting everything arranged and getting your new office up and running. My “creative space” has become a bit too creative as of late and is in desperate need of some organization/discipline – so, hearing about the work you have put into your space(s) is very inspiring – and I don’t think I’ll ever tire of seeing pictures of it all.
Fantastic and golden, it is all very exciting! And by jolly golly you two have finished at the full moonish Day of Dead time of year, with Christmas and odd weather…What could be better? Once in a summer time the wind whispered true the royal palace awaited the Queen to make it anew. With cans and freezers and soiled mush the palace was in disguise and out of touch. Yet she discovered in there some respectable charm it was hidden and peeping yet it set off her creative alarm. Crafting daydreams suddenly became alive like flying pies with wishes wearing Christmas tree lights. Paris and Kings and those desert birds, all this from canning how absurd! The young ones the old ones it took quite a fuss to re-do and make a new palace with the Ladies touch. The angels and elves would come in the night singing and making more room for delight. “Blow, blow gentle wind give chase here and there we hear surprises are filling the air” It is all so lovely ‘pinch your self true’ Congratulations
you have transformed a mess into something rock’n and true blue.
Miss V,
Your excitment is contagious and you are never, I mean Never annoying!!! 🙂 Can’t wait to see more pictures of your new office…
Vanessa:
I love the idea that your home has a history. Your office was once a canning room. That is so very comforting and curious.
I’m going through a similar project right now, but alas…my home is only 14 years old and I’m sure it hasn’t a hint of the character that your home has. However, I am so excited to finally finish my studio. Almost..almost…almost there!
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
Congrats! Love the bits and pieces of inspiration. 🙂
Congratulations Vanessa, it must be wonderful to be all organized and moved into your new place. I just baked a pumpkin pie tonight. Sorry that I haven’t stopped by in a bit. My dear dear old Mittens the cat passed away, and I have been so sad. She was nineteen, so she lived a long life, but well she was such a wonderful companion. My one daughter doesn’t even know life without Mitts. I still have my Golden Retriever and my Schnoodle to keep me company.
Well, Miss Vanessa I just can’t wait to see your new place and see those goodies that you bake.
Karen
pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. they are the best!
p.s. aren’t new spaces so nice? and yours are extra lovely of course!
I am so waiting for what is behind the door. A new creative space is like falling in love all over again.
I am happy you are inspired, Vanessa.
Enjoy your space! I can’t wait to see more of it. I just know you are going to create wonderful things there. We’re so excited to see our picture in Artful Blogging!!! Twyla
Beautiful energy and light..I would never leave!
Whew! I thought I was late for the unveiling, but I’m just late for the teaser before the unveiling! Hee!
Trust me me, you arent boring me-a new space to call your own sounds like H-E aven-decorating & painting it however you want without worrying if someone else will like it; staying up all hours, looking at your new space from every angle…then waking up and deciding to do it all over again! LOL
Depeche Mode AND Holiday music! Woot!
PS-its been glorious in N. Fl-highs in the low 70s, evenings in the 40s…so yep, I have been dragging out my Christmas stuff, furtively, a box here, a box there…the Lost Boys swear if one of my several trees goes up before turkey day they will tar and feather it! LOL
PSS- i watched martha stewart make all kinda pies last night-now i am jonesing for a perfect apple pie…
XOXOXOXOXOOX
Congratulations on completing your office, that is wonderful! I cannot wait for holiday baking to commence, I am so in the mood for double dipped bon bons, snowflake sugar cookies and pumpkin cake with honey cream cheese icing…*drool*
You are really inspiring me for the clean-up I have ahead of me today! Thanks, and congratulations on your office. Can’t wait to see it.
Oh my Magical Muse, I could never grow tired of you, for each day you awaken as a new creation. How I adore you. Are you going to be in the studio tour this year!!! Yes please and thank you!!! I need fair warning so I may make plans to come down and see you. I shall bring Alice. What a darling little wee one you were….and still are! **blows kisses** Deb
How exciting!! Congrats! Enjoy the new office! Now I think I need to clean and redecorate mine! LOL
Congrats on your new office, Vanessa. I hope you’ll get the rest, inspiration and love there that you need and deserve!
You have gathered light and color and made it your very own! ‘Tis a good thing for sure! I am looking forward to seeing the pics of your new office. Congratulations!!
Hugging you
SueAnn
SPECTACULARITY!!!! Yay! for organizing and double yay for getting the space you want how you want it!!!
Really looking forward to the pictures of the finished product!
Wow… I wish I was motivated enough to get half that much work done in my apartment. It sounds so exciting and I am glad that you are feeling so accomplished.
Thanks for giving us a little peek into your world ^.^
Oh…if I didn’t have people come to Foolsewoode..it would never get cleaned or organized. This is the perfect excuse to have a party…so that the house gets spramped. I am so happy that the office has finally come together for you…it’s so strange, but I have been in an organizing mood for no reason whatsoever lately…
I can’t wait to see pictures of the office!
Take Care you lucky, lucky girl,
Tracy M.
So lovely. Enjoy creating in it!
eeeeeeeep! Oh, where have I been!!?? (oh yes….buried in paints and brushes for the past week!) tee hee
It’s done!!?? hooooray for your new office space! your snippets look divine, indeed…particularly that beautiful desk!! what a dreamy place to work, I say!! 🙂
Hooray hoorah!
i just wanna see MORE and hear MORE about your new space!!!
How wonderful!!!!
Oh! I want to peek behind that door! What fun you must be having!
this is soo beautiful! all the colours…i want my house to be like it someday, when i have the chance. i’m not sure if it’s sunny enough here in ireland though…perhaps the combo with white would only work in a place like this 🙁