Friday, August 28, 2009

It All Comes Together


This is my favorite corner of the house. I love the way it looks, love its flow. Upon first glance, you'd never know how much work went into it. It was newly crafted - an addition, so to speak - when we extended the front wall of our house by four feet.
`
Time and labor went into this space's foundational construction. Tools and measurement were involved; a discerning eye with vision. Eventually, it took its shape. Then doors and windows, each necessary filler, were added, too.
`
The walls were next, and they needed warmth. There were moments of hesitation and doubt, when our chosen hue looked all wrong. But with faith and patience, we plowed ahead. And found the result we'd been hoping for.
`
Flooring took outside help. We called on friends and professionals alike; each offered help in some way. They understood our desires, gave advice, sweated alongside us, helped the potential become reality.
`
There was finish work, like sanding the rough edges from the ceiling beams, adding a bit of trim to cover those seams.
`
It was all coming together. We could see its end.
`
And then the real fun began, for me, with the final touches. It was my favorite part. Waiting for the right inspiration, for what pretties should go where. Some is functional, like the bench that both seats a visitor removing shoes, and holds daughters' games and puzzles. Some is aesthetic, with popping colors and subtle beauty. I like the contrast of old with new. I like that many items were repurposed, used in an unintended way. And how there are little pieces that pull it all together.
`
It's my favorite corner.
`
Kinda reminds me of writing.

36 comments:

Angie Ledbetter said...

Nice! I agree that the finishing touches on the manuscript are the most fun, and sometimes the most rewarding.

Susan R. Mills said...

That is a great corner! All the work put into it was well worth it. (Yes, just like writing!)

Melissa Amateis said...

LOVE it.

Jill Kemerer said...

It's so homey. I can see why you love it. Enjoy!

Lori said...

You have an amazing decorating sense! Your house (from the few pictures you shared) is a model to me.

Deb said...

Good job--it's a beautiful space!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Angie - Indeed!

LW - Thank you. :)

Melissa - *grin*

Jill - "Homey" is a great word!

Lori - Geebers, you give the best compliments!

Strange Fiction - Thanks!

JLC said...

I love it too! I can do the foundation stuff, its the finishing touches that I have a hard time doing. I'd love for you to come over and decorate for me! (Oh.. and I suppose the same goes for my writing. Ugh... editing.)

Jessica Nelson said...

Yes, you're so right! It is like writing. What a cool analogy.

Rosaria Williams said...

Great analogy here. The place is serene and transcendental.

septembermom said...

I can see the connection with the writing process. Lovely corner.

Terri Tiffany said...

It is beautiful and yes, I thought of our writing process too as you described it.

Janna Leadbetter said...

JLC - I like to mess with home decor. In fact, if I wasn't writing, I'd try to do that in some professional form!

Jessica - Glad you liked it. :)

lakeviewer - I like those words, especially in relation to my living room. :)

septembermom - Thanks!

Terri - I thought it a neat connection.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! It's a great corner. What a wonderful thing to see when you come in the front door.

-FringeGirl

Kathy said...

It's very nice and I can see why you like it.

I like window seats, although I don't have one in my house.

Debbie said...

No wonder it's your favorite corner. It's charming.

Ladybird World Mother said...

I can see why its your favourite corner... I love places like that , when I have created them. Enjoy!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Does this mean you're just about done with all the renovations?

I like the idea of combining the old with the new. Since I'm in eternal edit more, that's pretty much how I write these days.

Kara said...

I love your corner, beautiful! And I agree it is nice when a project finally comes together:)

Janna Leadbetter said...

FG - I'd feel bad if I didn't disclose the fact that the scattering of toys and shoes and kid stuff (and grown-up stuff) - hidden from view - takes away a teeny bit of that feeling. :P

Kathy - A window seat would be perfect for reading, wouldn't it?

Thank you, Debbie! I like that word, too. :)

Ladybird - Funny thing is, I don't spend much time there. I wonder how my perspective might change if I actually SAT on the bench.

Mel - We're more done than we're not, but the projects remaining are doozies. And there's a bajillion finishing projects.

Kara - It feels so good to see it to completion!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jana -

Lovely! I'm almost finished with re-doing my back bedroom, so I know the work that goes into such a gem. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Kavita Saharia said...

It is amazing how we can fill life into an empty non living space,add s0me cosy warmth to it and turn it into OUR FAVORITE CORNER...your corner is very beautiful and so is your writing.....dropped in here from LAZY WRITER..glad i did.

Capri K @ No Whining Allowed said...

I love that when things work out like you planned!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Susan, you'll be so glad to have it finished!

kavita - Thank you very much! I'm so glad you came for a visit.

Capri K - You said it!

Marian Perera said...

I like the corner. I'd throw a thick rug down before the window, curl up on it and read in the sunlight.

Anonymous said...

Love that seating bench!

Deb Shucka said...

Great analogy! Great corner!

Glynis Peters said...

A cosy corner, I love it!

Karen said...

Not only do you write well, but have a good artistic eye for decorating. Could be in a magazine!

You are so right, sweat and sometimes tears happen in both physical and writing work.

Well done.:)

Tess said...

Very much like writing. And, this is exactly how I imagined your house to be. It's cozy, and comfortable and fresh all at the same time. Very nice.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Marian - Are you a cat person? ;)

Anne! I like it when you come by. :)

Deb - Great thanks!

Thank you, Glynis.

Karen - You should see my best friend's skillz. I've got nothing on her! (Or the opposite way... however that's appropriate... I've got myself confused.)

Tess - Thanks! It's been a whole-house remodel, and it's come a looooong way. There's still much to do, but it's coming along so well.

Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl said...

Janna, I LOVE this post! And I love that corner, too! You're the bestest writer--and the bestest gal!!!! :-D

*smiles*
Michele

J.R. Johansson said...

It is gorgeous and what a great comparison! I love those finishing touches. :)

Janna Leadbetter said...

Michele, you are going to give me a big head! ;) Thanks, lady.

Jenn - Thanks! Me, too.

Anonymous said...

LOVE IT!!!!! Your house is AWESOME!

Hugs to you,
Heather

Janna Leadbetter said...

Heather - But you're not biased, right? ;)