Wednesday, February 15, 2012

#348

studio 348

Sigh, what a week it's been. To say that I have been on a roller coaster would be a HUGE under statement. Andrew had an adverse reaction to a new medication, we hosted a dinner party for a friend, I celebrated a birthday, we enjoyed Valentine's Day, two of my kids have been home sick, I've worked a ton, I've missed a ton of work, and all the while I've been day dreaming about this place. Yes, while all this life has been going on, my mind has been lost in a daydream in a rather dingy, albeit diamond in the rough, of a new studio space.

Remember when I mentioned a few weeks back that I had been hounding the building manager at The Hungerford Building to find me a room with a view? After 4 months of pestering, Friday he stopped by and said "come here, I gotta show ya something". Down the hall and around the corner... almost directly across from the elevator... and right next door to Delish Glass... is #348. The lock is busted, there is a giant hole in the wall, an odd rim of an old drop ceiling clings there still, and dried up spilled something or other is on the floor... but oh, can you see it? Can you see the potential there?

I just got the call a little while ago. My studio (#307) already has a new tenant ready to sign for it. While I'm away teaching on the Bead Cruise, magic will be worked inside these walls. The 15x35ft room will have the walls repaired, new sinks put in, the floors replaced, and a fresh coat of paint will go up. I can't wait to see it when it's finished and start the move!

In all honesty, I had started to contemplate a lot of sad/necessary/scary/unsettling/grown up things over the past few weeks. Not the least of which was possibly moving my studio back home. My brain was trying to do all the practical convincing one does to one's self in such situations... as it does when contemplating things the heart doesn't want to hear or deal with. It told me things like "a brick wall isn't much different than a basement one...", "no one stops and visits you very often down this empty hallway anyway...", "maybe Ron will build something outside at home, like a shed..." and worst of all "it'll save money if you give up the studio". That last one is the real kicker. The one that really ate away at me last week in particular while Ron was getting news that nearly 200 people in his group of 1200 at work were laid off. (Thankfully, he still has his job... at least for now.)

I'm still struggling with those voices. My heart has dealt with a little too much lately, so it is on the tender side... but the day dreams are rebuilding the strength of it. Bringing some reserved excitement back that has been missing. I close my eyes and I can feel the warmth of the sun streaming in from those 3 big windows, I can hear the train whistles in my ears, and it feels right. It's gonna be a good thing.


view from 348
the view from those big old windows

13 comments:

Jenny said...

Congrats! I work from home, have a clean studio and a dirty studio. And while i love it, sometimes I dream of a "real" studio space. Wishing you all the best!

Christine said...

Nice! I'm a big believer in possibilities. And I see the lovely potential in your new space. Can't wait to see it all done up! I love the view, btw....those look like Kodak smokestacks in the background...are they?

mairedodd said...

i saw the photos on flickr and was thinking that was a potential home away from home for you... so glad it seems to be pulling together... and what a nice surprise to come back to...
i am sorry andrew had an adverse side effect... all of that work weaning... i hope this gets worked out quickly...
a week filled with the bittersweet - happy wonderful things for sure...
nick is home with strep... hope your kids get better soon...

TesoriTrovati said...

Something to look forward to is always great. So happy that this space seems to be coming together for you. Hope that Andrew gets better soon!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Unknown said...

I love that you will have a view! And fresh paint and new walls and a busier hallway. Excited for you and the changes to come. For what this year holds. So many good things. In spite of the meds/reactions/layoffs/stress/life, good things are coming. I just know it.

elisabeth said...

congrats! It will be great!

Cindy said...

Can't wait to see the transition. I love that you do before and after photos of all the steps.

Cindy said...

I'm so happy for you that you finally have that room with a view! And I love that view of the triains.
I think your new home away from home holds so much promise. And yes....there is always the basement studio if needed down the road. :-)

Unknown said...

Looks like it will be awesome! Excited for you.

Nicole Valentine-Rimmer said...

Ohhh you are so appealing to my wanderlust. I secretly look at homes and spaces for rent once and a while. I can totally see it, waiting for you! Can't wait to see your progress, you have a knack for making things beautiful. Congrats!

Barbara Lewis said...

I think this is a great view ... very industrial chic!

Francesca DeCaire said...

Oh my gosh, that's a great spot! I'm so happy for you. So glad you aren't leaving. I can't wait to show you my tiny space. It's not in great shape, but it's perfect for now. Who knows maybe someday I'll move into a better spot too.

The bead cruise sounds unbelievable... Have a blast!

Lori Anderson said...

A room with a view is always good. I've moved my beading table from looking outside to having the windows behind and side of me (for eye strain). But I don't like it nearly as much.