Kathy Barrick: Settling In

3:40 PM | | Edit Post

After what seemed to be an endless wait, I finally have an internet connection today. Yay!! Although, I must admit I am stunned at one can accomplish when one isn't spending hours a day on the computer! It was such fun to get on line this afternoon and visit my favorite places and to see what I've been missing for the last week.

I've made tons of progress on the apartment. It's not finished by any stretch, but basically I took what I wanted from an 11-room house and moved it to a 4-room apartment, and have made good use of my space to get nearly everything in place.

Living in four rooms is pretty awesome! I have much less space to mess up with my constant dragging of everything I own. Everything it easier to put away. Every inch of the apartment is comfortably cool, despite the 90+ temperatures outside. It's very light, airy and spacious in my four rooms and I'm a happy girl!

And city life is pretty cool too! Rose and Bella, my little farm dogs, are adjusting to being city dogs. Bella had never worn a collar, harness or leash in her life and Rose has worn a collar only for vet appointments, so that was a huge adjustment for them. Until yesterday, my backyard wasn't entirely fenced in, so I had to take them out several times each day. Now that the fence is finished, they can play in the backyard and pretend its 25 acres of farmland!! Each morning we walk to a local park and they get to run free in the dog runs. That is their very favorite part of their day!

When Liz came to see my apartment for the first time last weekend, she brought me some gorgeous sunflowers, my very favorite flowers in the whole world!

I had such a wonderful first mail day here! I had won a contest on La Belle Brocante, one of the most beautiful blogs I visit each day. You should really check it out, as you will be totally enchanted with Alwen's work, collections and photography. She's amazing!! Here's a small portion of what she sent and photos of the envelope she made to send it in:

Look at this envelope!!! It's a work of art! It's made of antique papers and decorated so perfectly. As you can see, it's an almost perfect fit in an antique frame Liz gave to me, so this baby will be hanging on the wall in my studio very soon!

Even the back of the envelope is amazing!

Above is a detail from the envelope. The paper hat is glued on. Too cool!!

Below are photos of wonderful collages Alwen makes. I can hardly wait to have these framed and line them up on the wall in front of my desk to inspire me each day!

And, I had a great second mail day at my apartment as well! Janet from Valley House Primitives sent me three frames for new designs. She does such fabulous work! I can hardly wait to get my samplers in them!

More apartment photos coming soon. I have a bunch of picking up to do before I can shoot too many photos. After unpacking a good 75-100 boxes, there are still a few more around waiting to be unpacked.

I'm also in the middle of making hundreds of charts. Today is the first day I've done anything non-apartment-related in a week. It feels pretty good! I woke up at 2:30 AM last night and worked on jewelry a little bit. That was such a treat!

Have a good one! Back soon.....

8 comments:

Kevin said...: Your new place looks awesome!! I love that fireplace. Best wishes to your new apartment and the adjustment from "country mouse" to "city mouse"!

LOVE the paper crafts you shared. They are beautiful. I'll definitely be visiting her site shortly. And those frames are beautiful also. But we know you have GREAT taste, so should be no surprise you like well constructed, good looking products!
Happy stitching/designing and have a great weekend.; August 29, 2013 at 4:41 PM
Samplings from Spring Creek said...: Your new dwelling place-looks awesome! Beautiful flowers, beautiful frames--a great place to let your creative juices flow!; August 29, 2013 at 7:12 PM
Linda said...: Ohhhh...I love your new apartment! Can't wait to see more of it!!

Linda in VA; August 29, 2013 at 7:45 PM
cucki said...: Aww I love your new apartment too..
Big hugs
Happy days x; August 30, 2013 at 3:08 AM
Lori from Notforgotten Farm said...: finally! but not enough! more more more :)
love what you've done so far, my friend...I'm sure it will be breathtaking! and thanks for the link to that blog ~ will go take a look for sure!
Stay happy pretty girl ~
L; August 30, 2013 at 8:16 AM
Melody said...: What a charming apartment. I'm looking forward to seeing more pics of it, and your fabulous decorating.; August 30, 2013 at 8:50 AM
Unknown said...: Good luck for your new accomodation!!!; August 30, 2013 at 10:45 AM
tucmar said...: Dear Kathy, Loved the photos of your new apartment, it is beautiful, you are so talented. Can't wait to see more!!! Also enjoyed looking at the amazing creations from La Belle Brocante. Sadie sends wags to Bella and Rose, the new city girls.
Regards, Marilyn; August 30, 2013 at 7:42 PM