things i'm thinking about . . .

replacing smoke damaged curtains . . .


How can I get closer?

coffee, paper, computer . . .

ice

muffins

replacing smoke damaged wallpaper

cardinals

plaster ceilings and medallions

inventory, inventory, inventory . . Thanks for your indulgence,

A few days ago I mentioned the fact that GB Wilson installed several different window styles in this house. Built in the early 1880's, the style of the house is Victorian Gothic. The use of several (at least seven) different styles allowed Mr. Wilson the opportunity to use his home as a sort of "showcase." As it is likely this house was built at a time when there was no federal income tax, I assume this was a practical intent rather than a tax write-off; cliets could choose the style they'd prefer for their own homes.
I've decided that now is a good time to share pictures of the variety of windows "this old house" offers.

As I also mentioned, Darren and I feel as though we are caretakers more than owners of this house, which is why we're very hopeful it can be restored to pre-fire condition. We're sure this house will outlive us, as it has several generations already.

I spent most of the day researching suppliers for the glass to repair our windows. I am happy to report I found a company I feel sure will provide us with the glass we need. I've requested some samples.

The cleaning is almost done. A few more days of cleaning, then we meet with our General Contractor so we can establish a game plan.

Wish us luck! I think we're about to venture into some trying times!

Thanks for your indulgence!

Paige

how to help haiti

my friend, rebecca, is and has been dedicated to Haiti. her "vacation" time is spent there . . . working, helping, teaching, learning. long before this disaster, rebecca made connections. she posted this on her blog, so i thought i'd share . . .

there's an etsy site that's dedicated to helping artisans in Haiti, not just due to the earthquake, but 365/7/24! visit it here and see if you're moved to help--we can all find a way to contribute . . .this may be yours.

Haiti by Hand

Thanks for your indulgence.

paige

we're all fine . . . thanks!

Some "befores"

Some "afters"

those of you in my immediate, local circle of friends may already know, but in case you don't . . . rest assured we're fine.

and now . . . the rest of the story . . .

i was on my way to a client's house to discuss a framing project, when i received the call . . . "Mrs. King, this is the Clarksville Fire Department, we're calling to make sure everyone is out of the house."

me, "What? I don't understand--I'm not in my house, why are you calling?"

CFD, "We received a call from your neighbor--your house is on fire."

(me still processing)

"Wait--my whole family is there."

I don't remember any of the stop signs between Marion and Union Street.

(God protects fools . . )

I park and run to my house--I count three children, a dog and someone from law enforcement--no husband.

"Mama! Daddy's still in there--he won't get out!"

This is surreal and quite the de ja vu from our building fire last summer.

(Dear State Farm and Hartford, Please don't drop me. Please don't drop me. Thank you. Paige)

Enter the CFD--still no husband. About another eternity passes, then he emerges--sweaty, smooty and red--but he's there!

So there you go--the worst 20 minutes of my life.

As it turns out, it was an electrical fire (something about the wiring). Started at the outlet in the window seat. Caught the cushions, curtains and surrounding items on fire--traveled across the top of the room--you get the idea.

Darren is our hero--as always. His quick thinking found him subduing the flames with the kitchen fire extinguisher, then having Haedyn push the garden hose through the missing windows. If Darren hadn't been home; if it had started, even an hour, earlier; if Darren hadn't taken these extraordinary measures--our story would be greatly different--if . . .

So, again, so many things went right and we're thankful.

There was a lot of damage to our beautiful, historic home. We're feeling like failures as stewards for this 130 year old home. The good news, however, is that State Farm is going to make it right.

Our home was built by GB Wilson, he was the owner of the Sewanee Planing Mill. He used his home like a showcase for his clients to look at and determine which style windows and floors they wanted--consequently he laid different flooring in all of the rooms on the main floor.Also, the many of the windows are different styles and sizes. We had (had) all of the original windows and glass in the windows on the first floor.

Our adjuster said we would see it returned to the way it was--plaster ceiling medallion and all!

So, it would seems we have a long row to hoe, but all is right. It could always be worse, but I really don't like these little "perspective moments."

God is great!

Paige

Something New, My Lips are Blue!

What's the second thing everyone is looking for in the shop (the first being deals on Christmas decor--no, really, the first thing they're looking for is warmth!) . . . the new stuff. What's new? Well, I'll tell you.

We have these cute, beaded bookmarks in flower and butterfly themes.

You'll always find birds at Hodgepodge--here are some darling applique hand/dish towels.

Beautiful soaps are always welcome in my home! You've seen these soaps at Hodgepodge before . . . the butterfly shape is attractive and the light gardenia scent is lovely.

Scarves serve you well year 'round. Just in are these beautiful floral scarves in 40" squares with a great, but not overdone fringe on two sides.


Another signature offering at Hodgepodge has been vintage and new aprons. Here we have a mix of vintage-look fabrics on practical, yet pretty full aprons. Too cute!

Vintage-look fabric for half aprons, too.

Okay--another thing you can always find at Hodgepodge is vintage keys. I love the look of these key pendants--a little bling with a vintage nod.

Another scarf in a madras, patchwork--about 6 feet long by 13" wide, it'll wrap around and keep your neck cozy right into Spring.

There is much more to come! Come in to Hodgepodge and see for yourself.

Thanks for your indulgence~

January

These days . . . these first days of January. They are different for me now. When I was younger, it was the post holiday let down every child experienced. All that I had looked forward to for the past year was over. Then it just became the time after the celebration--not so much a let down, but a time for recovery. Now that I'm a retailer, the first days of January hold another meaning for me.

These days January means slow down, re-evaluation, inventory, budget analysis, introspection AND recovery. It's very disheartening, yet illuminating. January.

I think of my year as a 12-month, write-on-wipe-off calendar, where December 31st is in the bottom right hand corner and January 1st is in the upper left corner. It's not just the next day . . . it's all the way back around the bottom of the calendar and up the left side. It seems to me it should take at least a week to get there. That would be enough time to recover. (Probably not.)

January is market month, too. The big gifts & home furnishings market is in Atlanta this weekend. I'm not there. I've decided I don't need to go. I'll wait until March. This one is huge with temporary vendors. But guess what? If I can't see it, I can't miss it! I've got great sales reps who come to see me regularly and keep me up-to-date on the new offerings. I do miss the continuing ed classes. I've realized, however, they (the vendors) want you to shop in January. They want you there when you're feeling your most confident--right after the thrill of the holidays and the "I am the best buyer in the history of the world" euphoria you feel having watched your inventory walk out your door in the form of Christmas gifts or decor. They want you there in January exercising a little "retail therapy" of your own. Not me, not this year. I'll wait for March. It worked last year.

What does January mean for you? Do you get a lot done? Do you tackle new projects or do you just recover from the activity of holidays?

Thanks for your indulgence~

Paige

Holiday Recovery

They came, we played . . . we're exhausted! We just wrapped-up our annual visit with my sister, Nikki, and her family. To recap--Kendall and her family live here; Nikki and her family live in NoVa (Northern Virginia). To add to the joy of the season, however, this holiday started with my folks visiting for Christmas. Their arrival was delayed by snow in NoVa, but they got here on the 22nd and stayed for an entire week! This is huge news because it was the first Christmas I've spent with my parents in 22 years! We had a great time and wish they had stayed longer. Nikki and fam stayed until the morning of the 3rd. We stayed-up entirely too late every night--talking, dancing and throwing back a drink or two. I'm telling you it's stupid while being an absolutely fabulous time! Furthermore, I can think of at least a dozen conversations I started with my sister and never finished!

this is how we spent much of our time--eating or preparing to eat!
what a treat to see my mom at our holiday table!

Dad has been to visit, but never at Christmas!

Learning to shag with their dads!

my turn to teach my son--i'm leading as always!
I almost didn't post this one . . . but it's the best representation of the fun we had!

I hope your holidays were just as exhausting!

Thanks for your indulgence!

Paige