I have been quietly celebrating the last of the projects for my book leaving yesterday off to the photo studios where I’ll rejoin them in a couple of weeks. This book has not gone smoothly to say the least nor has this past year in general. Which makes it all the more unbelievable that the last project is actually finished. Having this monstrous job off my plate is an amazing feeling. I’m so looking forward to getting back to making things without having to explain every last detail.
It was a good thing to do though. It will likely make a big difference for untold numbers of artists as it has for me. Or at least that is my intention. It wouldn’t be right not to share something that has helped me so tremendously.
But to be honest, I will think long and hard (that always makes my mind go elsewhere when I say that) before doing such a thing again. I know it wouldn’t have been so difficult except for the numerous other things that all worked to compound the complexity of each other. Makes for such a daunting task. Anyway, the first find is “time”.
Actually the plan was to write about some wondrous things I’ve found recently so on to that. I just needed to get some writing therapy out about the latter obviously so thanks for indulging me.
When my beloved mother in law had taken ill I was not able to be with her in the final hours. While the rest of the family was by her side I was at my grandmother in law’s place. Grandma was mentally ill and when faced with events such as this she might do something, well, crazy. So I was the one who watched over her to assure we didn’t have two tragic events to deal with. After hours of wailing and screaming and moaning (yes it was nearly unbearable) she finally settled.
Exhausted myself, I curled up on the sofa and cried myself to sleep. I awoke so suddenly I sat upright as the fluttering of dozens of birds taking flight was so loud I reached to cover my ears. At the same time I realized I was in the living room and no birds were to be seen. I knew then she was gone and moments later the phone call confirmed Estelle had flown away.
This wallpaper captures exactly that experience and so has great meaning. I’m not much into wallpaper but this I could (must?) do.
A while back I came across the most amazing store I’ve ever seen, Obsolete.
I’ve spent hours pouring over the details of the fabulous items they have.
Ron Pippin’s creations really make the place and equal time has been spent stalking him online. Amazing work!!!
The perfect book to take on an expedition wouldn’t you say!
I haven’t been able to get to the actual store yet so finding more images of this magical establishment is a dream come true. Not only does 1st Dibs have more images of Obsolete but it is an inspiring source for interior designers. I’m officially telling you now you can spend serious time looking around this site. BIG LOVE!
hint: go to the Shop Talk section on the 1st Dibs front page for a virtual tour of some fabulous shops.
another fav is Viola
I haven’t even come close to exploring all the nooks and crannies so if you do find any treasures I overlooked I’d love to hear from you!
sue said,
February 27, 2010 at 6:03 pm
“It will likely make a big difference for untold numbers of artists as it has for me”….
Oh Kerin it will!!! I am so excited for this book of yours to come out.
Signs. I firmly believe in “signs” like the one you received when your MIL passed. Life affirming and life changing. The wallpaper is a must!
Thanks for the links to the various shops – I’m going to bookmark them and check them out during my spare time (hahaha!).
Hugs!
Sue
remnants said,
February 27, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Thanks for the kind words, Sue! It’s always so great to hear from you. : )
Joanne Archer said,
February 28, 2010 at 12:23 am
Sorry you’ve been having a difficult time Kerin. I’m so looking forward to your book. I didn’t submit any photos in the end, as I the technique I used on my tiles was learnt from Laurie Mika, even though what I did with them was different. It just felt wrong somehow.
The wallpaper is wonderful, buy it!
Lots of fabulous finds too, off to check them out.
Hope things pick up for you soon. x
remnants said,
March 2, 2010 at 8:53 am
Hi Jo!
Somehow I must have come across that things are not good now. They are!!! I am so happy that I’m nearly finished and my mind is racing with all the things I will do with the new found time. And I’m even more grateful for everything now since things didn’t go so smoothly this past year. : )
Kim said,
March 1, 2010 at 12:01 am
So sorry to hear this news. Hope you are feeling better though. The wall paper is amazing, buy it I say! Love Ron Pippin’s work big time! His assemblages are amazing! I admit to stalking this guys stuff too, LOL! Love the steam punk looking bicycle thingy (what ever that is I want one)! Will go check out the other link. Hugs.
remnants said,
March 2, 2010 at 8:55 am
Oh yes indeed I am much better now!!! Wouldn’t it be great fun to get one of those bicycle thingies and ride them around town!
Laura Spano said,
March 3, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Kerin, I am sorry it was so stressful, but I am (rather selfishly) glad you did it because I can’t wait for the book to be released.
remnants said,
March 4, 2010 at 8:46 pm
You and me both Sweet One! : )
Donna Watson said,
March 4, 2010 at 4:18 pm
thanks for all the tips and various shops— went to all of them and will return to them when I have more time as they all look fabulous
remnants said,
March 4, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Yeah careful you can get lost in there! If I don’t hear from you in a while I come looking for you. : )
Seth said,
March 4, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Hope things have been more calm as of late. Thanks for all the links in this post. Off to explore now!
remnants said,
March 4, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Yeah things are actually good! I think I should have maybe skipped the rant part. I’m off to do the photo shoot in Cincinnati on Sunday. And I am so glad my phone has your blog bookmarked so I won’t miss any secrets.
Lisa Jurist said,
March 7, 2010 at 8:06 am
Kerin, I hope you are feeling better now… blogging about it all can be very cathartic. I’m so sorry for your loss of your MIL.
Congratulations on your book…I’m looking forward to it when it’s finally completed!
Thanks for sharing such inspirational work..love it all and off to visit the links. Can’t believe that journal.. I so want it!
Take care.
alteredbits said,
March 25, 2010 at 9:44 am
i wish i didn’t miss this, sweets. i’m sorry to hear of your mother in law’s passing but such a beautiful story too.
i love the wallpaper and the sites you’ve shared with us and i am in love with ron pippin. thank you.
i really, really want that journal and even more, the piece above it. i would move just so it would fit in my house.