We've all had those moments, days, weeks, months, maybe years where we've felt alone. Whether it's having an illness that no one really truly can connect your struggles and pains with (although they sincerely try). Or if we've suffered from a bout of depression where no matter how hard we try to can connect with the outside world we still feel isolated on the deepest level imaginable. Or maybe it's just not feeling like you're being understood for a moment in time by friends or family and feel just a bit disconnected. Perhaps, it's the loss of a person close to us that leaves that deepest of empty feelings? There are so many moments like these some tiny, some gargantuan in our lives. This piece is a sympathizing one on all these aspects (inspired by a dear friend of mine being as brave as ever through her own personal struggles). 

"Sick Bed"

It is not what is said

but words left homeless

that inhabit the crooked crags of my heart.

Drowning in a dark bitter dread

of a life of time-less

study and wishing for mine to start.

Alone in the world I'm lead

but never companion-less.

Yet, here still am I left to fall apart.

And in my head

I'm smiling nonetheless;

a face that frowning smiles is an abstract art.

Where to be lead?

Away to convalesce

and leave you to tell the two apart.

From Drab to Fab on a budget

Historic building in downtown Durant that was doomed to be condemned

 has now got a new lease on life!  

 

Entryway

 

Kitchen

Old wooden sign from the original Main Street Cafe bought at a local garage sale for $20. 

 

Custom cabinets and black onyx granite. The color on the cabinets is Balsam. The island was a one of a kind find in Canton, Tx.

 

The stone wall was originally all brick which, unfortunately, couldn't be saved due to major deterioration. I loved the contrast of the rough textured walls against the softness of the light kitchen cabinets so we opted for an old world stone.

The masterbedroom.  

 

Our favorite old lady, Miss Madge in her favorite spot in the entire apartment.

 

I love soft romantic mood lighting for a bedroom and table lamps and can lights just can't acheive that. So, I had these beautiful one-light chandeliers installed as an option for more low key lighting. They give off a soft light with magnificent shadows along the walls and ceiling. Just what I was looking for!

A bathroom has to look clean and sleek for me to feel comfortable in it and white everywhere screams "clean and posh". The contrast with the dark chestnut doors just adds to the drama of the whole apartment. 

 

I am a reflective person and so it only seemed appropriate to display my collection of garage-sale mirrors in my bathroom where I'm getting ready for the day. Looking myself in the mirror for an hour or so during my morning routine of make-up, hair, etc, symbollically allows me to reflect upon who I am and what I need to be for others today.

 

 

A collage of old frames, again collected from garage sales, frame up some of our family photos and moto.

My sons' room is everything I hoped it would turn out to be and more. I look at my sons and wonder what wild adventures they will run into today, tomorrow and when they're grown and it's a bittersweet thought. I hope they run to see the world one day and are a hero to many. I hired a young artist, Jesse Ellsworth, to paint a map on his entire wall with the quote from Hellen Keller, "Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." I hope that inspires them to live life to the fullest without compromising their morals and standards. 

 

A collection of vintage license plates from all over the country frame up the doorway to the boys' bathroom.

 

My 2 youngest daughter's room.

 

My art studio is my sanctuary. This is where I come to get away from the world and release my stress and creative desires into my work.

 

There is so much natural light in this apartment that most of the time the lights in the house stay off. I love the feel of the airy texture from the windows on the yogurt-colored walls of my art studio and adjoining living room.  

 

 

My little knick-knack corner where I keep my unique finds that have been orphaned over time from flea markets, garage sales and antique shops.

 

I repurposed an old pair of child ballet slippers into a fun inspirational piece using old lace, earring clips, cardstock and glitter. (Inspiration found on Pinterest).

Throughout the entire loft the ceiling are 12 feet high giving plenty of head room and making the space feel even more open and inviting.

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed the tour through our pride and joy. This has definitely been a labor of love and we are so happy to say one of Downtown Durant's finest historic buildings has a fresh start with lots of years to create even more historic memories.
XOXO,
C

Wordless Wednesday

The Tuesday Transcriber

"The Haunting"

I know you're there -
the hair on my neck makes me aware.
Invisible atmosphere you dare not share
surrounds you everywhere.
Never a word you say,
as the daylight fades
and seems to stray from your face,
and you remain elusive as always.
You love me from afar
even with all my scars,
as bizarre as they are,
and I am forever your shining star.
But what is it you really want?
A nonchalant jaunt you taunt
and with imaginary courage flaunt
at me your face that still haunts.
I long for a touch-
so much; maybe too much?
The lost sensation is a crutch
to which I willingly clutch.
Dare I search in the dark
for a hidden mark,
a spark in this amusement park
on which I wittingly embark?
Would I find you there?
Or just feel your stare
in the air of your recumbent lair,
and remain to stay your memory's heir?

Somewhere over the Rainbow (and back again)

Oh wow...what a weekend this has been! Let me just start off by saying that allergies SUCK. I have been either wiping my raw runny nose, sneezing my eyeballs out or laying in bed with a massive headache (or a combination of all 3) since Thursday.
Hence, my hiatus.
And I still don't have a post for Modest Monday. However, I just HAVE to post the birthday party I threw for Julia, my youngest daughter, this past Saturday! It's the only thing I got accomplished this entire weekend. Literally.
I present to you: The Wizard of Oz

I took this shot before I laid down the "Yellow Brick Road" that I forgot about until the absolute very last second! But it leads you straight to....

The Emerald City. But the bell is out of order, so will you kindly knock?

And inside the Emerald City was a feast of Wizardly porportions!

And of course, picnic baskets...

 

 

Why, hello little Toto!

Found these posters free on the internet!

Then, the girls painted their very own Dorothy houses to take home.

We played Pin the heart on the Tin Man and Lauren won!!

 

Next, it was time to sing Happy Birthday to the birthday girl!
AND open presents!!

 

 

 She quite happy with all she got.
And last but certainly not least, we can't forget the parting gifts for all of our munchkins.

All in all it was a success as no witches were spotted in our area for the entire celebration! And I hope these little Munchkins come back to visit us at The Emerald City again soon!