The before picture. Not horrible, but a little ho, hum. We actually really like the color of the walls, Krypton, Sherwin-Williams, but the problem that motivated this whole undertaking is under that quilt on the back wall.
The wall was never prepared properly for wall paper. You and I know what that means. Scraping and steaming to no avail, chunks of wall were removed every time someone tried to fix it. I've hidden it under Anglypta wall paper, and a giant quilt. It was passable but the thought of leaving that mess for the next homeowner kept me up at night. When we took the house off the market in August, the girls room was first, then this. I would also like to do the kitchen back splash and counters, but lets keep that our little secret;)
At first I wasn't really going to consult Deer Slayer in my little redecorating scheme, but since he was doing the work of repairing the wall I felt guilty. And before you think it's strange that I wouldn't consult him, let me tell you that the family room is covered with animals. Not pictures of animals... actual animals. Three deer heads, an antelope, a bear rug and a coyote pelt. So don't go thinking I wear the pants in this family. He just tends to leave the rest of the house up to me, meaning he is lucky as all get out that I agree to his 'decorating choices'.
One day I was just feeling like a true decorating collaboration was in order. I don't want him to feel alienated by a space that he shares and keeps all his clothes in. So I started asking him his opinion. I asked about wall color first and he said tan. Tan is a bad word in this house. I kept my inner screaming... well, inside and I set about changing his mind. I eventually got him to some other color choices and we arrived at the picture above. He even surprised me by mentioning that we get a new bed or attempt making something like the one above. I didn't protest, I wasn't going to go there, but I know when to jump on an opportunity. The wall color is very similar to the one we have now, but I think we'll lighten it up a bit. The room is north facing and tends to be a little dark and cold feeling. I also loved the lamps and the little striped foot stools. I was feeling very encouraged by our successful decorating compromise then after he went to sleep I found this......
This is so 'me'. I nearly fainted. I love the light gray walls, the touches of pink and the sign. I love the blankets on the perfect green chippy trunk. Sigh. Just for kicks I showed him in the morning. He said, "That's fine, we have that bed, it just needs painted black." I waited for him to start laughing.....still waiting, nothing. I said,"I won't do that much pink, I won't have a sign or a blanket that says 'Love'".....waited, "Ok", he said. Ok?, last night he wanted a tan room. Today he says "Ok" to gray and pink? Part of me is saying run to the stores and get this done before he changes his mind, but the other part is saying stick with the first picture, you both liked it, honor the fact that you collaborated successfully. So there is my dilemma, any words of wisdom?
Upward Basketball wrapped up it's season on Saturday. It was a great season for Myah, she loved it. What's not to love about Upward. Lesson here, the fall season is the ticket, six weeks opposed to 10 in the dead of winter. Win win.
I helped Deer Slayer with his weekly On Target program at the Middle School. Check out the kid far right, I think someone is pleased with himself.
Myah needed a costume for dance class last night. I threw this one together in a half hour. A dress up bin dress, tiara and iron on letters, the possibilities are endless. I let her pick her title, this dress had a tropical feel to it we thought and could be worn with flip flops, a plus.
The bedroom is all kinds of disarray, but progressing. I need to get out and pick a paint color.
I worked most of the day yesterday on this little number. In contrast to my easy going, do whatever you want to mom, 10 year old, the youngest member of this house has definite opinions and ideas when it comes to costumes. She formulates early, researches books and inspects my work. She trys to motivate me early and asks lots of questions along the way, just to keep me on track you know. God has a sense of humor and I have a feeling he finds much of the interaction between me and my youngest, very funny. Those of you who know me and know her undoubtedly do as well. I am happy to say that this cute dress and cape made the cut, whew. The Egyptian costume I labored over last year however, did not. You never know. And yes, I am lucky enough to have a child size dress form. I found it years ago in an antique store in Upstate NY, and couldn't wait until the kids got big enough for me to use it. In the years of costuming for 34west I have gathered quite a collection of left over bits and bobs just waiting to be made into something new. I love recycling textiles and notions, it's so rewarding to be able to come up with another entire costume out of things you already have. I know... it's the small things, they keep me goin people. Speaking of the small things, I think a trip to the farm market might be in order today......
It's been a busy week around these parts. Zero time to blog, but much to blog about. The first item of big news, Deer Slayer has lived up to his name and provided for his family. Sorry if that is offensive, but that's how we roll. Secondly, the October murder mystery by 34West had it's opening weekend in DonutLand. The show was successful and I ate way to many creme sticks. 
Thirdly, our bedroom is getting an overhaul, DS is mudding a new wall as we speak. A new coat of paint, bedding, window treatments and a couple of pieces of furniture should do the trick. Let the fun begin. I'm planning on using mostly vintage pieces, livened up of course. The budget is tight but that doesn't scare me to much. Maybe I'll try to post a few before and after projects here just to keep things interesting. This week will be another busy one, more costumes to construct (for my in house clients of the small but demanding variety:) more murder mystery craziness on the weekend, and the usual housekeeping things, cooking, cleaning, 5th grade homework. I hope this queasy feeling I woke up with goes away soon, I actually think for the first time in history, I may have eaten one to many donuts. I don't really want to see one at least for two days, then I should be better;) 
My parents surprised us with a short visit this last weekend. I know, I know, it's Wednesday, this is old news, just stick with me for one minute. Myah used my iPhone to capture our lovely day with the parents. 
This was our destination, The Spread Eagle Tavern in Hanoverton, Oh. By the way, sorry for driving like a maniac to make our reservation, I kind of forgot how hilly it is in these parts.
This place just oozes history, sorry oozes is probably not a great word to use at a restaurant. The place is huge and creaky with a brick basement like you wouldn't believe. I should mention that my dad is a brick mason and I just knew he would love this place. They also love colonial architecture and anything historic. 
