It rained hard enough last night for the power to go out. Poured throughout the day today. Snow. Hail. Going to keep on going like that for another 24 hours.
Welcome to April.
When I came home from work tonight the first thing I did was check the studio. The new studio, Studio-Grande-under-construction. Even though the sky was opening up like some fanatical end-of-the-world-scenario, it was dry inside. DRY!!! Not a puddle in sight. No drips. No buckets. No horse shavings strewn around the floor to sop up the puddles.
It. Was. DRY.
Oh, what a difference a roof makes.
I went inside and savored it. Walked around feeling the space that for the first time did NOT include some reminder of the outdoors. A space that completely sheltered me from the elements. The air was cold but it wasn’t moving, wasn’t blowing in through cracks. The rain was on the other side of the windows. It smelled like lumber in there. And cold concrete, if there is such a smell.
Each phase of the construction has filled me with a sense of gratitude. Because this place is being created to honor my creativity. It’s my space to paint and spill and celebrate whatever it is inside me that HAS to make things.
And I’m so grateful for the love that’s gone into this place. For Mama, who left me the money to finance the construction. For Mr. Spouse, who also has the need to create and has taken this project beyond what I first envisioned.
This weekend we’ll put up the insulation. Weekend after that, the sheetrock. There’ll be cabinets to assemble, concrete countertops to pour. If all goes as planned, I’ll be in there in early June.
And I can’t wait! Got a business to get up and running. Painting. Teaching. Marketing. Letting my light shine.
It’s about time.
Speaking about business, be sure to check out my Facebook page, SLPorter, Mixed Media. I’ll be posting a little something there every day. Brief little bits of studio news, new art or something from my classes. Arty Life Lite. And if you like what you see, please do me a great big favor and click the ‘like’ button on the top of the page. I want to get more ‘likes’ than Coca-Cola. I only have 41.something million to go.
You must be so excited – your studio – that space is so wonderful! YAY – dreams do come true!
I am SO excited Judy. It’s more than a place to make art, it’s my sacred space, the belief and commitment that this is what I’m supposed to be doing with my life.
I’m smiling from the inside out!
xo
Shine is my word of the year this year, so loved your use of it. Let you light shine bright!
Shine is a good one, isn’t it, Galen. I haven’t done a word for the year yet, there are so many to choose from…
How wonderful! I wish I lived closely so I could stop by for tea someday…
Well if you ever find yourself on a road trip, Naomi, my door is open : )
Wow, the studio is really coming along. I bet the roof made all the difference. Can’t wait to see more!
Yep, the roof has made all the difference, Sue, because now we can start on the interior…which makes me know we’re finally on the home stretch. YAY!!!
so so glad for you:)
beautiful new digs
and may bright wonder
grace every molecule!
-Jennifer
“…and may bright wonder grace every molecule” I believe that might have to become a painting, Jennifer. I really do! : )
So excited to see your place come to life as YOU put the life in it! LOVE LOVE LOVE the front door! Even in it’s unfinished state..is such an invitation to come inside! Blessings to you and to your more than kind and talented hubby! <3
The front door will be painted red, Selah. And the front wall, except for the triangle part, will be faced in stone. My husband works behind a desk all week but weekends he’s Mr. Builder/Stonemason. He does this for fun and I have no complaints… : )
ooo I am so happy for you Susie!!!
Studio Grande will be more than your art, it is you!!
Mine is my sacred little house of energy, like yours will be for you!
Margie
You said it, sister dear! xoxoxoxo