When we left off I was making a Nothing Bad is Happening poster and at my wits end with the contractor who was finishing my third floor. There is progress on both fronts.
While the man I was paying – and a few of his subs – shook their heads and chuckle-snorted about what they saw as the folly of finishing what had been attic for the last 104 years, I thought I was right. I thought this space, with its amazing light, would provide a good bedroom for my oldest and an office for me.
When he left – after working for nine months on a project he had told me would take three – I walked up to the third floor alone to take it in. I stood at the top of the stairs, arms crossed, left hipbone jutting (which is my standard stance for considering rightness of rooms) and knew I was right. This space makes the whole house work better.
And it makes me work better. I’d been writing and painting at the dining room table in a room that also has great light and great energy. But all my mess had to be picked up, pushed aside or put away. The start and stop of it was affecting my creativity and the constant disarray upset everything else.
We’ve been using the third floor a few months now. My oldest, who heads to New York City in a couple of weeks to study, settled right in. He made a mess on the south side; I made mine to the north. (Only my middle, who starts college in September, has a tidy nature. I admire him for it, but my die is firmly cast.)
It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this productive. I’ve created several new needlepoint canvases, collaborated with Hammerpress to produce the first four posters in what I hope will be a broader collection and, yes, finally taken pictures to post an update here.
Some people wondered if it didn’t make more sense to give the new room to my youngest son, he who sat with me at the dining room one night when his brothers were out and said, “So this is our future.” I think I’ll keep him on the second floor with me. It’s about time we caught up.
Excellent space, terrific story!
Thank you, friend.
Just to reference the title of your previous post—your new space looks like all wonderful things are happening. Great job.
Thank you!
Yes! No question about the rightness. Love it!
Bravo! Absolutely love it!
Nothing makes me happier than a wee catch-up with you! The place looks great – and you look to be thriving within its walls.
Well done indeed,
Scot
Thank you! Great to hear from you – hope all is well.
Nine months…like a pregnancy. You think it will never end and then it does and it was all so worth it. Congratulations. Thanks for the post. Best from another nosy old biddy who wants nothing but the best for you.
I’m already thinking about the powder room spiff and patio work. I never learn. (Not nosy. Not OLD. And thank you.)
I’d love to read your “lessons on working with a contractor” and to see what became of the former bedroom off the dining room. Greedy of me, I know
If I work up “lessons” I’ll let you know. The former bedroom has been bedroom/tv room for a while. It’s making the transition to TV Room! now. I’ll keep you posted!
Love this space! And your youngest’s comment is priceless.
You know the feeling!
Congratulations on sticking to the program, through all the hassles & difficulties. You knew it would be a success, and the fact that the guys who turned your vision into a reality didn’t get it at first, just proves that creativity & problem-solving don’t always accompany the physical skills needed to actually do the work. Being able to see something in your mind’s eye is a much rarer gift than knowing how to do it.
Bart! I so miss hearing from you! Hope you’re well.
Love the natural light and the striped rug. Beautifully done!
Thank you!
Looks terrific but I hope you have good insulation and air conditioning up there. My attic is unbearable in the summer.
Yes! This was a concern. You may be able to see that there is an independent “split” unit in the wall on the bedroom side. It’s both cooling and heating and not only has kept the space comfortable, but I’ve been able to turn the house AC up! I did have foam insulation installed, which I think has made a huge difference.
An aerie for two! I think it is soul-full and light-filled and I hope it nurtures your new you. Loved the youngest’s comment about the future. I’m sure it was uttered with the world’s biggest sigh…and perhaps an eye roll! Hard to believe No. 2 son is off to college.
Ha! He’s not a sigher or an eye-roller! It was good natured observation. We’ll see if that stays the case.
It is so nice ! I especially like the book shelf on the landing – making the most of what you’ve got.
Thank you!
Terrific use of an unused space and an extra, cozy dimension to your home living. Love it for you!