true confessions and unfinished business

OK, so several people urged (begged) me to post photos of my studio pre-cleanup. I tried to plead public humiliation but they were having none of it. Sadists. So here it is. Just remember, you asked for it. Well, some of you anyway.


This is actually my worktable under there somewhere.

The view from the doorway. Ugh.

Part of the problem, you see, is that several months ago we had a water problem in our basement and had to pull up all the carpeting which should have never been there to begin with, after which we discovered a multitude of cracks in the floor that must be sealed up before we can do anything else towards refinishing the place. We looked at it and, exhausted, promptly gave up. I knew it would be months and months before we could get anything meaningful done to the basement, and I also knew I couldn't live without a studio for that length of time so I just carried on as usual but without all my usual storage solutions, etc., hence everything got "stored" on the floor. Where the cats could get at it. And did. Not that my cats are responsible for ALL of this mess, but you know.

Being with my brother and seeing his painting efforts in his new place a couple of days ago kind of lit a fire under me wanting to get my studio finished off. Maybe if we do that the rest of the basement will follow. That's the plan, anyway. We're sealing and leveling the floor first, then painting the new floor with a concrete paint/stain and repainting the walls. (YAY--that's the fun part!)

I've tentatively chosen some paint colors to get started with. I love Kate's new studio look, and although mine is not nearly the wonderful size of hers I like the idea of one wall in an intense color and the rest in a light shade. Red is my favorite.

When I brought these home my husband let out a sound somewhere between a groan and a cat being strangled until I told him I wouldn't be combining any of these colors in the same room. He felt a little better after that, and even better when I told him I would paint the place myself.


I'm really leaning toward one of the deep reds in the top photo. My room is so small (maybe 8 or 9 feet square) and the ceiling is so low that I may only need a step stool to reach the ceiling line.

While we were in KC we shopped at a Target for some things for my brother's new place. I came across this doormat and immediately thought of Lesley, so this photo is for her.

And finally, several days ago Sara tagged me with a book meme and the poor girl has had to wait around for me to get my act together, so here at last it is.

Here are the rules:

Pick up the nearest book of at least 123 pages.
Open the book to page 123.
Find the 5th sentence.
Post the next 3 sentences.
Tag 5 people.

Unfortunately for all concerned, my computer is not near anywhere I do any reading for enjoyment and I never think to bring along my current novel when I come downstairs to do computer stuff. So the books near the computer aren't the most literarily uplifting. In fact, the nearest book is The Financial Aid Answer Book which is helpful if you're looking for ways to fund your kids' college education.

Here are the pertinent sentences:

"The need of other students and the extent of available funding for each type of aid program ultimately influence the way packages are adjusted. You are obligated to notify schools of any additional resources you receive even after the school has extended an aid offer to you. To comply with federal requirements, schools must ensure that financial aid applicants do not receive more federal aid than permitted."

Riveting stuff.

I am tagging the following poor souls:

Jules
Julie
Kate
Debbi
Lesley

I will not be offended if you don't participate.

Tomorrow I will post photos from Kansas City. Have a happy Saturday/Sunday everyone.