Last April, before May floods meandered their way over the Swannanoa banks, we headed to the Antique Tobacco Barn in Asheville NC, in search of a Gothic window. We explored aisles of primitive ladders, glass knobs, and bird egg blue cabinets until we spotted the distinctive curve peeking over nearby antique relics.
Or should I say curves? Turns out, there were two.
We asked to buy just one, but the seller wouldn’t budge⏤purchase the pair, or nothing at all.
A Gothic window isn’t an easy find, especially on our budget, so we paid the money and skedaddled back down the mountain.
We decided the now two windows could bookend the tiny house. One in front, perched over the porch, and the other, nestled in the back. Because we were nowhere ready for installation, (which begs the question why did we go shopping for them in April?), we wrapped the windows in beach towels and leaned them on my great-aunt’s bed frame in the garage.
Finally, on a bitter cold day in January, we introduced the windows to their forever home. Brian, aka, my Genius, devised a way to frame the window without having to cut curved pieces of wood, saving valuable time, and dare I say, frustration. *wink*
Brian installed the first Gothic window over the front porch. Around the same time, we needed to decide where to install the split unit for heating and air. While compact and uber-convenient, the interior part of the unit takes up a bit more space than expected, leaving us with only two choices: mount the unit over the antique mantle, or on the back wall.
Let’s just say the mantle won.
I couldn’t imagine having a split unit hovering over the vintage mantle, especially when two lovely alternatives are vying for that space. The second window was returned to the garage until further notice.
If this weekend warrior is learning anything during the building process, it’s to be flexible and to always have a Plan B. Notice I said learning, as in, the struggle is real.
Now, the Tiny House on the Hill sits with the Gothic window in place⏤a space designed just for her.
To have a tiny space to call our own is good for the soul. It doesn’t have to sit on a hill out back. It can be as simple as a cozy corner in our home, a closet where we create, or a place in our garden where we meet with God.
“You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me.”
Psalm 119:114 MSG
So, where’s your space⏤the place you go to create, rest, and recharge?
*Tiny subscribers, if you missed February’s Letter, you’ll want to check out the exclusive video of Brian installing the Gothic window.
By now, you know Stampington’s Artful Blogging and Where Women Create are two of my favorite bookazines at Barnes.
Artful Blogging offers Visually Inspiring Online Journals. Engaging stories and unique perspectives on why people blog are beautifully displayed on every page.
Where Women Create show Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women. The latest issue features Rachel Ashwell (Shabby Chic!), American Greetings, Liz Johnson, and many more. Tap into these creative spaces and make them your own.
I’m delighted yesterday’s blog post is mentioned as one of Susan Stilwell’s “Friday Favorites” today. Be sure to stop by! Susan’s blog I Hope 4 Him is one you’ll want to visit on a regular basis for oh so many reasons.
The latest issues of Where Women Create and Artful Blogging are ready for pick up at the local Barnes and Noble. (Let’s show some love for our brick & mortar bookstores.)
Both issues would be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates breathtaking photographs, creative ideas, and inspiring testimonies. You need not be a blogger (or even consider yourself crafty) to enjoy either book-zine.
The view was spectacular, the home historical, but it was Carl Sandburg’s corner office upstairs that captured this writer’s heart. I pictured him at work in the wee hours of the morning, wielding his wordsmith weaponry on a black typewriter that sat atop an apple crate turned sideways.
The details of his work space both inspired and intrigued me. What writing utensil did he reach for first? How did he organize the slew of paper filling the slots that surrounded his worn wooden desk? What rituals did he practice, if any, before his fingertips began tapping the keys?
The Nov/Dec/Jan 2012 issue is no exception. If viewing organized, creative, and successful work spaces inspire you, be sure to pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
As always, it was the cover that caught my eye—the texture, bright pinks, tulips, sunny yellow, and a funky-doo—but the real delight lies within the 160 pages.
Each page invites inspiration through a collage of color, timely advice from female entrepreneurs, helpful tips in the side bars, fun layouts, and jaw dropping photographs.
If you’re in need of a little creative inspiration for your work space, craft corner, or writing nook, this is the book-a-zine for you!
Photo courtesy of stacyjulian.com
Cathy Baker
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