The Little House that Could!

Paul and I were talking yesterday about how much we went through to get this house built and realize it was the little house that was saying all along "I think I can I think I can I know I can." The selling of our house was a breeze but never knew how much of a challenge it would be to get this house built. We've experienced a variance in front of city board members, the demolition of the house, various change in plans, surveyor fees too numerous too count, one failed bid..the one person who did bid was ridicuously high and suspicious, then we resubmitted bids (3 out of 5 failed with the very last one coming in late but pretty much on point) , acceptance of bid, paid an appraiser that almost killed the project literally, second change order in place, waited to hear from our mortgage specialist to find out the bid was not submitted (long story about our loan officer.. argh! )and decided to go over her head to find out the change order was submitted and to hear that second change order did not affect the loan lending price and the final approval of flood plain insurance....finally, whew!
So, fast forward 2 years in the making and we are finally builging a house that I believed wanted to be built. Our house will be our house and we are so excited to see it come all together. It will have 2 working studios, master bedroom, small guest room, open concept living kitchen area and laundry/bath. Heated concrete floors throughout, with ample light, storage and best of all a view and access to water, back patio to sit and have coffee, and a small footprint! We are proud to revitalize an area and have the new title "urban pioneers". We are thankful for having a builder who said this project will happen and didn't think we were crazy for building, our architects who have been our cheerleaders and watch dogs in all of this and will be during the build. I would highly suggest hiring an architect they already have caught a mistake that will be fixed. Finally, the silver lining and this is where I have to thank our rude appraiser...he forced us all to reevaluate the build to get it on price point...did that mean compromises..yes. We had to go with sliding glass doors instead of French doors, double hung instead of roll out and not the entire sidewalk redone. HOWEVER, we are only borrowing $118, 000 to build a brand new home. Yes we are putting a lot of our savings down but we won't be house poor.Paul and are very frugal so we'll be able to recoup the savings. So I leave you with pictures of the little house on 701 Paris Street that wanted to be built. Let the excitement begin! Stay tuned. Almost forgot we picked out color for our siding, windows and roof. We are going with a clay color called Harvard Slate (sounds smart tee hee) by Royal Select siding, roofing by Landmark and a dark brown color around Anderson windows. We want a monochromatic quiet box..very subtle.

 This is the south end that faces water. The gravel is our future back patio. On this end glass windows near the pitch of the house with 3 sliding glass doors. Two in the living area and one in my studio.

 Back part of the house living to the right...and far left is my studio.

 55 steps to a public access fishing area and sailboats swimming by.Bottom image is our new apron to our garage. Garage is north facing.

Art Imitates Life

Its been awhile since I last made a post about Paris street and during that time we hit many valleys, which I've been forewarned that it is part of the process.

 I've been noticing so many parallels in building and making art in this world. I think of the house we are building and the show at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Madison and find that they are one and the same. The notion that if you can make something popular, bigger, and current it is more marketable and relevant. However, if it has a heart and built with intention, and "traditional" its irrelevant. The parallels are crazy-strong, but so true.

We were told by an appraiser the following (and this is specific since we recorded what he said): "cost to build has everything to do with how much it can sell for"; "that you are building an atypical house and not a typical house and won't be able to sell it"; "it's in an old neighborhood"; "it doesn't fit into your neighborhood"; "there is no market appeal from the exterior"; "you don't know how to build a house over there"; "in certain areas you want to stick to the same design"; "that banks looks at market value and how much they can sell it for".

So, where are we with all this WE ARE STILL BUILDING!  City of Menasha wants us to build, we are building in an amazing area, and the house is beautifully and uniquely constructed by Martin-Riley Architects and WE ARE STAYING!  After mulling it over with our builder and architect we are pushing forth (after a devastating low appraisal). 

So, art does imitate life. I may not be in The Triennial in Madison or building a house that is popular or worthy of being built, but thank god I'm in a house and making art that means something! Content...where have you been? 

I thank the universe that I'm building and making art with intention as unpopular as that may seem.

Love you life! Thank you for being a great teacher. 

So, until next time....

Karla 

Good things come to those who wait...who would have thunk it?

Well, a "long strange trip it has been" (boy I could throw out so many quotes, but I'll refrain)...and here we are the build IS going to happen. To say it's been easy is a long shot. The selling of house was easy, but actually bidding the project, was hard. However, I realized on my walk tonight that all things overlap and intersect. They all come to a point where they should. This past year has been forced me to dig deep. I was talking with Paulie today and said, I'm not used to something "new", and feel as if this build is like wearing a new coat that I usually would never try on, but here we are and we are going to embrace it. Mind you we thrift shop for almost EVERYTHING!
While, the build is so exciting I would rather have the following: my brother to be happy and healthy, to have Mr. Boo back, to have my parents not worry, to have Paulie be in my life forever, and the list goes on, but I've realized this summer that I have to accept whatever comes my way...to not fight it. While, the build is a materialistic concept it serves the same purpose it taught me to be patient, to not be so negative, to give up some of your "must haves" to "what I must need-haves".
The process was grueling at times, the first bid came back at a ridiculously high amount of 246,000 and we thought the project was dead (and that is part of negative imprinting that things go bad)...but our AMAZING architect said..."don't walk away from your dream". He was right. So, we waited and waited until last week and it was still looking bleak 3 out of 5 bids backed out. One bid was over our budget, and the very last bid which came in late was right on target. However, Paul and I have always lived our adult lives extremely, I mean extremely frugally, we have done this all on our own, so we thought there was no way this will work we will use up all our savings and won't have anything left. We thought about selling the land, buying a cheap fixer, and paying off the college loan (that yes I still have), but we waited. My parents said look for something else, but we waited. Waiting is good sometimes, or most of the times, I suppose they call that patience, right? 
So, while we were talking the other night mind you in 900 sq. ft you spend a lot of time together and I said we need to approach this as if it will work, as if we do have the money to build and guess what it did. Paul met today with our loan officer (and if the appraisal goes smoothly fingers crossed) we will be building a home meant for 1 artisan and 1 artist. This house is not meant for everyone...we won't have the embellishments, the typical...but what would you expect from Paul and I anyway? So, we got the final and official nod we ARE financially fit. I will do my best to come under budget on almost everything that is just in my nature.
 Our house will not be a showcase, but it will have a purpose....to make jigs, to make art, to eat good food, to play with kitties, and hopefully live a longer life together. We are excited! Wish us well, because one thing I've learned is be positive and have patience! 
So, godspeed to all the above mentioned...may you Kurtie accept where you're at and in time things will be at place and your "new normal" will work for you - love you, that Dad you worry less and fish more, that Mr. Boo that it's ok you went so unexpectedly- you sent us one exceptional kitty...BLU!, and that the rest of you live up to your dreams. 
I leave above what appears to look like a box..but what you can't see is that what matters happens inside (so mom and dad look past the vinyl siding..tee hee). The south end will have a river view, which includes the kitchen to the left and my art studio to the right. Art to be made!

The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less. - Socrates

"Yet, another wonderful day in Winneconne".....that should be their slogan. Life is good here. The pace is slower, quieter, and more relaxing. We were talking about this last night, and we had two different takes on this new perspective. Is it because we don't have a mortgage looming over our heads that makes us more relaxed?, Is it the water that forces you to be outside more thus less noise?, Is it being without a T.V?, or is it because I'm getting a break from school? 

We decided to call it the Lake Winneconne Artist/Fishing residency. I'm back to work in my studio (gosh that feels good to write this), and finished 3 pieces since school has been out. We don't have a lot of noise in our lives right now and it makes us both reevaluate on what is important: making art, making lures, going for a boat ride, having a healthy family (godspeed Kurtie and family!), going for long walks, playing guitar, reading, listening to music, eating good quality food, loving the cats, and taking care of each other. 

So, you are probably reading this and wondering is the build done? have they started?...the answer to both is no, and no. It's been an interesting roller coaster this past month. Everything has ran very smoothly from the posting and selling, so we assumed that the build would be easy. Lesson learned don't assume anything. 

We got the bid back on first day of summer break and it was not good news. Our architect, Matt, looked very defeated and said the bid was way over priced. The bid came back at a whopping $246,000! You would have thought we were building a mansion, which we are not. The general contractor had $67,000 of added charges that could not be explained.....hmmmmmmmmm. It was not a good experience, thus the melt down. Matt left with the final words, "I want to see this built". He has so much invested in this project, but we told him we have to build smaller. We have run the gamut of selling the property (and pay off my college loan, finally) and finding a small home and be debt-free! This is so enticing, but we are still holding onto hope. We believe in the notion we CAN build small (1000-1300 sq. ft), smart and on a tight budget.  We believe it can be done we just need to find the right person, and not like the first contractor who was only concerned about the almighty buck.

So, back to the concept of space. How much does two people really need? Currently, we live in a 900  sq. ft. home, and are happy (minus the questionable craftmanship). We both work in two working studios. My studio measures at a whopping 88 sq. ft and Paul's 105 sq. ft. and we are still making art and lures without a hitch. The house that we used to live in was 1600 sq. ft and it was too big, and all my time was spent cleaning and putting all our "stuff" away. Yet, that is another point to be made we have a storage unit that measures 10'X30' and it is filled with stuff that we don't even miss. Time to pitch, we say! 

I just realized we have less stress based on two components: we have less stuff and space, but more time to do what we love. Until next time...enjoy the view!

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” ― Abraham Lincoln

The quote above eloquently states what I've been feeling as of late. The word perspective comes to mind; perspective from a physical and emotional point of view. So, so, so, so, much has happened, since I last blogged. We closed on May 17th and said goodbye to a beauty of 130 year old house, packed, moved, had a funeral to attend of our wonderful belated brother-in-law, Marty Stahl, who passed away from a rare spinal caner that he courageously battled for 4 years.  

However, the house is in GREAT hands. The first offer made (yes, in 6 days!) was offered by a phenomenal, young, cute, smart couple that loved our home the first time they laid eyes on it..yes, it was love affair and our house was finally ready to let us go. Paul and were so please with the Valley By Owner (KUDOS!) organization..from nuts to bolts the process went pretty smoothly. We had one small glitch and it worked itself out. We paid our lawyer 600.00, instead of a realtor 6-7 thousand. Overall, we are so appreciative of the people we came in contact with: from the new homeowners, Drew and Emily, to  Valley By Owner, to the lawyers, inspector (not the appraiser mind you), the title company, and our AMAZING architect, Matt!. All in all it was a great experience. Paul had the chance to show the house to Emily and Drew with one final walk through and told him the "secrets" of how the house worked. In the end we left a home we loved, but fostered a new friendship with a young couple that will take as good of care of the place as we did...toast to Emily and Drew's new house (they said they wanted to keep in touch with our new endeavor...they will be first on the house warming list for sure!)

So, here we are in Winneconne, Wisconsin, and it's a life-changer for sure. The pace is so different and the small town environment is quite wonderful, yet it feels like a vacation, since most people who own property around here are from Chicago...tee hee. Our new landlords are from Chicago and they are quite wonderful I must say. VERY easy going and on the spot said..."don't worry about it!" (I had to put that in there..gotta think of a Soprano affect in all of this...). Really, they have been great...from the yah..."cats are fine", to..."sure month to month is great just give us a 60 day notice"...."to were just happy we have someone responsible renting the place" (but then again I don't think they have many financial worries!).  While, the handiwork around here is quite questionable (boy oh boy we wouldn't want this person to build our new home), it's clean, it's small, it's perfect. We have 900 sq. ft with one bedroom, 2 small working artist studios, a bowling alley for a kitchen, and water view - what else could you ask for?!?

Winneconne allows us to be without the noise. No TV...mostly sitting on the back patio, on the channel drinking in the flopping fish, the run of minnows, the many casts, the making of art (yes, I finished a piece..yah me!), Paul's amazing lure work, and the sunshine. Thus far, we had the boat out 4 out of 7 days this week. The water is transformative and it takes you away, I get why rich people buy land on the water. So, we are happy as clams in Lake Winneconne.

As for the house all is working out as it should. Our architect contacted us on Thursday and stated we are on the homestretch. 2 out of 3 bids are biting and we'll get their bids this Thursday (fingers crossed their price is matching ours). One bid canceled due to work load, however, we are pleased as punch with the people that Matt, our architect, chose both who do phenomenal and quality work! So, why do you hire an architect? Let me count the ways: 1) they listen to how you use space 2) they are incredibly smart 3) they know how things work 4) crappy work won't be acceptable 5) really, you need another...ok, they know what they are talking about.  While, the cost, initially, is scary we would do it in a heartbeat, again. Matt is our bodyguard in the world of building, he will NOT leave a stone unturned. His work ethic and attention to detail is impressive. He even said that the builders will not get paid until it matches the plans to a "T" (I'm sure contractors love working with an architect, but if you do great work you shouldn't worry, right?). Matt is really enjoying the process and even said that working on our project "relaxes him and makes him very happy!". We couldn't be happier, either. We feel very fortunate. Like Paul said the other night, "this is his baby from start to finish HE thought of how it would look and once it's done how can you not be happy!?!". How often can you design a home that is small, unique (unlike most houses in the Fox Valley area), and using sustainable concepts? Yes, the home includes radiant concrete flooring throughout, no basement, south facing wall of windows (not optimal, but this created the most privacy), small footprint with every space in consideration, 2 studios with optimal light with sky lights (so we can preserve electricity during daylight hours), wall mounted water heater, and flush mounted plaster around windows (no trim work anywhere in the house), and lp square panels on the house (they are an alternative to vinyl siding and eco-friendly...we will wait on the cost the following Monday...fingers crossed since we decided that the outside is as important as the inside, so if that means laminate countertops so be it they have the most cost effective ratio than any other natural material combined).

I will end on the note that if all goes well we should start building early to mid July. Stay tuned to the progress of Paris Street. The following images are a east facing view) of our house. Top image: this shows my studio to the far left, Paul's studio right behind mine, with bedroom to follow. Below images include attached garage (north facing -most privacy) and the final image is south facing of our future living/kitchen area to the left (with all the wonderful light space) and to the right my art studio with french doors and ample skylights (east facing). The south end faces the water!

Until next time...keep in mind what Abraham Lincoln said, and we'll all have a much better perspective!

Toodles,

K

Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think. ~Robert Henri

(Ok, we won't be living on the sea...but the quote above is quite noteworthy!)

Hello everyone. A lot has happened even in the short time I last blogged. We backed out of the dumpy apartment (thank goodness)...since our landlord was a true slumlord and the place smelled like smoke. For a time I was worried we wouldn't find a place until last week when we started to drive around in our neighboring small town of Winneconne and low and behold we found a small, very small, house that is for sale, but also for rent. So, we got a hold of the owners who live in Chicago and set up an appointment to see the place yesterday (Saturday). I couldn't make it, because I had to deliver some art work for the new hotel in Oshkosh.

Paul met the owners yesterday and when he came back he was as happy as a clam. They hit it off right away. They started talking about the place we thought we were going to rent and they said they had a property right next to the place they own and told him to take a look...

The house is bigger and is right on the channel! We get to share their boat houses, too. Our backyard is a patio and then water. Paul will be in heaven. The place inside is clean and been recently updated (not perfect, but who cares it will only be for a few months). Also, there is a room toward the back of the house that would be perfect for a studio and it overlooks the water. 

So, things are falling into place. This week is big: home inspection and appraisal. Closing on May 10th and moving into this new place this upcoming weekend. Like we said last night the transition won't be so hard, since we are calling this our "vacation" home. Not shabby living on water for $625.00 a month. The owners are super cool, too.

This summer I envision being this: boat trips on the lake, Paul fishing until midnight :), working in my studio while watching the ducks swim in the channel, and overall adjusting to a different mindset. I was bummed I couldn't apply for an art residency this summer, but I think I just found one. Let's call it the Poygan Artist Residency. Lake Poygan is the lake our channel is connected to.

Images as follows:

Image 1:The house is a typical cottage lake house: small and clean that's all we need! Inside images of the living area, kitchen and my new studio space (for now)

Image 2:  This is out our back door: long patio and channel access! Fire pit to the left that you can't see.

Image 3:East View: This is the end of the pier, our neighbors boat house and their house.

Image 4:The channel goes to Lake Poygan, take a left at the end of this channel and you're there! So, serene.

Image 5:  Maple street comes to a dead end and you get a perfect view of Lake Poygan!

So, until next time. 

Karla 

Creativity is the residue of wasted time - Albert Einstein

Well, if the above quote is true I will get a lot of work done in the next few months. I watched a documentary called "Happy" today (a great movie BTW) and it said that if you involve exercise in your life (check), if you stay connected to community and family (I could do a better job), and do what you are meant to do (which is make art for me and fishing and playing his guitar for Paulie) then you will be happy. So, I haven't been myself lately and partly because I miss the importance "stuff" in my life. I miss the creative part of myself. I've learned to value my art making in this whole transition and realized the house was our home when the importance "stuff" filled the space. 
Great news! Starting on Saturday I get to paint our apartment and then Sunday start setting up my studio! Today, gave me some time to reflect and think about what I want to do in my next series. 
It was pretty amazing today, first we had a 2 hour delay then school was called off, because of a crazy ice storm. See the following pictures! WOW! I think nature is giving me cues on where to go with the work. Seeing the ice wrapped around the branches and the heaviness that followed - the ice seemed like an exterior skin that needed to be shed. I did a small video on how the ice was falling off the branches it was very beautiful and strange at the same time. Maybe it's time to shed my skin. I was so worried the entire time that something "bad" would happen with all that heavy ice. So I was constantly looking out the window hoping the branches would hold their own, and guess what I walked away for 1 hour and looked out the window and all the ice had disappeared, completely. My worry was like the weight on the branches, and once I forgot about it - it went away. I have so much to learn. 
So, Paul and I are moving forward. Change is happening and our creative selves (I believe) will be given another chance to blossom, like when Spring decides to finally arrive. :)
In the mean time I plan on getting inspired (and moving more boxes). Stay tuned, because pictures of the palatial palace will be posted this weekend. 
Tonight, I'm grateful for the ice storm (that taught me so much), and this blog. Until next time...
Karla

"The Times They Are-A-Changin"

Well, it's been awhile, since I've last blogged. I'm happy to be doing this, since it's a visual record of how we are changing in various ways. This has been more than just packing up boxes and moving. It's really reevaluating where you are going and how much you need and want in your life. I have to say the hardest thing in all of this (besides leaving our lovely home) is being without an art studio. I never realized how much I took it for granted...having a readily available space to make art. I had a pity party for myself this week, because I have all these ideas floating around and no place to go except for a sketchbook. But like a good friend of mine said.."it will be worth it in the end". Paul and I know it will. There are still many steps: packing (still), moving to our wonderful new apartment (I'll talk about that later), waiting for the build, and then move again. 

This journey has forced myself to slow down and use only what is available.....so I kind of get the concept only having what you need. We sold all our bookcases (so we can have a future book wall in our new place), got rid of a ton of stuff that no longer serves us (2 chairs, 2 shelving units, clothing), so in the end we don't have much furniture at all. I know we will need another bed, some dressers, etc. However, I love knowing, right now, what we own. 
We've decided to get rid of Paul's DELL that has been wonderful to us for so many years and he's getting an iPad (it's in the mail as we speak), to make everything we own a little smaller. So that's the inventory part of things.

The other new news is our amazing, phenomenal apartment that we are starting to move into on the 15th! Just kidding! This place is a true dump...but I know with my touch it can be home for 6 months or so. Truly, it needs some work, but for the price and the flexibility we couldn't say no. It's close to the area to where we are building, flexible lease, takes cats (and doesn't charge a monthly fee), low rent and I asked the landlord that if I paint if he would take some money off our security deposit (because it smells like smoke - but the carpets were cleaned... sure~) and he said, yes! So, we got $100.00 off and starting Friday night I will be painting, and Paul will be cleaning the walls Friday during the day with TSP to get rid of the smell. It's a 2 bedroom, one small living room, with a kitchen and bath. One bedroom has a side door that has a tiny outside porch, so I'm thinking of growing some flowers and potted plants. It's an upper unit. Crazy enough I'm kind of excited...and like Paul said it will force us to get outside more and do things we otherwise would not. 
So, maybe this summer is getting away from our routine and how we identify our lives. It will be enriching for sure! The next post will be pictures of our beauty of an apartment! Stay tuned. 

Footnote: People been asking the question, "so when are you building?". We are working with our amazing architect, Matt Wiedenhoft, from Martin-Riley Architects  (http://martin-riley.com/about.php) , so things work at a different speed. If working directly with a builder they approve the plans and start building right away. Next step will be approval of plans, then bidding of the project to 3 potential contractors, and then hopefully build in July (we are hoping early July, but our architect proposed mid July). The build could take anywhere from 6-9 months. We are considered a low end project (because we are not in the million dollar market), so projects can be postponed. I'm sure I will learn patience, since Paul has amazing super powers in that area. Also, we are rooting for a young contractor from Oshkosh who is into sustainable building. There was an article just written about him in our local magazine. I don't want to jinx it, so I'm not providing a name. Gotta believe things work out!

Our next move...

It's a nice lazy Sunday (well kind of we been working our butts off getting things ready), so it's time to post. A lot has happened we accepted an offer from a wonderful young couple who love old homes and reassured us that they will take very good care of the place. We couldn't be happier! The house was only on the market for 6 days and we had an offer. I guess the house found them, and finally is willing to let us go (or maybe it's the other way around). The next step is final inspection and appraisal of our property and then by April 30th we will be living in an apartment. 

Moving our items out and living with a lot less makes you wonder how much stuff do you need? Since, our next place will be almost 200 sq. ft smaller we will have to downsize even more and I look forward to the challenge. We want to keep the essentials books, art, food, and basic furniture (two beds, our couch..etc.). I've been inspired by a program called faircompaines.com on Youtube that is all about living small and smart. It can be done if you reevaluate what you have and need. 

So, the view above is what our living room looks like now. We are living with a lot less, but it feels great. So, we have a storage unit full of stuff, but rest assured it is mostly stuff we need: flat files, art, art from friends, but downsizing is on the horizon!

We meet with our architect, Matt, this Thursday to talk about plans and materials (the fun stage!)
Need:
* quality windows, skylights, french doors
* concrete floors with radiant heat
* quality insulation
* quality siding and roofing

Want:
* no moldings around windows or door frames. We are going for a minimal look...costs more to go this route
* refrigerator with built in water/ice maker                    
* custom book wall
* wood wall in Paul's studio from reclaimed wood floors from the old house on Paris Street
* Privacy fence for outside made from reclaimed wood on Paris Street

Well, signing off. Here is my buddy who insists on helping me out as I write this, so until next time think Spring! (Note: as I was writing this I got a message from a realtor saying she loves our place and said we could get more for it.I replied back that it was in contract mode and had in an offer in 6 days. I guess it's not always about the money :))






Karla and Paul                                                     

"Small rooms and dwellings set the mind on the right path, large ones cause it to go astray" -- Leonardo da Vinci

Well, today came as a surprise..a good one at that. The days I WANT a snow day are the very days I don't get one, and the days I don't even have a want or a wish...it happens! So, this is a perfect day to eat pizza for breakfast, and stay in my PJ's all day, and do a little blogging!

Things are moving along with getting the house ready. The railing is up, the basement floors freshly painted and it looks amazing, we repainted the bathroom and mud room and now we wait until the snow melts, so, the "sell" date may not happen until the 13th of March...we are still keeping in the 3 family (since that is our favorite number!). The storage unit is filling up quickly, but the house is becoming more empty. This weekend we plan on taking over our upright small freezer, shelving units, art work, and more basement items. It still amazes me at the amount of "stuff" 2 people can acquire.

After looking and becoming inspired by small homes we have asked the question..."how much space do two people need?" So, we went back to our architect and told him that we need the space to be smart -every inch used, no unused space. So, it meant we eliminated the loft space, but created a new pantry, and more closest space (and saved approximately 20 grand). We will end up with 1500 sq. feet of living space and 2 studios that are around 195 sq. ft, not huge, but each studio will have least 15 ft. high vaulted ceilings with skylights in each. We will have a lot of vertical space to utilize, so we are happy with the end results.

Finally, we are back to our original plan of selling first, and building second. It's a smart financial move. Our architect is an honest man, but he gave us pause when he said..."I hope you can sell your house". We have faith in this beauty, and for the price, it is one heck of a deal. It's beautifully maintained, and just like the first time we saw it he right person will come along and fall in love with as we once did. 
I'm including some images from our architect's plans in 3-D. It was really cool when he visited since he showed us a virtual example of the house; it was a virtual walk through and it all made sense. The color schemes are off in these plans because they are just a rough draft: we plan on going with radiant concrete floors and white walls, but it gives you an idea. The next step is talking materials and small details (the fun stuff!). Stay tuned!

So, happy snow shoveling...and keep warm. 

Happy thoughts for 2013!
Paul's studio. Includes closet space behind chair, 2 skylights, storage above, and to the right (which you cannot see are two windows)



(This is the open kitchen living area with vaulted ceilings, high windows for more natural light and 2 set of french doors that lead to the water view, side entrance doorway and poured patio will extend beyond french doors)



Below is an image of the kitchen area that is connected to the living area...clear glass frosted cabinets above to keep it light and airy, kitchen island (still deciding on the color), 3 windows, pantry and to the right are the doors that lead to our studio spaces.) Back door way leads to the bathroom, mudroom, 2 bedrooms). Ceiling height 12-15 feet (I can't remember exactly...very lofty).





This the color scheme we probably will go with....

Gotta trust!

We met with our architect tonight, and it's all become too real and all to scary at the same time. We are proceeding with the next step, and then selling and bidding all in the same breath. It's a little daunting, because so much weighs on you....money, money, money! Our architect is a straight shooter and he has concerns about us selling our character home (but then again this house sold as a dump in 60 days - we can only hope the same happens for us, but this time the house is not a dump). I've never had one ounce of doubt, but when somebody says this it does give you pause. We just have to trust and believe that this will too work out. We have a beautiful home for the price...we just know that someone will buy it and love it as much as we do. 

So, the plans have changed yet again. We are building small and smart. Two S' that we are ok with...I end with the thought that everything will turn out as planned. 

Gotta believe!

Until next time.

Karla 

Mom and Dad DON'T READ this...tee hee

Well, visions of sugar plums are dancing in my head (what else to do when it's crazy cold outside?), I've decided it would be a good day to blog.

The other day I was driving to school (around 730 AM) and I looked to the east and the sun was shining so bright, and looking toward the location of our future home...and realized someday I could be sitting in my art studio with sun shining in! Paul is painting the bathroom today, and we are nearly done with all the "to do" projects for our sale in March.

The reason I'm writing this post, because on Wednesday we will meet with our architect to talk about a few ideas...such as will we be on point with our budget? I NEVER thought I would say this (I was raised with two houses that had all natural materials for exterior: cedar and wood siding...and my Dad loathed vinyl siding, and so I vowed to never consider it), but after reading an article on siding it makes one think. Siding has come a long way.  If the contractor from This Old House can put vinyl on his house then why can't we? We have to keep all options open. We are including an article I read about vinyl siding - it's making a comeback along with a picture of the color combo we love! Thanks for reading...stay tuned more to come.

Here is the article on siding:
http://homes.yahoo.com/news/the-benefits-of-vinyl-siding-235956159.html

 (This was a project completed by Martin-Riley Architects the company we are working with...our Architect, Matt, did not do this project but a representation of their companies work. We love the color combo of this project...and style is similar to the style of our house (of course minus the lake, but will have a lake view!)

Lucky #13...2013 is the year for change!

Well, it's been awhile, since Paul and I last posted. We are nearing the final stages of selling our house on 3/3/13 (which is Paul's Birthday, too!). Paul and I have always had a love affair with the number 3. He was born on the 3rd, I was born on the 13th. When we met I lived in apartment #3 and he took that has a "sign" that I was the one (poor thing :) ...tee hee. We are slowly moving items into our storage unit that we are renting until we sell. We thought it would be a good idea, since we had our garage nearly full (and we thought we were minimalists: NOT BY A LONG SHOT!) 

After much debate we are going to try to sell it ourselves through Valley By Owner for $107,900 (so stay posted and spread the word). It will be bittersweet the day we do end of up selling, because we love this home and have put some much of our sweat, MONEY, and love into this place. However, we know it's time. Plus, if I wait any longer for a studio I will go batty (I'm adjusting to a sketchbook in the meantime.)

Thus far 2013 has turned out wonderfully! My amazing bro, Kurt, got the "clean card" from  cancer...and by far his journey has been one of the biggest lessons in life. I couldn't be excited for our house, until I knew my bro would be around to hang out at our new pad. Hands down this was by far the happiest day in my life...when I found out I was in the classroom with kiddos, I started crying, and told them I was so happy (so in the end we had one large group hug - I love those kiddos!). 

I think of 2012 and realize now it was getting us ready for 2013. New change of place, metaphorically, and physically. Change is happening in so many aspects of our lives. I'm left with the weighty decision (if given the chance) to look for a different school for next year. Lincoln and Columbus has been my family for a long time, but it's time for yet another move if given the chance. Time to leave on a good note! So, we'll see where employment lands me fall 2013.

So, a lot is in the air: selling of our house - how long will that take?, where do we move to when the house is starting to be built?, and where will I be teaching in 2013? Will I be given the opportunity? I have a lot of questions, but I'm ok with that. It's actually quite exciting and I look forward to the changes to come (and Paul is equally excited!).

We are playing our cards smart and met with our loan office to get an exact amount what we can budget for our build...we told our architect, Matt Wiedenhoeft (Martin and Riley Architects http://martin-riley.com/staff.php), that we will not go a penny over. We will be meeting with Matt in a few weeks to talk over the plan again, and sq. footage. He told us that he "loves" working on a project that is small, smart, and user friendly. We are so elated he's on our team! He's open to our suggestions and is a good listener. I'm still on the fence about sq. footage. I really like a smaller footprint, so we'll see. The step after this is "materials stage" (of course they call it something fancy - can't quite remember what it's called) but we will be at this stage when we sell our house. We love our architect and each step is a fee, so we have to wait until we sell our house to pay for the next step. Why have an architect? They cost money you say? Yes, they do, but they think about space all the time, and in the end oversee the project to make sure you are getting what you want. It's like an artist drawing up plans. They fit your need. We would do it all over again if we had to. 

While, a new mortgage is something we are not fond of our home is our refuge, and we give new meaning to the word homebodies! So, it's a good investment overall, and this new home will serve us better in every way: one level, studios that are easily accessible (which in turn means more work being done - yahoo!)...and the view of the water. I guess I need to embrace that "new" is ok. We are so used to tightening the belt: buy only what you need or if you do there better be a thrift store near by. It's weird I came from a family that always built, and I just can't quite grasp this IS a reality.

So, here we go...2013....we ARE ready! 

(Here are some new images of our house: some slight modifications...more closet space in the bedrooms, Paul studio is larger, no ship ladder but a regular staircase to the second floor, back patio that is south facing to the water, and attached garage).

 (South facing view toward water...with a back patio)

 (North facing view with attached garge, new over hang by side entrance)

 (Overview of the lot, N to S...there is an alley way on the south end..and one house on the lake...DePere comes to a dead end by our lot..total privacy!)

 (Upstairs loft with 4 skylights...this space will be used to play guitar, do yoga, have sleep overs - time to bring the kiddos Kurtie!)

 (View of the open concept kitchen/dining/living area...water view, staircase goes to upstairs, Paul's studio is behind the east facing wall and at the highest point 18 feet high ceilings!...you can see the upstairs loft from this viewpoint. Pic #2 is the kitchen area with island)

(First floor plan...with attached garage...my studio with high ceiling and sky light is on the east side/far right with french doors that leads to the attached porch outside...HEAVEN!)