"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!)

Tradition and Change...all in the same sentence...2013 here we come!

Well, another wild Lauden Christmas happened...with lutefisk filling the air (yum!) and a night of family traditions -it was a fun night had by all (BTW my amazing mother handled 54 people in her house this year...she goes above and beyond and I know most know the work that goes into making this special night happen, so kudos mom! I will be including some pictures of the special lutefisk that I "slurped" down with pure utter love..melted butter followed of course. Like one of my cousins said..."now that would be a great Top Chef challenge...give them a lutefisk and see what they can do with it!".

 Anyway, this post is full of thanks and gratitude: for lutefisk (of course), that tradition continues, that my brother continues on the road to recovery with full amazing health (love you bro) and his loving family stays strong, that my amazing mother and father stay healthy (and maybe next year if our house is finished I can lighten the load a bit, and have the second christmas at our new pad), that I love my hubby more than ever (even though we can fight like no other, but in the end know that our core values are stronger than ever and he's my BFF (yes, I used that in one sentence), that I love my kitties, that I'm filled with amazing gratitude for my residency last year (and hoping for one this year) and the capacity to make art. I believe 2013 will be an AMAZING and transformative year. 

We are putting our house on the market in February and hope to sell in 4-5 months (or sooner). I'm without a studio, so all my creative energy is being put into makimg this a place that somebody will fall in love with, as we did 12 years ago when it was a complete mess. So, here's to our home that we love with all our heart and that it finds a family that will love it as much as we do.

So, here's to 2013 that will offer us a home that is a better "methaphorical" fit. A fit that will allow Paul to be in a studio that isn't a bunker, but with real natural light, an art studio for me that will be another natural extension to my life (not that it isn't now)..but some day I will come home drop my "baggage" from the day and walk into my studio on the same level (no deadly stairs to climb, and no more.." I'll work on the weekends") - but a part of may every day life. So,while scared, excited, and sad to leave -t's time. I remember my Graduate professor Gail Kendall saying to me..."the real test is to see if you are still making art after graduate school..well, I made the cut, still making art, but now  I will have a space that make it happen more often. 

Fear doesn't work anymore, and what I've learned more than ever is really life is too short. So wish us well and if you know anybody who is looking for a cute charmer of house that has been lovingly been taken care for let us know (more pictures to come).

Happy NEW year to you and yours. 

Love Paul and Karla 

 Oak Floors throughout the first floor!

 Studio is gone (let's have moment of silence) and in it's place a new modern bedroom.

 Still in the works...but the second downstairs room will be an office with day bed..this is a chalk board painting..

 Bedroom scene above and the AMAZING lutefisk below...having some tomorrow...thanks Mom.

 Night time pic of our living room....all wood floors and lots of windows.

 view of couch to eating area...yes, open concept, but it works!

 Our kitchen...gutted by our own hands. Hardwood floors, Corian countertops, and comes with all of our appliances!

 Original back wall to the 1877 house this was exposed in demolition. It's brick with layers of paint, but cool conversation piece! Kitchen was added in 1910.

 We went crazy on counter tops...all Corian!

 Another view of the kitchen...open..and airy.

 View of our Danish modern set in our living area...again open and airy...all wood floors. Jill Birschbach where would I be without you? All ceramic art is by my amazing friend, Jill

 Converted bedroom...all floors painted high gloss black.

 Back view.

 High gloss black can make anything look sexy...even old 100 year old floors (that once was a studio)

 Custom oak steps that leads to the living area from the kitchen.

No skimping on the doors....solid oak doors to the bathroom.