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!)