Today was incredibly sad.  Both Aaron and I had to do something in regards to a third party that we didn't want to do but it was necessary.  We're both upset, we know it was the right decision, but it will take some time to get over the consequences.  I'm just glad he is as rational as I am, making the whole thing a lot easier (and something I didn't have to handle alone, which would have made it more difficult).  After we pulled the trigger, we went to a Sonic Drive-In to talk about it over … [Read more...]

A few hours ago, I jumped up and yelled for Aaron after suddenly remembering there was an antique consigner that I had meant to stop by yesterday (unfortunately, I arrived a few minutes after they closed their doors last night).  He said he could go with me, finishing his work later, so we got in my car, drove to the dealer, and began working our way through aisles and aisle of consigned goods.  Most of it wasn't my cup of tea, but there were certainly some treasures hidden amongst the … [Read more...]

As part of the six-month project (which we have taken to calling "Project May Day" since it ends at the stroke of midnight on May 1st), my home study is being converted into a music room (the study itself will be moved elsewhere).  A lot of work remains but the other furniture was moved out and the piano with player system moved into place, which is a start.   This way, I'll have a place to go and compose or practice and have the ability to use a remote control to make the system play itself … [Read more...]

I am spending my evening watching an old movie, Trading Places, as I upload my November articles for the network and have dinner as I wrap up some work relating to Kennon & Green.  There are actually a number of great lessons from the film, which are worth learning; I'll publish my thoughts on that later.    … [Read more...]

I woke up this Thanksgiving morning with blindingly bright, brilliant sunlight streaming through the windows at home, having homemade caramel put in my face with cries of, "This is the best caramel I've ever made!"  The caramel was, indeed, the best caramel I'd ever had and it was the key ingredient in sea salt caramel brownies. I put on a robe, made my way onto the upper balcony before getting my morning coffee, breathing in the fresh air, and looking around trying to fully gain consciousness, … [Read more...]

I've read Architectural Digest since I was in middle school.  Having my own canvas upon which to paint is enjoyable and turning out to be my favorite part of this iteration of the six-month project.  Putting a room together is the same feeling as composing or writing a well-crafted essay.   The aesthetics for the home renovation are coming together, slowly but surely. The good news is a lot of the stuff I needed, we already had. With the two chairs delivered, the sofa, ottoman, and barstools … [Read more...]