Five minutes.......5 seconds away .... from family....

We have signed our contracts and waiting to hear some special details about the closing... the children want to visit Now.  In my mind...I am already making floor plans...simple open space and we already told the little ones they will have their own Art table.... and yes they can spend the night if they want to :0).  I remember staying with my Grandma on Friday nights and we would have treats and stay up late and watch Johnny Carson.  I would help her close down her children's department at Ben Snyder's Department store ....and then we would head home for a night of relaxation!  I still remember her carousel cookie jar.... always filled with small treats that Grandmothers keep on hand.   But I digress...this is going to be a big change.  I just received a phone call from a woman from Cincinnati who wanted to make arrangements to come make Art with me at the Whispers and Echoes Studio downtown.  I explained our new circumstances ...and shared my plans to put the log home studio retreat out there for people to come...in very small numbers...2 to 3 people for workshops and journals...well too many ideas to share right now.  I have two bedrooms for out of town guests...  I am still working on the meal plan ideas ...retreat excursions... solitude for the mostly urban artists......seeking a quiet place to stop..think...and hopefully create their own sacred marks.  Now none of this is going to happen overnight...but the excitement is building for me...I just have to get this new move completed and help Ken get the proper treatments for a long time healthy life..filled with family...golf... and Fun!!!

   yes this is a soft pink kitchen....I doubt if this will stay... it works for the owner but we are looking at something a bit warmer...........
small kitchen with bar...maybe stools or not.....

 small inviting dining area... white carpeting...yikes I don't think this will be lasting for a very long time...pets and little hands...we will see....

I do love these small perennial gardens  with some of Ohio's easy favorites... available for gathering for cut flower arrangements....

 Molly our helpful agent discusses the details of the payment play we have chosen...closing date is on my birthday 9/6/13 ...we are both taking this as an good omen... a small home close to family ...a nurturing place for Ken and close to the specialized doctors....for both of us.......

 the  paper bark tree...........I am not sure what species it is but I know I am drawn to this tree.... paper making is in my future.... I am not sure why I am drawn to this tree... but it is calling me ...the yard is not huge ..but we did not want a big lawn...

 the delicate layers ....revelations...... textures to inspire my artist's eyes....  so lovely....

more house side gardens...the day lilies are like old friends....we have them near our cabin in the woods....

 look at this beautiful gladiolas ...stunning brilliant colors in a well cared for garden.... I look the beautiful markings.... in the blooms...

 purple sage...so fragrant and delicate... I think I can mange these small house gardens........ morning glories..Sedum ground cover... more day lilies....

 my mother Rose Marie always loved the simple petunia plants...

 more consultations ...questions about the home inspection service...we have our appointment for next Monday...just to be safe.....

 take a moment to check out this delicate painting..acrylic I believe...but the single woman living here has several artist magazines laying around...and I felt it was quite nice.....

more paperwork....Ken is serious......

 This is one of the smaller bedrooms...I love the orange and golden tones..... so inviting.....

room for a desk.... a small dresser ... comforts for a visitor who might stay the night..........

 now the main master bedroom...well is pink...and probably soon be changed... it is a nice size...with a small walk in closet...simple... clean... and inviting......

now our bath off the bedroom...unfortunately  the shower head will have to moved up...it is a about one foot short... but the white and tile is quite  nice.............

 the second bath is a soft clean green and will a few small changes and a new shower curtain... it is going to work out well....

 Morgan Elizabeth reminds me of Erin when she was very small...Erin used to climb right up her father when she was this age...I know she is excited we will be a lot closer....5 minutes and 5 seconds....... heart smart.......

" The Hunchback of Notre Dame "...movie afternoon with Grandpa and popcorn while Erin and I make a delivery of her Three kids and a Kitchen homemade caramels..........cuddle time!!!!

 now this is a funny haircut ...but very useful for Miss Roxie...she is sporting a Lion cut....shaved down a bit to make the tick and flea inspection a lot easier....now she is asking ...where is my cookie???

she is a very attentive little lion ....it is funny her attitude is very ...demanding...........

Yes... this is my nightly doorway visitor...I call her Charlotte each night when I let the girls go out for their last potty walk...










The new house has a finished family room/art room with Berber carpet...perfect for a safe space for the children to play and watch movies ... the crawl space is able to be a great dry storage unit... and ken is already planning shelves for here and the two car garage.  I realize my photos are well...they leave a lot to be desired...but with our own family touches...I think we will be just fine.  I hope you have a great weekend!  Peace be with you all.  Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart