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| my store |
I've gotten used to Thursday being the day I would puzzle over what to take to the Catskills for the weekend, how much I could fit in the car, if I could get enough out of the garage to justify a visit to my favorite auction house. But I'm not going to the Catskills this weekend. Everything in the store is on sale as I want it empty by the end of August. Being there now a bittersweet experience. I've had great conversations with people I've made friends with through the store, who stop by to see what's going on, but it's also hard to see the undoing of the space I created.
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| our waterfall in the Catskills |
I am thinking about what I'll do on my weekends there once the store is closed. Build a studio, or maybe a gazebo (out of reclaimed wood of course)? Join a hiking club? Learn to kayak? Work my way through the Great Books?
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| stone wall, Catskills |
I always have a half dozen projects going, but they involve reading, writing, art, not much movement. I'd like to do something that involves my whole body, and the beauty of the Catskills. Build a stone wall? Create sculptures in the woods?
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| the waterfall |
I am worrying about the droughts and climate change. Elizabeth Kolbert's piece in the New Yorker,
here, is worth reading. Even if you aren't in the mood to read about global warming, read the first paragraph about corn sex. I never know the purpose of corn silks. Amazing!
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| Cape Cod |
On a lighter note, my blogger friend Anne just opened an Etsy store,
Henscratcher, as a venue for her hand-painted signs and vintage finds. She is giving away a charming customized chalkboard sign. Check it out on her blog,
here. And, because so many of you are readers and I love recommending books, I'm going to start listing what I'm reading--borrowing this idea from Monica at
Ink + Chai.
Jen
reading:
The Last Best League,
This Rough Magic, and
A Naturalist Buys an Old Farm.
Good luck finding something energetic and creative to do, Jen. How about running furniture restoration classes: would that be your scene?
ReplyDeleteIt's exciting to know your variety of plan for future.
ReplyDeleteYou're so creative that it would be worth doing like collage class.
I'm sure whatever you decide will be fulfiling and fruitful. I love all of your outdoor ideas, stone walls, wood sculpting, gazebo...how about a greenhouse? I agree with you, re: droughts, climate; this is scary stuff.
ReplyDeleteI so wish I could visit your store before you close. Whatever you choose to do ... enjoy. I would love to just walk through those Catskills. M x
ReplyDeletei am selfishly sad to think of your shop closing. i had hoped to get myself road tripping up there for a weekend sometime. but i know it can't happen this summer.
ReplyDeleteand i know your next project will pull you in just as furiously. enjoy the freedom to putter!
xoxo
Hello, Jen.
ReplyDeleteYour work is embraced in your gentleness.
And sweet message charms my heart.
The prayer for all peace.
Have a good weekend. From Japan, ruma❃
Thanks for the shout out, Jen! All your ideas sound fun, esp building a stone wall or sculpting in the woods. (Both pretty tough on the hands; stock up on Bag Balm!) I like that you're telling us what you're reading, great idea! I'm going to start doing that too. I'm pretty sure that I read Naturalist Buys... but its been a while so I'm not sure. Love those non-fiction accounts of unique homes and experiences!
ReplyDeleteYour ancient rocks and waterfall are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll find something you like. try and experiment. it's going to be fun. xxx
ReplyDelete