Why is this post titled "Labor of Love"? Well, it's simple really, allow me to explain.
Me: "Hmmm....I think I'll redo the loft, and make it more functional for the little monsters, and create a space for them to let their minds run wild!" (Sounds simple enough right?!?).... I had this desk I purchased at one of my favorite junk spots, SSS! And it came with an antique chair...best part, it was only $15! SCORE!!!
Me: "Hmmm....since it's THEIR space, perhaps I will allow them to choose the color scheme?!?! (This actually turned out to be one of the best ideas about the room)...more on that later. BUT, here's a peek of the rug I scored for super cheap at Target during their "Back to School" sale.
Me: "Jordan, are you sure you want these colors?" Jordan: "Yes mommy, I love it!!" (how could I resist?!?) So, I'll reveal the whole room next week, but by little monster #2 picking the rug, I decided I was going to go all out and "fun-up" the room so naturally, I started with the desk. Here's my little monster #2 (AKA "Helper")..yeah right. Any who, I disassembled the entire thing, with the intention of priming, and spray painting. (Sounds easy right.....WRONG!!!!!)
So, I took it apart!
Then....I found
So, after spending hours upon hours getting the non-lead paint off of the desk itself, I came up with the idea of a clear top for the desk....something like plexiglass. Why not? THEN....the monsters can see what's in their desk.... So, I lugged the aforementioned top to the glass place....and almost pooped myself when they told me how much a top was going to be....but I couldn't resist.... So, I ordered it. Two weeks, I must sit and wait....awesomeness...NOT!!!! Since the custom top was $120!!!-yes, that just happened....I decided I was not going to invest more $ than I had to into the chair (also lead-filled), so I found a bright yellow one online for $20....I can swallow that. I decided to keep the legs "crome"-ish looking to keep it similar to the chair....then I picked the green, not only because I already had that color of spray paint, but because I love the color scheme of yellow/orange/green....there are lots of websites that tell you all about colors and what goes with what etc....it's a little elementary, but I've found it helps me a lot when decorating because sometimes I think things "go"....but they don't. Anywho since Little Monster #1's favorite color is orange, I decided to paint an old silverware drawer organizer bright orange (already had the spraypaint) to keep their supplies organized. I put felt pads on the bottom to prevent them from scratching the desk. So, finally two weeks later, my labor of love was finally finished. Here she is...
More on the loft do-over later! It's good to be back!
So, I promised I'd let you in on a few surprises, and wrap-up the month with where the name of my blog came from. It worked out great because (obviously) I've been writing a lot about Grandma lately, and also told you about a surprise that "is in the works for you"... This is a great seg-way into that surprise. Here's how it went down...
Last January, (2011) Mr. A2B and little ol' me were driving to the Indianapolis Airport on our way to catch our flight to Tampa to get on The Rock Boat. Every year, they compile a "sampler" cd so everyone can become familiar with a few song of some of the artists on board. I had just received a call from my mom about my Grandma. She was calling to tell me that her doctors thought it would be best to start dialysis. When someone goes on dialysis, they have to have a port put into place. Grandma didn't do well with surgeries, so we were all very scared to say the least. I made mom promise me that they would not do the surgery until we got back, so they waited. With tears rolling down my eyes, I turned to Mr. A2B and told him I wasn't ready to loose her. He sympathized, and reached for the volume knob, and turned up this song, and said, "here babe, this will make you feel better"...as I listed to it, the chorus came...and I was immediately appalled that he could be so insensitive. The first line goes, "And Oh my my honey, everybody dies"...I (of course) screamed at him...and turned it off. He interrupted me and said, no, listen babe, just listen. So I did.
Here's a video clip (not the best quality, but the only one that I was able to put on here)
It quickly became my theme song. For a better version from ON-AIRSTREAMING, click here. You'll be directed to Youtube.
You may not know why this became my "theme" song, but it struck a chord and I used it when I delivered my Grandma's Memorial Speech. I also delivered her Eulogy. Here was her Memorial Speech:
"Most of you were here when we buried Grandpa, and if you weren’t, Grandma literally tripped and almost fell head first into his vault, so all I can say is; well, she really fell for him this time… In January each year, we go on the Rockboat…it’s a floating musical festival, and you get a chance to see some up and coming singers/songwriters. This year, we got Seth *(my little bro) hooked on it. There was and artist named Matt Hires on the boat. I didn’t get to see his show, because I was busy making sure Seth wasn’t trying to hijack the cruise ship…but he has a song called A to B. Andrew suggested that I use it today… The chorus of the song goes,
And oh my my honey everybody dies
But you’ve got, you’ve got to see
That you can live your life walking in a straight line
But it’s more than just A to B
As we are gathered here in this cemetery, take a look around you. The headstones all give a date of birth and a date of death, an A and a B. Someone next year walking by here will get to see ma and paw’s A and B, but not know anything else. But we are lucky because we were given the privilege to be a part of their middle. The part that matters. I could walk over there…and tell you their A and B but I wouldn’t have a clue about who they really were. But for grandma, and paw beside her, I can tell you everything there is to know. That’s what will make me smile long after this day has passed, that’s what will comfort me in the coming weeks…is that somewhere between her A and B she touched my life and so many others. Between her A and B she lived such an unselfish beautiful life that words from me couldn’t begin to do it justice. I could go on and on about what made her so special. But I don’t need to tell all of you how special and wonderful she was. Because you’re here. You wouldn’t be here today if she hadn’t somehow touched your life too.
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. And whatever you do, don’t just think of life as going from A to B…because it’s not when or how you go, it’s life and what you make it. It’s the traveling, not the road that gets you there."
It was just as she would have wanted...short, sweet, and to the point. No time for tears, just smiles and happy memories. I wanted my blog to have her written all over it...and that's how From A to Being came about. I was going to go with: A to B....but it wasn't quite right...so I went with From A to Being because whether it's a softball field, a cake, finding yourself, refinishing a piece of furniture, taking on a small craft, or parenthood, all things go "From A to Being".
How does this relate to the "potentially good news for me?" I know that's what you're thinking. Well, since The Rock Boat has been so good to me, helping me find new artists whose songs are relate-able, and have helped me tremendously, I approached the Marketing Director for Sixthman (The company responsible for the floating music festival)...Anthony between concerts. BTW-Ken and Drew from Sister Hazel will claim it was their idea, but I'm pretty sure Andy Levine was the master mind behind it. Anyway, hopefully, Sixthman might tap into the blogging world for advertising. So, stay tuned for that because when Sixthman does something, they do it right.
Don't think you'll know any of the artists? Many of you probably know a few artists from past Rock Boats. Don't believe me, watch this....YEP! Zac Brown performed Chicken Fried on Rock Boat IV...YEARS before he became what he is now...Here he is performing with Sister Hazel.
Last year, I found another favorite...NEEDTOBREATHE. They opened for Taylor Swift...and now...they're huge. One of the best parts of it all? The artists don't leave the boat (unless they go on an excursion or something like that)...they're your boat-mates for a whole week. AND...ever wondered what is behind one of your favorite songs? Ask them while you're in line for pizza at 2 a.m. Or catch an intimate acoustic show on the Serenity Deck...as you're sippin a nice drink, watching the sun set...while listening to your favorite artist...from a hot tub...yes. It's true.
Here's a shot of Will Hoge (my all-time favorite artist...Mr. A2B proposed at one of his concerts) on the Serenity Deck...
GREAT show...absolutely amazing. You may have heard of Will...his song Wings is at the top of the Country Charts, and on CMT every morning. His song Even if it Breaks Your Heart is being sung by the Eli Young Band. Here's Will's version.
Here's The Rock Boat XI recap video...Song in the background is NEEDTOBREATHE!
Holy Cow! I need a vacation to recover from my "vacation". I can't wait to share it with all of you, but I need to wait because the "vacation" may have opened up some more opportunities for all of you! Yes...all of you. So, I'll just share some pictures of tiny parts of it! Also, a huge thank you to all of you for being so kind to the Girls! They enjoyed meeting all of you! And, thanks to my Girls for guesting while I was away! I have goodie bags in the process for all of you! Thanks so much! Now, with that being said, there are a few changes coming. Hopefully I'll announce them this week, along with my first giveaway! ALSO-while I was gone, I was emailed about being featured on Remodelaholic! Holy Cow! Super excited. If you missed it, click Remodelaholic to get to the feature. Cassity and Justin-Thank you so much! Okay, here are some great photos from the trip. More to come...soon I promise! Stay tuned. Yes....I still blog about projects of mine...lol! I'm sharing a very special one later this week. Actually, the project that's responsible for all of this madness...the blog, the debacles, new friends, new adventures, and all!
Hello lovely friends.. I am Super EXCITED to have an
opportunity to be
sharing with you today from my space next door via The ArtsyGirl
Connection. I
absolutely LOVEFrom A To Being, and I am
honored to be asked to share! I really hope
to get to get to know you all and indulge in some
fun blog shenanigans sometime..
...................... A Bit About Moi!
I am Marilyn, the heart and creator of The ArtsyGirl
Connection!
Mother of two funny and amazingly awesome kiddo's.
Engaged To My Very Best Friend! ❤
Severe Craftaholic..... Photo Junkie! Upcycling
Lover .... Cause
Crafter!..........................
Far from a chef, but I dabble a bit within my humble abode!!!
....................................
I love indulging in creative outlets from crafting
to enhancing our home over the
season's and creating unique items for my children.I
craft for cause and totally light up at
any opportunity to help bring awareness where needed
to various issues close to my heart.
I will LOVE to get to know you all and hope
you can all stop in and say hello.. I
H.E.A.R.TMy Artsy Friends..
Join Us..
................................... Some Of The
Things You Will Find Via
The ArtsyGirl Connection!
............................................................. Pixel
Junkie!!~❤PHOTOGRAPHY
I feature lots of photography and love to indulge in fun challenges around
the blog world.. ;)) I have one YOU might love, join me and my friends
in "Finagel A Foto" Sunday challenges!
............................................... I Enjoy Crafting In
The Summer!
*Mason Jar Lanterns* I LOVE To PLAY DRESS UP
Stop in and play dress up with me and decorate a bottle!!
This dress up was FUN and very easy..I Love the way the bottle turned
out.. I think
it'll be great to bottle up wine or some sort of fun cocktail for a
nice spring picnic..
............................. I Sometimes
Gozzle Down My Meals!!! ;)
Come sit and enjoy an amazingly deliscious *Strawberry
Sweetheart Shake❤ * SUPER YUMMY treat for your loves!
& enjoy trying out new recipes (Care to share a few of yours ..?)
My favorites are DESERTS!!! Life's too short to diet!! *Homemade Blueberry
Sauce*
~ Sinfully DELISH!!!
........................................... I UpCycle With
Smiles!! *GreenTeam*
I am a huge upcycling
fanatic and LOVE to re-do things normally considered junk
into fun artsy decor for my home. Here are a few of my
Upcycling projects! UpCycle Your Old Light Bulbs Into Pretty
Vases
These amazing vases now hang on my kitchen window.. Very lovely! *Upcycled
Driftwood Bottles*
These are used bottles collected and decorated using paint, driftwood
and flowers. It's one of my FAVORITE thing's I've created and shared
via my blog..
This is another
upcycling project I made for Christmas. It features TP
Roll's made
into Christmas ornaments and stuffed with love notes
and sweets. My
family really enjoyed them..
*Vintage
Candy Cane Bottles* You guessed it... Another upcycling
project I created for Halloween. These are Vintage Candy Corn Bottles I created
for decor from this past Halloween. They turned out pretty festive and
lovely for the seaaon.
I made these awesome place cards for
Christmas Dinner this year. I have a zillion of corks from years of collection and
finally decided to start making use of them. It was a big hit and everyone enjoyed
the idea of having a special place holder and got to take them
home!
SO much more to see
and join in.. Hope you can stop in and share in some fun! ...................................
Thanks SO much for having me here today Ashley.. Wishing you all
a great week..
Hope you can all stop in sometime! I have a great linky party I would LOVE
for you to share in every Thursday ~ Pin'Inspirational
Thursday's{For the LOVE of Pinterest!}. Would LOVE to join you on facebook, twitter
and hop along your linky tool's as well. Lets follow each other!
Hope to see you all again soon.. Be well! ~STAY
ARTSY!~
So, thanks to the internet and plethora of ideas that are available, I managed to deliver the awesomeness....cheapest....Valentine's Day gift. EVER. The original idea wasn't mine. Mandy over at Sugar Bee Crafts did a post about it here. It's a GIANT picture tutorial. If you're interested in making one of these, I say Go for it!!! It's super easy...and super inexpensive. Here's what you'll need...
Two nights ago, Little Monster #1 looked very sternly up at Mr. A2B and while violently waiving his pointer finger said; "Dad, I got some good juice an some bad juice, which one eww wont?" I was sleeping...WAS sleeping, but was woken up by Mr. A2B's hysterical, almost snorting laughter...so, he came in and I asked what could possibly have been that funny, he shared the experience, and I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe, and had tears streaming down my face. The joys of parenthood. WOW~! Then last night, the good and bad "juice" was asked about again. This time, I was home with the Monsters by myself because Mr. A2B was bowling. So, the "bad juice" was Little Monster #1 had a pee in his pants, the "good juice" was, "it jus ahaxident"...AWESOMENESS! I couldn't even be mad. Instead, we built Fort Hard Knocks! BTW- neither Mr. A2B nor myself have the first clue as to where the good and bad news came from. We can only imagine where he picked it up!
I've got lots in the works...so I'll leave you with this...because sometimes it's fun to be a kid!
Yep...having the playhouse under the stairs, is like we built a room addition to our "Forts". We usually build one every week or so...sometimes like everyday....but having the playhouse is an extra bonus...
Now, this may not look like a great fort- but I assure you it was. In all its glory, Fort Hard Knocks was immaculate. Unfortunately, I forgot to snap pics before we started dismantling it. It was complete with three rooms....two sleeping bags, 16 bed pillows, an overweight black lab, one Tater cat, Mom, and Little Monsters 1&2! Oh yes, and a basketball hoop. We no longer have clean bedding...anywhere because it was all ironically covered in pet hair...hmmm...how'd that happen? How was bowling honey?!? :) Good...never mind that mountain pile of linens...we can work on that over the weekend. I decided we needed to "sanitize" the place, so tonight we're just going to sleep with sheets. mmmmmmkkkk???!? k...night honey!
Finally!!!! I'm getting to show you various projects I've finished up over the past few months! It seems like Christmas and all the hoopla that surrounds it stole all my space on here... But now. Let's take a trip down memory lane....when we were preparing for little Monster Baby #1 Here's the during...yes...nesting at its best...room's not even cleared out yet...and I'm demanding sweetly requesting that Mr. A2B gets the stripes painted already....wow! Those were the days...we had a "guest room...."
Just pics. folks....cause I'm too tired to write...I'm sooooooo over this project. Unfortunately, one of the accessories will not be here until the 15th of next month... :( I'll show ya when it's put up...but for now....one coat of (yes I know...exciting) one color of paint is all that's left! And thanks to the gals here at the 9-5....the little clubhouse door got a lil' sumpthin' extra today....Can't wait till Friday! Here are a few sneak peeks...
Welp, yep. Being a perfectionist really bit me in the be-hind this time....rather than finishing up the project for the big reveal today...I decided I was going to re-frame(in) the door. Why? Why not?!?! There was an issue when I was trimming out the inside. I thought a few minor adjustments could solve the issue....WRONG!...so what did I decide to do? Rip it out...do it again! After measuring everything out...AGAIN....cutting boards to do this door frame...AGAIN...I realized it wasn't me. Two days wasted because the studs I was framing the door between weren't square...awesomeness. HOWEVER, I'd already ripped apart the door. So some of the wasted two days was spent constructing a new door. Here's where we are now. (and yes...I just now noticed the paint drippings...awesomeness...add an extra 30 minutes.....)
I'm alive...I'm not dead. That which does not kill me will only make me stronger. Whew. Glad I got that off my chest, ironically enough, I don't feel any better...lol~!
Here's what happened folks...here's why design boards are a good idea. Martha Stewart paint...clearance at Home Depot...picked me up some for the clubhouse....painted it....HATED IT!!! Almost cried....ALMOST. Then I got my big girl panties on and went back to the drawing board...new color scheme....here's the blue...Epic. EPic. EPIc. EPIC FAIL!
(That's wood filler under the blue...but it's not doing it for me. I was thinking blues/tans/etc....because I had two of these fabulous knobs that were screaming, "use me!!!"
I've been doing this for so long, I don't even remember what number I'm on...Here's where we are...I can see the light at the end of the tunnel... As you can see....the giant pipe that I thought was going to be a problem has been strategically removed...(the previous owner from over 10 years ago replaced the water heater and since he wasn't as brave as I am...and didn't cut a hole in the wall to access this room...he left the pipe in there...so Dad discovered it wasn't connected to anything....we ripped it out...(yes, we did have access to the room it was leading to so it wasn't a Jack Bauer mission or anything like that, it was pretty simple, and opened the place up a lot!)...
The inspector had to check it out for herself...just to see where we stand as far as finishing this thing....
"Yep, I'm sure this right here needs caulked or something..."
I did finish the board and batten wall. I can't wait to tell you all about it and what I'm doing differently next time.....(only half of it's painted because I ran out of paint!)
Here's the only unfinished part....I'll do it tomorrow am....(hopefully)...
If I was a kid....I'd TOTALLY want to live here....ok...so I'm nowhere close to being a kid...but I still would live here....
THOSE trim pieces were a ......BLLLLEEEEEPPPPPPPP...
Do you see the light yet?
Here's what I have left:
-Finish rail by stairs (trim and top)
-(re)design gallery wall....
-Paint trim (Loft, baseboards, and B&B wall....sand...fill...repeat)
-Paint entire wall to the left....and above clubhouse door....
-Trim clubhouse door
-Finish inside of clubhouse...which includes but is not limited to...
-Hang Bead board wallpaper
-Put up chair rail....
-Finish built in book rack holder thingies....
-Make curtins (out of none other than...burlap)
-Make "faux skirt....(again out of burlap)
-Put up crown molding...yes, on the inside...why not trick it out?!?!?
-Paint inside of clubhouse (a few parts of it with accent colors)...I'll show you the swatches tomorrow...
-Lay carpet pad and carpet....
AWESOMENESS....THINK I'LL HAVE IT READY FOR THE REVEAL ON MONDAY??!?!?!? HOW MUCH YOU WANNA BET?!?!?!? Okay, maybe all except the wall....I'm still trying out different layouts...
