My Space

I took last weekend to reorganize my art studio.

It was such a mess I didn't want to step in!

It wasn't even dirty.. just unorganized. 

Nothing had a place, papers were falling out.

Work needed to be done. 

So, I spent a long time getting the studio put together as a place I want to be. 

I'm quite pleased with the way it looks. 

This is Hobo Jack. He's an important park of the shop... 

He holds the top part of my gumball machine while I sneak my hand in. 

I've started collecting paper cranes! 

I had a student make me one and teach me how to make one.. and I'm hooked! 

Though, I've forgotten how to make them already. 

I need to get these four listed in the shop! 

Look at that organization! 

Our Starry Night Desk

I've also been trying SO hard to keep my house clean. 

I've been spending 15 minutes a day cleaning. 

Rather than spending 2 hours once a week.

Have any tips on keeping your home/studio clean and organized?

I could sure use em!

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In The Studio

I'll be in the studio painting.

All day.

Hopefully getting stuff ready to be posted online.

As soon as my shop is back and all. 

Doing What I Do

I thought it would be fun to have some photos of me "Doing What I Do."

I think self portraits are very important..

especially when you are doing something you do. 

Being your true self.

I like to think this is what the canvas sees.

I have been busy lately. 

And I stay busy on purpose.

I work 3 jobs currently. 

I teach art, work at a flower shop, and run my shops and blog. 

Sometimes I get so stressed and tired, but I have to remind myself...

I chose this, and it's for the best.

All of this stress is temporary, 

and I'm in control of it. 

I'm in control.

I chose 3 jobs to get myself out of debt faster.

I chose 3 jobs to finish paying all the bills.

I chose this.

So, the only person I could be mad at is me...

and I trust myself to know, 

that hard work pays off.

Finishing Touches

The new house is about 99% finished. I can't wait to show you pictures.
But, just to clarify, I do not own this house. I'm just renting it.
The approval process was background checks from the rental company.
But it is MY house to me!
I just have a few more things I need to get for The Studio.
(Yes, I just turned it into a proper noun.)
I need a nice rug or two, and a beautiful comfy chair.

It's beautiful. Ah, I can't wait for pictures.

Here are a few I snapped outside on my way out this morning.

 And, to show you that I am capable of talking about other things besides the house...

Brad and I went to the antique mall a few days before the big move.

I think they have a no photography rule..

So, I would pull out the camera real fast, snap a picture all while coughing.

I think it worked.

Besides, I go there often enough the owner recognizes me and likes me. 

Also, I'm officially starting a Star Wars collection now that I have a place to put it.
So far, I have the Wicket Pez Dispenser, a lunch box, and a pencil box.
I'm going to need a lot more. 
I've convinced myself to go back for this entire set.
Or at least Darth Vader.
If he is still there.


Oh yes!
And I'm sorry I haven't been responding to comments these last few days.
I normally try to reply to each comment, but I've been mega busy.
Thanks so much for all your support and comments! I'm back to replying!

Oh Hello New House!

Pictures of the empty house are here!

I'm currently sitting in the old apartment.

On the floor, where the couches used to be.

I love when things fall into place.

This week has literally been a blur.

Here is how it went:

Brad and I drove home a different way, so I could see the park where I used to take Mowgli on walks.

I saw a duplex for rent, and called the company. That place was rented out, but another one was available. It allowed pets, and had a small room for a study or studio.  We decided to apply, and the company said that a lot of people showed interest in that house, but no one was accepted. Scary. We kept our thoughts positive, because I've been dying to get out of this one. The next day we were told we were approved. I posted our current apartment, and got to work cleaning, and painting, and filling holes. I talked to the current landlord and he said we should sign that other lease, in case this one didn't sell. I told him to not worry about that, and when I put my mind to stuff, I make it happen. So, I spent 12 hours packing and cleaning, and painting and scrubbing. My phone was ringing off the hook. I was constantly showing the house. I think we had 8 or 9 different people come look at the house. I told them all, that if they were heavy sleepers, they would love this place, but if they were light sleepers they might want to sleep in the other bedroom. I was honest about the place, but people were still interested. I emailed our land lord tons of applications, and he got back to me this morning, while I was showing another person the house... He told me he just approved a couple, and they would be moving in on Tuesday. Now all that's left in this house are a few things, some vacuuming, and that's it.

The new place is a mess.. but it's a beautiful one.

Here are some photos of it empty.

I can't wait to show you what it looks like when it's all done.

I can't wait to see that myself!

A quick look into the kitchen..

I'm in love with this kitchen.

Looking into the living room

The bedroom, looking into my studio!

The front of the house.

A blurry, unfocused photo of the living room.

Where I shall sit and sip tea.

Big beautiful windows.

The big living room.

My studio!

More of the studio.

And more!

Our beautiful lit kitchen

Kitchen!

This is a very tired Rachael. I didn't get a chance to do my hair. At all.

It's going to be a busy weekend..
Thank you all so much for your support and good thoughts.
This has been such a wonderful huge thing.
Thank you all again!