99.9 percent

 

I leave the windows in the studio open overnight so that it is nice and cool in there when I walk over in the morning. While 13 degrees would feel chilly if it was winter, on warm summer days, it feels rather pleasant. I feel the most productive when there is a slight chill in the air. It's especially nice this morning as it must have dipped into single digits overnight.

It really feels and looks like things are coming together. The yard has been fully shaped with fencing and landscaping. The buildings are ostensibly done with the exception of a few skirting access doors and railings on the entrance steps to the house and studio. I'm more productive in the completed studio and my energy is where it needs to be to attract new business. A lot of paintings have been sent to homes from near and far in recent weeks. 

unnamed, 12" x 36", acrylic on gallery canvas
by Heather Thomas

Heather is feeling that energy, too, and has created a number of new pieces this week including the as yet unnamed piece above. She's also made a significant decision to pursue her passion for landscaping by taking some online courses. 

Our Book Nest has turned into a going concern. I glance inside every morning and there is already a healthy rotation of reading material. That makes us so happy!

Here is a walking tour video I did a few days ago to give you a sense of the property.

More work has happened since then. Heather planted some karl foester grasses along the north side of the studio and I installed a brick border.

I also put some bricks in the backyard to border the path from front to back.

They'll suffice until we jump into a full path of bricks from front to back. 

The yard, which felt small and insignificant initially, now feels absolutely the right size. We are so happy how everything has come together.