Creative Spirit Continues

As I mentioned in my previous blog, I'm helping my friends, David & Bonnie Pickartz at Goshen Timber Frames with the decor of their new home. We are all alive and still friends, and best of all they are still married through this process.

This is the true test of compatibility, and again, compromise. David & Bonnie have graduated with a degree in The Art of Compromise.

Making choices of decor items is tough. You don't have the actual completed room to look at in order to help you with a choice. You have to envision it and that is tough for a lot of people.

As the paint is purchased and the painters begin, you hold your breath, hoping and praying that the color will be the right choice. When all the woodwork is stained, you hope you made the right color choice with the wall color. And, when the lighting comes in, and is hung, you hope it's a good choice for the needs of the room (especially if it was special ordered). Lots of hoping and worry going on. So, when it all works, it is an ecstatic feeling of accomplishment.

The Pickartz' home is just that. The colors are perfect. The wonderful grey blues, beige and brown on the exterior along with the reclaimed metal roof represents their desire in having the home look like it has been there for years. The mossy green walls on the inside make the natural beams pop. Bringing a similar grey/blue into the master bedroom, along with a pale blonde for the guest bedroom and hallways flow together from one room to the other beautifully. The dark brown trim & distressed hickory wood floors set it all off. And the topping on the cake has to do with their desire to re-use old doors, refinish cast iron sinks & tubs, and to use double paned glass on their loft railing and in the shower. Their new dream home is a reality. It reflects both of them.

They have a little ways to go yet. Finishing the floor and furnishings, and moving in. So, we'll post photos and colors soon.

If you've never attended a timber frame raising I highly recommend it. The workmanship involved and the sheer magic of in one day a home taking shape is the definition of creativity. I'm not artistic as in drawing, stick people are about my speed. I am in awe of that kind of talent, but creativity is in all us. Finding yours is the important key. You may be a designer, a craftsman, timber framer, photographer, a writer or poet, landscaper/gardener, architect, etc. creative talent and spirit comes in all forms. With all the political and economic battles, and most of us fearing how we can keep our businesses from failing or losing our jobs, we feel beaten down. But we need to find our creative spirit and re-create that spirit every day for both our personal satisfaction and that of our businesses.

Helping my friends has been one of my most rewarding creative projects. Thank you Bonnie & David.