Gehring Road

pin and tell

Poppy/Coral desk from Poppyseedliving Etsy Shop 

Loads of things posted to my "Nest." board over at Pinterest lately, and for good reason... we're very focused on this home of ours of late. Yesterday, I pulled every last thing out of my closet in preparation for a fresh coat of paint and some rearranging of shelves. No pictures of that (thankfully!) because the loft (the inheritor of all that closet stuff) looks like a closet exploded in it, which is exactly what happened. The closet holds a special place in my heart actually (you're thinking really? a closet?!)... after a stressful and sudden evacuation of my apartment three years ago (and dating a mere six months), I came here to live with my guy and he happily gave up the big closet to make me feel at home. His happiness to have me here made that horrible situation a wonderful one, and I knew all would be more than well... I was right!

Anyway, this summer appears to be an organizational one for us, and my little project pales in comparison to the difficult work Rob has been up to.  Drywall and basement work along with painting and putting together the things bought for my new closet-layout are in the works for that amazing guy.  I'm a lucky lady.  So here are some of my favorite pins from the week... enjoy!

I'm loving this scrap map wall hanging tutorial here

love, love, love these bangs... time for a haircut

still loving yellow and grey... it's my lot in life! 

thinking of this for the loft...

creamy shrimp and mushroom pasta found here... too rich for breakfast?

love this sweet little ring, but wonder if it would get caught on well, everything

Happy Tuesday!

strawberry fields

We usually find ourselves picking strawberries (it's an annual thing these strawberry fields, you see) on the hottest, muggiest day in June... this year we learned our lesson and headed out on the most beautiful day. The breeze was perfect and the strawberries (which had to be sampled of course while picking) were amazing.  I'm in love with the smell of strawberries. We're off to find some raspberries for our mixed-berry jam later in the week. That berry goodness ends up finding its way to our favorite people for Christmas. How I love this berry season.

I have to apologize for my absence here... you know you've been gone from your blog a little too long when you get an email from a reader asking if all is well.  It is. The end of the school year came on Friday and I am officially enjoying summer, though we have quite a bit planned.  Canning and "putting away" for the winter months is in full swing. We've bought some materials to transform my closet in the bedroom (more on that later). And Rob has been working like crazy in the house. We're hoping to take a little break before the end of summer.  I'm off to Vermont with some friends this week, hopefully a stop at Nido is in the cards. In other news, we finally purchased that couch we've had our eye on... it's being made in North Carolina as we speak.  Can't wait for it! I hope these summer days find you enjoying the season, and hopefully enjoying a bit of rest as well. Back tomorrow... J

to market

When we first started frequenting our local farmer's market a few years ago, it was a few vendors in a field near a historical salt box home... well, it has grown and grown and grown, which is exciting, albeit overwhelming. Sunday, which was opening day, could not have been more beautiful, and the market was packed. I love to see some of the local farmers and restaurants that support local growers getting so much well deserved attention. We're looking forward to the tunes, the rhubarb, the seafood, the kettle corn and the sunshine (hopefully!) again this weekend. A very lovely weekend to you! 

loulouthi... and neutrals

I've been dreaming of having time to spend in the loft lately... just a few more days and it will be padding around playing with Loulouthi and Kylie of course. I haven't really stepped a toe in the loft except to cut some fabric for a swap and to drop off fabric arrivals. Arrivals like that lovely stack of neutrals (Kona white, bone, snow, champagne, stone, khaki and some others I'm forgetting) and that vibrant stack of Anna Maria's new fabric.

So here's the plan... no plan, just some big cuts to let the large scale prints do their magic. I'm taking my cue for this one from here, here, and the fabulous Denyse Schmidt with her improv block technique. Wish me luck! We're experiencing a bit of a heat wave here... no complaints, it could be ten feet of snow.  Wishing you a happy Wednesday! 

i love this monday... pin and tell

Swedish Artist Fredrik Akum originally seen here

I've been pinning lately... a lot. Inspiration is everywhere and as we plan a new kitchen (open shelving and farmhouse sink are in the plans as well as... drum roll... a dishwasher!) ready to paint the outside of the house and possibly even head north for a little vacation, the inspiration I have been finding everywhere has been so wonderful and heartening. My last five pins include some art (see above), some color, some adventure and some really amazing chocolateness (my spell check hates that word, I am undeterred, how does it not exist?)... 

Cravens Garden Tablecloth from BHLDN I have a soft spot for all things table linen and yellow, and really all things yellow and table linen-y...

Painterly flower arrangement from Once Wed... I love those rannoculoui (is that the plural?)

Salted Carmel and Chocolate Cake... I know, I know... heaven. I'm thinking I need to whip this up as a treat for my favorite baker... or maybe because I'd like it to be edible, with my favorite baker... Recipe here...

Anyone else love Downton Abbey? I envision many hours spent sewing this summer with this series playing to keep me company. How sweet is this artwork seen here? 

Hmm... maybe this is more heaven than the chocolate cake... This is Sun Island in the Maldives and I would like to be there right now... and tomorrow instead of work, tell no one.  Image found here...

So, those are my picks this week... and a bonus pick at that, had to include those little slices of heaven. This week has to be exceptionally productive and so far, so good.  Ten research papers graded today alone... I feel a bit of relief at that as I'm quite protective of my at home time... where I'm taking some fabric in, planning some quilts and so excited about tackling parts of my list in a few short (but filled!) days. Wishing you a wonderful start to this week and all that you have planned for the moment. 

seasoning

Just a little peek into what is happening outside... lots of planting, beautiful peonies emerging (the light pink ones for the first time since we planted them two years ago!) and the season really is in full bloom.  Which has activated my allergies for the first time in years... it hasn't been a pleasant experience... it has left me a little cranky, a bit wiped out and a wee bit desperate for some relief. But, that's the season... and there is so much to love about this season...

This season that my allergies hate but I love is also bringing us very close to the end of the school year, and I can't really describe my joy at having time to myself for a bit.  It feels like for a brief few months of the year, I'm myself. Lists are being made, books are being purchased for those days, and the anticipation is measured by the sheer amount that needs to get done in the meantime. The weekend seems to fly by while these final weeks are beginning to linger... exams, grading, cleaning all await me at school tomorrow. Instead of dwelling on what needs to be, today we plan to celebrate the opening season at our local Farmer's Market... ahh, it certainly is feeling like summer... Hope you are enjoying all that these seasons offer in your little neck of the woods. Back tomorrow!