Jun 23, 2011

Amazingly Simple

I know I don't have to ask you if you ever found yourself just running and your list of projects just keep growing. That is part of our blog world, I believe. And sometimes, I think when we visit each other, we not only get validation that we are not the only ones that are running around with our heads cut off by reading each others' blogs...but then guess what happens? 

We get even more inspired and motivated by reading each other blogs and just keep adding to our already long list of projects! It is sort of like going to a yard sale and seeing everyone else's junk all over the yard and sighing a sigh of relief that you aren't the only one with so much crap in your basement, and as you sigh, you are buying up more crap from the yard sale! But of course, we tell ourselves,  this isn't crap...it is going to be useful for that project "someday." But who cares? It is recycling! And someone gets to make a buck, and we have fun while buying crap...ahem...recycling. 

See that bowl of string? I just snapped that photo quickly today and downloaded it about 10PM, I think. I am in the middle of about seven, yes, SEVEN projects that all came at once and with short deadlines. And I pushed aside some string and this bowl and tossed them inside to get them out of the way, and I shot it quickly just to test some light and my white balance before I began shooting a project (which has nothing to do with the bowl of string). I forgot I even shot this photo until I just now downloaded the photos and saw it. 

As I looked at the photo of piled up string, some of it tangled, I realized just how pooped I am and how much I feel like that bowl of string right now. Don't get me wrong...I am very happy with all my projects and when I get a breather I will share and in a moment, I will quickly show a little of what I have been up to in the recent past that I haven't even had time to share yet - and those aren't even part of the current seven projects. 

But back to the string. As most of you know by now, I love string, yarn, paper, burlap and textiles. But I believe a bowl of string is just about as lovely as it can get, no matter how tattered or how neatly it looks. String has so many uses and yet, it is so basic. And when piled together, for some reason, it looks amazing. It is amazingly simple. 

And that is how life can be at times: Amazingly simple. 

Sometimes, I have a way of just getting in my own way. I get all excited and happy, and then worried how am I ever going to do it all or get it all done. And yet, for years and years, I have done it, have done it well, and loved it. So, why do I continue to worry when life has a way of piling things up all at once now and again? I wish I could space out nicely all the wonderful projects and line them up only one a month, but life doesn't work that way in this field. Feast and famine at times. And sometimes, (rarely) it can be steady. 

But, every single time, it works out. And every single time, life turns out to be amazingly simple. And I am always amazed by it. And amazed by Jesus, who is always there to untangle everything for me and how God continues to give me challenges (even if all at once at times)and shows me how amazing life is and how simple it can be, even in the most complicated of times.

So, I am going to try to hunt down a few pics on my computer to show you quickly what I have been up to, and will explain it all later...I have a very early morning tomorrow and lots of work. I will tell you that I am very busy doing a lot of shooting, writing, cooking, traveling, designing for clients, and painting. I have some big travel plans in the future that I am VERY excited tell you about and I am in the middle of a living room make-over that I am just not having any time to do....you know the saying...the cobbler's kids have no shoes...

Until next time, I am wishing you all a very amazingly simple summer!


Sorry friends...I am pooped, so the photos are simple and small...with little explanations - until next time!




Colors for our living room....
Working in PJ's today....what am I doing now??


What am I up to here????

Don't even try to guess....


Yes! I have a studio!  Temp for now, but it is a working studio that I  haven't spent a lot of time in, but will soon!

My studio in the making....



Painting/sanding a kitchen...in my studio!


My tool room

Kitchen before...











You will have to wait until I get a moment to hunt down the after photos! Ahhhh! I can't find them on this computer and they must be on my file card still and I am too pooped to download them. Sorry!  But it turned out great - the client loved it.  I know, I know, very lame...no pics.

More photos and words next time...or maybe less words, and more photos?

from my house to your house,


Signature

21 comments:

Claudia said...

Hi Elizabeth! You are busy, busy, as usual. I can't wait to hear more about your projects!

xo
Claudia

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Claudia!!

I am laughing out loud right now because I am such a spaz! I am running late (as usual) and thought I would check my emails really quick and saw you left a post. And of course, I thought, "yeah, Claudia!"

But then my next thought was, "why is she writing me....?" And I was in such a rush and clicked "published" for your comment, it was only then I realized I posted a new post late night - I had FORGOTTEN I had posted a new post! Hahahahah

And as usual - you are almost always the first to comment - what a nice way to start my spazzy day :-)

Hope you are well - miss you!
Big hug,
Elizabeth :-)

Sweet Old Vintage said...

Oh Elizabeth your post was a very very good post for me to read this morning... I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed as of the past couple days and you seem to have calmed me down for a time period anyway... You words and your projects are always a delight and I love the way you attack things...I use to be a Lion but am not turning into a cub again due to events of the journey of life but this is God's process and sometimes I find myslef wanting to fight it instead of just enjoying the way it is right now... Maybe that little cub is a better place to be than allowing myself all the stress that really don't matter anyway... Only to myself... I am anxious as always to see you next post...

Richard Cottrell said...

What a project. You are amazing. Victorian Homes just came out with new issue and they did mention me with a full page in the front, just as you had said they might. I have been working with the new editor about a position with them, keep you're fingers crossed. Good to see you blogging. Richard at My Old Historic House.

Lorelei McKay said...

Sometimes, I'm amazed at how you seem to say exactly what I'm feeling. Please keep writing and sharing your beautiful work.

Gayle said...

Hey....I think I see cupboard doors ...in your studio...
that are painted BLACK........
Oh I hope so, and I can't wait to see!!
Wishing YOU a great summer.

Gayle

Burlap Luxe said...

Ok Girl, I so wish I had a studio like yours, I just might move my whole being and life into one making it home sweet work home!!! :)

I am excited to see what you will make of it, and what it makes of you! :)

I could fall in total love if I had a space like this, yet I am sure I would be working even harder at keeping the paints from going everywhere :)

Come for a visit, I have been painting on vintage galvanized relics making French House Address! I just know you will love them, I am sure you will hunt down some steal and start making some of your own :)

I need to move into an old place where I can tear it apart as you do and make it more of me, adding numbers on doors and such :)

See you soon, I have to see the outcome, are you makeing it a move as to a live in studio!! if so I am major jealous!!!

xoxo
Blessings to you and yours.
xx
Dore

Tamra said...

I can't wait to see the finish kitchen! Looks like charcol color. Beautiful.

And yes it's the simple things that can be the most inspiring. I love that.

Nice bowl of string :-)

Miss Gracie's House said...

there is so much to relate to here...thanks for sharing from your heart...can't wait to see the afters.
rene

Anonymous said...

Hey - So good to see you again. I miss you here when you're busy there!! Can't wait to see more of your studio/work space.

Marilyn in Missouri

Erica said...

I can't wait to hear more about your projects! Love your blog!

San Diego Mobile Notary

Lisa said...

I love makeover...photoshots, and can understand not finding them in the guts of these machines. But most of all, I like seeing you work in pjs.

waiting, waiting, don't forget to show us the pic's.

Best to you
Lisa

Shawn Seay said...

Wow! Can't wait to see the after picture on that kitchen with your special touches. You never cease to inspire me!! Hope you have a fabulous busy day:) You are such a blessing!

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Marietta!

I know what you mean about the energy being a little lower as we age...I bet you have some Lioness in you yet...but cub is good too :-) Remember...in the Lion world, it is the Lioness that goes out and kills, and hunts, brings back food and takes care of the family...so of course we get tired!

And no stressing allowed...I don't think I ever seen a cub stress. They are usually happy whileletting others take care of the mess (what a relief!)

Glad you wrote and will always look forward to hearing from you!
Love
E :-)

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Richard!

Congrats and when I get a breather, we will visit and catch up. So very proud of you!! Never doubted or surprised by all the wonderful things for you. Love that you are getting the recognition you deserve :-)))

Big hug
Elizabeth :-)

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Lorelei,

Thank you for visiting - I am always happiest (really) when my words touch someone. I can't count the number of times I have read or heard something on the radio that brought me either to tears or made me felt a little saner for a moment because someone else was feeling the same thing I was at the moment in time. I feel very honored if I can do that for someone else.

I will keep writing - very hard to shut me up ... :-)

Big hug
Elizabeth :-)

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Thank you Gayle!

Hope your summer is safe and fun!!

(Yes, those are cupboards!)

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Dore!

Love, LOVE that you visit me!! Been so swamped just now getting to my comments! Yes, I will visit you - always do. My studio is wonderful - but it is temp - maybe a year or two. Always on a hunt for the real deal, the last one. But for now - it is great to have the space. Been so busy, haven't been able to do a lot to but just work in it and zip out of it again.

Big hug to you,
Elizabeth :-)

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Tamra,

Thank you! Always nice to hear from you and hope all is well with you and your projects too. I will get pics up soon.

Big hug,

elizabeth :-)

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Miss Gracie, Marilyn, Erica, Lisa, and Shawn,....I should have known that not having the after pics would draw a lot of attention for them...which of course, I would be the same way too! Thank you for writing and understanding that I couldn't find the pics at that moment so late at night and had to get to bed. And as you could see, got up and started working in my pj's! I love my readers - you all are so cool and keep me going. Half the fun of what I do isn't just the creative process and the personal joy, but also wanting to share with others who appreciate the creative process as well.

Take care and thank you for taking time out of your busy day to peek into my busy day.

Big hugs,
Elizabeth :-)

Burlap Luxe said...

I was thinking I would move in with you girl! but either way is fine with me :)
Could you imagine the creating we would do, and the paint trouble we would get into LOL!!! "DO I HEAR PAINT FIGHT!" :)

Pack your bags lady "E" YOUR INVITED!!!!

xoxo
Dore

PS. did you see that psycho guys comment on my site about "boycotting AMERICAN WOMEN!' boy he has not had the pleasure of metting us creating women has he??
I wish I knew how to delete his comment!! it takes all kinds.
Praying for him for sure he needs a few extra prayers. :)

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