What's Your Design Style?

With the house renovation soon to be underway, I've been thinking about how I'd like to set up the final space. What's our "style"? Is it modern, classic, urban, minimalist? I like to think that I am a traditionalist, but with flair. Unfortunately, my design skills have fallen by the wayside since living with hubby. He fancies himself a designer of sorts and tends to push for what he likes. He does have good taste and for the most part, I like what he chooses. (Don't get me started on the papyrus he brought back from Egypt and now wants to hang in the master suite.) I must say that our dining room with the orange wall and curtains (made from fabric hubby seleced) is my favorite room.

I came across a little test to help determine one's style. You select from a sampling of images for each question and there are about 12 questions. My style was "classic country" where inspiration is taking from the surrounding countryside. It is "the epitome of what a family home should stand for: warm, welcoming, cosy and comfortable. There's nothing at all pretentious about this style, just a love of the good, simple pleasures in life." I can't really argue with that.

A Tale of Two Additions

To paraphrase Dickens, it is the best of times and it is the worse of times. Well, not really.

Hubby and I are expecting our first baby, due in early/mid-January 2009. This is something we've wanted for a while and our wish was granted. We are very excited as are our friends and extended families. This is the first grandchild on my side and the fifth on hubby's. We are choosing to keep the gender unknown until the birth. How many real surprises can you have in life? I'll fill you in on the pregnancy itself in other posts.

At this same time, we are about to undergo a huge home renovation and addition. We've been planning this since January and due to various setbacks, we're finally breaking ground at the end of August. The goal is to have the foundation dug, addition framed and "buttoned" by mid-October, then finish all the interior work finished by year's end. Family and friends: consider this the official notice that we will be calling upon you frequently in the coming months to help with demolition, floor installation, cabinet hanging, nailing trim, and painting. The original plan was that Hubby and I would do most of the work, but I'm now out of commission for a very good reason.

Somehow, it will all get done. Wish us luck!

Visit with the Gerries

Last weekend, we were invited to Monument Beach on Cape Cod to spend time with one of Hubby's fraternity brothers and his family. They were going to be visiting for the week from Colorado. We greatly enjoy spending time with these friends and we only see them about once every two years. This visit was especially poignant as there was recently some bad health news, but a positive prognosis for recovery. We also wanted to share with them our good news of the Little One expected in January.

Our two days on The Cape were fantastic. We had so-so weather on the first day (got to see some spectacular storms cross Buzzards Bay) and phenomenal on the second day. We swam, played with the kids (3 between the ages of 2.5 and 5,) ate good meals (I love me some PB&J), read, played cribbage, and talked. It's special to be with people with whom you can talk about anything and everything, which we did.

We were joined for part of each day by another college friend and his family. They live much closer to us, two towns away, and we rarely manage to meet up with them. They have a 4 y.0. and an 18 m.o, both of who love to ham for the camera.

Speaking of cameras, I brought the dSLR with us and captured some great portraits of the kids. I think it helps to get down to their level and tell them what you are trying to do. Not to mention, kids love to see pictures immediately after taking them. I also let the older kids take some pictures of their own. I think the oldest has a future as a photographer. Here is a selection of photographs from the weekend.

My Bucket List

I'm not sick, old, or dying, but I think it's important to have a list of things you'd like to accomplish before you go. I was inspired by Mighty Girl. I hope to expand my list as time goes on.

• Own a house on a lake in the mountains
• Walk along the Great Wall


• Travel to Japan


• Play golf in Scotland


• Section hike the Appalachian Trail


• Camp in Acadia National Park


• Take two weeks off every summer and rent a beach or lake house with my closest friends


• Take a family ski trip


• Start and (completely) finish our home renovations
• Reinstitute Movie Night in the Backyard


• Snowshoe in Alaska


• Visit Quebec in the winter


• Take inspiring photographs like those at The Big Picture (professional) and RAW (amateur)


• Showcase said photographs either in a gallery or magazine


• Ride in the PanMass Challenge


• Volunteer


• Run a 5K, then a 10K, and maybe complete a triathalon

Other peoples' lists

• http://scarletwords.com/101/
• http://www.43things.com/
• http://www.2dobeforeidie.com/
  

Daily Photos

I find the idea of taking a photograph a day an intriguing one. Some people choose to document things around them, others are documenting themselves.

One family has taken pictures of themselves on the same date every year for the last 30+ years. It's very interesting to see the passage of time.

I would like to try something similar, but I fear my life is very dull and uninteresting to others. Perhaps that will change as 2008 continues. Check back here for more.

Feel Good Movie of the Year

Tonight, Stephanie and I watched Mamma Mia, the new movie sung to ABBA hits, and based on the hit musical. It's about a 20yo girl who is getting married. She has no idea who her father is and he could be one of three men. Of course there is drama when the three are invited to the girl's wedding, without her mother's knowledge. Meryl Streep plays the mother and does a FANTASTIC job. She puts her soul into each song; you feel the raw emotions. Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth play two of the three possible dads. Firth is completely enjoyable in his fumbling ways. Brosnan, on the other hand, is a little heavy and a so-so singer. His mouth movements ruined his musical numbers for me.

The entire theater sang along with the sound track, including the middle-aged gentleman next to me. You couldn't help but tap your feet and sway your shoulders. I highly recommend this movie if you are in need of some uplifting or just want to smile a little bigger. Two thumbs up.

BTW, The Boston Globe review was spot on if you want a professional opinion.

My favorite dogs

This picture was taken for our 2006 Holiday Card. Azure was only 6 months old and Indigo was 3yr 6mos. Hubby was bribing them off camera with cheese. They'll do anything for cheese.

Xmas Dogs 2006
Originally uploaded by jakerber

Here are some outtakes from that photo shoot: