it's done: i have the move more behind me now, rather than looming ever large in front. i couldn't have done it this time around, after living in one house out in the country for over eight years, without the enormous help of three very dear people in my life: robin, my older son, who drove all the way from colorado and stayed with me for the better part of six weeks; my treasured friend katey, from alabama - someone i've known just over a year but also someone i feel that i've always known and loved. one of those - and julie, my beloved friend who is also another "one of those" i've known forever and ever.... katey drove the 4 hours over from alabama for four nights and helped me pack up into a jillion cardboard boxes the overstuffed, filled-to-the-brim studio that all these years had been crammed into that tiny little bedroom space. she also helped make phone calls, made arduous lists that she checked off every night. she packed up return mail order clothing and bedskirt items, packed up jewelry items to be shipped, drove out to the cabin (an hour's drive) and back again, drew a layout of the future studio with shelves and tables and measurements.
she even followed me into town so i could leave my car to have new tires mounted in the ever present torrential soaking rain.
after a very full three days, katie left, and thirty six hours later, walter's auntie julie came back down from ohio and stayed for another two weeks (after having been down to help with yard sales, furniture sales, thrift store and garbage hauls), tackling such mountainous tasks as emptying out and cleaning the basement, taking truckload after truckload of garbage and overflow (and a very heavy, nasty old gas grill) to the dump, delivering a chair and ottoman to an upholsterer almost all the way to asheville, rolling up a heavy 8 x 10 oriental rug and carrying it off to be cleaned, running countless loads of blanket and linen laundry.
the list goes on: she vacuumed, she swept, she broke furniture and machinery down for ease of packing, she wrapped framed items to be moved, she lugged heavy items up and down the stairs. she spent the entire final day on firefly emptying kitchen cabinets, packing food to carry with us, wiping counters, packing up yard tools and big studio basement items; and at dark that evening, julie drove all the way into town to pick up sushi dinner after 9:00pm.
while they stayed on firefly, each of these gals slept on an inflatable mattress, out on the living room floor (their choice, they both insisted). those were miserably long, exhaustive days and nights; those are two friends i hold very, very close to my eternally grateful heart. and robin?
he listed and sold furniture on craig's list, painted a bedside table my favorite shade of soft robin's egg blue/green, painted my iron patio table and chairs a snappy, shiny new fire engine red, carried boxes of heavy books out to the cabin before the actual move. he cleaned out most of the basement, carried many a load of trash and castaways to the dump and the thrift stores in town; he organized the carport, and continued to encourage and urge me to purge, purge, purge. i'm ever so glad that he did. all three of them - robin, katey, julie, and even robin's wonderful pup nualla, that makes four - were there at the very unpleasant height of the stress, and never faltered, never once snapped. i'm deeply blessed to have such wonderful, loyal, unconditionally loving people in my life, who are there in the best and also in the very worst of times to help and support and encourage me in any way that they humanly can. i look back on the last 3.5 months and wonder how on earth i was ever able to reach this point, where i am sitting out on the great big screened porch, ceiling fan humming overhead, walter sprawled out on a red oriental carpet at my feet. or, sitting out on the front porch swaying gently in my old wicker swing. or, in the early evening, sitting out on the new side deck, where i can gaze out over the mountains across from the valley. i think that walter really likes this place (how could he not?), now that i've quit moving boxes and paper around.
things smell familiar to him - the furniture, the rugs - and that has to help.
now that the monsoon rains have finally ceased - the two solid weeks of rain, rain, rain that brought thunder and lightning with it to shake walter up - i think he likes the patches of sun that filter through the windows, the porch, and onto the bare wooden floors. it's nice to discover the way that the sun does this, the falling and the spilling onto old familiar, beloved things - now that it has a chance to break through all of that monotonous, dreary grey.
(here you see my grandmother's lamp, with angels all around; my mother's old pie safe that my grandmother had spotted on someone's back porch and purchased on the spot; my karen newgard pottery mug.)
(and here you see my friend julie whitmore's incredible hand pinched and painted pottery, to which i am terminally addicted).
i'm still spending large chunks of time dealing with the contractor and his helper, who are here again and unpredictably gone again like a summer storm, my telling them how deep, how high to make new studio shelves, hoping they'll have time to come back again the following day. the work they've done so far is beautiful; i can't complain in the least about that.
but studio boxes remain stacked four rows deep and all the way to the ceiling in the back basement room, awaiting for the fellows to finish making and installing the shelves; how i'll manage to dig in and remove heavy stacked furniture and some fifty-plus boxes on my own is beyond me, but the cabin above already feels like my own cozy home, complete with the love and the spirited essence of my parents.
the evening walks down Wooded Way with walter are lovely, the blackberries are tart but ripe, the wildflowers there for the picking.
construction frustrations are manageable, in the grand scheme of things. it's summer, my favorite time of the year. i have an incredibly beautiful roof over my head.
walter is finally relaxed, and content, with many new perches from which to snooze.
the next chapter is coming. stay tuned. xo
(this blog post was written as a gigantic, never-ending thank you to my incredible mother, who has opened the cabin doors to be my home, and who has funded the remodeling of the basement garage at the cabin into a lovely, big open studio...my FIRST EVER that is a real, bonafide studio space. i love you, mama, with all of my heart!!!) xoxoxo
It's heaven on earth!! I LOVE the weary, wacky, real, white washed wood siding on that one wall. Oh, everything looks lovely and cozy and open. If I was there in person, I would give you the blessing and the gifts: "Bread that this house may never know hunger; salt that life may always have flavor and wine, that love and joy may reign forever!" Blessings, Nina.
Posted by: Judi | July 17, 2013 at 04:51 PM
I am so happy for you Nina! It looks so wonderful!!! I hope it gives you great creative energy. Sending love.
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy Dean | July 17, 2013 at 04:59 PM
I saw you pop up on facebook that" onward "was happening. I was wondering about you. This was a lovely post to land on. Happy new home in which to create and dream. Congrats on the studio space too.
Posted by: Red | July 17, 2013 at 05:06 PM
So very happy for you Nina....true friends and family and such a very special place for you and Walter to call home. You are very, very blessed. Looking forward to seeing the next chapter in your life. Sending love and good wishes....Hope
Posted by: Hope Amen | July 17, 2013 at 05:19 PM
Go Team kick a$$! Nualla says hey.
Posted by: Howmuchhigher.blogspot.com | July 17, 2013 at 05:21 PM
I am overwhelmed for you. First, for the incredible task of moving; secondly for the friends and family who were there for you; thirdly, for this amazing, blessed, and spiritual place for you to live and thrive and create. Lastly, for the capacious love of your mother and the spirit of your parents that imbues the entire spot.
If you decide never to make jewelry again, you can run and bed and breakfast because you have created the most gorgeous interiors I've ever seen. Your home is designed like your jewelry: every piece tells a story.
Posted by: Loretta | July 17, 2013 at 05:47 PM
i'm not ashamed (ok, well...maybe a little....) to tell you this brought tears. i am so very happy for you! hooray for those who labored with you step by step.
the puzzle pieces all finally fit...and you are snugged right in, just where you are meant to be. such a wonderful road is unfolding before you...what a gift that is!
hugs...xo
Posted by: Tina M. | July 17, 2013 at 05:57 PM
Lovely home, Nina. You are truly blessed. XOXOX
Posted by: Eunice | July 17, 2013 at 06:03 PM
m'nina,
over in ireland, but OVERJOYED to read all the wonderment that has happened.
when you first askedv 100 years ago to image you in n.c., THIS IS WHAT I HAD IN MIND!
a few journies later, YIPPE DIPPE DO.
i am so happi for you...
here's to sweet adventures daily...
love you so. xoxo. m' nanci
Posted by: nanci dubin | July 17, 2013 at 06:13 PM
Oh Nina Nina Nina what Joy you feel I know and such a big breath released! I'm so so very happy for you! Your ~HOME Sweet Home~ is just beautiful, and filled with such love everywhere! Your Mother what an outpouring of Love. I miss my fathers farm in Virginia~it was such a Sanctuary for so many feelings. Your so Blessed oxx
Many hugs across the Miles!
PS Is the cabin way far from where you were on Firefly Road or close to your Mom now?
Posted by: Janet McDonald | July 17, 2013 at 06:31 PM
I'm completely choked up too, and thrilled for you, I see your mother's sweet strong presence everywhere, your son and friends are one in a million.
So are you sweetie
xx
julie
Posted by: julie whitmore | July 17, 2013 at 07:24 PM
Nina, your new nest is so lovely and cozy. . . enjoy!
Posted by: Wendy D. | July 17, 2013 at 07:35 PM
you have made it beautiful in a very short span of time. best wishes and I hope you never need to move again unless you want to.
Posted by: maryjo mcgraw | July 17, 2013 at 08:07 PM
I am so happy for you! your new home is beautiful and I love the pottery! how blessed you are to have such a generous, sweet mom.
Posted by: dorylyn | July 17, 2013 at 09:05 PM
It's beautiful! Wishing you all the best in your new home.
Posted by: Mary | July 17, 2013 at 09:15 PM
The place looks lovely Nina.....it's beautiful.......just like from a story book............
Posted by: maria Lins | July 17, 2013 at 09:34 PM
I'm just tickled to death to think of you living in your very own place and about to get your very own studio just the way you want it! It's such a gift and you so deserve it, m'dear.
And it's so nice to see Walter again, too...
Posted by: Diana B | July 17, 2013 at 09:43 PM
A very beautiful story. Love is truly present in you life. Thank you for sharing and being such an inspiration! Your home is simply lovely, so warm and inviting. Attention is given to detail with grace. The presence of love is overwhelming. So happy for your story. Wishing you all the best in your new nest! and you and Walter many sun shinny days just a porch swinging my friend!! xo
Posted by: Catherine Olney | July 17, 2013 at 10:18 PM
Nina it is just so lovely and so YOU! I am so so happy that you have this space for you and Walter.
love & blessings
~*~
ps...i'd be happy to help when the studio unpacking time comes. :-)
Posted by: laura | July 17, 2013 at 11:23 PM
Laura, Im looking forward to you being here! xxx
Sent from my little phone
Posted by: ninabagley | July 18, 2013 at 12:12 AM
Lovely...it looks like you've been there forever! xo
Posted by: Michelle | July 18, 2013 at 01:47 AM
I'm overwhelmed................so I just know how you must feel!
I'm also thrilled for you and Walter - who looks settled and happy, and so he should be. What a beautiful home you are making there Nina dear, looks amazing, and with the help of Robin, and those truly incredible friends, you are now able to enjoy life with this wonderful new start in such a special house. Bless your sweet mama. The land around is lovely - as most of North Carolina is - and I'll be anxious to see the completed studio soon.
Lovely Julie's cups and saucers - her work is so beautiful too.
Good wishes and love as you settle in to Heartrock Hill on Wooded Way in the countryside - even the names are 'you' Nina!
Woof to Walter.
Love, Mary (stuck in the humid city!)
Posted by: Mary | July 18, 2013 at 08:12 AM
Nina! how beautiful a place, how beautiful the story you tell, the friendships and details. I really really love imagining you in this place. And congratulations on your new teaching locale!
Posted by: Toni Brown | July 18, 2013 at 12:03 PM
So happy for you, Nina! (It was good to see Robin's face on your post, too!) XOXO
Posted by: Frankie Kins | July 18, 2013 at 01:15 PM
Beautiful- so happy for you and your new adventure. Can't wait to see new work coming from your new studio! Congrats!
Posted by: Christa H | July 18, 2013 at 01:18 PM
So so so thrilled for you! My own big move was almost a year ago, and I can so relate to the magic of getting to sit and to rest and to enjoy. It can be hard to be patient with contractors and such - for a while, I wanted to fix everything in our new house RIGHT NOW - but I'm learning to breathe and to enjoy the process. It's all good.
Posted by: Judy Merrill-Smith | July 18, 2013 at 02:20 PM
And this is truly what life's about...
Posted by: sandy | July 18, 2013 at 03:30 PM
xo
Posted by: Lorri Scott | July 18, 2013 at 07:37 PM
How wonderful to be on the better side of the move and to have had so many loving hands there with you. I hear the happiness in your words and want to wish you many happy, healthy, creative and fulfilling years in your new home.
Posted by: Seth | July 18, 2013 at 07:53 PM
Sending love and happy wishes to you and Walter in your wonderful new home. What a priceless gift from your mama. You are blessed, dear Nina.
dusan xo
Posted by: susan | July 18, 2013 at 07:58 PM
Nina,
I'm so very happy for you. Your new home, the views, the decor, everything...looks absolutely delicious.
Cozy, artsy, warm and inviting.
May you enjoy many, many wonderfully intoxicating new beginnings, and countless blessings in your beautiful, new, home sweet home.
xo
Posted by: Gloria Martin | July 18, 2013 at 08:14 PM
nina--what wonderful news and so many adventures ahead. big hug -- erin
Posted by: erin | July 18, 2013 at 10:56 PM
1. Oh wow, I did not realize the magnitude of this move until I read this post! 2. You have marvelous family and friends who took on enormous tasks and helped smooth the way. 3. Your mother is awesome and has really shown her love for you and belief in you. 4. The pictures are absolutely lovely. 5. Walter is such a cool dog (and so is your son's). 6. What a wonderful new home filled with love and beauty and creative energy. Wishing you all the best and a wonderful future!
Vickie in kc
Posted by: Vickie | July 19, 2013 at 09:50 AM
crying tears of happiness for you and family and for us your loyal readers who are fortunate to get to share in your adventures, nina from carolina. the new home looks like a grown up dream cabin. your mama is an angel! robin's dog is sooo pretty and he soo handsome with a smile from his heart. thank you and lovu.
Posted by: Vickie | July 19, 2013 at 06:02 PM
Thrilled for you. It fills my heart with joy to see you in your new nest. Enjoy!
Posted by: Brenda | July 19, 2013 at 08:24 PM
Thank you for sharing your new adventure dearest one, new beginnings, how exciting, little scarey too no doubt. Your new studio is wonderful. Is it far from Firefly road and your dear Mother. Big hugs dear friend, good things happening at last.
xoxoxo
Posted by: Jacky Mcfarlane | July 20, 2013 at 04:45 AM
May soft wren wings bless your house as they fly above -- pausing just long enough to feel content and know that someone special lives in that little cabin. May ferns grow freely in your side yard. May you find your heart's desire at this lovely home. Blessings to you and to all of those who held you so in their hearts during the move (both pre and post!) I am so proud of you and pleased for you. I have such respect for your work and your integrity and know that this new house will birth such wonderful work. Enjoy and grow!! Consider yourself hugged.
Posted by: Kat Langford | July 21, 2013 at 02:16 PM
Very happy for you Miss Nina. How's the wifi in your new home?
Posted by: Susan Sewell | July 21, 2013 at 10:10 PM
It so besutiful and warm, i think walter says it all, he looks so content, truly, home is where the heart is. This is your home and your heart, and of course walters too! Aloha, angi in hana
Posted by: Angi eharis | July 22, 2013 at 02:41 AM
How fabulous! Wishing you such amazing times in your wonderful new home Nina. Xo
Posted by: Sue | July 22, 2013 at 05:36 PM
Hi Nina, I haven't posted a comment in quite some time,but I'm here (always). But I had to come out and say how extremely happy I am for you and your incredible new home and studio space. Blessings on Mom for sure and for your wonderful crew that made the move possible. All the best <3
Posted by: Dee Chapman | July 23, 2013 at 06:31 PM
Hi Nina, your spaces are so lovely, and Walter looks so relaxed and at home. How lucky you are to have such a wonderful home to live in and display your treasures. Wishing you wonderful times together.
Posted by: Julie | July 23, 2013 at 10:00 PM
So happy for you, Nina! What a cozy place for you to nest. Best wishes with the finishing touches. xo
Posted by: Lorie | July 25, 2013 at 09:50 AM
Nina - it's beautiful. I know you are so very excited to finally be settling in.
have a beautiful weekend.
Posted by: teresa | July 26, 2013 at 04:41 PM
All is good! So happy for you. xo
Posted by: A Facebook User | July 27, 2013 at 01:08 PM
Oh blessings, blessings, blessings to you and Walter. It is beautiful, and isn't it wonderful to have people you can call on and who will do more than you would even ask of them.
Posted by: Kelly | July 27, 2013 at 03:24 PM
You most certainly have a wonderful son! And the most devoted and amazing friends!! But you are indeed a wonderful person yourself to inspire such love and devotion. Have a lovely life at Heartrock Hill!
Laura
Posted by: Laura | July 30, 2013 at 09:46 AM
Thanks Nina for sharing...Your home looks so warm and beautiful...I'm HAPPY for you...you are such a beautiful person ...
God Bless
Posted by: Jean | August 03, 2013 at 08:59 AM
A heartwarming post. What a wonderful family and friends you have.
Posted by: V-Grrrl @ Compost Studios | August 04, 2013 at 09:57 PM
Even though I don't know you except for what I read here (and somehow I FEEL like I know you!) I would come there any time and help you unpack anything you wanted. I love your new home and having been to Asheville only twice, I feel that it is familiar to me. I visited my step-father there twice...once when he first moved there and then the second time, when he was dying. Asheville is special. I don't know where you are in proximity to the town but I traveled a bit around the area to Maggie Valley, to Mt. Piscah, to the river area and up to Blowing Rock. The countryside is beautiful and you are truly one lucky girl to be living in such a special place...filled with the spirit of your parents and their love of the place too. I wish that your class in Calif. was closer to where I live. If you are ever in the SF Bay Area, let me know. I would love to take a class and meet you sometime.
Posted by: Teri Mahl | August 08, 2013 at 01:11 AM