has it really been 3 years
where to even begin…
I loaded this blog page to check out the last date that I posted and it was over 3 years ago now. And how much has happened in that time that it’s so hard to even begin to know where to start. First thing to mention is that we spent our very first night in the house on June 23, 2022 - after the years of process up to that point, we were in - yet still as a bit of a worksite. Then through the next year most of the house was finished and we moved on to the garden. Now in spring 2025, when people ask if the house is done I actually say “yes!” as the house does feel like it’s settled, we have no outstanding projects hanging in wait, and I’ve noted many times lately as how it feels like it’s finally part of the land now too. The garden is growing nicely and the next project will be the pool and pool house - although I’m in no rush for this as I still feel like I’m catching my breath from the past couple of years.
Post-covid years, once travel returned, so did our businesses - and they returned in the latter half 2022 with a vengeance and since then it’s been hard to get our heads above water. It was a fortunate situation to be in, as effectively we had been out of work for 2 years and I just kept watching the money flowing out as the house was getting completed. So we were eager to get back to work again, but finally this year I’ve been able to cut back a bit and take some time to regroup after the non-stop travel these past couple of years.
Looking back in a way to find a silver lining, I feel so lucky to have been able to be around for almost every single day of the process of the build. We got to be involved so much more intimately than I ever could have imagined - and also was able to learn some new skills, actually help build parts of the house with my own hands, and make more considered decisions on the design.
As I made the interior design decisions and watched the vision come to life - from the finishing wall plasters to the final vignettes of objects on the table tops - I found that I’d awakened a very fulfilling passion of mine. It was an absolute joy to be able to envision, create, search for the exact piece, sketch out an idea of the carpenter or blacksmith to make, and then to live in.
For now I’ll close this post (as I’ve just needed to start somewhere. get words out. not feel too overwhelmed so that I don't start again) I’ll end with this:
Each year I choose a word for the year which will stand as my action word.
my mantra.
my reminder.
Almost like a personal mission statement that I can refer to if I’ve come to a fork in the road and answer which road to take based on that word.
This year I chose the word ‘space’. I’ve actually had this word years ago but it was one that once again was ringing true. I felt the need for more space in my busy life, more space in my mind and spirit. But since ‘space’ isn't a verb, my action word became two words: ‘make space’, or ‘space-making’. I’ve been feeling a new pull which has me considering a few changes for my business - one that allows more space for me to consider projects, leaves more space for a few new ideas, and just gives me a little respite to gather my thoughts and emerge again reenergized.
I initially just was thinking about this in regards to space on my calendar and mental space as well. But then it recently hit me that I am also a space-maker. I made this space I’m now typing in. And I loved doing it. I’ve since helped to create another space the Julian bought in our nearest Tuscan hilltop town (which will find its way to this blog soon too), and there is another project in the works as well. So maybe my “space-making” mantra is coming true in more ways than one this year.
There is so much more to update you on. And I have hopes to write more in the space I’m trying to create this year.
In the meantime, if you don’t follow along in instagram, you can have a look there for some of the visuals these past few years.