Loooong time

Dear Readers I must apologize. I have been remiss in my blogging. Life does get in the way, you know.
The Church has really morphed into something even I could not quite imagine. I saw it in my head from the moment I walked out onto that rickety deck and saw the mighty Hudson River but I was never sure that it would translate into reality. I've learned from many of my own packaging design projects that even with the best ideas and intention, chaos may ensue. BUT it did have one thing going for it that I forgot to factor in: I was both designer AND client. Ahhh, that makes all the difference.
Here's some interior photos:

It has been nice to fill up the bookcase; I'm holding back a little since I know that Thug Mansion/72nd Street (aka my NYC apartment) will be making a sizable contribution sooner than later!

I love the barn door hardware and the junk store door that I refinished. And remember how hideous that staircase was? I cringed every time I looked at it! Now, I am happy every time I walk up these stairs.

This artwork will eventually move up to my office and I'll put a painting there but I like to look at these mementos so I keep them up there until that painting materializes.

Wifi is up and running and my office/guest room is ready to receive visitors.

I made the metal mat out of stuff I found in the plumbing department at Lowes. I nailed the metal plates onto plywood with nice black flat head nails. Come summer time I can just put it in the basement.

The music room now has a full complement of instruments that were the gracious donations of many of my dear friends and fantastic yard sale finds. Let the jam sessions begin.
And here's some exterior shots of the church and the beautiful village of Coxsackie:

This last shot shows the Church as seen from the village. You can see her sitting high up on the hill. The photo makes it look so big and majestic!
Finally, I've been struggling with a chandelier for two years. I thought I'd make one but I realized that the design that I loved would not throw off enough light to be effective. I was crestfallen. But last weekend, my friend Laura and I went hunting for props for a video I'm directing with Jenny Owen Youngs and we found this:

A few hours of NevrDull and elbow grease and it was looking pretty good. Now if I can get it rewired...