live music, outside

{bagpipers. 4th of July flag ceremony. South Jordan, UT.}

{some jazzy band. the lady was a little much for me. Legacy Live, OH.}

For me, summer and outdoor music are perfectly paired, weather permitting of course. In our area we've been lucky to enjoy free, fresh air, musical entertainment at least once a week - sometimes two. Wade Oval Wednesday's and Legacy Live (weekends) have been regulars for us this summer. They other night as I listened to the live band and this woman singing "so glad we've made it!" and "I feel good! So good! I've got you!". I was somewhere between the need to dance or cry. Since only little kids were dancing at that point and I didn't want to make a scene, I found I could balance my composure with a little toe tapping and eye watering. Is that hormones or the profound effect of live music? (Probably a little of both for me on that particular night.) I love the way kids just move up close and dance to the music - it is so natural, not much thought goes into it, they just feel the beat. In this setting it is clear to see how much we "adults" tend to hold back. Only some of us start to dance after much encouragement from the band. But once we are up and moving aren't we so glad? We realize (or maybe it's just me) "I've been holding back, I want to really live." There is one senior couple, with clear ballroom background, who frequent L.L. just for the chance to dance. I love watching them. They seem so serious as they dance, but then I realize that they are just as uninhibited as the kids, they just mask it behind "technique". Malcolm who has been into all things "making music", namely drums, soaks it all in. He knows a saxophone from trombone and a base violin from a guitar, and he always has his eye on the drummer. I keep meaning to bring his shakers or rhythm sticks for him when we go out for the music. I'm sure he would like to play along. So, here's to summer, fresh air, music, and dancing. Go find some for yourself before summer's end.

paint it white

Although I have big plans to paint the family/entry room a lovely yellow, the dining room a dashing orange, and the home office/computer nook a vibrant green,... I have been feeling very white. We got around to some painting this weekend and now my studio is ready for it's second coat of brilliant white. Bye, bye blah beige. (Can you tell I'm ready for it to go?) Why white? I think more than anything right now I am craving an open, clean canvas; an ordered and clear space for creating. Creating that includes sewing, drawing, printing, writing, knitting, painting, reading, and dreaming. My feeling is that white walls will allow color and imagination to freely play.

Maybe that is also why I chose to repaint this writing desk white. The only problem: it is going to disappear against my white wall. Hmmm. So, I am considering a light shade of something for that one wall. Any suggestions? We'll see.


Down in the entryway we have some new white too. This is an old typewriter desk I picked up from a yard sale last year. I refinished the top and gave it some fresh white legs. Nice, huh? The sides can fold out and I especially like the wheels. Inspired by reading The Creative Family, I think this will be our family nature table. For now though it holds my lovely fabric bowl and a cross-stitch by my sister-in-law Sara O. A.

More white:

We white washed these toy crates with watered down paint. I even let the boy get in on the action. They slide under a bench in the entry and give a crisp feel while keeping toys accessible and easy to stow.

Presently, white gives my mind a pleasant place to rest. We have more painting projects ahead and Dave gives me that smile when I say "let's paint it white".

Putting the FINISH in the refinishing today.
Remember this? A year later, I think it will be ready to move out of the garage today. Also a $10 garage sale writing desk is nearly done with it's new look.