Craftsman Cravings

With my career I am in on average 1,000 homes a year so I've seen lots of decorating style (and lack there of) as well as lots of new homes and lots of old homes. Personally, I'm not impressed with new builds. They are often cold and uninviting, boring and predictible. Not to mention most new homes are in developments where there are only a handful of possible home designs which doesn't allow for any individuality. What's the point of having a home exactly like a dozen others just across the street? This is why we have a home built in 1950 we wanted our home to be unique, full of history and welcoming. We were happy to see scuffs on the real hardwood floors, the rattle of a loose pipe and the knowledge that no one will have the exact same home we do.

My father always wanted to live in a Craftsman style home and that desire was passed to me as well. I love the open beams, the cubbies, the large windows, the open but yet cozy feel. Not to mention they would be at least 80 years old so full of history and character. In the 8 years I've lived in Licking Co I've been in lust with such a home in Granville. I would purposely go the long way through the village just to lay my eyes on this house. It's perfect, from the paint to the glorious hedge of white hydrangeas that flank the front. Well, on my (long) way to a home visit in Granville a few weeks ago I saw a heartbreaking sight; a for sale sign in the yard of my precious dove grey Crafstman castle. This was heartbreaking because it's one thing to love something you can't possibly have because it's owned by another and it's another to know that the thing you want is up for sale. What is even more heartbreaking? To know you'd have to sell organs, turn tricks and drive a Brink's truck to afford the place.

With a heavy heart I share with you photographic bliss. This is my first view into my beloved dream home and despite it being somewhat more modern than my taste I adore it. It makes me ache with visual delight and it's worth sharing.

I could definatly walk up these everyday.

Check out more pic's here.

I'll give you a moment to get feeling back in your knees now that you've seen the asking price. It's a moot point that E and I could ever afford such a divine abode so I will avoid the long way until I see it's sold and then I will rekindle my Crafstman cravings. (Ok, I'll hate the new owners just a bit too.)

PS.....Did anyone else notice anything familiar about the interior design?

I still have 174 days, don't rush me

While E and I were out shopping, lunching, enjoying each other I got the wild idea to find some vintage flags to put in the flower urns to celebrate the 4th. Today is the 3rd, not a good day to begin decorating for the 4th. After 3 stores of nada I gave up. I couldn't even find small fabric flags that I could have made "vintage" by soaking in coffee or tea! (I did have a moment of fear that forcing a vintage patina on Old Glory would be a heinous act against American freedom. Then I realized that even those who are conservative about such things would allow such an act in the pursuit of cuteness.) Please pretend this is nestled in with my already patriotic red geraniums, waving gently in the warm charcoal scented July breeze. I give you my word as the rockets red glare and the bombs bursting in air gives proof that I will shop earlier next year.

During my flag pilgrimage I stopped at Hobby Lobby. I checked and double checked the summer holiday supplies...no flags. As I was leaving I thought I should check a few of the other aisles. As I started deeper into the store I started to notice a theme. Lots of red, green, silver, gold objects; candles, wreaths, place mats. As I turned the corner past the autumn decor I saw something horrific, mind boggling, heart breaking, down right disgusting....prepare yourself...I saw...oh the horror....there they were...gasp....CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS everywhere.

You're checking the calendar aren't you? Yes, you're right it's only July 3rd. There are still 174 days until Christmas yet Hobby Lobby has 5 aisles FULL of bulbs, trees, skirts, and tons of Santa themed hoo hah. Now I love Christmas as much as everyone else. I like decorating for Christmas most likely more than everyone else but even I feel that shopping for Christmas decorations in July is a bit much. I still have 6 months, don't rush me. What happened to enjoying the lazy days of summer, the crisp evenings of fall and the anticipation of Christmas magic? Has the joy of the season really become second to getting a good deal on a wreath you buy in July? I just think there is something fundamentally wrong with shopping for a Christmas tree in capris, in July.

Ok ok, part me really wants to go back to Hobby Lobby and get some decorations. I can't get another good decorating idea on December 24th and have another flag experience now can I?