On my mind, lately.

This lovely crochet garland by beautiful Tina. Because when I look at it, I think not only of Tina, halfway across the world in Australia, but also of Allison, following her dreams, and just like all of us, in her words, crafting a life. And I'm inspired by them both.


This little corner in Cindy's living room. Because I am touched and honored that someone who's become a friend would also hire me to help her out in a most personal of spaces: her home. Twice now. (Thank you, dear.)


This hutch. Because it made it to Brooklyn from my friends' store in Asheville and it looks great now that it's stained black and has found a new home in my client's dining room.


This new little cross pillow by talented Liane. Because it is the perfect addition to the (ever-growing, Bill would point out with a little cough) pillow collection on our couch.


This moment. Because I remember not being able to let a loose tooth be. And because I love my gorgeous, growing boy...

...who, all on his own, decided he wanted to play soccer recently and is loving every minute of it.


This photograph. Because in some ways it represents the overarching way I've been feeling over the last couple of months. A bit overwhelmed and awed by the immensity of life in all its possibilities.


We are moving this spring, and I'm excited but somewhat apprehensive about all of the loose ends that still need tidying up. I am one of those people that needs things to be concretely defined, down to the last little detail - all the time. I don't deal with uncertainty very well, but as my wise friend Florence pointed out to me the other day, We live in a world of shifting tides but pretend like we don't, like we can nail it down. And she is right. And the details will get sorted out, eventually. And now, more than ever, I need patience.


Lastly, I'll leave you with this video; it's about 18 minutes long, but well-worth the time when you have a moment. It talks about education (among other things), which has been very much on my mind over the last few months. Fall wasn't easy around here. School turned out to not to be a good fit for our beautiful boy, and in great part it's because of the issues brought up here. (I believe I have Annie to thank for first bringing this TED talk to my attention. Thank you.)

I hope you've all been busy living your lives weaved with your many dreams, my friends. As always, I am sending you all much peace and love. Be well.

(images: 1. me; 2. cindy; 3. jen; 4-6. me; 7. apartment therapy; 8. moving boxes)

Comments

  1. Florence is so so right. The cultivation of patience is something that I need to work on!

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  2. Hola MarĂ­a !!! te mudĂ¡s ! quĂ© bueno, contenta no? prometo ver este video, me interesa el tema, parece ser un problema mundial la educaciĂ³n, quĂ© tema ! te escribo en breve, lindĂ­sima la foto con tu hijo. beso enorme

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  3. I'm glad to hear that so many good things are happening in your life. As it should be! Noah is looking so grown up. I can't imagine my littlest guy losing a tooth. Yes, we've been there many times before, but I think this milestone will be the most tramatic (for me!). Just this morning on the way to school he was reminding me that he will be six (SIX!!!) on his next birthday. That can not be possible. Sigh.

    Soccer is the best sport and Noah looks like a superstar in all his gear!

    Hugs-n.

    p.s.-have I missed a mention of where you'll next be calling home or is it stilll hush, hush?

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  4. Ha, no Nelya, it's not a secret.... I guess I spaced and did not mention it! We're moving to Asheville, NC, but we just don't have the (important) details of whether we'll sell or rent there, what will happen with our house here, and a few other things...

    But we *are* definitely moving this summer and that part is exciting. I just wish we had more certainty as far as our housing situation. But we'll figure it out. One way or another, we will.

    And Meghan, yes, my friend Florence is a very wise soul. I'm lucky to count her as a close friend.

    Y Carola, espero que veas el video cuando tengas un ratito. Es muy inspirador. Cuando este con mas tiempo te visito a ver en que andas. Un besote enorme.

    -maria

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  5. What a heartwarming post, Maria!! Your words are so sincere and beautiful. I was excited to see the photo with your beautiful son! The soft pink garland with gray wall and white lamp looks beautiful. The image fits my image of you. Where did you find the lamp? Your son is growing! I have only seen one photo of him you've posted, but he looks very different to me! My older daughter is going through the similar stage. Good luck with your move. You must be a very organized person. I'm not, so I let the loose ends be loose if I could... We move quite frequently and our life gets full of uncertainty before our move. It gets crazy at times, but things do get done and it feels great afterward. I look forward to seeing your new home. Kaho

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  6. Am I a dork for saying that your post made me feel warm and fuzzy? OK, dork it is. I am beyond excited that you and Bill and Noah are moving. Scary, sure, but it will be even more exciting and on a selfish note, it means new photos of your new space! I am on the edge of my seat just waiting to see you put together a new home! Have a nice weekend dear.

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  7. Aren't you beautiful, Maria! You look the strongest and most steadfast of people, and have such handsome features and striking colouring.

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  8. your posts always make me feel good. i'm excited to hear more about your move. asheville is such a cool city.

    the spaces you've created are so beautiful! the crochet banner and couch make me want to move right in.

    and thank you so much for the mention here. it's encouraging to hear that people (and especially, you) don't think i'm crazy to pursue my dreams (which sometimes feel so small and other times incredibly big). i'll keep your words in mind during moments of doubt (oh so many moments).

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  9. Good to see this post from you, Maria! :) And I absolutely love your friend's wise words. Love them.

    I also love the promise of fresh starts and though moving can be stressful, it's also an exciting new venture. And, a new space to decorate! ;)

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  10. Beautiful pictures, I put a post there on my blog, come take a look and see if it approves. Cheers!
    Marilsa

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  11. Hey, you are a sweetie! Did you know that? Also I think you and I are on the same wavelength re. education. xo

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  12. Looks like you've been up to amazing things! I love your couch (Liane's cushions are amazing!!) and all your other work. You have such incredible style.

    Stay well! xx

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  13. Dear sweet Maria, I have missed you my friend:) It is so wonderful to hear all you have been up to.... and what news...MOVING!! I am so happy for you guys and know how wonderful this move will be for you all!! Looking at your sweet Noah, I cannot believe how much he has grown over the past year since we first met! How wonderful that he has found his love for soccer...and I just adore the pic of you and Noah together:D I am just so excited for you guys to be moving and I know that sometimes it is a little daunting with all those loose ends to tie up, but as someone who packed up and moved their family quite a distance, just a few years ago, the feeling you get when you are in your new home will be worth every second of worry and stress...it truly will:) You must let us know when you are all moved in, so our family can raise a glass to yours to celebrate this wonderful new chapter in your lives:D Thank you too for the very sweet mention and I am so very happy that you liked your garland! Knowing that you have one, makes the whole experience so much more special and to know that it has made its way to such a beautiful hearted owner just makes me smile (inside and out). Huge hugs to you my dear friend ~ Txx

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  14. Hullo Maria. Your images are gorgeous. As ever. Good to hear you are still there.

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  15. I can empathize with that feeling of watching everything in place before you make a huge move or a huge decision. You are doing an excellent job at keeping perspective and soaking up the little moments and beauties and marvels around you. Your little boy playing soccer is darling!

    Hang in there!

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  16. All change is good Maria! sometimes we forget that we have the freedom to choose, so as worrying as it may be, it's quite thrilling too.

    All the best

    Cassandra

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  17. Change is good, it's hard, but everything happens for a reason. Where are you going? Any closer to Canada? I can only hope.

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  18. So good to see you and your little guy!

    Congrats on the move - and I am completely the same, change is hard for me too!

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  19. Hi Maria,

    Love the photo of the dog on the couch... I thought you might enjoy this blog that features pets on furniture on Mondays -

    http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2010/9/27/mondays-pets-on-furniture.html

    My new blog is under construction, my old blog is malfunctioning :(

    I'm excited to see how you design your new home! Good luck with the move ♥

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  20. It is so good to catch up with what's been new in your life, dear Maria. You are moving. This is good news, right? You know I want details, but when you are ready, when you have time. Speaking of education, have you seen Waiting for Superman yet? I just saw it a couple of days ago. It was enlightening and heartbreaking. I learned a lot.

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  21. Yes, the move is very good news, and so is change. I am really looking forward to being settled in our new town, actually.

    It's the piece about which house we'll be calling home specifically (and selling/renting our current one) that's keeping me up at night. But I guess that is part of the deal. And I need to be patient. :)

    Thank you all for your kind thoughts and words.
    I will make time to visit each of you, I promise.

    xoox,
    -maria

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  22. I just love your blog....Very beautiful ..simply and vintage...love it!!!

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  23. I loved the sentiment and the moment you captured in the picture with the dog on the sunlit couch. Thank you for sharing that. ps. I also have a pillow attachment... good to know we will be Buncombe county neighbors. Cheers.

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  24. i lost your blog somehow and just came across it again and so happy about doing so. your home is still gorgeous and hope to hear about more of your future endeavors. all the best. btw- following so i don't misplace again.

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  25. how lovely to read through what's been on your mind. i'm so pleased that sir ken's talk struck a chord with you - he really is quite an extraordinary man. as the mother of two boys who see life differently from most, finding education that works for them has been a challenge - i do hope you find a suitable fit for your adorable boy. and you are moving! exciting but i can feel your unease at not having the details all pinned down - like you i like to know what's what. your friend florence is indeed wise - life is constantly shifting and sometimes one just has to go with the ebb and flow (easier said than done i know)... sending you lots of warm wishes for the days ahead Maria - take care, annie.

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  26. Hi Maria! Your pictures are lovely, as usual, and your little boy is so beautiful! I'm so happy he's playing soccer, by the way. Having grown up in a soccer-obsessed family, it warms my heart to see kids playing and loving it. Congrats on your upcoming move! A good friend of mine lived in Asheville for four years and still misses it. She swears it's one of the best cities on earth, and that's a pretty powerful statement. :) Take care, Giovanna

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  27. I adore the beauty and simplicity of your blog...I find that so compelling! You have a gracious style and focus--thanks for sharing.

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  28. Thanks for the link to this great video on education. I have a daughter who also marches to a different drummer - smart, talented, hard-working, beautiful and driven but not "mainstream". It is often difficult go with my intuition in allowing her to be herself in the face of what is "expected" of her as a 17-year-old still in high school. This helps me feel right on about supporting her in her path, regardless of how that looks.

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  29. Hi Maria - I just had a feeling something was up and I clicked in to see what you had been up to.. And you're moving!! Wow, I know how big this is for you. Certainly mixed feelings, but I am sure you are doing the right thing. I remember what you told me via email last year and all the reasons for wanting to relocate.

    Noah looks so big!! I can't believe that our little men are growing up so fast. You two look so close - the love and bond is tangible!

    I love that he has decided to play soccer. How fun. I hope the interest persists and that he does well. x

    I know you are super busy but when/if you have a moment I would love to hear from you.

    Biggest hugs and good luck with everything.

    xx Charlotta

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  30. I too love the Ted talk, such wisdom to be gulped up by all of us in need of guidance.

    Your sweet son wasn't a good fit in a certain school, but I am sure you will find peace and caring for him in another. I am just happy that you recognized the mismatch.

    Moving is tough. I did it 5 years ago and am still in shock!

    Good luck,

    Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

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  31. Dear Maria,

    It's been so long since I've commented! I wanted to tell you, though, that I watched the entire clip. I'm so sorry that your son's first year was difficult. Knowing the little I do of you and your perspective, I think perhaps you might like Montessori schools. Have you looked into them at all? I know private schools may be cost prohibitive, but I thought I'd mention it. Also, there are a handful of schools in the states that use our family's educational method - Charlotte Mason. The schools are usually called Ambleside Schools. Hope the school system in NC is a better fit for your little guy. xoxoxo

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  32. Hi Jacci,

    I'm so glad you watched the clip..! Noah has actually been going to a Montessori school since he was 3, it just does not have an elementary program, which is why we moved him to the public school last fall when he was supposed to start first grade. When we figured out it wasn't a good match for him, we pulled him out and he went back to his little Montessori school for another year.

    We've found a wonderful Montessori school with an elementary program in Asheville, and that is where he will go come fall.

    Thanks for stopping by, and I am really glad you took the time to watch the clip.

    Thanks to all, in fact, for stopping by. I know I've been very (very) absent from the blog world, but hope to visit you all again soon.

    xoox,
    -maria

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  33. Ah...so happy to see posts from you my darlin. I have missed you, though I know you are super busy and getting ready to move is a full time job! How exciting! When is the move exactly, do you know? I love that photo of you and your beautiful little guy! ( you are both beautiful, actually) and I love your couch & what you did with Cindy's lovely home. I am wishing you well, my friend. And sending much love and hugs your way.
    xoxo
    Melis

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  34. We love to get inspired by him my husband and I!
    So good you did a post on him!

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  35. The crochet garland is so pretty!

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  36. so happy to hear that lots of good things are happening in your life..this crochet garland is so nice as well..

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  37. Nice blog MarĂ­a! is my first time on, but not the last! check my lifestyle blog www.elescaparatedemariana.com Xx

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  38. Loved your shared concept,its really appreciable

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