Friday, July 27, 2012

My New Space

In my last blog, I told you about my need for a workspace.  Remember that great idea that I promised I would reveal today?  Here it is . . . .

My Idea 


At my hubby's farm there is this barn (well, actually an old chicken coop) that is now used for storage.    

I thought it would be really great if I could use a section of the building for my stuff and create a workspace as well.  This would give me shelter from the weather and the stuff would be out of my way and I have plenty of space to work.  That's my philosophy anyway.

Popping the Question

On Saturday I had been out to yard sales and was able to snatch up an old bed with an old bed spring, a porta-crib, and an old cot kind of thing with springs (see a theme?).  There was no way these were going in my house or garage, so I called my man and asked if I could put these babies in that building.  We had already stored the old windows and doors from our cabin in here so I figured these could fit beside them.  He agreed, but not without a sigh (remember - he isn't a fan of my junk).

While he is helping me get this stuff in there, I asked him about using some space here for storage and possibly a workshop instead of trying to find a shed for the backyard.  He agreed.  No sigh.  No hesitation.  Just a "sure".  I almost floated to the car.  I was so excited!

Preparations

Now that I have the permission, I have to start the preparation.  This place was moved out of about 30 years ago.  Some of the original feeders and such are still in the building.

  
The ceiling above is simply the 3rd level's tongue and groove wood floor.  There is still sawdust on that floor which seems to seep down through the cracks (even though I can't see them) and get caught on little cobwebs that you wouldn't see if it weren't for the sawdust.  Did you ever see what cobwebs mixed with sawdust looks like when it's hanging from the ceiling?  They were everywhere.  At night it could probably look creepy. That's why I'll stick with going there in the daylight.

Ok.  Moving on.  I chose the back section of the 2nd floor.  It was in need of a good scrub. On Wednesday, I took a broom and swept the ceiling, walls, windows and floor.  I was thinking I wanted to use the entire back section, but there was a rather large hornet flying around the center window.  I decided I would leave him alone and so I cleaned from the left side of that center window and around the corner to the big feed box on the left side.  Well, actually, I cleaned up to the edge of the window that is against that box.  You see, flying around THAT window was a yellow jacket.  I guess you could say I allowed the stinging insects to determine my space.  I definitely wasn't going to invade theirs.  I didn't see any type of nest anywhere so I think they were just hanging out for the afternoon and I'm hoping they are gone when I return.  In the meantime, I think I have enough space to start.    


Here's more of the space.  One of the reasons I chose the second floor is because it has more natural light than the third floor, however, I don't remember it being as bright as the photo below makes it appear.  I think I used my flash that time.  Still, there is more natural light on this floor and natural light is always nice.



These are the stairs and doorway leading to my workspace.  Let me tell you something about me.  I'm a bit of a girly girl.  I very rarely wear sneakers - or flats.  I have two pair of flats and they are flip flops.  The rest of my shoes have at least a 2 inch heel.  I usually have NO problem at all going anywhere in any of my shoes.  Let me tell you something about these steps.  You have to remember that this place was built a very long time ago and it was built for farmers.  Farmers fear nothing (at least that is the case with mine).  Being that I am not, nor ever was, a farm girl, I have a few fears.  Steps with no railing make me nervous.  If you add flip flops or heels to the equation, I am more than a little nervous.  Maybe when I was younger, but now I think I will just get used to wearing sneakers more often.  I'm just glad it isn't a ladder.  


So that is my space.  Soon I will be moving things into the space and hope to start creating again.  I'll keep you posted on the progress.  Next week I hope to show you what I've been doing to a couple of patio chairs.


P.S. - In future posts, my goal is to share the tea I'm enjoying.  I have a mug by me all of the time and thought it would be fun to share it with you.  Today I just steeped the last I had of Pomegranate Delight by Twinings.  It is probably one of my favorite fruit infused teas to date so I should probably purchase another box.  It even smells delicious.  What is your beverage of choice at the moment?

Thanks for visiting with me.

I'm linking up to these linky parties: 




Blog Hops Everyday and A Mommy's Blog Design Friday Blog Hop

13 comments:

  1. Read your blog....have fun in your new space. Someone as creative as you will have fun with something so wide open. I always carry a cup of coffee not tea. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kim. It's been awhile since I had a chance to really create so I'm looking forward to it. I was just at the grocery store today and the coffee aisle smelled sooooo good. I could inhale it all day. :)

      Delete
  2. I used to be scared to go in that barn when I was little. I don't know if I've ever even been to the 2nd floor. I thought it was full of junk. Had no idea it was that empty. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Linda. This is a great work space! Lots of room to spread out for your projects. There's windows for ventilation & space for dust/chemical fumes to spread out too. Perfect! I once had to clean out an old chicken coop & remember what a chore it was. This place barn looks in good shape. A shopvac is great for those spiderwebs mixed with sawdust & yes, you are a girly girl. So, maybe Brian can put a piece of wood for you to use as a banister. If you need any help, please let me know & have fun with your new work space!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Linda, I really enjoy reading your blog! And what a great space to have to work in! Enjoy the time you spend there. My choice of drink is Chai Tea and Hot Chocolate...preferably in separate cups! :) Except at this time of year, you just can't beat a glass full of iced sweet tea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Chai is yummy. I have a hard time not going through the Panera drive thru for one when I am out (unless it is 100 degrees). :)

      Delete
  6. I would love to have a barn like that! I would definitely convert it into a house. I love the open space and beams. Nice choice!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We got to attend a party once that was in a barn converted to a house. It was gorgeous. I think my favorite part was that they kept that tongue and groove wood floor exposed so you saw it from the floor below. It also allowed the heat to rise. I was thinking today that I would love for my space to at least smell like Homeplace Everlastings. Were you ever there? It was a barn converted to a store and it was beautiful - and it smelled good.

      Delete
  7. Love this Linda :) My favorite choice of tea (and the one I always return to even though I have bags and bags of others) is Cocoa Praline Tart looseleaf tea by Teavana...plain or with a little german rock sugar. YUMMMMM

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Julie. I have the Teavana app for my ipad only because I like the pictures. LOL I'm going to have to give their tea a try next. I have a lot of tea as well. I'm lazy about using the loose tea, but am determined to use it more. Maybe this blog will keep my on my toes in that aspect. Can't keep reporting on the same tea all of the time. :) German rock sugar - now where do you get that?

      Delete
    2. German rock sugar comes from Teavana as well. I buy it in a 3 lb package because it comes with a glass Teavana jar with stainless steel lid. Go to retailmenot for teavana coupons if you decide to order. They run free shipping deals too. However, shipping is always free with a purchase of 50.00 plus (there is a 10.00 coupon too and you can use both discounts - Im all about the bargain) Warning: Teavana in the perfect teamaker with German Rock sugar = tea snob...this happens quickly and is evidenced by suddenly turning your nose up at regular ole teabags after youve had the teavana experience! :) You'll be an addict in no time flat! :D

      Delete
    3. I am looking forward to be spoiled by great tea. Let the tea snob development begin! I'm already headed there anyway. I've been known to carry a tea bag in my purse to use at restaurants. Even bring my own cup to certain places :) Thanks for the information. Especially the bargain tips. We all love a bargain. :)

      Delete