I have never claimed to be a skilled blogger and as you will see in the below posts I am quite the opposite... i have fiddled around with the spacing of the HTML and hit "preview" enough to turn this fun little project into a nightmare! Even so...please enjoy some comparison pictures of the project we are soon to be finished with in the new york city apartment.
My folks and I (with some high level design consulting from sis) embarked on this renovation project in early 2008. We began kicking the notion around in january/february, tapped the design genius of a local designer in march (i think?)...and broke ground in mid-May.
So after 5 months of hard work, countless nights sleeping in the boiler room, countless trips by mom and dad down to NYC, hours of late night planning with my jack of all trades Albanian contactor (greatest guy), and juggling this 2nd job with my real job... We have a finished product that we can be proud of. This has been one of the more interesting/challenging learning experiences of my life....and I can't wait to get going on the next project! (42E-MAIN B&B anyone?)
-Ethan
Sunday, September 28, 2008
New York Apartment
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A Change of Scenery
There are times in our lives when we need sky and oceans or mountains and forests or space and freedom from responsibilities, to take a deep breathe, sort through some thoughts and feelings and to just "be".
And there are other times when sky scrapers, beautiful architecture, ultimate shopping, diverse ethnic restaurants on every block, and a congregation of 5000 worshipers, with a brass quintet added to the soaring voices of Be Thy My Vision seem to provide a different perspective.
We went to NYC for a few days this past weekend. And it was different and refreshing, in it's own sort of hectic way. But what we really want is joy. It would really help.
I think our perception of the accident and it's consequences feel like His reality, and yet I don't think they are. I do not think the accident is His fault and I do not think it was our fault. But whatever it is, this present feels like punishment now and it hurts.
We are encouraged in Proverbs 4:23 to guard our hearts above all things, above whatever we hold dear, because out of it flow the well springs of life. Very important. We need to protect the source of our life. But how?
Psalm 147:3 tells us the "He heals the broken in heart and binds up their wounds." A wonderful picture of a caring physician tending his patient. We cling to that word and believe it is true not only intellectually but will be true experiencally. A verse to put our trust in. A verse to help guard our hearts.
And there are other times when sky scrapers, beautiful architecture, ultimate shopping, diverse ethnic restaurants on every block, and a congregation of 5000 worshipers, with a brass quintet added to the soaring voices of Be Thy My Vision seem to provide a different perspective.
We went to NYC for a few days this past weekend. And it was different and refreshing, in it's own sort of hectic way. But what we really want is joy. It would really help.
I think our perception of the accident and it's consequences feel like His reality, and yet I don't think they are. I do not think the accident is His fault and I do not think it was our fault. But whatever it is, this present feels like punishment now and it hurts.
We are encouraged in Proverbs 4:23 to guard our hearts above all things, above whatever we hold dear, because out of it flow the well springs of life. Very important. We need to protect the source of our life. But how?
Psalm 147:3 tells us the "He heals the broken in heart and binds up their wounds." A wonderful picture of a caring physician tending his patient. We cling to that word and believe it is true not only intellectually but will be true experiencally. A verse to put our trust in. A verse to help guard our hearts.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Another Ending
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My days of meeting with Him in our garden room are drawing to a close.
Fall is upon us.
We have had cool mornings. And I had taken to shuffling back across the driveway recently, in my fleece robe and slippers, coffee in hand, Bible and journal waiting. But today it was 40 degrees and even though I looked longingly outside for one more day to enjoy my time and space, I knew, it would be too cold.
This summer, a trip through Psalms. And, as with everything in my life now, I read this book through a different light, a different perspective, a different vantage point.
So many words brought comfort. Some brought questions. What does is it mean in Psalm 81:7 when he says "You called in trouble and I delivered you, I answered you in the secret place of thunder." How can thunder be secret?
My garden room is where I've had thoughts that have had to be taken hold of and banished.
It is where I've had revelations from the Word which have taken root and now have to be watered and nurtured.
I've had tears that had to be shed there, in the presence of a caring, gentle Father.
It is a place that I am pursuing joy, through the scriptures, because I know that joy is strength. And I need that strength.
I see my garden now in this season and it is a bit sad. It is at it's end for this year. Not as many flowers and the leaves are turning brown. The fullness is beyond it's prime and now there will be a diminishing.
But the garden reminds us that there is life after death. The garden will surely fade away and the fall will come despite my resistance to it and my struggles to keep winter at bay.
And in the spring Laura will say to me again...."I can't believe it Aunt Margaret. The garden was just brown dirt and now look at all the green plants pushing through ",and next summer it will be bigger and better than ever.
Hope and Expectation.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
No Comparing Now!
Viewing the accomplishments of Sarah Palin might make some of us sit back and think about our own choices and accomplishments. And comparisons are never profitable or encouraged.
So I'm sharing a quote that I have written in my journal that has encouraged me along the way. I'm sorry to say that I did not include the author when I wrote these words.....
"A mother builds something far more magnicient than any cathedral- the dwelling place for an immortal soul. No professional pursuit so uniquely combines the most menial tasks with the most meaningful opportunites."
I'm so blessed to have been able to stay at home with my children, with my husband's encouragement. That was my desire. To have the opportunity to wake up with them in the morning and share the days activities; see their development, physically, spiritually and emotionally; encourage their talents and giftings; fan each of their creativity; experience the joys of nature together; promote strong family relationships and relationships with church and community, and witness a growing awareness of and dedication to our savior and lord. For me, my choice, with God's leading and direction, was perfect.
My choice does not however diminish my great appreciation of strong, Godly women. Great women like Deborah, Miriam, and Lydia, dedicated to their God, who have used their gifts, talents and ministries for a greater cause then themselves.
Isn't it great, in God's economy, that we can all be the best that we can be under His direction.
So I'm sharing a quote that I have written in my journal that has encouraged me along the way. I'm sorry to say that I did not include the author when I wrote these words.....
"A mother builds something far more magnicient than any cathedral- the dwelling place for an immortal soul. No professional pursuit so uniquely combines the most menial tasks with the most meaningful opportunites."
I'm so blessed to have been able to stay at home with my children, with my husband's encouragement. That was my desire. To have the opportunity to wake up with them in the morning and share the days activities; see their development, physically, spiritually and emotionally; encourage their talents and giftings; fan each of their creativity; experience the joys of nature together; promote strong family relationships and relationships with church and community, and witness a growing awareness of and dedication to our savior and lord. For me, my choice, with God's leading and direction, was perfect.
My choice does not however diminish my great appreciation of strong, Godly women. Great women like Deborah, Miriam, and Lydia, dedicated to their God, who have used their gifts, talents and ministries for a greater cause then themselves.
Isn't it great, in God's economy, that we can all be the best that we can be under His direction.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sarah Palin
I like her.
A friend sent me this link to a video of Sarah at her hometown Assembly of God church last year.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1766638341
She doesn't need a pulpit to preach the gospel. She lives it. We see it alive in her in everyday decisions.
The right of her unborn child to live, despite the knowledge that he would have big needs all of her days and his.
She works hard and seems to enjoy it. A lesson from Ecclesiastes and Psalms.
She loves and honors her husband. A lesson from Titus.
She works hard for social injustice. A lesson from the gospels.
She has God given gifts and talents and is using them for the good of others. A lesson that Jesus taught us himself.
She is a mother and is showing life lessons not only to her own children but now to those children who watch the news of read the newspaper.
She has an extended family who are there for her and her family.
She is tough and scriptures are always encouraging us to be strong, I think it's called faith.
Yes, I like her.
A friend sent me this link to a video of Sarah at her hometown Assembly of God church last year.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1766638341
She doesn't need a pulpit to preach the gospel. She lives it. We see it alive in her in everyday decisions.
The right of her unborn child to live, despite the knowledge that he would have big needs all of her days and his.
She works hard and seems to enjoy it. A lesson from Ecclesiastes and Psalms.
She loves and honors her husband. A lesson from Titus.
She works hard for social injustice. A lesson from the gospels.
She has God given gifts and talents and is using them for the good of others. A lesson that Jesus taught us himself.
She is a mother and is showing life lessons not only to her own children but now to those children who watch the news of read the newspaper.
She has an extended family who are there for her and her family.
She is tough and scriptures are always encouraging us to be strong, I think it's called faith.
Yes, I like her.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Question
It hasn't happened recently. But today, walking over to 34, I met a distant neighbor and she asked the question.
How is your family doing, Margaret? How is Elizabeth doing?
It is a sincere question. It is a kind question. It shows interest and concern. It shows one is aware that everything is not the way it should be.
But how is the question answered?
I think we seem to be okay. We are all getting up in the morning, getting dressed, going to work and school.
But is that any indication of how everyone is doing?
We've gone on a vacation, had a modified "camp", invited friends over for lunch and dinner. We've renovated an apartment and bought a house. We've tended established gardens and developed new borders. We've cooked and cleaned, attended concerts and musicals. We've gone to church as a family. We're discussing politics. We've had house guests, family and friends.
We've been busy. We've been quiet.
And yet........
How are we?
There are seven of us now in this immediate family, Laura is with us and she is one of us.
And we are all different.
And we are just now coming together to talk with each other. We're all suffering from our lose, but each in his different way. We each have different concerns and struggles. And we express them differently. But we are beginning to share with each other intimately. And that is good. It is not good to bear grief silently or alone. This I know.
We need each other and listening to each others struggles can bring light and help to each of us.
I have taken to writing. I have filled my journal. I write about my griefs, my sorrows, my hopes, my anger, my inabilities, my questions and my struggles. The verses from Psalms which give me stability and a course to follow are written and the constant seeking for His counsel, direction, and guidance as we all move forward.
I write it. The writing about Christian's life and death seems to get me outside this whole thing. Whatever this whole thing is. It's not an experience, a situation to be glossed over. This is her life and it is ours as a family.
But what I really want to do is right it. I want to make it right for Elizabeth.
I'm a fixer. This particular mom is a fixer, always wanting to make everything right for my little clan.
But I can not fix this. The consequesnces of death are irrevocable and irreversable, permanent, without the possibility of having a "do over".
We share tears with each other more readily now. But I think that is good. Tears are cleansing and releasing of our buried sorrow. We cried for weeks initially but had to stop. We've cried privately and now at times together, weeping for things that would not be and futures not to be shared. We have memories, yes, we have memories but those really do not meet the need. We want the person, the flesh and blood, real life Christian.
We have each other and we have the Lord. We have this dear community of friends and neighbors. We have our church family, many who have come alongside us in so many ways.
So I think we are okay.
The answer to the question, is she is okay, are we are okay? No, we'll never be the same but....
Yes. Yes, I think we are going to be okay.
How is your family doing, Margaret? How is Elizabeth doing?
It is a sincere question. It is a kind question. It shows interest and concern. It shows one is aware that everything is not the way it should be.
But how is the question answered?
I think we seem to be okay. We are all getting up in the morning, getting dressed, going to work and school.
But is that any indication of how everyone is doing?
We've gone on a vacation, had a modified "camp", invited friends over for lunch and dinner. We've renovated an apartment and bought a house. We've tended established gardens and developed new borders. We've cooked and cleaned, attended concerts and musicals. We've gone to church as a family. We're discussing politics. We've had house guests, family and friends.
We've been busy. We've been quiet.
And yet........
How are we?
There are seven of us now in this immediate family, Laura is with us and she is one of us.
And we are all different.
And we are just now coming together to talk with each other. We're all suffering from our lose, but each in his different way. We each have different concerns and struggles. And we express them differently. But we are beginning to share with each other intimately. And that is good. It is not good to bear grief silently or alone. This I know.
We need each other and listening to each others struggles can bring light and help to each of us.
I have taken to writing. I have filled my journal. I write about my griefs, my sorrows, my hopes, my anger, my inabilities, my questions and my struggles. The verses from Psalms which give me stability and a course to follow are written and the constant seeking for His counsel, direction, and guidance as we all move forward.
I write it. The writing about Christian's life and death seems to get me outside this whole thing. Whatever this whole thing is. It's not an experience, a situation to be glossed over. This is her life and it is ours as a family.
But what I really want to do is right it. I want to make it right for Elizabeth.
I'm a fixer. This particular mom is a fixer, always wanting to make everything right for my little clan.
But I can not fix this. The consequesnces of death are irrevocable and irreversable, permanent, without the possibility of having a "do over".
We share tears with each other more readily now. But I think that is good. Tears are cleansing and releasing of our buried sorrow. We cried for weeks initially but had to stop. We've cried privately and now at times together, weeping for things that would not be and futures not to be shared. We have memories, yes, we have memories but those really do not meet the need. We want the person, the flesh and blood, real life Christian.
We have each other and we have the Lord. We have this dear community of friends and neighbors. We have our church family, many who have come alongside us in so many ways.
So I think we are okay.
The answer to the question, is she is okay, are we are okay? No, we'll never be the same but....
Yes. Yes, I think we are going to be okay.
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