by Amy | Aug 8, 2016 | Blog, The Art of Design, The Art of Projects, the house
Today I’m going to tell you a tragic story. But don’t be scared. It ends well. Really well, actually. But it’s still pretty tragic.
Here goes.
It’s the wee hours of Easter morning. The sound of water wakes you up. Weird. You get out of bed to find that your bathroom is filling with water. Downstairs on the main level, water is raining through the fire alarm hookup in the ceiling. It’s everywhere and starting to seep through the drywall. Obviously, you shut the water off–but things are already out of hand. The ceiling bows and eventually caves. Water is standing all over your new floor and the furniture. Slowly it drains through the floor vents in to the basement where it proceeds to ruin your freshly hung drywall and soak loads of things you had in storage. The damage reaches from the culprit bathroom upstairs, through the hall and carpet on the stairs…through the living room, part of the kitchen and most of the basement.
It’s crazy, but it’s true. It happened to Katie and Sam. But as I said, it ends happily and the journey from flood to finished is a great testament to the body of Christ. But first, meet Sam and Katie.
This is Sam and Katie. They are super fun and awesome. Pretty much as soon as I met these two during the incredible summer of 2013 I knew that I loved them and wanted to be friends. Maybe it was the way they eagerly consumed the bread sticks I’d made for dinner and had no qualms about carbs. Maybe it was that they are quirky in a way that I totally dig. Or their vast Biblical knowledge and passion for serving youth–hey me too! Regardless of what initially told me deep inside that we’d be friends…I was right. We did become friends. And I’m so glad. I’m so glad for these two and the hours we’ve spent serving together, playing games, carving pumpkin carving, and making gingerbread houses. I always say…”It’s fun to have fun, but you’ve gotta know how.” And these two definitely know how. {As you can see from the images above.}
Okay…here’s a more professional image. And a couple more facts. Sam is our church‘s youth pastor. Katie has a day job that I don’t understand…and also owns a WAY COOL singing telegram business. {Told you they are awesome.}
And just to prove that we really are friends…here’s some photographic evidence. This is Katie and me–in the dorkiest helmets we could find–going horseback riding; and Derek with them at the annual pumpkin carve.
Just weeks before the big indoor flood {the root cause was traced back to an issue with the toilet–but I don’t have all the details, since I was home asleep at the time of the crime} Katie and Sam took me out for Applebee’s half-price-apps to discuss hiring me to finish up a few projects and do some decorating at their home.
Since they’d moved in {about a year ago now} they’d done some home improvement, but were looking for a savvy DIY-er with time on her hands to finish the job. They’d painted and installed some cute paneling and put in new flooring. They asked if I’d finish up the odds and ends of previous projects and spend some time pretty-ing and homey-ing it up for them.
At the time Derek was gone, already living on the Surface of the Sun {NM} and I was still in Practically Canada waiting for our house sale to close. I was fresh out of projects, no longer working, and going a little stir crazy. It was a match made in heaven.
After the flood, I was still up to help…but the project was now on a much larger scale. {Which was so fun for me–but a huge bummer for them.} Here’s a few photos from the house.
The photos above are from the living room on the main level of the home and a couple of the basement {because I was confused when I made the collage.} The bathroom that caused the flood is directly above the half bath on this floor. As you can see, the drywall had to be torn out from the ceiling and some walls.
The walls that were only cut away half way up the floor are in the basement. The yellow walls are in the living room {looking toward the front of the house and away from the half bath.}
The house was cleaned up and sanitized by Servpro. And as the Lord would have it, a friend and fellow youth group volunteer works there. The drywall was installed by our church’s tech director, Brandon {who does drywall professionally–and about a million other things on the side. Seriously, he’s amazingly talented in everything from sound boards to woodworking and plumbing.}
See? I told you. The family of Christ working together.
When I arrived on the scene the drywall was up and our fist order of business was getting the upstairs bathroom back to working order so Katie and Sam could start living at home again. Second order of business? Picking paint colors {see the swatches?}
But we’ll get to all that later. For now I think that’s enough. I’m so very sorry that this happened, but I’m so very grateful that I had something so in depth to fill my final months in Minot…not to mention that I saw Sam and Katie just about every day, since I was at their house every day.
I learned a few new skills {you know I love that} and I sharpened a few others. And {my favorite} I had the honor of turning a house into something better than a building. It’s cliche to say that I love turning houses in to homes. But it’s true. There is nothing I love more than creating a space where people can feel totally comfortable and secure. A place they love spending time and love coming back to. A place that they like taking photos in and are proud to invite others in to. A place that is lived in and tells a story about the people who reside there. I love it. And I’m so happy to have been able to work a little magic {okay, a lot of magic} for people who are so very dear to me.
Spoiler. You won’t believe how amazing it turned out. I won’t show you the whole thing…but here is one more photo–to prove that this really, really does end happily, beautifully, and cozily. {This is in the living room!! Who is wanting to steal that couch?!}
by Amy | Jul 14, 2016 | Blog, The Art of Adventure, The Art of Living
This is kind of a scary day. Probably not for you. And really, it hasn’t been a scary day for me either. Until this point–at 4:30pm in a small town close to the surface of the sun (that’s what I’ve taken to calling this place)–when I sat down on the loveseat in a long-term hotel suite to write this post.
The loveseat’s upholstery is covered in all kinds of Southwestern designs…eagles and lizards and the kind of stuff that makes you think of cave murals, Mayan art and adobe dwellings…all in muted, ugly hotel colors: mauve, tan, a different tan, dirty green and dusty blue. Classic tapestry colors. It’s not hideous. But I miss my couch and my pretty house and the general Nordic theme of Practically Canada.
Panda is here too. And because our current dwelling is comprised of limited space, I never forget her presence. Not because she’s overly snuggly and showering me with attention. No, I’m afraid she saves her cutest acts and best snuggles for Derek. After all we’ve been through, I’m old news….the person she goes to when she’s desperate {like in the middle of the day and Derek is working}. But definitely not first choice. No, no, no…I always know she’s here because no matter how much I clean–or how often a maid comes in–the air always smells a little bit like cat litter. Just a little.
Now I could open a window–if I were anywhere else. But on the surface of the sun, that’s just not possible. Because of the Skin Melt Factor–or SMF, for short.
Oh! That’s right. I got into this whole, “I’m scared,” thing and never bothered to mention exactly what’s happening. Isn’t it annoying when people start talking at you and you have no clue what they are going on about? Well–stop the smiling and nodding because I’m about to fill you in. {And waiting this long was an artistic choice. In high school they taught me to draw a reader in with an air of mystery and a good hook.} So, for those of you who haven’t hit the “back” button to return to browsing your Facebook feed, here goes.
In brief, today is scary for me because I’m doing something I haven’t done in a long, long time. Writing. I remember the day I stopped. I’d written a devotional on prayer. Prayer has consistently changed my life and worked miracles in my day to day. I love praying regularly with my church family–openly, honestly, with structure and purpose. I was learning about prayer by being surrounded with people who were more mature in their spiritual walks. I was becoming more passionate about prayer and I was seeing how the Body of Christ was supposed to work together. In turn, this was all fueling my private prayer life and walk with the Lord.
That evening I got a comment on Facebook that rocked me. It was negative and hurtful. I was walking a hard road anyway, and all of a sudden I was incredibly gun shy. I didn’t want the things I wrote to cause controversy, or something I loved doing to cause me fear and anxiety about how people perceive me or the strength of my faith. I was in a fierce battle with insecurity and up against raging spiritual warfare. When I sat down to write I was griped with fear. What if instead of glorifying the Lord, I was turning people away from faith? Who am I to be writing and teaching on Biblical truth? Who reads this stuff anyway? No one really wants to hear your lame stories. That was well over a year ago.
I might have written a few posts after that, but pretty much I stuck to showing only photo previews and businessy stuff. I’m not bummed that it happened, because it’s been nice to literally go days without looking at a computer or checking Facebook or getting a comment and wondering if with was nice or mean.
But here I sit on the surface of the sun–homeless except for this room–writing again. And I actually plan to continue. I’ve spent more than a year weighing this out. And I’ve come to the conclusion that more good and happy things have come from writing than, painful things. I don’t like to write about controversial things–I like to write about quirky things that help people learn and encourage folks to see the humor and beauty in the places they find themselves. I like to do this, I’ve prayed about it, so…here we go.
We are in New Mexico. The Minot episode{s} in my life have all but ended, expect for a guest starring role every now and then. My house has sold and someone new is calling it home. The movers kidnapped all my stuff and hauled it to a storage center in the desert. And I’m here. In a different dessert learning that just because heat is “dry” doesn’t mean it’s not miserable. According to the heat index, the dryness of the air means it actually feels less hot that the actual temperature. So when it’s 104˚F, it really only feels like 100˚. That’s why I developed my own index: The Skin Melt Factor. It’s the amount of heat radiated off of and reflected back from every available surface {rocks, asphalt, cement, bricks, wood…there is no grass here to soak it up} and the degree to which it makes my skin feel like it’s melting off of the bone. The SMF is very high here. It’s about a 10 at 7am, skyrockets to an alarming 37 by 2pm, and drops to a manageable 5 by 8:30pm.
Anyway, Derek’s been here since March. I just arrived at the beginning of the month. I stayed back in Minot to sell the house, wait for closing, enjoy one last Practically Canadian Summer. He’s here training until September. So despite the SMF, I’m very happy to be here. All kidding and sarcastic comments aside, I’m so glad to be here. I’m excited to be exploring the Southwest. I’m happy to be finding some local gems. I’m happy to have time to write and pray and workout and…most importantly dunk around in the pool. Mostly, it’s really nice to be back to adventuring with Derek and Panda.
I’ll see you tomorrow.
Amy
by Amy | Mar 26, 2016 | Blog, The Art of Living, The Art of Projects, the house
Look at that post title. Is this seriously for real? I don’t know how it can be…because last time I checked Minot is amazing and I’d like to stay forever {or at least another 5 years or so.} But they are forcing me out. In the last month’s I’ve been closing up the photography biz, tying up philanthropic commitments and trying my best to ensure that all the honey pots I’ve stuck my hands into over the last four years will cap up nicely when I leave. I’d rather not leave a bunch of sticky fingerprints all over.
I’ve been cleaning and organizing and clearing closets and purging things I haven’t used in years. I’ve been doing a few minor repairs and shining everything up–all leading up to this day. The day I list my house online: For Sale By Owner. {See the Bisman listing here for additional details.}
Yikes.
Now I’m armed with photos and descriptions. I’ve done the math {which hurt my brain}. Math on square footage and interest and pricing and escargot…I mean escrow. Now that’s left is to find a buyer for what I consider to be the cutest, dreamiest, most fun, charming, darling, comfiest, dearest house in the greater Minot area. So take a look, snoop around the blog. This amazing place could be yours very soon {granted you have proof that you are pre-approved for a loan.} I’ve poured the last four years in to making this an idyllic home and I’ve loved {almost} every second of it. And now….it’s time to brag on this beauty. Scroll through and you’ll see photos and my favorite things about living at 900 3rd St.
The landscaping lends major curb appeal and it’s super easy to maintain. I love pretty yards, but I don’t like a lot of upkeep–so all the best are planted with hardy perennials that will look better and better each year. Bonus–there are loads of top-notch peonies and lilies so in the spring you can keep the house stocked with fresh flowers.
We love to be outside, and in the city a big yard can be hard to come by. This home has a supersized corner lot that’s fully fenced–perfect for kids, dogs, and yard games.
One of the most glorious things about living in Minot is the looong, perfectly temperate summer nights. Grill out on the deck, dine alfresco, and entertain friends around the fire pit on the patio. The patio is created from salvaged brick from a flood home. The patio is also great for hosting outdoor movie nights, pumpkin carving parties and dancing in the moonlight. There are even outdoor speakers for setting the mood. The buyer can keep as much of our outdoor furniture as they please–and the grill too! And neighbors? You’ll never live among finer, more respectful folks.
The inside of the home boasts restored charm alongside modern, eco-friendly upgrades. While this is a historic home, the house does have an open floor plan, which is great for entertaining and hosting large groups. The living room has fresh bamboo flooring which never gets too cold and is easy to clean. The chalkboard panels can be taken down–I pink swear I’m not hiding anything behind them. The buyer can keep them, or I can have them taken out–up to you.
The kitchen and dining room have Dura-ceramic tile that was put in just before we moved in nearly four years ago. I love having hard floors because they are so easy to keep clean in the winter when snow and mud get brought inside on boots. The dining room features a period inspired light and charming built in cabinets.
I love this kitchen because it’s got so much storage. There is cabinet space I’m not even using! It’s floor to ceiling. And the best part is this: the corner cabinets {top and bottom} are fitted with over-sized lazy susan’s so there is no wasted space! The second best part is this: a brand new Maytag convection oven. I’m in love with this appliance and I’d take it with me if I could. {No joke.}
The bedrooms in this home are very spacious for a house of this age. The master bedroom has lots of floor space and shows off hardwood floors original to the structure. An expanded closet was added to the room, giving it a nice, organized storage space.
The office used to be our guest room. There is plenty of room in here for a bed and two dressers. However–when we finished the basement remodel, this became a home office and where I store my art supplies. It’s not pictured, but this room also has a large closet fitted with clothing racks and rods.
The bathroom has incredible storage–a built in cabinet, where I store linens, and a shelving unit for towels. I had Derek build the custom pull out drawer because the shelves are so deep! This way no space is wasted. The shower has an awesome shower head and great water pressure {things you really don’t find out until you move in…but are nice to know in advance.}
The basement remodel was completed in July 2015. It’s waterproofed by Innovative Basement Systems, who offer a fully transferable lifetime warranty on their work. In simple terms that means it’s guaranteed that water will never come in to this space. Ever. We use this space as a guest suite, but it’d also make a nice master suite or home office. There is lot’s of storage down here, including shelving under the stairs and an unfinished “closet” space.
The washer and dryer are also down here, closed off in their own closet. Those appliances can stay with the house, as can the upright freezer. There is a 1 3/4 bathroom in the basement as well {toilet, sink, shower–no bathtub}. It’s new and the plumbing is guaranteed, as is all the electrical work–and the lights themselves are supposed to last about 20 years before they need to be replaced.
All in all this is the smartest, best purchase you could make. Help me spread the word by sharing this post with your friends who might be looking for a perfect place in Practically Canada. It’s really a great place to live–you can even walk downtown for dinner when the weather is nice–so let’s get selling!
Okay–now I have to link this page up to actual home-buying sites. Wish me luck.
xo
Amy
by Amy | Feb 24, 2016 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
This is Killian and his proud parents. Last week, they were kind enough to invite me in to their home to capture his first portraits. He loves dragons, his new kitty-brother Flynn, and super soft blankets made by his Nanna. He’s got gorgeous deep blue eyes and just a hint of ginger coloring–and it’s safe to say he’s stolen the hearts of both his parents {and most definitely his adoring Nanna, who could look at his sweet face all day.}
I had a wonderful time getting to know this sweet family. Welcoming a new baby home is such a special blessing–as usual…I’m blown away and honored that they trusted me to capture these precious {and adorable} moments with their son.
I don’t typically show off an entire collage of black and white images…but I couldn’t resist. I love this series in monotone–it’s got a sweet stillness about it.
Okay, seriously–how peaceful does this baby look?! After being so wide awake at the start of our session I was thrilled {and a little shocked} when he finally dozed off. I love the way he looks sleeping in these images and the contrast between the highly textured blanket and hats and his brand new, smooth skin. These are some of the coziest images I’ve taken this year.
I can’t resist throwing one more image in to the mix. Killian has a super cool Pokemon onsie and his dad just happened to be sporting a very similar T-shirt. To his Nana’s dismay we snapped a few of him in the outfit that caused her to say,
“What is that poor baby wearing??!!” With an incredulous tone in her voice when she walked in on these images being taken. And while it might not be her favorite…I think it’s pretty darn cute {but really, what isn’t cute on this little guy?} and, after all I really do like photos with personality. So I’ll leave you with this:
xo
Amy
by Amy | Feb 8, 2016 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Everyone…I’d like you to meet Katie, Tim and Max. Max is the little one, with the brown fur and the gorgeous blue eyes. I’ll be honest…when Katie told me she’d be bringing her dog to the engagement session, I expected someone a little more mature. But this was definitely a pleasant surprise! I love, love, love puppies! {Who doesn’t??} And I’ll be totally transparent, Max kind of stole the show. {How could he not?}
Now I’m getting off topic. Katie and Tim are engaged and they’ll be starting their together-forever as husband and wife in October, and I am so flattered and honored that they chose me to photograph their engagement. We had a picture perfect winter day and I could hardly take my eyes off of Katie’s fabulous hair. {So. Pretty.} These two are full of personality and silly moments. I love couples who laugh together. I got so many good shots of candid, fun moments with these two I couldn’t really narrow things down–which is why it’s taken a little longer than I would have liked to get their preview up online. But alas, here is it, gorgeous photos from a lovely day, with an even lovelier couple. Take a look.
Oh, and did I mention that there was a near miss with a little snow fight?
Katie is a barista at Starbucks, so one shot she knew she wanted included Mr. and Mrs. coffee cups. Such a cute idea that showed off her personal style. And speaking of style—take note here. I get asked all the time, “What should I wear to my session?” Well, Katie nailed it. I want the outfit she is wearing. She’s got classic pieces that aren’t going to look dated years down the line. Then she added some “now” touches, like the cuffed jeans, wedge ankle boots and a chunky necklace–that keep things looking modern. And the texture in the sweater and flannel gives great dimension to the images. Love it!
Again, I’m simply honored that this couple trusted me to capture these moments. Congratulations on your engagement–savor this sweet season. I hope you enjoy this preview–your flash drive is going in the mail today!
Amy
by Amy | Feb 1, 2016 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
This is Stella. Isn’t she just about the cutest thing?? When I arrived at her house she was sound asleep in her mama’s arms. Warm, snuggly, peaceful. So we laid out the soft, cozy blanket and the soft, comfy pillow. Stella laid down, sound asleep. Then I pulled the plug. I pulled the lime green, pacifying plug.
It was incredible. Like flipping a switch, as soon as the pacifier was out the wiggling began. Still seemingly asleep, but now squirming around. Tossing and turning and throwing arms in every direction. Not one to risk letting a sleeping newborn wake up, I put the plug back in. Immediately–sleeping again.
This happened several more times. Plug out. Wiggle, cry a bit. Plug in. Sound asleep. Plug out. Arms flying, crying. Plug in. Peaceful, sound asleep. Eventually through a slow, methodical technique of removing the plug over the course of several minutes–she stayed asleep. And the camera could see her whole, gorgeous face–without the lime green pacifier blocking it. Comical, precious, and totally worth the patience.
Toward the end of her session she finally did wake up. For real wake up. Look at these bright eyes. She was squirmy and happy and I loved capturing every moment of her personality.
I’m so honored to have been invited in to Stella’s home to get these first ever portraits of her. Congratulations on the new arrival of this precious blessing!
Amy
by Amy | Jan 28, 2016 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Many moons ago Heather bought a mini session I donated to a silent auction. Her gorgeous {and very fun} family opted to wait and use their session once we had snow…which turned out to be a pretty tall order. Even at Christmas card time we didn’t have snow and I was waltzing around in a sweater with no jacket. When the snow finally came, it brought icy temperatures and wind chill advisories. And although winter family photos look awesome {see above} and sound so fun and snowy…no one likes to suffer through with red eyes and noses and kids crying frozen tears because they are miserable and cold.
So we waited and rescheduled and rescheduled again. Then–just as we were about to throw in the towel and wait until March–Minot gave us a gorgeous, only slightly windy, 30˚ day. Such a payout. I’m loving these so much. The jackets, the boots, the snow….! I’m so glad we finally got it. And I sincerely hope this gang loves these images as much as I do {is that a canvas print I hear calling???}
This session was #2 of three outdoor snowy sessions I’m hoping to knock out this week. {The first was Emily and Author}. As soon as I hit publish on this little post, I’ll be headed out the door to set up for another engagement session. And this time instead of dreading the icy weather I’m actually a little concerned that it’s gotten too warm! {Is there such a thing in Practically Canada in January?} Most of the snow has melted away and I’m concerned the bride and groom to-be might get mucky. But we’ll just have to wait and see. If nothing else, I’m sure I’ll have a good story to tell…Look for a preview image up on the Facebook page tomorrow.
Amy
by Amy | Jan 27, 2016 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
I remember it clearly. This adorable, red-headed teenager asked if we could get together and talk. So we did. We met at Pita Pit and over sandwiches–excuse me, pitas–I got to know Emily. We talked about prom and how I couldn’t get a date to save my life in high school and how maybe I should read the signs a little better when three guys turned me down for prom. But I went anyway, and survived, and eventually all the weirdness that high school can bring gradually faded and I was left with a little more clarity and pockets of crazy stories to tell.
She mentioned Snap Chat and I played it really cool–like I totally knew what that was. In reality, after the pitas were gone and the iced tea consumed I immediately went to my car and Googled “snap chat” from the parking lot.
As time went on, the drama of high school and prom subsided–as it always does–but we kept meeting. Mostly for coffee, mostly early in the morning before her classes at the university started. And while I’m not a morning person, chatting with Emily and researching Scripture with her was a morning worth starting early. It was one of these days that I first heard about a boy named Author. “Aurthur?” “No…Author. Like an author.”
I called him Aurthur in our conversations for months–but I’m finally getting the hang of it. Just in time too…because this boy I heard of once upon an Americano-one-pump-of-vanilla-room-for-cream—is sticking around indefinitely. These two are engaged and I couldn’t be more excited. I love that their relationship is rooted in Christ. I love that Author spoke with our pastor and Emily’s dad before proposing. I love that they are in love with each other, but even more in love with the Lord. It’s a beautiful thing.
As with most winter photo sessions, these winter engagement photos were scheduled and rescheduled several times before we got it right, but in the end we had a gorgeous day. And I’m in love with the results. Congratulations guys!! And thank you for choosing me to capture your engagement. What an honor!
xo
Amy
