Archives for September 2014

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What I’m Struggling to Say

Good Bones // What I'm Struggling to Say

Good Bones // What I'm Struggling to Say

Winds and waves will not spare us, but they all obey Him; and therefore whatever squalls may occur on the outside, faith will enjoy a blessed calm within. He is always in the center of the weather-beaten company: Let us rejoice in Him. His boat has reached the harbor, and so will ours.

Whatever our morning’s need may be, may it like a strong current carry us to the ocean of divine love. Jesus can soon remove our sorrow; He delights to comfort us. Let us hurry to Him while he waits to meet us. — excerpts from “Morning and Evening” by C.H. Spurgeon

It’s easy to hide bad feelings behind product posts and fashion inspiration. Whenever I think about writing here I end up overwhelmed and in tears. Depression, insomnia, surgery, medical tests and procedures, bad news, stress, emotional and spiritual turmoil–I’d rather not talk about that. But perhaps sometimes it’s good to. I’ve been isolating and feeling sorry for myself–it’s my go-to coping mechanism that, truthfully, never works. And though I’m trying hard to trust the Lord, to read and have faith in his word, I am just not well.

In a very real way I’ve been confronted with how deep my selfishness goes. I’m beginning to see that my hurt, no matter how natural and understandable, grows and consumes if left unchecked, if my focus is on the offense and not the one who redeems and offers peace. No healing can come from that, from looking at such an amazing gift and saying no, that’s not enough. It’s a constant battle, sinfully feeling justified because of how deeply I have been wounded yet wanting to move forward with grace and love. Ultimately I’m thankful for these dark times–they help me see very clearly my need for Jesus and my habit of thinking I can save myself and others. I pray that in my weakness I find hope in the strength God offers, that I would be motivated not by wanting to make my own life easier and more comfortable, but that I would put others above myself and do all things for his glory.

Strangely, writing these few words has been helpful. The feelings aren’t looming over my head, threatening and impossible to handle. The path forward seems less abstract and unattainable. I am thankful for the push.

Life

Lately

Good Bones // Lately

Good Bones // Lately

I forgot I owned this dress until recently when I saw a very stylish woman at the doctor’s office wearing something similar. I wanted to compliment her but was too scared, of course. I dug this out and wore it twice last week.

Good Bones // Lately

Happenings at our bookstore during the Arts in the Heart Festival.

Good Bones // Lately

Goods purchased from my favorite potter, Wade Franklin, at the festival. I go a little overboard every year. He has a sale at his home in November and I do the same there. I really, really love pottery, especially when it’s functional and beautiful.

Good Bones // Lately

The weather is getting cooler and I’ve been living in this KY sweatshirt I found recently. My father-in-law went to school there, so that makes it even more awesome.

Good Bones // Lately

My dear Apollo, looking regal and somber as usual.

Good Bones // Lately

David and I call her Shelob. She’s back (or one of her kin) and terrifying as ever.

Good Bones // Lately

Delicious buckwheat porridge that I’ll be eating for many breakfasts. Next on my list to try is this chocolate peanut butter avocado pudding. Comfort food at its best.

Good Bones // Lately

Good Bones // Lately

Two quick progress shots from the house renovation. The first, a view of the back of the house where the laundry room has been extended a couple feet. The second, a view of the wall in our bedroom where there’s going to be some recessed shelving. It may be my favorite feature of the house.

Good Bones // Lately

A really incredible piece of art, a carved wood whale by Jay Jacobs (y’all, he’s so good), that we were able to buy at a very good price. I couldn’t even wait until daylight to take a better photo. I’m still figuring out where to put it, but I’m so excited I get to look at it every day.

Good Bones // Lately

These crazy looking flowers (they’re probably really weeds or something) popped up in the front yard of our future house. I knew they’d look perfect in this pitcher.

Style

Getting Ready for Fall

Good Bones // Getting Ready for Fall

Good Bones // Getting Ready for Fall

I took advantage of end-of-season/Labor Day sales and got a few things for fall. I will be living in these A.P.C. sweats and Black Crane top. The bag was just a little something extra to put my products in when I travel. The Mars boots were a very, very generous gift from my mother-in-law on our trip to Durham, from Vert & Vogue (a new favorite store!). They’ve been on my wishlist for so long. Rachel Comey can do no wrong.

My closet is still missing some pieces that would be good for fall layering and on into winter, to really make my wardrobe versatile. I’ve recently worn out several key items that need to be replaced, like my white tank that I mysteriously ripped at a party and beloved chambray button down shirt that was worn too thin. Even now I can’t let it go and still wear it around the house and on walks despite the many holes that have formed. I hope to get some of these items or find similar alternatives on a thrifting adventure.

cardigan / black tank / white silk tank / chambray shirt / jeans / grey tee / black dress

Style

Spring 2015

Good Bones // Spring 2015

Some favorite looks from the Spring 2015 RTW shows so far.

Good Bones // A Détacher Spring 2015 RTW

A Détacher

Good Bones // Creatures of Comfort Spring 2015 RTW

Good Bones // Creatures of Comfort Spring 2015 RTW

Creatures of Comfort

Good Bones // Cut25 by Yigal Azrouël Spring 2015 RTW

Cut25 by Yigal Azrouël

Good Bones // Isa Arfen Spring 2015 RTW

Isa Arfen

Good Bones // Suno Spring 2015 RTW

Suno

Good Bones // Thakoon Spring 2015 RTW

Thakoon

Good Bones // Tibi Spring 2015 RTW

Tibi

Good Bones // Yigal Azrouël Spring 2015 RTW

Yigal Azrouël

images: style.com

Life

Details

Good Bones | Details

Good Bones // DetailsGood Bones // DetailsGood Bones // DetailsGood Bones // DetailsGood Bones // DetailsGood Bones // DetailsGood Bones // DetailsGood Bones // DetailsGood Bones // DetailsGood Bones // Details

I had some old film lying around and decided to use it up recently. The photos are of nothing really, just little bits of downtown–patterns and scenery I liked. I’m not totally thrilled with the images (let’s be honest, I’m clearly out of practice) or the quality of the prints, but I am glad to have shot something other than digital for a change. My light meter was acting up (of course, blame the equipment), but hopefully that’ll be fixed once I replace the battery.

I have such fond memories of looking through my dad’s photos when I was a kid. I’d lie on the floor in my bedroom and endlessly flip through albums or hold slides up to the sunlight, marveling at how vibrant and real they seemed–somehow both ordinary and dreamlike at the same time. There’s a beauty to film, and to the art of patience, that can’t be replicated. I used my film camera a lot in high school and some of college and early marriage (I’ve got a large box of my own prints–memories worth saving–I’d like to put into albums or frame), but lately I’ve barely picked it up. I’m going to commit to using it more often. It’ll be good to preserve something and discipline myself to appreciate the slowness of real life.

This afternoon I’m headed to Durham, NC with my mother-in-law on a very last minute trip to visit her cousin. I’ve never been before so I’m excited to finally get the chance. David and I had plans to go to Kentucky and Cincinnati with his dad in a few weeks, but this has been a stressful, hectic, and unpredictable season for us so that’s been put on hold. It’ll be nice to get away for a few days anyway, even if my other half is staying behind. I’ll be packing a few rolls of film for sure.

Art + Design

Rebecca Atwood Prints

Good Bones // Rebecca Atwood Prints

I recently came across some beautiful Rebecca Atwood prints from Stampa. She is such a master of patterns. I’m a big fan of her pillows, of course, and it’s nice to know I can get my hands on artwork as well. It’s affordable, too! I could easily see one of these dreamy, calming prints in our new bedroom.

Good Bones // Rebecca Atwood Prints

Good Bones // Rebecca Atwood Prints

Good Bones // Rebecca Atwood Prints

Good Bones // Rebecca Atwood Prints

Good Bones // Rebecca Atwood Prints

Good Bones // Rebecca Atwood Prints

Instagram

  • These lilac pillow slips were my last purchase of 2019 before starting 6 months (at least) of no spending (wardrobe + household decor). I hope to better understand my spending patterns/triggers and find healthier, less expensive ways to manage negative emotions. Committing to it wasn’t easy which makes me all the more glad I did. Thank you to @insearchofcozy_ for being my inspiration and giving me the push I needed to start!
  • Last weekend I popped into a couple of my favorite Cincinnati shops, including @fernshopcincinnati where some of my original collages are for sale amongst stunning plants and the best ceramics. If you’re in the area, stop by and see Megan’s gorgeous shop for yourself! She’s been a supporter of my work for years and I’m so grateful. Also grateful that my little sister moved to Cincinnati for college almost 14 years ago and never left so I get to keep visiting 🤗🤎✨
  • Had a slow, ordinary, wonderful, much needed vacation where I barely took any photos. Missing family but happy to be home ✨
  • A few days after Apollo died, I opened a package from @charlotteswans and inside was a portrait she had drawn of him. Immediately I began sobbing, missing my sweet boy, but also so grateful to see his face which she captured perfectly and beautifully. My husband and I got it framed as our Christmas present to ourselves. It’s a gift we will always cherish. Thank you, my dear Charlotte.
  • Yesterday I posted this photo in stories but deleted it shortly after because I was embarrassed. I look angry but in truth this is my face at rest, albeit tired. Most days I look at my post-menopausal face and body and don’t recognize them, but in this moment the anger, sadness, and loathing I normally experience (which is a complicated topic) was more subdued. I liked the picture so I’m not sure I know how to articulate why posting it felt so unacceptable. Here it is again, acting as a reminder to just post the damn thing. Lately the need to be more open about menopause, something I’ve shared with very, very few people, is one I’ve felt strongly. I don’t know exactly what that looks like in such a public space, but I think it’s worth exploring.

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