Art + Design

Life on Weekends

Good Bones | Life on Weekends

Good Bones | Life on Weekends

It’s been a crazy and fun few days, and honestly a welcome break from some of the feelings I’ve been having. The third weekend in September is much loved because our downtown streets are home to the Arts in the Heart festival. It was extra lively and busy at the store, which we’re thankful for. ArtZilla set up on our front patio and artists painted on site the whole weekend, plus we ate our weight in delicious cuisine and browsed the seemingly endless booths of art. It was a solid good time. We bought a painting by Lorri Kelly and a small hanging pot, which, it goes without saying, I can’t wait to see in the new house.

The weekend ended with drinks and good conversation and finally crashing in bed with guilty pleasure television shows. My legs ache from walking more than usual on top of my regular runs and our temporary room is a neglected mess, but it’s worth it. This morning was quiet and calm, and now rain and thunder have brought a darkened beauty to the day. It’s oddly just what I need to get myself back into the swing of daily life.

Last night I was struck by how different our weekend was compared to the year before. I speak of it often, though only vaguely–one of those decidedly painful and difficult times that had us feeling a heavy burden and tension surrounding these few days in particular. It’s a strange memory to have–one that almost doesn’t seem real–and we’re relieved to be passed it but also glad for the humbling opportunities for relational growth that resulted. I feel a major freedom in that, and I’m grateful not to have felt anger, grief, and confusion this weekend but simply the honor and joy it was to witness a city come alive through art and fellowship.

Good Bones | Life on WeekendsGood Bones | Artists Staci Swider and Brian Stewart

Staci Swider | Brian Stewart

Good Bones | Painting by Carrie Brooks

Carrie Brooks

Good Bones | Painting by Jason Craig

Jason Craig

Good Bones | Artist Chris Murray

Chris Murray (he doesn’t have a website but his work is some of my absolute favorite)

Good Bones | Life on WeekendsGood Bones | Pottery by Wade FranklinGood Bones | Life on WeekendsGood Bones | Life on Weekends

Pottery by Wade Franklin

Good Bones | Life on WeekendsGood Bones | Life on WeekendsGood Bones | Life on WeekendsGood Bones | Life on WeekendsGood Bones | Life on WeekendsGood Bones | Life on WeekendsGood Bones | Life on WeekendsGood Bones | Woodcuts by Kent AmblerGood Bones | Woodcuts by Kent Ambler

Woodcuts by Kent Ambler of Greenville, SC, who I’ve been a fan of for a while. This dog piece is a particular favorite. It reminds me of all three of our dogs simultaneously and I’m definitely going to save my pennies for it.

Good Bones | Life on WeekendsGood Bones | Life on WeekendsGood Bones | Life on Weekends

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  • 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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