the Kitchen ~ the Real Heart of the Home

My friend, Susan Branch, posted yesterday that she was refreshing her kitchen. Hardwood floors refinished, a fresh coat of paint....and, all I could think of was our kitchen remodel. So here is our story....

Autumn ~ 1987

                                        

After a year of looking, we found our first house.  A little two-bedroom number with a covered patio and fireplace, two bathrooms and a farm-style kitchen.

We were excited, nervous, anxious .... we had bought a house! Two weeks before we moved in, Charlie spent nights and weekends removing wallpaper, patching walls and painting. My friend, Mary, came one weekend and we spent three days scraping the hardwood floors. The previous owner had slathered varnish on the hardwood floors with a rag mop...and, without cleaning or vacuuming! What a mess!

We took possession Halloween night. Charlie went up to the house to do some work and to see what the All Hallows Eve traffic looked like. He returned after midnight and gave me the full report: The bedroom walls were done. And, the neighborhood was eerily too quiet for our Halloween appetites! None the less, we moved in mid-November and set about making this house our home.

Whitney - 1 1/2 years old



For years, this little kitchen hummed with celebratory meals big and small. Nothing was too big for this humble kitchen.  Birthdays, dinners with friends, holidays and celebrations...we somehow managed to prepare the feast for the event without a hitch!

In 1991, it survived an earthquake and the addition of the second story with only minor (or, so we thought) cracks in the walls.

As the years passed, it became quite apparent that this farm kitchen could use a bit of, er, refreshing. I had been dreaming of rearranging the kitchen....move the stove where the sink was, move the sink to the north wall and add BIG windows so I could see the mountains while I washed the dishes. Oo0ooO0o! I had binders full of ideas, magazine examples, notes and sketches. Finally, in October 2007, we met with Dave (husband of one of our Girl Scouts, JR). I handed him the plethora of sketches, pictures and notes and asked him if he would draw up the plans.

It only took a few weeks and Dave was back with some initial plans....after discussing the plans and tweaking a thing or two....we gave him the OK!

Demo day was set for March 1, 2008.....and, in true tradition, we decorated the soon-to-be demoed walls with doodles and quotes with permanent markers. Whenever embarking on a large project where one needs to reside, it is highly recommended to subscribe to some serious silliness....

Our demo team arrived at 8 a.m. Most everything had been packed so all the guys had to do was move the appliances and then, the walls!

L-R: Dave (architect), my Charlie, Scott (contractor and right arm man) & Charlie ("CB") (my cousin).

After coffee and donuts...the work really began...

Sledge hammers in hand, Dave and Scott made mincemeat out of our one little counter!

Inspector Tom checks out the naked walls.

With the kitchen out of commission, we set up a camp-style kitchen on the patio. Complete with refrigerator, microwave and TV, meals continued without a hitch!

When it rained, we sat by the fireplace while dinner cooked.

By mid-June, the guys had completed the window framing...

Scott, CB and Charlie celebrate another milestone!

A little humor goes a long way in a construction zone!

At the end of each day, we would review the task board...removing those that were completed and adding new ones.

The floor was installed in July. Whitney stopped by to see the progress.

Charlie buffs out a few rough spots while Whitney texts.

He's rather impressed with the project!

As workers came and went, Pete was on duty making sure all was well!

6 1/2 months later, we moved back into the kitchen.



The new walk-in pantry!

 Our new old Wedgewood stove! TWO ovens and a griddle in the middle!

Look at all of that counter space! And, the BIG windows to the north!

A real dream come true!

Let the celebrations continue!

Holiday dinners are now a breeze! Well, ok, still a lot of work, but now we can cook without tripping over each other! And, family & friends can hang out in the kitchen (where they often do...) while  Chef Chuck orchestrates the final details of the meal!

The kitchen is the Heart of the Home...where family and friends gather!

Chef Chuck and me.

...and, we're still finding marshmallows!



 

August 1, 2012

Now, you would think,  being 'retired' would allow me all sorts of time to write and post new entries to my blog. Well, evidently, that's not the case...at least right now! My days seem to be zipping by at warp speed and I'm not sure what, if anything, I am accomplishing.

I must admit that I thought I would simply switch gears, going smoothly from full time employment to full time homemaking & art projects. Reality check! My schedule is now free-form...which is quite foreign to me. Oh, I get my tasks done...but, I have allowed myself to s-l-o-w down a bit and to actually get distracted.

Books on the nightstand are watching my every move...eagerly waiting for me to select a title and sit down and read awhile.  Journals are on the art table...along with the mixed media supplies. The many thoughts, ideas and dreams that are swimming in my mind need to be deposited in the journals before I forget. Yet I find myself paralyzed at times...still thinking in 'work mode'....I have to do this and have to do that just like the 14+ years I spent at my last job....work, chores and very little time for fun and creating.  Honestly, it isn't as easy as I thought it would be.

But as the summer winds down and I finally find my creative balance, this, too, will change.

So, dear blog friends, bear with me as I continue to discover what my 'new normal' is! Thanks for your patience. More to come......

Who is Peg?

Who is Peg?” Periodically, this question appears on the Friends Of Susan Branch Facebook page. “ I have been pondering this question these last three years….and I guess it is time to officially introduce myself. My name is Peg Ackerman and I am a HUGE Susan Branch fan!

  

The girls at the Studio call me ‘President’ of FOSB. But, actually I am the ‘facilitator’ of Susan’s Facebook page, Friends of Susan Branch. I would have never guessed that being a loyal groupie would lead to such a wonderful gig!

I first met Susan at a book signing for her book, Girlfriends Forever, at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena. The year was 2000. I received a postcard announcing the event and went straight to the calendar to jot the info down. Much to my dismay, I discovered that we would be on the road home from vacation on that day and would miss it!  “Not to worry!” my husband said. “We’ll leave the day before…we can’t have you missing your chance to meet Susan!” We left Yosemite and, of course, all I could talk about was the book signing!


The next morning, I reported to Vroman’s Bookstore along with many other fans and patiently stood in line to have my book signed. While we all waited, the gal in front of me began to talk to me about Susan and her books. We chatted for awhile and then, she (her name is Suzan) asked me, “Did you bring your camera?” I caught my breath…no! I told her I didn’t think photography was going to be allowed and left my camera at home. Now, anyone who knows me at all knows that I have a camera with me at all times. I was so disappointed I had not brought it along! Suzan said, “Why don’t I take a picture of you and Susan? I can mail it to you!”  And so she did! And, I want to say right here this is the cheesy-ist, groupie smile anyone could have on their face! 

Susan and Me at Vroman's Book Store ~ April 2000

Like many FOSB, I have ‘followed’ Susan from the beginning; I saved the artwork that was sometimes featured in Country Living magazine. Each one-page article was actually a recipe, hand-written and decorated in her watercolor style. 

 I sent her fan mail – little letters and cards, shortbread at Christmas and, when she once wrote about her cat, I sent her a copy of stories about our two labs, Annie & Pete.  Back in the day, Susan sometimes wrote back! What a surprise to get a little card from her…and, of course, I’ve saved every one!

2004 brought us word that Susan’s Autumn Book, was about to be published. I was browsing in Vroman’s when I ran into Anne, a long time employee. I asked her when Susan’s book signing was scheduled. It wasn’t an issue of ‘if’ – but when!  Anne replied that Susan wasn’t coming to Vroman’s for a book signing! I’m sure the look of disappointment on my face surprised her as much as I was surprised that Susan wasn’t coming! I couldn’t believe it!

When I returned home that afternoon, I sat right down and wrote to Susan, telling her how disappointed I was that she would not be coming to Vroman’s Bookstore for a book signing of her new Autumn Book.  A couple of weeks later, I received a note from Susan, saying, “Oh yes, I will too be at Vroman’s!  12 noon – September 1, 2004!”

September 1 came…and at 11:00, I hopped into my little v-dub and drove all of five minutes to Vroman’s Bookstore. Thinking I was more than early, I took my time and headed upstairs. I was surprised and excited to see that many others had had the same idea!  There were dozens of fans already sitting in the front rows of the seating area. I quickly found a seat and it wasn’t long before we were all talking about the Autumn Book and Susan. We shared our charm bracelets, chatted about fall, ‘acorn fever’ and how it was our favorite season.  This time, I took my camera, and one of the Vroman’s employees graciously took a picture of me with Susan.    

Susan and Me

From those first book signings, I have had the pleasure of seeing Susan at other ‘official’ events. My husband and I drove up to Arroyo Grande when the Heart of the Home shop opened in May of 2006.   

Susan cutting the ribbon at the grand opening
at the Heart of the Home

When her new fabric line, “Martha’s Vineyard”, was introduced, we were there for the launch! Her first Quilt Challenge not only inspired me to get out that sewing machine but to actually enter a little quilt!

Now, if it hadn’t been for Susan and the opening of her wonderful shop, we probably would not have explored the central coast. On our first visit to Arroyo Grande, my husband and I quickly fell in love with Pismo Beach, Cambria & Morro Bay. They have become part of what we call paradise. I have never had a problem getting him to return!

In fact, it was the summer of 2008 that Charlie had planned a surprise birthday trip to Pismo Beach. He had worked out the details and special side trips to the Monterey Aquarium, Hearst Castle and, of course, shopping at the Heart of the Home. Reservations made, Pete was signed up for dog camp, and the other out-of-town details were all in place. I emailed Kellee at the studio and to let her know we would be dropping by to say hi.

A week before my birthday, I received an email from Susan, herself, letting me know that she had decided to close her store.  I sat there reading, in disbelief, the sad news with tears streaming down my face. Of course, the reasons were so valid…but, just the same, my heart sank. I had so looked forward to recharging my inspiration and the Heart of the Home was right where I needed to be to reconnect with my mislaid creative inner-self. 

My birthday weekend finally came and we set off for the central coast. We stopped by the Heart of the Home one last time…the closing sale was a week old and there wasn’t much left. It looked like a huge hall that had seen the most marvelous party ever. Now, almost bare with just a couple pieces of furniture and a table with a few miscellaneous items left for sale. But, stashed in my memory are the images of the Heart of the Home that day it opened.

   

Inspiration was everywhere! Every detail reflected the love and care that went into each display!

Decked out with shelves displaying collections of dishes, fabrics, quilts and books…everything that would make a house a home and Susan, Kellee, Marty, Bonnie and so many others there to welcome us!  A magical place that inspired everyone who came by!



Hilary, Denise, Marty, Bonnie, Judy W., Susan, Kellee, Judy S. and Alfredo,
the magnificent team at Heart of the Home!

Next stop – the Studio! Charlie had ordered one of Susan’s giclees for my birthday and we stopped by to pick it up.  Walking into the Studio, we were greeted by Susan’s sister-in-law, Judy Stewart. She gave us a tour and all I could think was… ‘Now here’s a place to work!’ Desks skirted the perimeter of the room and bright, white bookcases and shelves loaded with fabric and Susan’s books lined the walls. In the middle of the room stood a very long table, strewn with sketches, fabric swatches and new items for the web store. The creative energy flowed throughout the Studio and was quite contagious.

After that trip, I continued to visit Susan’s website for news, inspirational tidbits, and recipes and to shop (of course!).  I kept in touch with the gals at the Studio with periodic emails and little comments on the web page link.

It was in the spring of 2009 that brought an unexpected email from the Studio, asking if I would be available for a conference call later that afternoon. ‘Of course!’ I replied, and a time was set.  Ok. Now, my mind was racing! Curiosity, excitement, nervousness…and a plethora of other emotions intertwined as I waited for the call. Why did they want to talk to me, I wondered? Before I could spend more time pondering the question – the phone rang. Judy and Kellee were on the phone.

 

Kellee & Judy

After a bit of chit-chat, Judy switched gears and indicated there was a real purpose to their call. She mentioned that she had noticed that I was on Facebook. “Yes,” I said. “I didn’t like My Space very much and thought I’d give Facebook a try.”  Judy continued, “Well, we’ve been talking with Susan, and we were wondering if you would be interested in overseeing a Facebook page for Susan?”

To say I was surprised is an understatement. Really?!?? ME?!?? Of course, there was a long pause as I digested their suggestion. I could hear the gals giggle as I was nervously considering the offer. It was all so exciting and so unexpected! What an honor! Reality was gently making itself known…could I do this? I’m no computer wizard. Still, something told me I should give this a whirl. We talked some more and brainstormed. We worked together, remotely and, on June 11, 2009, Friends of Susan Branch launched on Facebook.

It has been three years since that phone call. Nearly 14,000 Friends of Susan Branch follow Susan on Facebook. They Tweet on Twitter and many of them are now Pen Pals!  FOSB also look forward to Susan’s Willards (her periodic newsletter). In the beginning they were mailed via snail-mail to fans all over the country. Multi-paged, handwritten and water colored missives arrived, hand addressed and in each newsletter there was a little surprise from Susan tucked inside; a strip of stickers, a gift enclosure with envelope or a bookmark. As if the Willard wasn’t enough, Susan sent party favors, too! Susan’s Willards are now emailed to her 40,000 plus friend base. When Willard arrives, FOSB stop and brew a cup of tea before sitting down to read the latest news from Susan.



Susan and me at her shop.

So, who is Peg? That would be me. A fan from the beginning and long-time groupie who loves all that is Susan Branch. A homegrown gal from the ‘50s who loves to cook, garden, read, take pictures, write, Yosemite and the Central Coast. I live in Southern California with my soul mate and best friend, Charlie and our recently rescued dog, Roxie. Our son, Whitney, lives close by in Orange County.


 

As the dust begins to settle...



...when I left, I still had eight weeks of unused sick time...!

 Four weeks ago tomorrow, I decided it was time to make a change. After 14 years, I left the little preschool where I worked and became retired.

In my mind, I thought I would simply switch gears and get to work on catching up on all of  the home tasks that never seemed to get accomplished or, at least, completed! That first Monday, I was up with the birds (and, Roxie, of course)...ready to tackle those looming projects. With a new routine in place, I showered, dressed, put on the coffee and went out with Roxie for a jaunt around the neighborhood. Back at the house, I began working on laundry, cleaning, organizing. I was on a roll!

This went on for several days. And then, I hit a wall. I was so intent on getting things done...I was making headway and accomplishing so much!! I lost all track of task and time. I was pushing myself, somehow feeling that now that I was not 'working', I needed to prove that it was worth it to have me home; to validate my retirement. I now know this is part of the process of transition from job to freedom.

And, it became very apparent that I cannot walk away from 14 years of relentless multi-tasking and smoothly shift to a less demanding schedule overnight! I had to stop...regroup...and give myself permission to slooooow down and take each day, one by one.

For the first time in a very long time, I have slept through the night three nights in a row! Upon my departure from my job, a friend and former co-worker told me that 'in a few weeks, I would begin to sleep through the night again, short term memory would return and my short temper would disapait'. He was right. Finally....there's that light at the end of the tunnel.

Hindsight being 20-20, I find I want to collect photos of the many friends I left behind. Teachers and parents...they were an integral part of my life at the preschool and I need to put them all in little memory book where I can visit them from time to time.

I have a few photos and know it will take some time to gather the others. But I hope to find one for each of the friends that meant so much to me. Especially Yolanda ~ the director that hired me and gave me that opportunity back in 1998. 

So...another project waits for me...but, this project will be a treasured one!

the Studio

Late in 1986 it became apparent that we needed more room. Our comfortable apartment was perfect for two but a bit cramped for a family of three. So began the hunt for a house.

We looked at all sorts of homes. The offerings went from fixer-upper to are-you-kidding! All price ranges, various neighborhoods...what an education. We had been looking for nearly a year when one day, our realtor phoned to tell us that he thought he had found a house that would be perfect for us. Located in northeast Pasadena, we found the house just below the foothills.

It was not too big, two  bedrooms, two baths....a perfect first home. Being new to the house purchasing market, we looked through the house, talked about it and looked at the backyard. It wasn't until they showed us the basement room that it became obvious that this was the house for us!

Fast-forward to now...my studio .... my sanctuary.



Just inside the door of the studio...



So many supplies and tools! The bins on the left are sewing supplies and unfinished quilting The stacks of drawers at the back are loaded with rubber stamps. Under my work table, drawers full of scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies. The file cabinet to the left, my mother gave me years ago...lots of project ideas are waiting in there!    

My work table...between projects, of course. Against the south wall is the new, industrial shelving that Charlie bought for me. Thanks to Tim Holtz, we learned we could find them at Cost Co. What a difference the shelving makes! Scrapbook paper is sorted by color and theme. The stack of bins next to the door? I am sorry to report....all negatives! Yes...from the Kodak Brownie Box camera days to that 35mm era. It would be great to have them all digitalized!

This is the desk my cousin, Charlie, gave me when he moved. It is perfect when I need to do a small project or write a letter.

In this corner, on the left, is my die cutting Vagabond (by Sizzix), lots of banners, and artwork by Whitney. To the right are all sorts of books, misc. treasures, the telephone (yes, it has a dial and still works!). Oh, and some fun string lights for that extra inspiration.

This bulletin board is an eclectic collection of ephemera, trinkets, doo-dads ....you name it! Inspiration is everywhere...especially in my studio!

I love this little space...it affords me an escape to explore mixed media, try a new project, write ....and sometimes, to just be.....me.

These are my Mouseketeer ears from the late '60s.