Our loft move in date is now June 2nd. So we have 6 more days. I don’t believe I have shown you the artist’s rendering of the facade. Let me show you the “before” photo, so you can get the maximum “wow!” effect of the after photo.

Go ahead and say it, “Whew! That is S-C-A-R-Y!”

This is the artist’s rendering/sketch, then the computerized version:

Are you WOWED??? I was. I can see slow, steady progress on the outside. Windows are only in on the third floor. We will actually be moving in before the building is completely finished. The third floor will be done, the second will follow 2-4 weeks after, then the first floor will be finished last. It should be interesting! I can’t wait! We got to pick ceiling fan blade shades (dark vs. light) and our pendant lighting over the kitchen island. We have bathroom faucets purchased. Michael is helping the plumber install the master vanity today. I will share pictures, likely right before we move in. Again credit to Urban Synergy.

Michael has cool new RECYCLED cutting boards in our Etsy shop! They are so beautiful it is hard to believe they were scraps of oak hardwood flooring! Just click on the photos to go to the product page.

We also just listed this cute little air dried black walnut board with exposed bark. Go to the product page to read more.

Pictures! I can’t believe I don’t have any pictures of my Aaron. He was there. He actually took this picture of Jacob:

Quinn just stared at us as we ate ribs–really good ribs. Aaron, who didn’t like ribs, decided that day, he DID, after all, like ribs. He said, “Ribs are better than steak!”

So, we decided to let Quinn try ribs too:

Lastly, a picture of us…

I know, I know, I said I would post more Racks by the Tracks pictures today. But I keep forgeting my camera at home, therefore, the photos have still not been downloaded to my laptop. Since I have no photos to share, I’d like to share with you some recent Etsy finds…

I have previously posted about metime, a fellow Etsian who is local and makes handmade soaps, including laundry soap. At the time, I had yet to try the laundry soap. I had requests to post again when I had actually used it. I have finished a bag (32 loads) and am meeting Margaret today to buy more! I just LOVE it! It cleans well, smells good, is affordable, and all the while, I am supporting LOCAL and HANDMADE!!! You can’t beat that! So, I highly recommend this laundry soap. I do find that my clothing is softer if I can catch the washer in the rinse cycle and add a bit of white vinegar. I am washing Quinn’s clothes in it as well, with no sensitivities noted.

I have been a 4x repeat customer of spoolofplenty. Now, I can’t show you what I have bought, because it is for the loft. I want to do a series of blog posts about the finished loft when the time comes… But, in the meantime, please check out Angela’s shop. She is amazing! If Quinn wasn’t already attached to his blanket, I would buy him one of her rag quilt “loveys.” Angela is SUPER to work with on custom orders. Fabulous customer communication and service!

Another Etsian who I have purchased from is Cherry Creek Charms. Unfortunately, I did not get to see the pieces in person, but I have heard from my sister that my niece Emma just loved her soccer charm and necklace that I bought her for her birthday. You can see the sports charms in Heather’s shop here. Take the time to browse around there is a lot to see! Her leaf imprint charms are my favorite!

10 days to go until planned move in! It is hard to keep track of the progress because things are moving so quickly. Floors finished. Or at least here is a picture of them with one coat on. I was told the second coat will be cured in the morning. And below are pictures of the master vanity Michael is building and the loft with the windows in and base cabinets in the kitchen installed. I can’t wait for more of the “pretty” stuff to get done. This is when it gets EXCITING!

I am at the gallery today, and I have left my camera at home. Here I said that I would post pics on Monday, and it is Tuesday! Needless to say, I have yet to download my photos, but I have two to share with you that my friend Kim took. You can see little Quinn wandering in the background in the photo of me and Michael. The smaller photo below is me and Kim.

We had a great time at Racks by the Tracks! Sales weren’t so great, though. I have read in the Etsy Forums that music festivals tend not to be great selling events for artisans/crafters. People go to festivals to eat, drink, listen to music… Enjoy hanging out, if you will, not spending money. Like I said, though, we had a great time. Kingsport has definitely changed (for the better). It is all about community. We are now looking forward to Twighlight Alive and Bluegrass on Broad. Our next festival is the Blue Plum in downtown Johnson City. I am hoping that we will do better as far as sales. A fellow Etsian who is a potter, said she sold out last year. That would be a nice problem to have! Tomorrow, I will post a loft update. Thursday more Racks by the Tracks photos!

Racks by the Tracks, Downtown Kinsgsport on E. Main Street, Saturday, May 16th from 3pm to 8pm. Ribs, blues and beer. I have made beer glass cozies per the suggestion of Angela Vachon and help from Paul and Amber Vachon. I will post some pictures on Monday. Have a great weekend everyone!

The ambrosia maple vanity top for the master bath (it’s unfinished):

A peek at the hardwood floors sanded, but unfinished… Yep, original.

Windows going in…

A special thanks to everyone who helped set up and serve. We appreciate every one’s kind words and well wishes. And for those of you who came out to support us on opening night, well, words don’t quite seem adequate in expressing our thanks and appreciation. We had a great turnout! We’d especially like to recognize Tony Vines who played for us. Our facebook page has more photos for you to see!

My photography feature this week is a photographer that will be showing/selling his work in the gallery. He is a very talented artist! Visit his web site to see slide shows of his work. Visit his blog to hear the story behind the picture. Jeff is also on facebook and Twitter.