Creative Juice

Just for the Max of it : Firehouse Edition

This past weekend Maxi and I went with our neighbor and her son to a nearby firehouse for an open house. Many trucks were on display and firemen and women were available to show us around and answer all our questions.

The firetrucks were sparkling clean, full of so many details and, as you can see by the photos above, ginormous. I was happy to watch Maxi and the other kids take it all in. After all, firetrucks are a childhood icon.

They also handed out safety books about what to do should a fire break out in your home - a conversation Thierry and I have yet to have with our boys. They suggest you discuss and plan two exit routes should your house have a fire. Have you ever made such a plan? We haven't, but after reading all the pamphlets, it seems like something we should do.

 

 

 

Things I love : Beautiful Display Windows

Now that the seasons are changing it is a great time to walk around and admire the new window displays. I loved this one at Anthropologie in Georgetown spotted early Saturday morning.

Gorgeous colors, interesting shapes and full of texture - this display looks more like an art installation than a store display. It says walk in the forest to me! Wouldn't you love to be one of the creative minds behind beautiful window displays? Have you seen a display lately that's made you stop and take it all in?

A simple Google search led to former Anthropologie's former display coordinator's, Kate Pruitt, article on creating great window displays. So interesting! The search also turned up other admirers. Look at all these other beautifully photographed Anthro displays. 

Something in the mail...

totally made us think of our dear friends in Toulouse. The number one thing I miss most from Toulouse (France, for that matter) are the people. Our people. Remember that going-away party we threw back in May? Well, our awesome friends gifted us something so cool we decided to have it engraved with the old funny souvenir slogan. Ha!

Not lousy at all! Best part is, every time we use it, we're reminded of our friends. Sweet. 

Settling

Phew. Where to begin? It's been a week and a half since the movers arrived. For the first seven days there was lots of motivation to unpack boxes and get organized. Then, all of the sudden, we hit a brick wall of exhaustion. The new school rhythm is the most difficult thing to adjust to. We are still transitioning from our summer schedule and it is hard to get to bed early.

The boys started school the same day we moved into our house. The first morning Thierry, Lucien and I took them to school and that same afternoon they came home on the bus. I feel very thankful Andrea and Maxi dove into their new school so readily. We haven't had to deal with tears and that makes all of these changes so much easier.

The office and our bedroom are the two rooms that aren't set up yet. Our armoires didn't fit up the staircase so Thierry and I are still living out of our suitcases and boxes. We need to a find a dresser. Need to work on unpacking the office - I am beginning to miss not having my scrapbook supplies at the ready.

The rest of the house has been unpacked - good thing. Next I have to start hanging things on the walls. It takes me forever to commit to the placement of photos and art. I feel determined to make decisions more quickly so as not to live with piles of stuff everywhere.

Did you know that is rained for days and days last week? It was very un-motivating. But whenever it let up we were outside exploring. There is a park nearby and quiet streets - great places for playing. Also, our neighbors have made us feel welcomed and I feel so so thankful for that.

For now, we are in the getting-to-know-you stage. All the newness and figuring out of things. I think it's just a matter of time before everything becomes second nature. Just a matter of time before we know which kitchen drawer holds the peeler or which wall the switch is on or where we put our keys. Just a matter of time before we feel at home.

This post was styled with Pugly Pixel's Freebie Blog Photo Templates with Fabric Labels. Thanks Karina!