The biggest project so far has been to repaint the back stairwell (20 foot ceilings!) and re-hang old and new artwork in it. I’ve always had tons of art on the walls in every place I’ve lived, and I’ve still got wallspace, so the collection continues. I’m especially excited about the Michael Gillette piece “Joko”, Rodarte-designed poster for one of my favorite films, Breathless by Jean-Luc Godard, and a photograph by Laura Plageman. Nice to mix in pieces amongst all the work by Nathaniel Parsons.

Other big projects on the horizon are refinishing the front door (complete with commissioned stained glass window by Ted Ellison) and painting the front steps/railing.

Our garden has awoken and has started to say hello too. Bright purple crocuses planted two winters ago have returned, and daffodils and tulips from two years ago & this past winter are peeking out too. I think it’s going to be a glorious spring in the backyard.

& of course there’s fantasy basketball, which is my biggest obsession. For those who are interested, my team formally known as “Tha Nub” now known as “Linoleum” (everyone in our league has a team know paying homage to Jeremy Lin), is still IN FIRST – first since the beginning of the season. But this week that may all change since I am doing battle with Joanna’s team, who is only 2.5 games back in second. Say a prayer for the nub, won’t you?

Things that will happen: read mj’s new book, see molly nilsson, see nathaniel’s new show, spend a week in ohio, go to nyc for a big party.

With the help of my friend Nathaniel, we framed it out and boxed in the planter area using pine and 1/4″ cement “hardie” board. I sanded and painted everything using my favorite patio shade, “Black Jack” by Benjamin Moore, and filled it all with The Dry Garden’s succulent & cactus blend. The plants were purchased from The Cactus Jungle and Alex Rigg in Berkeley (Alex sells the most amazing varieties of succulents and cactii out of her house on Delaware street between Sacramento and California).

PS- if you’re interested in some of the plant varieties shown, I’m cataloguing them on Pinterest.

Update: all of the plants are still alive, some getting a little “leggy” and losing a bit of their red color, but otherwise still looking like they do in these pics.

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I’m also enjoying the pace of these days, time seems to move a little slower, and I’ve been fortunate to work from home a little more. We have new neighbors up the street, neighbors that play magical loopful banjo tunes and the occasional shoegazery melody. As much as I wish we could move out of this neighborhood, I have to admit there’s a vibrancy and soulfulness to it too, that I’d miss. We’re hanging pretty tough here.

It’s always a sad time of year for me though, the week after the Tour de France has ended. Not sure how I became so attached to those three weeks in July every year… sports in general is now my lifeline, my constant. There’s always something to look forward to, and I feel comfort that millions of other people are also looking forward to the same things. It’s the same feeling I’d get from hearing the sounds of late night television (M*A*S*H or Hawaii 5-0) coming from my parents’ bedroom. I always felt safe knowing they were still up.