So Neighborly

Last night the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts invited their neighbors, i.e. people living in the Fan and Museum District in for a preview of the galleries before they re-open their doors after a long renovation.

When Harry and I moved to Richmond last year the museum was getting ready to close for a long period of time, and, unfortunately I never made it in before they did. We had, as a family, years ago come down to see the Egyptian traveling exhibit that they had - never thinking for a minute that some day I would be a neighbor.

So, Harry and I walked the seven blocks down to get a sneak peak. The director gave a slide presentation about the renovation and then turned us loose into the new spaces. Many of the rooms haven't had their art hung yet - the official opening is May 1. I can't wait to go back and take my time in each of the galleries.

Hi Elvis - I'll come back and see you later.

This is a view from above the new entrance. Wow.

Wow again.

This is a view through huge glass windows to "Grove House" - this building will be for research staff.
It is so open and airy - just the kind of space one needs to experience great art.

I hated to leave last night - but I will be back very soon. Admission will be free and they're going to be open every day and some evenings!!

History of Haven

Hollywood Cemetery

One of the questions I've been asked by the committee that heads the Fan Woman's Kitchen and Garden tour is if I know anything of the history of my house so that they can pass that information on to the people on the tour. Who built the house, who were the first inhabitants, etc.? Gosh, I have no idea - but wouldn't it be fun to find out? I was told I could get started at the Virginia Historical Society and so one morning I walked over to start the research. Richmond published City directories nearly every year from 1870 to the present. Beginning with 1879–80, all directories contain a section devoted to street addresses arranged in alphabetical order by street name and then arranged numerically by address. The previous owner left a plaque that states that the house was built in 1905 so I started with the 1905 directory and went to Hanover Avenue but didn't find my number - the numbering stopped in the previous block. So I grabbed 1906 and found my address and learned that it was inhabited by Lucy O. Michaels, widow. J.E. I wasn't sure what the J.E. stood for but hoped that it was her deceased husbands initials. I pulled directories from 1906 through 1920 and Lucy continued living here. In 1921 it transferred to Sarah Tyler - another widow. Hmm. What's happening to the husbands??

The VHS didn't have much more to offer in the way of Richmond building research so I walked back home and got onto the computer to see if I could find out anything more about Lucy. I was hoping that I'd find her at Hollywood Cemetery. Hollywood is the cemetery in Richmond where everyone who was anyone was buried. Not only that it is one of the prettiest places around. Overlooking the James River, it is a large, sprawling spot characterized by rolling hills and winding paths and it is the resting place of two United States Presidents, James Monroe and John Tyler, as well as the only Confederate States President, Jefferson Davis. It is also the resting place of 25 Confederate generals, more than any other cemetery in the country. Included are George Pickett and J.E.B. Stuart.

Its name, "Hollywood," comes from the enormous holly trees dotting the hills of the property.

Hollywood Cemetery is one of Richmond's major tourist attractions. There are many local legends surrounding certain tombs and grave sites in the cemetery, including one about a little girl and the black iron statue of a dog standing watch over her grave.

That's Harvey the Welsh terrier keeping his distance.

I logged onto their website and used the search engine. Not only did I find Lucy but I found her late husband and some other members of the Michaels family. I made note of the plot number and headed back out the door.

My next stop was to the Library of Virginia. The Library of Virginia was created by the General Assembly in 1823 to organize, care for, and manage the state's growing collection of books and official records — many of which date back to the early colonial period.

I sat down at a computer and used their subscription to Ancestry.com to look up the Michaels family in the U.S. census records. I first checked the 1880 census and found Lucy and Robert E. living on West Clay Street. She was 22 and he was 32 and it stated that he was a grocer. Also living at that address were Erwin P. - aged 4 and Robert E., Jr. aged 4 months.

In the 1900 census I found her living on 112 Plum Street - it seems Mr. Michaels had passed away by then.

The 1910 Census showed her in my house on Hanover along with Robert E., Luette, Edward, Mary and Lucy Taylor (aunt) and Pellam Johnson (servant).

Now, on to Hollywood cemetery where the nicest gal in the office gave me a map and a xerox of everyone buried in the plot as well as information on the funeral home that handled Mr. Michaels funeral in case I want to find out how he died.

I followed the map and soon found the family plot.

Poor Lucy was a widow in her thirties - did she continue to run the grocery? She had some kind of income in order to support a large household and a servant.

The room that I currently use as my office/studio I'm sure was Pellam Johnson's room. It is close to the back stair case which leads to the kitchen.

The family lived here at Haven until 1920. I hope they were as happy here as I am.

I've contacted the Valentine History Center to see if I can find out anything else about Lucy and Robert Michaels but haven't heard back from them. I would love to know more...........

The Year in Review

I guess there could be some readers out there who are wondering where I've been of late. In case there are some inquiring minds, I've neglected this blog as I've been busy with a new project at work and I took last week off to help my parents move from their home in Sarasota, Florida to their "independent" living facility in Georgia. Ironically, my parents move was one year to the date of our move to Richmond, Virginia. Lying awake at night, unable to sleep because of all the unexpected stress of the move, I was able to reflect on how hard it is to change one's living arrangements, especially as one gets older. I wasn't prepared for the range and depth of the emotions that were cast about. Sadness, anger, confusion reined one minute and in the next we were doubled over with laughter. In the end, they got where they were supposed to be with only a few bumps in the road and I'm glad that they have each other to lean on as they navigate this next and possibly final phase of their lives. It making me think about what I would want for Harry and me when we get to that point - hoping that we do.

It has been one year now that we've been living in Richmond. Looking back I have to say that I'm glad we sold our suburban home and are living the city life. As we age I think it is important to keep people of all ages around you. And, one should be able to get around without a driver's license (Georgia issued a license to my father - he was as surprised as I was). When and if I can't drive, at least I'll be able to get to the convenience store for a package of hot dogs and a bottle of wine, oh and dog food as I'll no doubt have several.

This weekend I went on a tour of downtown Richmond lofts with a friend. I had it in the back of my mind that the move to a loft would be a great next step as Harry and I get up in years. That is, if you can pay the doorman to walk the dogs when its raining, and early in the morning and late at night.
The first loft we went into was the in the building known as Vistas on the James. Vistas is located right on the banks of the James River and Canal Turning Basin. This isn't what I think of when I visualize a loft in my head - it really is just a condo. Words aside, the view from the balcony was breathtaking. The owner had moved here from the Fan neighborhood. Hmmm. I'd have to get rid of a lot of stuff - I think I could do it.

One thing that this place has that I don't is tons and tons of light. Oh, another thing - they're almost right on top of the railroad tracks - you'd be rumbling in your condo about 20 times a day. I'm not sure if, over time, that would drive me nuts.
You could almost reach out and touch the tracks.

The next stop (the tour, which cost $20 included a bus ride too all the lofts and free parking) was across the James River in the area known as Manchester.

This is more what I envision when I hear the term "loft" as it as an adaptive reuse of some warehouse space. There are fourteen residential lofts in the open style. This was the first residential rehabilitation project in the Manchester Historic District. The developers pioneered Downtown Richmond’s expansion to the Manchester area with the conversion of this building formally known as the Cheek-Neal Building. I love the old windows, old exposed brick, the columns and the creative use of space.
I like the way the owner displayed her photos on this old ladder.

I think I'd have to rent here first before making a big monetary investment. It could be echoey without a lot of walls. For more information on historic Manchester and its transformation go to:http://www.venturerichmond.com/downtown/projects-manarts.html

The next loft stop that is worth a mention is River Lofts at Tobacco Row. These rental units are close to the Shockoe Bottom district of the city and the James River and the units were very cozy and had amazing views.

I'm not ready for this lifestyle yet but I can see a day when it might work. Right now I'm enjoying my back yard too much and the ability to dig in the dirt when the spirit moves me.

I've got a long list of things to do before Haven opens its doors to the Fan Women Kitchen and Garden tour. http://www.fandistrict.org/anonftp/incoming/fanfare.pdf

I'll try to post as I go along. I'm off to the paint store now to buy some turquoise paint for the shed's door and shutters.

Making Hay While the Snow Falls

Most of the people I know ran to the grocery when they heard the big storm was coming. I headed over to the closest Benjamin Moore store to stock up on paint. What else is there to do but indoor projects when you can't venture out? Okay, maybe that is a dumb question, but with the house tour coming up in May I'm motivated to getting the first floor ready for prime time.

Living in the city during a snow storm has many advantages, one of which is that shoveling only takes about 10 minutes. In northern Virginia we had about a 150' long driveway that took hours and hours to shovel. And then once you got to the street you still couldn't go anywhere as it took days for the plows to show up. In Richmond we have several stores and restaurants within a few block radius and they are open for business and hopping during snow storms. So, once we're shoveled out, we still have the whole day for the "to do" list and the energy to complete some of it!

In my last post I mentioned that we were going to get started painting the foyer and the upstairs hallway. Here are some "before" shots. Above is a shot of the foyer before we purchased Haven. We have since pulled up the laminate to expose the original heart pine floors. The track lighting is gone and has been replaced by a chandelier. Many more tracks exist upstairs - I can't wait to yank those out, too.

The walls and trim were all the same color when we purchased Haven - well, not really a color - sort of a dirty beige. We opted to leave painting out of the contractor's scope of work as we could save ourselves a few thousand dollars. A few thousand is now looking like a bargain. Look at all of those pickets! Never mind the doors, chair railing and base trim. If I never see White Dove again it will be too soon. Just kidding - I'll never tire of White Dove. Harry worked up top, doing the ceiling (White Dove, what else) and I worked below doing the trim (White Dove, satin impervo). Then he started cutting in the Wickham Gray and I met him in the middle from below. We had to buy an 8' ladder as the ceilings are 11'.

I love Wickham Gray and it looks so pretty coming off the Pearl Gray in the Living Room and the Stone Harbor (all Benjamin Moore) in the Dining Room.

What you can't see it that the paint only goes about halfway up the stairs. Harry is going to have to engineer some way of getting up to those places - perhaps next weekend!! In the meanwhile I have 9 doors, chair rail and base to keep me busy in the upstairs hall.

Other items on the "to do" list:

1. Put hole in ceiling and climb up to discover where the roof leak is located.
2. Make sure snow hasn't collapsed in the window in the basement, making it so cold that it freezes the pipes again. It is going down to 8 degrees tonight.
3. Dig car out - one negative of living in the city - no huge two car garage.
4. Walk to store to replenish beer and wine supply in time for the Superbowl.

Haven to be on Kitchen Tour

Harry and I are honored to have been asked to put our house on the local Kitchen and Garden tour this spring. A local photography duo, GiammarinoDworkin Photography and Styling came by on Tuesday to take some shots for the publicity. They generously give of their time to the Fan's Woman's club and were kind enough to forward some of the shots to me. Now that the kitchen is complete and I have some decent shots, I can give you the complete tour.

Above is a shot taken toward the east. Lovely morning light comes in and floods the sink area while I make coffee for Harry and myself. The dishwasher is hidden behind a panel to the right of the sink. It is a Bosch and is so so quiet. To the left of the sink is a double trash bin, again hidden behind a panel.

The counter tops are Carrera marble, honed. This choice was made despite several warnings but I just love the way it looks. It is not for the faint of heart, though - it is showing some wear and tear already.
Here is the "before" shot facing in the same direction. The configuration of the kitchen pretty much remains the same - sink, range and dishwasher are in the same locations. We added a window in the northeast corner to add light and for balance. The wall to the right was removed.
The shot above is taken facing north toward the back yard. The range is a duel fuel Wolf and I have gotten used to the convection feature. On either side of the range are drawers - so much easier to use than cabinets! The island is made out of alder to coordinate with my Welsh dresser.
I purchased this Welsh dresser at Urban Country in Bethesda years ago for the Living Room in northern Virginia mainly for books. When we moved to Haven I made finding a place for this in the kitchen a priority. Now it is home to my Portmerion collection and hides all other bits that I need at my fingertips. The table is a gate leg that was the first antique that Harry and I purchased together in Seattle at an antique shop right at the ferry landing. The set of eight chairs were purchased at a flea market at the Meadows race track south of Pittsburgh many moons ago. The chandelier has followed us around since we lived in Alexandria, Virginia - it has sentimental attachment and helped to set the color palette for the other light fixtures in the room and the wall tile behind the range.
And speaking of wall tiles, they are glass subway tiles, purchased from my brother-in-law's company, Villi USA. In the original kitchen, to the right of the refrigerator was a powder room/laundry room.
The door above led into that space. All of that was removed (laundry moved upstairs and powder room moved to under front stairs) to open up the space and eliminate bathroom activity right next to the eating area. Here is a "before" shot of the wall where the back stairs are. That gas heater was a sign that things were probably pretty chilly back in this part of the house. Luckily, with insulation and our new heating system, we are always comfortable. That light fixture mysteriously disappeared before closing - it was supposed to convey. I was sure I could make a bundle on ebay. Now that wall houses a double row of shallow shelving where I keep all the kitchen staples and dog paraphenalia. The back stair railing was changed to open it up more to the room.

Here is a shot taken toward the family room.

The original heart pine floors could not be salvaged from under layers of asbestos and carpet. I've blogged about that here and here.

And lastly credit and thanks go to the awesome team at Reveal Build, LLC for helping me to design and build the kitchen and family room of our dreams. They were in my house every day for about 5 months and they and all of their subs were extremely hard working, professional and fun to be around. I miss having them here. Strange, I know--but true.

The kitchen and garden tour is in May. I'll send further information about it as time nears. In the meantime I have a lot to do to get ready. The foyer and upstairs hallways and stair case have yet to be painted. I counted the pickets the other day - 77. We're expecting snow this weekend so I'll have a project to keep me busy. The back yard has great bones but needs a spruce up. I love a project and having a deadline.
This shot was taken from my office window last April. It is truly a haven and I'm so lucky to be the current caretaker.

Bead-less in Richmond

One of the things I miss most about my former life is my beading group. I joined Northern Virginia Bead Society several years ago and through that organization, and several classes at Star's Beads in Vienna, got hooked on beads, wire, silver, etc. I was also part of a group that got together on Fridays and we would help each other on projects, learn a new technique or go on a field trip. Lasting friendships came out of that group and I try like heck to keep them going. One of the highlights of the year in the Bead Society is the challenge bead project. The membership is given a bead or set of beads and the directive is to create something with them and show up at the Christmas party for a show and tell. It isn't a competition, just a fun show and tell.

This year we commissioned Lisa St. Martin to make a glass bead for each of us. This is what we all received: Photo courtesy of Anji Johnston

This year we arranged to have the pieces in a show at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center.

This is a wire bracelet that I created using the focal bead and other lamp work beads created by Lisa.

Susi DuPuis creates beautiful flowers with old plastic containers - recycle art!!
Beth Eltinge combines her talents with peyote, Russian spiral and brick stitches to create this lariat.
Alison Lovitt-Reinfeld creates amazing multiple strand necklaces.

Denise Rivers combined her talents in wirework, bead crochet and bead stringing to create this masterpiece.

A gorgeous creation by Janet Flynn

And last but not least, Raye Ann Fife combines bead embroidery with semi-precious stones - just incredible.

There are several more pieces not pictured here. The show is up until the end of January so if you find yourself on I-95 near the Lorton exit you should pull off and see the show and visit the other studios. What a great re-use of an old prison. If walls could talk!!!

Here are some of the talented crew - I miss you guys!!!

Thanks to Julie Glixon for letting me use her photos.

Is there a bead community lurking out there in RVA? There are a few great shops but they don't seem to offer the same caliber of classes that I had access to in the northern part of the state.

That's okay - I'm thoroughly ensconced in my acrylic painting class right now.
I think this painting is done - how does one know when to stop??