Painting in some form or another has always been therapeutic for me. It was a creative outlet when we lived in my in-laws’ basement while Jeff finished his degree. It was transformative; a way to put my personal touch on every surface of the three homes we’ve owned over the years. It was a task that could be completed amid a never-ending routine of monotonous household chores. It was quiet and slow late-night time alone after a busy day with young boys. It’s been a place of personal growth and development. It’s been my go-to for over a decade when I want to create and think. It’s the perfect mix of productivity and meditation.
For this reason, a painting task I procrastinated on through the move turned out to be a gift.
One thing that had been on the to-do list before we closed on our house was touching up the painted checkerboard floors in the studio. There was one spot that was damaged by my rolling desk chair and one spot that was underneath the heavy hardware cabinet and left unpainted. I didn’t want to leave those for the new owner to contend with. I just wouldn’t feel great about that. So, it was on the list.
But, after being pretty sick for a week and then breaking my foot two weeks later, I was running behind. Things that had been on the list, were crossed off either because we completed them or we just ran out of time and had to prioritize. Painting the checkerboard floor in the studio was something I wasn’t willing to give up, though.
Just a few days before closing, Jeff dropped me off at the house so I could finish that task. I kept out a short rolling stool so I could sit on it and easily work on the floor without stressing my back or my broken foot. I used a long ruler to mark off the squares that needed to be painted to complete the pattern, put music on, and started painting.
Even though the studio was completely packed up and almost empty, there was something very familiar, comforting, and even emotional about painting in my studio one last time. It was just painting squares, but it was a therapy of sorts.
In all of the bustle of moving with all of the challenges that popped up throughout the process, it was a time of quiet, deep thought, reflection, and just enjoying the hypnotic motion of a paint brush sliding across the floor.
I’ve always looked at procrastination as a negative thing, but I’ve learned in recent years that intentionally delaying something can be beneficial. I thought I kept putting off painting this floor because I just didn’t feel like doing it. I was just too weary and everything that needed to be done by a set date was just too overwhelming. I think that was true, but having this moment after all of the busyness and bustle was truly a gift. When I had that thought, I initially questioned it. Leaving something for the last minute shouldn’t feel like a gift. But this inexplicably did.
Painting those squares at the end of a long, tiring journey, when the finish line was just coming into focus, made me appreciate the task instead of resent it. It was something I got to do. Not something I had to do.
It was taking a moment to do something I enjoyed in a place that I loved.
It was a very appropriate goodbye to this beautiful creative space.
25 Responses
Aww, I love this space. The floor is beautiful. I’m sure you will always have fond memories of working here! I would love to hear how you touch up paint on the walls without being able to see that it was touched up. We are getting ready to sell our house and it doesn’t need to be completely repainted but has a few places that need touch up. Can you share your method? Blessings on you as you are in this waiting adventure! Your positive attitude has inspired me as I think of our upcoming move, not being sure where God will lead us as well.
For touch-ups on smaller walls or walls where it’s pretty beat up, try to paint corner to corner. Yes it’s more painting than a dot, but paint does oxidize and change slightly on the walls over time, so going corner to corner makes the new paint less obvious. For a small touch up,or when the wall is too large to paint from one corner to the other, use a brush and feather it out into the surrounding wall so there isn’t an obvious dot of new paint. Also make sure you match the sheen of the paint that’s on the wall. If you have the original paint but it’s years old, there is a chance it won’t be an exact match any more which is why I usually paint corner to corner if the repair is in a prominent area. If it’s a less visible spot below eye level this isn’t as necessary.
Thanks Susan, that’s very helpful!
When applying touch ups try adding a little water to the paint. It will lighten it.
A painter told that to me not too long ago!
Good luck!
I think this was a way to say thank you to this beautiful space, which has helped you on your journey
A beautiful, sweet tribute!
I sew. I always have and it brings me the things your painting brings you. People that find that ‘thing’ that gives them back so much are blessed. Your floor is amazing. As I look at it again I think it would be a good thing to do in our cabin. Your new home owners are lucky to have found a house that has been loved.
Anyone buying a home from you would be blessed. Our son just made settlement and when he and his family arrived afterwards the house looked like it was ransacked. Hours of emptying out before they could unload.
What a sweet tribute to your special place. I hope that wherever y’all “land” you’re able to replicate your studio for yourself.
Best wishes for the next chapter, my friend!
Good grief! This post literally made me CRY! I loved that space SO much. I know God has another wonderful space for you to create in, but it IS bittersweet to say goodbye to this perfect room. (P.S. I really love that you were so thoughtful of the people who bought your house. I’m glad you got a blessing out of painting those last few squares too.)
I feel exactly that way. As you age, you will find those moments even more of a treasure. I am so glad that you are seeing the blessings along the way, because they are surely there as markers on your journey.
You have a beautiful family, and a beautiful soul.
Thank you for this post! I am a great procrastinator, and I give myself talks regularly about what needs to be done. I make better “to do” lists than I do getting those things done. However, lately there have been some projects that felt right doing at the moment, like cleaning and sorting out my late mother’s sewing basket. I gathered all my watches with dead batteries, took the backs off, if I was able, made a list of the replacement battery size and began the process of searching those out. These things were not chores, they were a joy. There were several other such tasks which could have been monotonous, but they felt relaxing and therapeutic. I get your painting experience.
What I’ve learned today is not to chide myself because I am not ticking off the items on the list and making tremendous strides of accomplishment, but rather, to follow my feelings, doing the tasks when my mind and emotions are in the right temperament to enjoy the journey…not just the destination.
It sounds like you a final goodbye. I’m happy you got it.
I agree with Taria because I also sew and my peace of mind is behind my sewing machine and especially when a project is completed.I just reviewed your feature of your studio on the cover of “Where Women Create” magazine and like most love all your furnishings (sure hope you did not sell it all off ! !). How is your foot coming along ? Take Good Care ! !
I am in tears. I love your house and all that you’ve done to it. I look forward to following your next adventures. And I have a question:
Is your “Menina” painting for sale?
Is that one of the Velazquez paintings you’re referring to?
Yes. I’ve only seen one by you, the face of a dark-haired girl. If you have other Velazquez paintings, I would appreciate seeing them too. Thank you.
You may never see this response but I just had to say that floor was the first thing I thought of when learning of your plan to move. How you can bear to let it go must mean that where you want to get to is strongly compelling. Plus your faith in your abilities and the wealth of future possibilities is really inspiring. That we all should be so willing to move on. My hat is off to you.
God’s blessings often come in unexpected places. Thank you for reminding us of that with this post. Your life and testimony touch countless folks and I’m so thankful for how encouraging you are.
I think when your intentions are pure, any task can be a blessing. You were intentional in leaving the house right for the new owners, and that turned into an abundant blessing for you. You continue to inspire us all. Can’t wait to see where God takes you to share your gifts next!
I completely Understand. I lead a ladies Bible study at my church and sometimes the assigned reading doesn’t get done until the last minute. I usually feel a little panicky about it until I’m into the study and realize that the weeks events are what put meaning into the study that I wouldn’t have had if I had completed it earlier in the week.
Your floor is beautiful and I hope to have a space someday to duplicate it.
I’m glad you got time alone to do one more thing in your studio before selling you lovely home. I find myself on the verge of tears for I have loved you home and loved seeing what you would do to it next. I will miss it but I am looking forward to your next home and seeing what you do with it. I think it will be even more wonderful than this one because you have so much experience at making a house into just what you want it to be and it will be beautiful!
What a thoughtful and wonderful way to tell your cozy home goodbye. One final hug.
We’re all anxiously awaiting your next adventure.
So glad you had a chance to complete the design on the floor. A nice way to close this chapter. I cant wait to see where you find your next home and what your inspirations will be for that chapter
Keep us posted!
this is really amazing . i love to do paints. thanks for sharing this article.