unpacking the wall (‘you call this a process?’)

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not really conveying the scale here. this cross section of trunk stands nearly as tall as i do.

as a sort-of-answer to one of yesterday’s question– ‘what to do with the bedroom walls?’–  big matt, the builder said (as casually as i might admit to having jumper cables or a cocktail shaker) ‘you know i have a sawmill”.

with that, we all (he and i and luther and sadie) piled into cars and trucks, off to see the sawmill. as we drove, i wondered, not for the first time, about the factors that go into a single design choice: memory and material, antenna and emotion, history and logistics, taste and anticipation, money and time, karma and engagement, and (especially) synchronicity.

stick with me; it gets a little twisty.

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guesting/hosting (lessons from the brogden road)

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the future guest room, mid-renovation, over on stovall street.

being a great guest and being a great host are both on my mind. we’ve just enjoyed several nights of my parent’s masterful hospitality on the brogden road. meanwhile, back in atlanta, the finer details of guest spaces over on stovall street are coming into focus. i’m not sure if it’s god or the devil who dwells in the details, but i’m sure that mastery of detail makes for great hospitality.

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lessons #51 to 54 (things i learned on lexington avenue)

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709 lexington avenue and its asymmetrical front door.

 

a few weeks back, i posted 50 things i’ve learned in 50 years.

i enjoyed gathering life lessons, but many didn’t fit in that list format. so here’s a different take: the stories behind what i’ve learned, and the people and places that taught me.

#51-54: the house at 709 lexington avenue (part one).

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fifty fifty

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for my 50th birthday, 50 things i’ve learned…
1. ​white towels​. white plates​. ​neutral upholstery.
2. if th​ere’s ever the slightest doubt​,​ you should ​go to the funeral.
3. trim chilled radishes, spread with cold butter, dip in sea salt.​ eat.
4. the only one who enjoys whistling is the whistler.
​5. honesty. curiosity​. loyalty. compassion​.​ the rest takes care of itself.
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