As I’ve been working on our upstairs hallway and staircase for the One Room Challenge, I’ve been busy painting spindles and staring at the “mudroom” cedar closet. When we originally created that space I placed a mirror in there that I had on hand and knew that one day I’d change it out. Two years have passed and it has remained the same, but it was finally time for a change. When my friends at Framebridge approached me about their new collaborative line of framed artist prints with CB2, I was thrilled to get a sneak peek and choose a new framed print for that space. Currently the line features art and photo prints from 6 talented artists, and I was drawn to so many of them. When it came time to choose new artwork for the entry hall, I wanted something bright and with color as that space is a little dark, and I wanted it to stand out against the cedar planked walls. Here’s what I decided upon.
This piece is “City Exploring” by Leslee Mitchell and I selected the classic white frame for its brightness and clean modern lines. To give you a little perspective, here’s my view from the spindles I was painting for what felt like hours- except at the time I was looking it was the mirror I was so tired of seeing.
When I spotted “City Exploring” by Leslee Mitchell, I was drawn to the minty color and vintage vibe. I was curious about the building and its location and history so I googled the Delacroix building and discovered that it was located in the French quarter of New Orleans. Chris and I lived in Uptown for a year in an apartment in an old Victorian on Magazine St before we were married, and we loved New Orleans. It was a little too hot for me, but it’s a great place with so much history and charm and FOOD. We moved across the lake to Slidell when we got married and my kids were both born there. We lived in Slidell when Katrina hit, and evacuated with our two dogs and our two week old baby, Sawyer. Thankfully, our house received minimal damage and was about 1/2 mile from where the flooding ended, but we had so many friends who were not as fortunate, and that post-Katrina time was one I will never forget. People came together, friends helping friends; but people came from all over to help as well. While it was a devastating time, what happened to the community after was a beautiful thing. For that reason, and the fact that our early married years and the births of my children are rooted in Louisiana, New Orleans will always hold a piece of my heart.
I love the way this piece looks in this space, and even more I love the feeling it gives me. My kids love it, too, knowing where it was taken. They take such pride in the fact that they were born in Louisiana.
One of these days, Chris and I will take them back to see it all. I know that Emmy will appreciate the creativity and color that emanates from that city, and Sawyer will love the jazz musicians. He’s a trumpet player, and enjoys hearing brass instruments.
Sawyer styled this little wooden model by the way, and happily announced that he’s doing “the dab.”
Now when I walk in the front door or turn to walk down my hallway, I am not bombarded by mirrors. Previously, I saw the one in the entry, and the one here in the mudroom closet. Now I just see the one mirror, and this beautiful minty photograph that gives me all the happy feels.
Although Louisiana is no longer home to me, nor will it most likely ever be (as I mentioned… too hot!), it is a place that holds special memories, a place where we began married life, a place where our children came into this world, a place where I’ve seen people overcome hardships no one should ever endure; and it will forever hold a piece of my heart. I am grateful for this beautiful reminder of this special place in my life that I now get to see every day. Be sure to visit CB2 to check out all of their featured artists and prints; there is truly something for everyone and I know you’ll find something that speaks to your soul like I did.
Thank you so much to Framebridge and CB2 for providing me with this artwork. I was not otherwise compensated and all opinions are my own.
