Past projects

Going back thru my pictures, I realize there have been many projects I have Finished, but not shared with you. Working for Kimberly at The Cottages by the Sea, I finished the menu board at the Tiki Bar, and made coasters. (Thanks for the mouse pads Mom, everyone is gobsmacked)

Also did a sign for the manager's cottage and the vacant lot next door, it really is a nice place for guests to park their cars, but it needed a little...Priority

Mama's doghouse got a boost...

I finished a desk for a gringa in El Norte

Donated my time and talent to the San Clemente Surf Competition, and made plaques for each winner in a category.

A birthday present for one of the lifeguards, they all want them now...

And last, but not least...a sun catcher I made and sent home with my Mom, back in July.

Well, that clears up some space. Was downstairs painting in the studio this morning, before my hair client showed up, so...stay tuned, the adventure continues!

Getting settled

Finally got things squared away, well, enough for photos. I will start with outside. The building is on the main street, avenido Quito Norte, it is no longer the malecon, as it veers away from the ocean north of el centro San Clemente. My entrance is on the side street. Which may be why I get such an awesome breeze. The landlord who stays in the front, lives nearby in Chone. Visits, several times a year.

Inside the rolling door (hence the Barn reference) I have an entry area, with my salon area behind the plant, and works in progress behind the curtain.

To the right inside the door, I have put two tables together, for a large craft area. Paint, sewing machine, and lots of craft items under the stairs.

And finishing the tour downstairs, is the kitchen...

There is a downstairs bathroom, and very small courtyard. The stairs are steep and narrow, but Perry mastered them first time, and no problems, as long as I watch, go slow, and sideways. Upstairs, I finished hanging some decorations, and made pillow covers yesterday.

Hung shelves in the bathroom...

I was up early the other day, and saw a bread man delivering, I wish he would come later than 6:30, but if that's what it takes. Catching a ride later to San Jacinto to the bank, and do some shopping, and one of my new neighbors, hair clients and new friend loaned me her bicycle, so I have wheels! Not so stranded.

I am enjoying the roosters and the quiet. And outdoor time, love being on the balcony all day. Neighbors have brought over some plant cuttings, so I am planting some pots. Need some trees, and this place will be an adorable beach cottage. So, stay tuned...the adventure continues in San Clemente.

Sunset from the balcony the other night.

New chapter

There were many reasons I decided I needed to move, one being the noise of El Centro, and the other my need for privacy. Not only do all the children I have been friendly to come and visit on a daily basis, but my friends and neighbors all want to know about the status of Mike and my seperation. I needed to start fresh.

The "single ladies" living in San Clemente in the El Norte neighborhood, said there was a cute place for rent, I should look at. I saw instant potential, and now moving day has come and gone and I am getting settled. First thing...it is sooooo quiet!

Downstairs, on the main floor, is kitchen, dining, and big space I will use for hairstyling and my crafts. No pictures yet, still a work in progress. But upstairs is my living space. Very large balcony that has almost constant breeze and I can hear the ocean.

And facing the other way...as in true Ecuadorean fashion, this apartment was fitted with five beds, so I brought two outside for couches.

Beautiful wood walls in the bedroom, really show off the collection of white shell art.

And finally hung the mosquito net we purchased last January...

Guest bedroom and two bathrooms, one upstairs, and one down. Power and water is included, unless I use too much, but I dont, so for $200 not too shabby. It IS a trek from town (still less than a mile) but a little tienda is two streets away. And trucks drive down everyday selling something, I bought oranges, pineapple and papaya from a truck yesterday ($3).

Perry is doing fine, he is happy where ever I am...meeting his new neighbors, and checking it all out.

I need some plants, and put a plea on Facebook, so will have some hand me downs here soon. More hair cutting clients this end of town, and have my first cut this morning. Projects in the works, making myself a sign, I decided to name it The Artist Barn, in spanish of course. (It kinda looks like a barn from outside) Painting furniture, I recently bought from Javier four chairs and an end table, and need to get the sewing machine out to make pillow covers for these new couches. So...Stay tuned, the adventure continues!