Tree shopping

Last weekend Matthew and I decided it was time to get a Christmas tree. We moved out to our house last year where Matthew grew up so he naturally knows the ins and outs of this mountain. One of the perks of living here is the little Christmas tree farm that is literally a few miles down the road. There are probably a total of 3 hand written signs placed on the side of the road advertising the little farm. " Christmas trees 2 miles". 

It is owned by the cutest couple that know Matthew and his family. They are a team, working together to give you the tree you want. 

He digs the hole, she carefully wraps it up, then he ties the tree up. Well oiled machine. It is something I love to see since we hope to someday do something similar together. 

Visit to the Hunter

A few weekends ago, my friend Hannah and I visited Chattanooga's Hunter Museum of America Art. I have a confession to make. I grew up just 45 minutes north of Chattanooga, even lived in Chattanooga for a few years and have worked here for about 4 years. But I have never been to the Hunter Museum. It has always been there, and I have always known about it, but I just never got around to going. I guess I thought it is always going to be there. And I am a procrastinator, clearly.
We were able to leisurely walk through and take in the art and quiet atmosphere. All and all, it was an enjoyable first visit. We walked out to the back balcony after seeing all the art and watched the rowing teams race as part of the River Rocks festival. We then headed down to The Block, which holds the new climbing gym and Rock/Creek store, right in the center of downtown. Stuff was happening! Pictured above: Scintillating Blue 38-30 by Hans Hofmann.

Above: Young Woman Reading a Book by Malvina Hoffman

Above: Untitled (from a suite of four geometric compositions) by Ilya Bolotowsky

Above: Opal Reunion by Robert Rauschenberg

Above: Companion #4 by Thomas Scoon

It's getting chilly

We have no heat and I have this to look forward to. Good or bad? We need a bigger duvet. 

We're not selling anything.

Busy February

We were asked to put our lights up last weekend for the Better Block event on Glass Street in the Bank Arts Center where James Mckissic displayed his amazing African American art collection. They also had live jazz! We were glad that we could contribute a small part to this event. Read more about his pop-up gallery here and here.

At the Better Block event, ladders were donated or lent to be part of a temporary sculpture called Rise Up Chattanooga. I thought that the concept behind this sculpture made so much sense. By lending your ladder, it created a simple visual which communicated that you must be the support to the community you want to see rise up. 

Here is the bank finally converted to the Bank Arts Center. Way to go, James! 

We finished our weekend with some work at the cabin. The more work we get done on this place, the more relaxing it becomes. 

Renovate 2013!

For those of you that follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed our attempt at home ownership lately. We are beginning work on our little cabin one year after it tried to destroy itself from the inside out. If you haven't heard the story, I will eventually post it in full with pictures to give you a visual. Long story short, frozen pipes suck. 

We plan to move in this Spring and are very excited in many ways. BUT, we have a lot of work to do before then. This is a true first for us and we are eager to learn. Our before-move-in-to-do list includes new flooring downstairs, sheetrock in the bathroom and utility room, new bathroom vanities and installing central heat and air. I might be missing something but this doesn't include the after-move-in-to-do list. That one is much longer. 

I will post about our ventures and hopeful progress as we go. It will probably be entertaining. 

Isn't she a beauty in the snow? 

Love Kinfolk

Kinfolk Volume 5 // Fall Respite from We Are The Rhoads on Vimeo.

Can I just live inside their magazine??