It looks like I haven’t posted since Halloween. Oops. I’ve been working on things–I’m halfway through Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera, nearly finished making a DIY footstool, and I have some thoughts coming together about the holiday season, among other things–but nothing’s ready to talk about yet so I’ve put off posting. But I’m sick and a bit tired, and it’s such a beautiful rainy day, that I wanted to say hello from my cozy corner in the living room.

Mr. Robot’s hand is healing well, but it’ll still be weeks before he’s able to fully use it, which has completely derailed our biggest project. He’s been working on built-in shelves for our basement, hoping to use the holiday breaks to finish them, but he can’t build shelves with one hand. Both my hands work and I’m fine with power tools, but I just haven’t had time to help out. Normally we set up our Christmas tree in the basement but our project is taking up too much space at the moment, so I think we’ll be rearranging our living room to make space up here for it.

The shelves, once they’re finally done, will be the first major step in turning our basement into something close to a Victorian library. I’m imagining dark wood and deep reds and greens, with a couple of deep, comfortable reading chairs and some Tiffany style reading lamps. Our basement is one large room that is already part library, part home office, and part guest bedroom, so transforming it is a very long-term project, which gives me plenty of time to google for decor inspiration.

Anyway, I’m still alive and working hard at many things. With so many projects cooking, I’m bound to finish one soon and I’ll be sure to share my triumph with all of you. I hope you’re all well and cozy and enjoying your own autumn chill.