Get ready for some rambling.

It was a Saturday night – not different than most – spent at the studio.  I had filled my day with shopping: first the flea market, then Hobby Lobby, and then T.J. Maxx.  I love flea markets and T.J. Maxx because you really have to LOOK and SIFT to find something that you want… and when you finally come across that beautiful antique headboard or half-priced blanket that you didn’t know you needed, you just love it that much more.  Hobby Lobby is another favorite because the music is calming and the temperature is always perfect (you have to go by yourself though, because there’s nothing worse than someone rushing you in Hobby Lobby). I bought frames. Lots and lots and lots of frames and I still want more.  The wall above my couch in the studio is soon to be covered in frames.  My parents used to have a wall in our living room totally covered in frames of all different shapes and sizes. I always loved that wall. I remember it so clearly… photos of my big sister’s pageants, my grandparent’s wedding photos, photos of my siblings, and photos of people I didn’t even know. I didn’t care. I loved them all.  There was a picture of my big sis as a little girl on that wall (taken long before I was even thought of). I remember looking at that picture and telling her, “that’s me!”. She never told me it wasn’t. I’ll always love (and miss) her for that, and so many other reasons I can’t begin to count.  Anyway, I hope to recreate my own version of that wall with pretty frames filled with tiny faces that I love so dearly.

I was hanging frames and rocking out to Dave Matthews Band when I realized that I had left my phone in my car. It’s an awful habit of mine, leaving my phone behind, but sometimes it’s nice to be disconnected for awhile.  So I went out and got my phone and as I turned to head back into the studio I was stopped in my tracks.  I just stood there, looking into my studio windows (and probably looking like a complete lunatic).  There was a cool late summer breeze and nothing was to be heard except for crickets and a muffled Dave Matthews.  As I saw my space… my moon, my blankets, my chairs, my props, my photographs… I saw the hearts that I’ve touched and the countless hearts that have stolen mine.  For a moment, there in the studio parking lot, I felt as if I could see love… not just feel it, but actually SEE it… and as I peered into my studio, I couldn’t help but to see that 15 year old girl with a heart full of dreams.  Oh, now my dreams are a reality, but my heart has never been more full.  If I could live in my studio, I would.  There is so much, SO MUCH, love in those 4 walls.

Please excuse the grainy Instagram pic 😉 BTW, you can follow me at taylorelchert on Instagram!

xo