Today I had a friend over and we started the process of painting the bookshelves I’m building.

My husband and I moved into a new house in December. This is the first home we’ve had that we can really treat as a forever home, so I’m going to go nuts on the built-ins. For the last two months I’ve taken over the living room and been working on a big bookshelf build. The fireplace had a set of low existing shelves around it, but I’m turning them into a set of magnificent floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. They’re made from solid wood and built in place, made from countless pieces hand fitted together. Made with just a miter saw, drills, clamps, and a nail gun. I even learned how to do basic electrical so I could install the lights myself.

Anyway, I finally finished the carpentry. The trim’s all done. All the joints are caulked, all the nail holes filled. And so on to painting. And this afternoon a friend came over and helped me get the painting started. So great day, plus the weather is gorgeous out today. Very warm with a bright blue sky.