Life as I know It

My photo
San Luis Obispo, California, and South Bristol, Maine, United States
Author ~ Illustrator ~ Lecturer

Friday, June 24, 2011

Welcome to Mockingbird Studio


When we first began searching for a home in town, I naturally gravitated toward old houses with charm, but it seemed like all the houses I loved were in noisy, crowded neighborhoods. When we drove up to a little Spanish Revival home on one of the busiest corners in San Luis Obispo, I said, "NO WAY!" I didn't even want to get out of the car.

We finally stepped inside the door to the house and I loved it, but still I said, "NO WAY!" Well, I lived to eat my words. I could see the possibilities with it all IF we built a high wall around the garden, and if we could find space for a tiny studio for me. 

We stepped out a little French door and into the back yard. There stood a small cottage, and I said, "I can't live this close to a neighbor," and turned to go back inside. The co-operating realtor (Jeff is a broker) said, "that's not a neighbor, that's your studio." I nearly collapsed. "Uh oh," I said,  "This might be it." and it was.



Follow the sign, stay on the pathway, and walk to Mockingbird Studio with me. This little "commute" video takes a few seconds to load, so please be patient.


Please come inside for a visit and pardon the mess. I am in full production for my new children's bird book for Workman Publishing. Click the arrow to start the video.


Here are a few close-up views.











Thanks so much for the visit. Sorry I've been out of touch, but there aren't enough hours in the day, not enough days in the week! I do so love hearing from you.

Oh, and the WINNER of our gorgeous house numbers give-away is Sara of Whimsical Wonders Nursery. We don't have your e-mail or snail mail address, so please send us an e-mail. CONGRATULATIONS! These handmade Danish porcelain enamel numbers from Ramsign are lovely. I hope you enjoy them!

I wish you a pocketful of joys,

Sharon

P.S. Please visit my new Lowe's blog posting to see a before-and-after video of the transformation of our backyard in my posting "Mud, Sweat and Tears." I value your comments.

61 comments:

Lori ann said...

Oh my gosh Sharon, what a wonderful peek into your incredible world. I've watched your videos now twice (don't want to miss a thing).

I love everything about your space, thank you for so generously sharing a part of it with us.

xoxo lori, excitedly looking forward to the book. and oh, you have a lovely voice and pretty smile!

Anonymous said...

what a great treat to peek inside your world.The studio is just so comfy cozy and just you.You have such a wonderful connection to friends past and present and I love hearing where each of your treasures are from.I'm sure the book will be another winner, and will be on the look out for it,I love your heart shaped rock collection,, and the woodstove,,

Dawn said...

Wonderful wonderful wonderful!!
I just absolutely LOVED these videos. How wonderful to see you and hear you, and to visit all these treasures (those BOOKS! Wow!). I really felt like I was there with you. Thank you so much for the invitation. :)
Your life is truly charmed, and it's very kind indeed that you share this charm with so many people. It certainly does rub off on us.
Lots of love,
Dawn

From the Kitchen said...

Thank you, Sharon, for the perfect early (for me) morning visit to your beautiful garden and absolutely marvelous studio. I love the books!! I also love those cups with birds and couldn't quite catch the name of the artist. I would be very interested to have the source when you have time. You mention that you taught in Virginia. What part of Virginia? I was born and raised in southwest Virginia and, after college, lived and worked in northern Virginia. I'm very excited about your bird book for children as I'm always looking for presents for newborns that are a bit out of the ordinary.

Have a wonderful and creative weekend.

Best,
Bonnie

Betty said...

Thank you so much for showing us your beautiful garden and studio. So peaceful and calming. I would never guess that you are on a busy corner. The sound of water is very
restful. Lovely to see and hear you.

jaz@octoberfarm said...

i loved seeing your workshop! your garden looks wonderful too. i have that same little fox you have. it looks like you are enjoying summer!

Vee said...

Wonderful, relaxing tour of your studio. The story of how you found your home fascinated me and made me wonder how often we overlook what might be "just the very thing" because we are stuck in our own mindset. One would never know that you live in a busy neighborhood with lots of traffic. You've created an oasis.

All the best as you finish up the book!

Rebecca said...

I spent some early minutes this Saturday morning with you. Can't imagine a better way to start the day! I was/am charmed.

Patti said...

Sharon,
I LOVED seeing one of your books in the making...and the studio tour! What a wonderful oasis you have created. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. :)

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Dear Sharon ~ What a lovely treat this morning, commuting through wonder and beauty, I heard splashing water too, at least that's what it sounded like to me, and then a lovely little tour in your sweet studio.

Thanks for the inspiration this morning. I loved hearing your sweet, gentle voice and seeing your lovely, smiling face.

Have a wonderful weekend ~ FlowerLady

Alyssa said...

You're awesome!! I loved seeing your studio. I love the creative chaos~It's how us right brained gals tick! I love, love your studio. Thanks so much for the tour!
;)Alyssa of Boston Bee

Michelle said...

How wonderful to have that spot for creativity. Loved the tour.

Linda Hoye said...

What a treat to have a tour of your space. Thank you for sharing it with us. It is lovely!

Pondside said...

Well that was a treat! I enjoyed that little tour very much. When I see such a creative space -whether a garden or studio - I marvel at the whole circle of inspiration.
I loved the 1947 Audubon Society membership!

Lori said...

Hello Sharon! Thank you for sharing your studio. It is an amazing space for an amazing woman.Having your treasures old and new around you must provide such inspiration. Happy creating!

Kay's flowers said...

Loved that so much! Your gentle spirit are everywhere. From the books to the tiny kitchen to your comfortable furniture to all your art supplies and your little stuffed friends. What a blessing. Thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule. Can't wait till the book comes out. Hope you will get to go to your beloved Maine home soon.

Love,

Kay

Marguerite said...

Thank you Sharon for the delightful tour. As soon as the door was opened I saw your lovely bookcases and smiled. One of the things we looked for when we were purchasing our house was some privacy and not too close neighbours so I can fully understand your search for a quiet spot. Glad you found it.

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Good morning!

The fabulous potter I mentioned in my walk about is Paula Teplitz of Arroyo Grande, California. A local artist who has a whimsical touch and a great knowledge and love of animals.

Paula is represented by the exquisite Chambers Gallery of Cambria, California. Gail (the owner) can be reached at chambersgallerycambria.com

All joys,

S

nana pam said...

Thanks for the visit to your studio and garden, Sharon. it was just the bit of cheer I needed after saying goodbye to my darling maddie and Alex who came to visit for a few days. I told Maddie you are writing a bird book for children and she and I cannot wait!

Leslie said...

What an adorable workspace!!!

Larkrise garden girl said...

Sharon, I peaked inside your world and it lifted my spirits. Seeing your books and creative chaos makes me feel like a kindred spirit.Life is good if you have books to read and projects to do. Can hardly wait to see your new book.I have a new grandchild and want him to always have books and always love nature.Cheri

My Grama's Soul said...

Good morning Sharon....you are one lucky lady having a separate house for a studio. I have wanted one for years and keep telling my beautiful soul mate that I'm going to park a trailer in my backyard...but he always nixes the idea.

BTW....Firefly is in Paso Robles....isn't it a small world...I can't believe how many blogging ladies can connect over various things.

Hugs,

Jo

Casa Mariposa said...

Thank you for your realness and unpretentious accessibility. :o) I love your little studio and garden. I love the idea of a walled garden. It's like entering another world!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Such a beautiful garden area and studio. What a blessing to have your own creative space just steps away from home. Certainly seems like that was the house for you! Best wishes, Tammy

Claudia said...

I love your studio Sharon - especially the name! Thank you for sharing it with us. We had some of the lettuce last night that I grew from the seeds you sent. Umm mmm good!

xo
Claudia

GRACE PETERSON said...

Hi Sharon Dear, Thank you so much for taking us inside your magical, inspirational, delightful world. I love all your things and how they have special meaning to you. How nice that you found such a special place to call home. Kudos to the photographer too.

Anonymous said...

I love to enter a world filled with such creativity as I have found through your blog. I see I'm in store for many wonderful creations... I've just became your newest follower. I'm so excited.
Hugs Rosemary...X

Deb said...

That was a fun tour of both the grounds and the work area. I think we all need a place where we can go and feel surrounded by all that we love. It is really delightful to see what you are working on, too. Thanks and have a wonderful week. Hugs, Deb=^..^=x4

Donna OShaughnessy said...

So very special. Today I go back into my little studio upstairs and clean it so I can mess it and be creative again. Thanks for the inspiration !

Thea said...

Thank you for the videos. Your peaceful ways come shining through. I didn't know you taught in Virginia. I live in No. VA in Arlington. Take care, ma dear, and though you have to work right now, I hope you enjoy every moment of it in Mockingbird Studio. t

Bonnie K said...

Beautiful gardens! I can't imagine the work you have put into your home. It must be hard to be split between two places. I have a hard enough time keeping up with one. I'm glad you are feeling better. Nothing worse than being sick when the weather is nice. I bet you won't know what to do with yourself when your book is done. I enjoy your blog. The tour was very wonderful. I sat on the porch with a glass of lemonade and enjoyed it. Have a wonderful summer.

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Dear Sharon,

Always a treat to see you in your element! But that phone ringing when you speak is a recurring theme! Sorry Jeff, just had to do it! Well, we are off on our adventure later this week. We have your suggestion on our route! I spent time with Jekka McVicar this week and she thinks I may just catch the lavender. It was early this year! Love your work as usual. Jekka saw her first Blue Jay, her first chimpmunk, her first ground hog and her first flying turkey! All today before she left! Never a dull moment with me! xxoo Nancy

Farm Girl said...

I just love your studio. It is nice to see where you draw the lovely pictures I have come to love so much.
I loved the videos.
I really liked all of your heart shaped rocks.

Claire said...

Hey Sharon, creative chaos is the best sort.

How lovely to have a peek into your studio and see where you create.

What a wonderful walk to your studio, how could you not be inspired by your little corner of the world.

I am sitting at my creative chaos aka as the dining table. Move the fabric, pins, papers threads etc. and pull up a chair for lunch. Fortunately, hubby and son don't mind, in fact I don't think they even see it !!

Enjoy your weekend,

Claire :}

Joy said...

Thanks so much for sharing your inspiring space. What a cool studio and I feel honored that you show us your work in progress. I loved the video of walking in the garden towards the studio... I heard music (and the busy traffic!) and that fountain, I thought we'd get to see the fountain! Thanks for all, your art work is beautiful.

MerrieSherrie said...

I so enjoyed the visit to your charming studio! What an enchanting space in which to create!! I loved seeing part of the process of how you write and illustrate your books and it was a special treat to hear you narrate the video! Thank you for sharing it with us all, Sharon! Love, Sherry

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Beautiful spaces,no wonder you are so creative, with wonderful inspiration all around you.

Carol said...

Oh Sharon, I love visiting you via your videos! Wonderful to have a tour of your studio. I can see why you would buy your house! Terrific details too. Everything about your studio and garden is Lovely!!

Pom Pom said...

What a treat! Thank you, Sharon! Your studio looks beautifully full and nesty! LOVE it!

Jan said...

Hi Sharon,
I'm so glad I stopped by for a visit today and was greeted by your quaint studio and gardens. It was fun to have a little tour of what is special to you. It does look like a relaxing and inspiring place to hang out and create!

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Once again
thank you
for allowing me to visit.
You live a busy life
a charming life
a happy life
Blessings sent to you
this Sunday evening...

Teri said...

This is exactly what I was hoping for Sharon. I love the intimate look at your space with all the items displayed and photographed. Who makes that wonderful yellow bird bowl that has a brush sitting in it? Wonderful! I don't think that you could help but be inspired in that wonderful space. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to post this to your blog.

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Teri, the bowl with the bird and brush was also made by Paula Teplitz. You can find her work at the charming little Chambers Gallery, Cambria, California. Call the owner (Gail) and just ask what she has in stock. It changes constantly.

I am enchanted by Paula's work.

Best,
S

Melissa said...

Thanks for sharing your studio. It is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

You have such a wonderful garden and what a great joy to be able to work so very close to home.
Have a wonderful day and thank you so much for your visit at my little Dutch garden ; )

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Sharon,
No wonder you said yes, just amazing my friend!
I love it all and I hope your summer is going well!
You must be in Maine right now?
Hugs,

Cindy

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharon,
Thanks for such a fun tour of your lovely garden and studio. I feel so lucky to have visited you there -- it was fun to see how much your garden has grown!
Joan

TexWisGirl said...

you live in artist's eden. what a wonderful place to do your work!

thank you for dropping by my blog and leaving a comment. i really appreciate you taking time to visit. God bless you and yours!!

Anonymous said...

Sharon,
This is amazing- I just love the little walk to the studio---knocking at the door and having YOU open the door and letting us all in!!!! My favorite part? Your grandmother's bird bath....how inspiring!!

xoxo
Joann

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Thanks for all your welcome words...I love them. Joann, I love that birdbath too and feel lucky that I was able to rescue it...and actually, my friend John and I gave that to my Grandmother in 1969...so it has been around for a long, long time.

I appreciate it...the birds appreciate it.

Love,

S

Privet and Holly said...

Sharon, can I
just state for
the record that
you are living my
dream? Such a
dear, dear writer's
cottage! I loved
the tour; thank you
for sharing with us!
xx Suzanne

Terra said...

That was fun reading about how your No Way turned into Yes Way, and seeing how your studio is so charming and reflects your dainty paintings and discerning heart. The little fox sculpture has a cute personality. Thanks for the tour.

libbyquilter said...

what a special treat to be shown your beautiful studio within your very own secret garden~!!~
darn that phone anyway~!
thank you for sharing your creative spaces and your beutiful self with all of us in blogland.

:-)
libbyQ

Lydia said...

What a lucky studio to have you as its friend.

Vicki Boster said...

I am so overjoyed to finally see your beautiful work space. It is just what I had expected- your soul lives here - no wonder you create so beautifully. I love the videos- what a wonderful touch- this is such a special place Sharon. You are so lucky to have this place to call your own. Thanks for this incredible tour-- I hate to leave-
Vicki

Stacey said...

What a joy it must be to have a studio like that. I can just imagine how the creativity flows. :)

Spinneretta said...

What a great peek into your world :) I was excited to see a little bit of Virginia represented there!
And fascinated by what you d with your artwork- I think I learned something from it!
Thank you for sharing!

La Table De Nana said...

Thank you for this tour:) The studio is beautiful..Your realtor ..Jeff was..amazing to have found this for you:)
I collect heart shaped rocks when I vacation..They looked so familiar to me..
What a spot..I hear the phone ringing so I will be off too!

Thank you!

Lili said...

Sharon you are so amazing. Your studio space with the french doors overlooking your garden is simply perfection! I just don't know how you manage to do so much and still find the time to share it with us! I am so in awe of you. xoxo ~Lili

Sharon Lovejoy said...

This is to all of you out there in blog land.

I find YOU amazing.

I am thrilled by everything you share and what I've learned from you.

Thank you!

S

Glynis Peters said...

Thank you for the wonderful tour! How wonderful you found the perfect place for inspiration. :)