We’ve figured out that the small building behind the farmhouse – Maria’s new workplace – was an old country school house. Old-timers say they can tell by the windows (four on the South side) and the two doors – one for girls, one for boys. We know the building was used as a workshop and a children’s playhouse. It was probably moved from some other location. Maria has decided to keep the name of her art business – fullmoonfiberarts – but she has also decided to name this the Schoolhouse Studio. A neat name, I think, honoring past and present. Ben is renovating the inside, Maria and I are going to have to scrape the paint off of the outside and re-paint it before the winter, to protect the wood and seal it.

It is the creative heart of the farm, I think, a radioactive jewel of a space. Maria will love it there, I think. Aside from the great character in the space, she can look out the windows at the animals she loves – the dogs, the sheep, the donkeys and Rocky. I am so excited to be able to work on this new and creative space.