This is exactly what I am trying to achieve with Comfort Living — inspire readers to have the confidence to move forward in creating a way of life that adds comfort, community, meaning and joy to each day…  

I was at a charming home the other day - my reason for beng there was to drop off my almost-final version of Comfort Living to be proofed and this was the drop-off address. We talked, we walked around a bit, with me commenting on some of the wonderful spaces they’d created for themselves and their two children… and I did leave her to proof the book!

A week or so later, I returned to talk to a group of women, gathered together by Maureen, who was first introduced to me as a proofer, but became yet another person trying to create a home life that felt good and right.  I was to talk about Lifestyle Design and Comfort Living - a favorite topic! Before we even sat down, we were passing through the room that had defied repeated efforts to make it work.  At least that’s how she felt about it - and I could understand why.  Three doors, a narrow room, relatively new paint (she didn’t like the color), dark and a furniture layout that didn’t really work for them.  So, that became our point of focus for about 20 minutes… We sat down as a group, but not before reworking the furniture, talking paint (from proofing the book, she had been on a mission to reclaim that room for herself and her family — and repaint, which she finally gave herself permission to do). When I got home, I we did some back-and-forth e-mailing, including a paint color suggestions for the den. Here are some excerpts:

That same day, she e-mailed me: “Lavender (paint sample) is on the walls. Still contemplating. I moved some art around, opened the shutters, and sat happily in the room!”

The day after, a bit more: “The den looks SO good. I’ve opened the shutters and put a bird feeder outside one of the windows. We also took all the photos off the credenza and replaced them with our favorite books.”

My response: “I’m glad you opened the shutters… I know they afford privacy at night, but during the day, having them open lets so much more light and nature in.  An alternative would be café curtains.  They would give you privacy from the street, but the top half of the windows would still allow for daylight to enter the room….   Meanwhile, a lavender to try is Benjamin Moore Polar White #2069-70.  It’s not dark, which given the room, would be a plus.”

Just a few hours later:  “I just did the bedroom. I simply cannot thank you enough! Now I need to find a big, round table to put next to my bed. I may even take down the living room curtains…”

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Just as I was getting ready to put up this blog, I received this testimonial from her:

“Working with Christine and reading her book were revelations. She didn’t tell me how to do things and impose her design aesthetic. Instead, she offered a whole new way to think about our surroundings. We now have more life and tranquility in our home. My den, which I never liked being in, is now my favorite room. It is full of light and color. Our only purchase was a bird feeder that hangs outside a window that was used to be covered by shutters. The shutters are open, the views are lovely, and I feel so lucky to have found Christine.”

I can’t wait to hear how these changes in physical surroundings shape their lives!  Maureen feel free to keep us updated by commenting here!

** By the way, if you need proofing services — for a letter, a presentation or whatever — they provide a great service.  editproof:  maureen@editproof.net. Thanks to Maureen, the book is now at the printer!  

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