Who is Briar?

Who am I? Good question! I've been working on an answer to that for 35 years, and I am still not sure!

I can tell you a few things. I am a native Californian, now living in New England. I have two small kiddos, a husband, a cat, two fish, and an African Grey parrot that won't shut up. Ever. (And she's mean, too! You've been warned!) I was an elementary school teacher for many years, but became a stay-at-home mom after our big move across the country. And now here I am, sitting in this big old house, trying to figure out which project to tackle next. Because when your house is almost 200 years old, there is ALWAYS something to do!

The house itself? Well, it's a beast. Built in 1830 on the main drag of a very small New England town, it once belonged to the town's doctor. Or so they tell me over at the historical society! It's been added onto over the years, and now measures in at almost 4,000 square feet-- not counting the walk-up attic or the scary old basement. I've been working on it almost constantly since we moved in a year and a half ago, and there is still no end in sight!

I love my house. I really do. But sometimes, it feels like I'm fighting an uphill battle to get it looking how I want it to be. Stick with me, though, and watch me bumble my way through one project after another, all while trying to save some cash. This could get interesting! :)

DISCLAIMER: In case it wasn't obvious, I am NOT an expert! I'm someone who learns by doing, and by making mistakes! And there is ALWAYS room for improvement If you have additional tips and tricks, be sure to post them in the blog comments!