LOOK IN THE MIRROR & CLIMB THE LADDER

Life doesn't always feel like it's good. Life is up and down, happy and sad. I used to think, as soon as I get past this, it'll get better. Then I realized as soon as I got past "this" there was a new "this" and it was a never ending cycle. I realized when my girls were little that we can't control other human beings. Which sucks. But then, where would be the fun if we could? 

I've been thinking about my little motto - to Live Passionately. How that extends to all areas. I try to be passionate about my Day Job, to enjoy it, to excel, to make the most of each day. I have a long commute - I try to be passionate about that. Just recently decided to try taking the train again a few days a week & if I have to have a long commute make some Jen time out of it..... 

Passion isn't about sexuality. Passion isn't even about being "positive" all the time. In fact, sometimes being passionate means NOT being positive. Making the hard choices and changes. We have to enjoy OUR life. It's the only one we get. We can't do that to the exclusion of others. But we do need to do it. Since we are PEOPLE and other people can't control us any more than we can control them, sometimes our actions aren't at all what they wanted. It can be a challenging balance being kind to ourselves, while being kind to others.... Where do  you find yourself not being passionate? Just going through the motions? 

OK, Here is my clever "Transition" from a weird little tirade to my DIY post.... look in the mirror and take a good look at where you are ho-hum and start climbing the ladder to find your passion in life again.....

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LOOK IN THE MIRROR

AGAIN - I made a really great project that the teenager didn't care about and didn't want.... It turned out great with one exception - DO NOT as other blogs tell you, use a cheap walmart mirror. Mine has warped and it's now a fun-house mirror. I will be re-doing this project one day to make it much more grand, but here are some ideas for you and perhaps inspiration to make your own.

VERY simply this is a full-length mirror glued on plywood, surrounded by fancy rope trim, and some small decorative details also glued/tacked on. Simple. Honestly.

A few things - glue flat & then hang this bugger up. I think that caused the eventual warping in mine. OR - brace the back with 1x2's or something to keep the plywood stiff.... 

Take your time. Don't make this a one-day project. For a one-day project see the ladder below.... This needs a day for the mirror to set in the glue before you start with the trim, or you risk it slipping around and ruin your square. I did manage to get the mirror perfectly centered between the sides and square all the way around. 

Close up of the detail.... I cut the mitered trim about 1/4 inch too big and then one-half a blade length at a time until it was perfect. Those are good fits. I had very little sanding to do and no filling. I LOVE the decorative pieces!!!

It seemed pretty empty at the bottom so I added this little dust collector. I still love love this mirror but since it did warp a little I wanted to make sure to tell you, don't listen to other little Pins that say "buy a cheap mirror." No, no, no. I'm not saying spend $50, but make sure it's decent. All in, plywood, trim, etc this cost me $32. I would have invested a little more for a long-lasting mirror!

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CLIMB THE LADDER

I love ladders. I have half a dozen in my garage loft begging for a project. But my very first one was an old, pigeon pooped, barn ladder that was like 100 years old. I wish I had taken more pictures of past projects progress (I get better at this with later projects I'll be putting on) but, this ladder was 

U G L Y.

I washed it. Sanded it. And it had the most beautiful red wood ever. I am not sure at all what it was. One day I'll be more educated on my woods... but anyway, I painted it flat black, sanded some more, and spray painted a protective clear coat over it. This is how I WAS using it:

Books on a ladder is super cool. IF YOU SECURE THE LADDER TO THE WALL, If you do not - one day the books will come crashing down and bust whatever (TV) is in front of it! But that is another story.....

NOW WHAT????