Saturday 9 August 2008

Our first wheeled cup of tea



LOOK! Our home is being born! In between the raindrops Tui has been hammering and sawing and building and chiseling and cursing and fixing and making our nest. Here for you to see are some moments from our recent doings. The truck's tailgate has been removed entirely and replaced by the front door and another little welsh chapel window. The windows have latches, the floor has beautiful wooden floorboards, the back of the truck has expertly built wooden walls, and most excitingly of all, our home has a fire! The flue pipe needed a little encouragement to fit but is now elbowing its way nicely up through the roof.

We had our first cup of tea on the stove yesterday whilst imagining the next stages - kitchen and seat building, pictures on the walls, cupboards galore and bookshelves.... Somehow lighting a fire in our truck-home makes it really seem like we are getting there. For someone who hasn't ever built anything with wood before, Tui is doing a superbly superb carpentry job and is thoroughly enjoying it too. He has taken gentle care over every last detail and trundled round to the truck every wet day, slurping through puddles to work away at making our lovely home, while I join him in painting breaks for cups of tea and sandwiches and the odd little accordion serenade!

And don't you think our bedford-nest looks beautiful? :)

57 comments:

valonia said...

Your wheeled home is looking beautiful already. When my hubby and I moved into our boat the only functional part was our stove -- and that first cup of tea will always be the most perfectly brewed tea I will ever taste.

Elizabeth Harper said...

Ahhh... It does look beautiful. Thank you for sharing the progress...I love it!

I really enjoy your blog and your art. I'll be back.

The Dutchess said...

My goodness,this is great,where to do you wander...always welcome at my place..Thanks for sharing

d. moll, l.ac. said...

Wow! What a wonderful interior, that Tui fellow is dong a very good job. The fire makes it all seem self-reliant, tea whenever you want.

The Artwork of Christi Bunn said...

This is fantastic... so cozy and versatile. I must say that I do love the look of the beautiful wood against the rich green of the truck. The little windows with the diamond-shaped panes are such a lovely touch, too. I can't imagine having my first tea in such a lovingly built home. Look forward to seeing more pictures from your new home!

Christi

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Oh Rima, it is utterly charming, and magical! Can Edward and I come along, too? I could be your cook and Edward would guard us all from beasties and rogues.

Jessica said...

I'm so happy that people do things like this. It looks so beautiful and cozy.

Tess Kincaid said...

Rima and Tui, it is SO lovely!!! So artisic and has so much character! (would I expect anything less from the two of you?) I am so happy for you. Wish I was there to enjoy a cup of tea and sandwich and listen to some wonderful music.

Willow x o

Ted Marshall said...

So beautiful, and so right for you both. It's just magical, and I'm excited for you.

Shelley Noble said...

YES! Beautiful and magical. Like one of your drawing come thrillingly to life! Heaven.

Acornmoon said...

Hi, your home on wheels looks wonderful. Forgive me if I sound all mumsy now, but, I am thinking, "what happens to the stove if you slam on the brakes?" Will it carry on traveling forward? My sons say that I could worry for England, now I am worrying for Scotland too.

ArtPropelled said...

Everything is taking shape and beginning to look so cosy. How exciting this is!

Gretel said...

Oh yes...it is the loveliest creature and the perfect home for you! Don't forget to paint a special clock for it. I feel that all it is lacking is a name plate. A nicely decorated one of course.

Dixie Redmond said...

Your wheeled home is a wonder. How beautiful!

annette emms said...

Good evening Rima, how wonderful your nest is looking! I am so pleased for you both.
Is there going to be a special place for your art supplies and do you have a storytelling chair?
I'm being selfish asking this, as I love to see your work and read your story.

herhimnbryn said...

'...nest-full' indeed. I kept looking at all the details, the windows, the beautiful wood, the 'belfast' sink and that gorgeous, glowing kettle!

dragonladych said...

Looks fantastic! I kind of feel like coming to visit :)

Ciara Brehony said...

Oh Rima. It is GORGEOUS! I am a little bit envious I admit. How satisfying that first cup of tea must have been. Fair play to Tui for such care and attention to detail.
What wonderful wanderings you have ahead of you!

Paula Bowles said...

awwww, your Bedford Nest looks amazing! I can imagine how warm and snug it will get with your lovely woodburning stove.

It's so unique, I'll be sure to keep a look out for you on the roads!

px

Barbara Martin said...

Rima, your new home looks wonderful and cozy, too!

Drop by my blog for a special comment to you.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful and what a beautiful home on wheels you two have created.
Love all the care and the lovely details...the stove is beautiful...that cup of tea must have been delightful.

Hayden said...

It is absolutely beautiful! What wonderful care and workmanship! Congratulations!

tui said...

I can hear the whispered memories of our children's futures ... x tui x

Anonymous said...

I would love to trade places with you if only for one day.

Roberta said...

I just discovered your blog tody!
Wow! It's incredible and so is your work!
I'll be back to wander some more.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Rima,
I have featured you today on my blog. I hope it may send more people your way to appreciate your amazing work!

Best to you from both Edward and Me!

Anonymous said...

I followed a link from a comment you made on Robin's Bodger blog, and how pleased I am that I did.

A lovely, interesting and inspiring site.

And to cap it all I now have links to Tui's music, which is sublime, and Polly Paulusma, who I also immediatley liked very much.

Polly's I can buy now, Tui's will have to wait intil it's out. Can't wait.

it's all wonderful...thanks

Andy

Anonymous said...

Just bought Butterfly Wings on bleep.com...wonderful!

couldn't leave a comment on the Orla site, so forgive leaving it here.

Anonymous said...

It`s fabulous!
I have never seen anything like this before, nice to allways bring your home with you.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Rima, I can feel your excitement and satisfaction; and anticipation of the rest of your artistic expression that will be your rolling-along home...

Everything has such special meaning....when we built our home this is the gradual process we followed, finding things that stimulate your imagination and giving them a new life and a place to share with them every day..

It is a gentle life of following your heart and I wish it could happen to everybody.. It is hard to explain how it makes a person feel deep down inside.

As I watch your journey I feel my life's excitement all over again. Thank you so much.

Your love shows!!!

Paul Bommer said...

it is the most beautiful home I've ever seen. Perfect for two free-wheelin' latter day gypsies. And a pot-bellied stove to book - I bet its the best cup o'scold ever!

Now it means you can pack your load and hit the road ( and pluck the ruby
from the forehead of a toad)

Paul x

Paul Bommer said...

that should be 'to boot' hehe

abcd said...

What a wonderful, magical, place you have here, I will return to read more. Your new home looks amazing,what fun you are going to have travelling in it.

Carl V. Anderson said...

That is absolutely whimsical and wonderful and magical. I am so happy for you and can certainly sense the thrill in your voice. You should both be very proud. I am so happy that a friend recommended your site. I will be back often and hope to see more pics as the inside all comes together. Such an inspirational project, thank you so much for sharing!!!

Anonymous said...

Rima and Tui, when can I move in ?!!!!

It's absolutely beautiful, so cosy and individual, and it confirms to me what I've already suspected-that very creative people such as your good selves bring your creativity to EVERYTHING.

This is Tui's first carpentry job ? I'm very, very impressed.

Be happy in your lovely home.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure that your new house with wheels will remain precious. There is nothing more pleasant than a house done with your own hands. Congratulations for Tui and You, You made a great work.

Regards from Barcelona

Yoli said...

Tui is a reinassance man! He truly can do everything. Your little home is looking beautiful and magical, just like you two.

Listen, my knight arrived at my doorstep today. Let me tell you, I have fallen madly in love with him. I might be divorcing Jose for him.

Rima, it is just stunning and I am so impressed with your work. Thank you for the thoughtful way it was wrapped. The scarf is lovely. This is something I will treasure for ever. Thank you my gypsy friend.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hello Rima! I came over from Pamela Terry and Edward's blog. Your blog home is fascinating and so is your new home on wheels! Best wishes as you and Tui continue on building your new abode. I shall visit again and often.

BT said...

Hi Rima and Tui, I too came from Pamela Terry and Edward's blog. What a find. I love your art, it's magical and mystic. What a fantastic home you have. Just one thing. Where do you keep all your art things? I have stuff everywhere and can never find what I want, when I want it!
Good luck to you both,
Will visit often,

BT,
Gina
x

Qugrainne said...

It is quite beautiful. It blew the cobwebs off a memory stored in the far corner of my mind, that had gone unnoticed for many years. When my grandma was 8 and living in Germany, the Sinti came and camped near her town. She thought their homes were so beautiful and their lives so wonderfully nomadic and romantic, she ran away from home and followed them to their next camping site.

Unfortunately, her father caught up with her there, and he did not believe in sparing the rod. She had a lovely day, however, before he arrived.
Your site is magical and wonderful. I shall be back often.

Tressa & Mark said...

Happened accross your site. How wonderful. Please keep us posted as to your travels.

I'll be back!

katiedid said...

I am a first time visitor through Pamela nd Edward's blog: The House of Edward. I very nuch enjoy your very enchanting blog and hope to get back soon! I love your home on wheels, and your talent is astounding! I am very happy to have found you. ;)

Koldo Barroso said...

Thanks for oppening the doors of your home for us. Feels like a guest! Your place looks really warm and full of love. Amazing!
The Wolksvagen van where I once lived for 6 months was pretty nice, it had old furnitures full of books and stuffed animals, Victorian lamps and curtains, a little stove and a sink. But it was nothing compared to this!

I've had traveller friends living in trucks like yours but never seen anything so nice and charming. You must be proud!

Naturegirl said...

Simply enchanting as is your creativity! I've come in by way of Tara Changs and so glad that I did!
Your home is certainly
"one of a kind" as your are totally amazing clocks!!

Robin Fawcett said...

Thanks for your comment on my blog. I don't get many - unlike you!

It's good to know that there are other folk living interesting lives outside the media fuelled 'reality'

I notice on your parents blog that a relative of yours attended Rochester Art School - ask him if he remembers my Dad, Les Fawcett, who worked and taught there.

Hello! said...

I certainly look fantastic and so does your artwork! So glad I found this beautiful blog!

LITTLE BROWN DOG said...

Found your beautiful blog via Pamela and Edward - will definitely bookmark you to come back, I don't think I have ever seen such beautiful, magical things - just gorgeous. And yes, your wheeled home looks absolutely lovely - so cosy and lovingly made. Will surely be back to have a proper look around.

LBD x

Rima Staines said...

Hello everybody, well what a lovely and encouraging lot of words.. thank you! We are very chuffed that everyone is so excited with us about our home progress... It is fabulous to be able to share adventures like this around the world isn't it!

We will no doubt be stopping in some towns near some of you one day when we're on the move, so be sure to come for a cuppa!

I love to hear other folks tales too - particularly liked the one about your grandmother running off with the gypsies Qugrainne :)

And to answer a couple of questions - Valerie - yes the fire is WELL bolted to the floor - no chance of it flying about en route! And Gina - I will have plenty of shelved and cupboards for all my Things!!

All the best to you all and thank you as always for wandering and enjoying my tales here - I feel flattered.

laughingwolf said...

beautiful, whimsical and enchanted... i'm so captivated by it all... grats to both!

mama p said...

>>jumping up & down, clapping hands<<
yippee!!
i LOVE it!
you must be so happy. congrats to you both.

Cat (darklingwoods) said...

Oh Rima, it is like you are living in one of your paintings! Its just charming and magical :) Thank you for sharing!

Cat

Anonymous said...

Rima this is the most amazing collaboration I have ever seen in my entire life! I am blown away by your little home!!! I wish I lived closeby just so I can see you drive by (and it looks so completely beautiful where you live too!)
Housewarming love!

-Sarah

Anonymous said...

oh my gracious that is so completely fantastic ~ I am in awe!

Joel Stewart said...

I'm really quite envious. Seriously, I can't quite allow myself to think about it...

Great work.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful - the wagon home, your work and your blog. It is so great to see people actually living such a life. Enjoy, enjoy and enjoy some more!

gabriel pacheco said...

Increíble barco.
¿Quién dice que el mundo no puede empezar otra vez?
Muchos días en alta mar!

Anonymous said...

reread this post...made me look in the forgotten nooks and crannies of my own home for photos of my old gypsy vardo. looking at them reminded me of so much...i should email you the images! i envy how much space yours seems to have, vardos are so so small...

to comment on tui's comment...no comment! beautiful. your future babies are lucky and blessed!