Ah, Jane’s loft. Richard and I used to catch glimpses of her from his place at Block Lofts across the street. I’m bummed she’s leaving town. Now her loft is on the market. She took like three or four lofts, bought them all and had it turned into one residence. For those of you around Atlanta who don’t know, it’s in Poncey-Highland, on Ralph McGill right near 2 Urban Licks and The Beltline Bridge.

I am very jealous of Jane’s Thornton Dial collection. I wonder if she had to do with the siting of his public sculpture a few years ago. It’s right up Freedom Parkway just a few hundred yards. Thornton Dial’s work is what originally turned me on to self-taught artists, and now I’ve fallen WAY down that rabbit hole, though he remains firmly WAY out of my price range! If you want to see more shots of the loft or find out how to rent it ($10,000/month), or own it ($4.5 million), click here.

There is something a bit Jane Fonda’s Workout dated about this loft, even though it was just built ten years ago; I’m not sure if I could change it though! I don’t understand the light pink with her art collection, and I’m not crazy about all of that brushed nickel or stainless steel or whatever the heck it is on all of those railings and track lighting fixtures. Doesn’t it seem like an opportunity to do something much more creative there? Something sculptural and unique, especially going up the stairs. However, the location, views, fireplace, and library shelves with the ladder are fantastic. I wouldn’t say no if someone decided to give it to me.

All photos by Nathan Martin, from janefonda.com

Well, I began my new year with an “I’m going to get organized!” gung ho attitude. I sustained my enthusiasm for about a month or so, but just like someone on a diet who has hit a plateau, I’ve fizzled out. I sit around trying to come up with “Organization Tuesdays” posts, (or was it “Organization Wednesdays”? I’m so disorganized I forgot which day it’s supposed to be), and I’ve got a big fat nuthin’ for you! So I’ve signed up for an e-course from Simplify 101. The workshop I’ve picked is called Organizing 101 and it seems like a great guide, motivator, and community.  In typical fashion, I forgot to print out the class notes for a few days and when I went to log in, I’d forgotten my username and password. When I tried to retrieve them, I typed in my own email address incorrectly. I’m off to a rip-roaring start! Luckily, their technical support is fast and friendly, and I’m on my way.

I find courses like this are a great kick in the bum. I took Holly Becker’s Blogging Your Way a few months back and it was a delight. What do you do when you hit any sort of creative block or plateau? Have you enjoyed any e-courses/workshops? If so, please tell us about them in the comments. By the way, I heard about the course I’m taking via a comment from Emily last week after we emailed each other a few times, lamenting our need to get our stuff together in the organizing arena! So thanks again Emily!

image swiped from tumblr, which makes it hard to track, but I believe it originated over at the always fabulous The Style Files

This month only: 10% off all Inhabit bedding, lighting, wall art and pillows!

Surely a bunch of other bloggers have been all over her by now, so I’m not even going to Google and find out, because I feel compelled to share some shots that Elizabeth’s Point of View added to our Fresh New Spaces group on flickr. Be sure to check them out on flickr as she explains in the comments how she achieved this dreamy kitchen on a VERY low budget, painting over linoleum and scoring the sink at Re-Store, etc.

Elizabeth Maxson has an interior designer, photographer, stylist, and a former contributing editor to Romantic Homes. She also has a blog you should check out – it’s called The Adventures of Elizabeth, as well as a shop. The shop’s website is currently under construction, but it will be ready soon – it looks like it will be well worth the wait!

One, don’t forget to comment on the David Stark post for a shot at winning his gorgeous book! Right now, those who have commented have a one in sixteen chance of winning, which is not too shabby!

Two, check out this Jane Fonda inspired room over at Decor Demon. Remember that crazy lady singing during the workout video? It’s etched on my brain forever, but luckily since reading this post, the song going through my head is “9 to 5″ …it’s all takin’ and no givin’ they just…use your mind…ahhhh Dolly. How about a Dolly Parton room next Brian? You are one of the only design blogs that has text I am dying to read, and it makes me laugh every time. Oh, and we’re glad you didn’t add Jane’s mug shot, as this is an object from our design drinking game.  It seemed to pop up in every other Met Home and Elle Decor shoot for awhile there. I’m not sure if one stylist was taking it from shoot to shoot or if it was just that popular!

Third, I almost forgot to tell you, Thom Filicia is speaking at SCAD Atlanta at 7:00 tonight. It’s in the Digital Media Center. I am trying to figure out where that is, as the only SCAD phone number that ever seem to pop up are for the admissions office or ShopSCAD.

image one from davidstarkdesign.com

image by Sarah Dorio for Decor Demon