How are y’all doing?
I hope everyone’s fairing well now that we’re well into December.
My life in Boston is so different, in the best way possible, from what I left in New York. I have the most delightful friends and am invited to fun parties and other social events! I’m incredibly blessed. Tomorrow I’m going on a house tour on Beacon Hill!
It’s hard to believe that my second anniversary of moving to Boston is coming in only ten days. I never dreamed that my renovation would still be months from even starting. However, that’s how it’s worked out. I’m not going to repeat all that because I’ve already told you why this is taking so long in this post from October 30, 2022.
Today, I will share the details of last week’s trip to Claremont, NH, and to the Crown Point Cabinetry Company.
Many of you have already seen the fun videos I posted a week ago. Some of them were taken when I had no idea the video was running. It makes for some very interesting camera angles, etc.
I left you hanging right after we arrived.
Cale and I helped ourselves to a cup of Joe at the coffee station, the first thing one sees when walking into the Crown Point Cabinetry reception area.
There’s Cale’s face for those who requested to see it.
While we were waiting, we noticed this sign they made just for us!
Soon after, my kitchen designer with Crown Point Cabinetry, Melissa Beane, greeted us with the warmest smile. Fortunately, everyone calls her “Mel.” Thank God because my virtual assistant is also Melissa! That Melissa has the gorgeous sunroom, which you can see here if you missed it.
Mel took Cale and me to Fred Puksta’s office. Fred is the senior product designer at Crown Point. He’s the guy that makes people’s cabinetry dreams come true because he also designs art furniture. In other words, he can do anything you can imagine. Sorry, I don’t have a photo of Fred, but here’s a link to his website.
A bulletin board filled with some of his designs is facing Fred’s desk.
As you might be able to ascertain, Fred’s passion is the Arts & Crafts style, which was popular at the turn of the 19th century and beyond.
After this brief introduction, Fred took the three of us into the Crown Point Cabinetry Showroom.
This is the first thing that sets Crown Point apart from other cabinet makers. When you go to Crown Point, it’s as if you are going to the kitchen store in your town. Only instead of that kitchen place ordering cabinetry from their supplier, Crown Point IS the supplier.
Let’s look at some of the beautiful details Fred showed us.
In the previous post, when I introduced Crown Point, most of the pieces were painted. However, today, most of the pieces are stained. This company is incredibly versatile.
Exquisite detailing on these upper cabinet doors.
The square rivets in this Arts and Crafts Style cabinet are authentic to the era. Fred designed all of this, including the custom wine rack.
The Face frames are put together with a mortise and tenon joint and then glued. It creates an exceedingly stable and super strong joint.
The Mortise and tenon fit snuggly together.
Fred explained that because the Wolf range top stuck out about 2.5″ past the counter, they created this stepped furniture base to make it look perfectly integrated within the design. We can also see a weathered custom finish on this cabinet.
Above is a detail of the step out.
Beautiful drawers customized for storage.
Next to the range is a beautiful cabinet with an interesting detail.
That detail is masking a hidden cutting board!
Oh, don’t we love hidden storage? I’ve written numerous times about that.
Well, at Crown Point Cabinetry, they love it, too.
You can see much more on the Crown Point Cabinetry website – here.
Above is a hidden drawer in this island.
A hidden electric outlet in an island.
And finally…
Another hidden drawer on a bench. Cool! Please notice the dovetail joinery that is standard on all drawers.
Above are the numerous options for face frames at Crown Point Cabinetry.
The above is more traditional, but still, arts and crafts influenced.
A detail of the gorgeous face frame.
You may recall this exquisite kitchen from the earlier post.
I would’ve taken more photos from the showroom. However, I wasn’t feeling very well.
Okay, I’ve been debating with myself since the trip whether I should tell y’all what happened.
In the end, I can’t talk about the tour without mentioning it because it is what happened. But, I also can’t just say it quickly, because most of you will have no idea what I’m talking about.
It began while in Fred’s office. I started to get queasy and light-headed. I knew exactly what was going on. It’s happened dozens of times throughout my lifetime. I have a form of dysautonomia that probably stems from a bout of rheumatic fever when I was a pre-schooler and then, exacerbated by subsequent viruses in adulthood. That’s what they think. I have been to neumerous rheumatologists because I also have other markers of Lupus, but fortunately, fail one of the tests. No matter, one just has to deal with what is, no matter what it’s called.
What I have for sure is called POTS which stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.
Some of you may recall years ago, I checked myself into the ER because I had a particularly acute episode.
I’m putting a link here for further reading about what POTS is, if you are interested.
It always begins with nausea and lightheadedness, and it comes on quickly. And yes, I did faint once, but it was over 12 years ago.
I started feeling poorly the day before, but I overdid it in the preceding days.
Surely adrenalin will give me a boost? I refused to give in to it, because this is not a convenient time to feel ill. Mind over matter, right? Well, I got through the tour, but just before the owner of Crown Point Cabinetry, Brian Stowell, walked in, I had to sit on a stool, and I had to put my head down; embarrassing, for sure. But, when Brian came in, I sat up to listen for a few.
Really, what I needed to do was LIE down. Going horizontal is the cure. Or, at least, a temporary cure.
Folks, this is not an old lady issue. In fact, I’m supposed to have “outgrown” this by now as it most commonly strikes women between 15-50, But men and people of any age can have it too. Most of the time, I’m fine. However, if you hang with me often enough, you’ll eventually witness something a little odd going on. Cocktail parties can be a nightmare. Does anyone reading have POTS? Or, maybe you have a child with POTS? My case is mild. Some people cannot get out of bed without passing out.
No, it is not anxiety or a panic attack.
Although experiencing an episode is awful.
Anyway, I’ve already gone on longer than I’d like, but it’s not like saying I had a headache. Everyone knows what that is, but POTS is not as common. However, it’s becoming more well-known as a symptom of Long Covid that’s now affecting millions of people. Fortunately, I did not get that.
Okay, back to the tour at Crown Point Cabinetry. Well, what happened after Brian was finished with his talk.
Brian Stowell, president, and owner of Crown Point Cabinetry
Brian spoke for a few minutes, and then we went to go on his portion of the tour, but when I got up from the stool, I could hardly move. They asked me what I needed.
Cale jumped right in. I was so glad he was there. “It would help if she could lie down for a bit.”
No problem. Mel jumped into action and led me to a cot waiting for me in another office with a first-aid area.
It was adjacent to this massive room with the constant hum of machinery. Everyone could not have been kinder or more understanding. So, I rested for close to an hour in a cool dark room. Cale came to get me, and then I felt terrific!
So, what happened while I was rebooting my blood pressure? (That’s exactly what is going on when lying horizontal.)
Brian took my musician son, Cale, around the factory. Coincidentally, Cale has gotten super into woodworking and particularly timber framing. He loves it!
But, get this. After Cale came and got me, Brian did the tour all over again for me. Yes, he did. I’m sure he had other things to do, but I was grateful.
And now, I’m going to play a few highlights I recorded on the tour. This is only about a quarter of what I shot. I think I managed to reduce the number of times I said “wow” by about 90%. Haha! I couldn’t stop. This place is like nothing I could have ever imagined. In addition, it kept going and going…
Brian explains why there are cages around some of the equipment.
Just one of the dozens of special equipment at the Crown Point Cabinetry factory.
This one’s darling from start to finish.
That is why I had to tell y’all what happened. I couldn’t believe these people devoted their entire afternoon to us.
Guys, they ship out $300,000.00 worth of cabinetry– a week. They are BUSY! However, they have all the time in the world for their customers.
Fred heard that I had gotten ill and inquired how I was via email the next day.
This is the kind of people they are. They’re the salt of the earth, and I know they will do a fantastic job building my new kitchen. By the way, Fred went to high school with Brian.
I know it seems like it’s a long way off, but it should be in about a year from now.
Well, I moved to Boston TWO years ago, and look how fast that’s gone. Ridiculously fast! That’s not because of Crown Point. It’s because of my contractor’s schedule.
And now, a special treat. Please watch this short newscast about Crown Point from this past October and how Brian’s father began the business in their garage and employed the entire family. It’s super well done.
Above the Stowell family circa 1978. What a gorgeous family! And yes, they have been compared to the Waltons. I believe that’s Brian, closest to his dad.
Please watch the video below. It’s fantastic!
Brian and his wife Becky, the visionary behind their unique business model, are incredibly humble. They take no credit for the success of Crown Point Cabinetry.
Brian said: “It is the employees. It is a tremendous crew. I love my crew. I absolutely love my crew.”
Well, apparently, it goes both ways based on this darling video made nine years ago. Brian was led to believe that he was coming into the work area to see a piece of outstanding custom cabinetry…
I’ve watched this one a few times.
How rare is that? I mean, there’s so much in this world that’s truly horrid. But, this?
It brings a tear and warms my heart.
Yes, that’s Mel in the first group, on the right. She’s been with Crown Point for 15 years.
I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did putting it together for you!
Please visit the Crown Point Cabinetry website here.
xo,
PS: Please check out the newly updated HOT SALES and
visit the Holiday Shop! There are so many fantastic sales going on right now.
Also, this a reminder that all of my rockin’ interior design guides are on sale right now. There is an update coming out this Wednesday for the blogging guide. If you order it now, no worries, you’ll get the update, and those who’ve purchased it will also get it. Wednesday morning.
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61 Responses
Hi Laurel.
I just signed up last week to receive emails from you…I think it was last week, and this post was amazing reading. Thank you. I am looking forward to diving into more of your articles. When you spoke about what happened during your tour you mentioned being one marker away from Lupus which is an autoimmune disease. There is so much information available about autoimmune issues it’s almost overwhelming but I would like to recommend a book that has helped me with my struggles, “The Paleo Approach – Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body” by Sarah Ballantyne, PhD. Coming that close to being diagnosed with Lupus makes me think “maybe” autoimmune issues.
All my best to you Laurel.
Hi, Laurel. We just bought a house in the Back Bay and are redoing our kitchen, so I really appreciate the details you cover. A note on POTS, two of my kids had it (concussion related) and had very effective treatment out here in the suburbs. Happy to share the information with you if you are interested. Also, glad to here of the friendly response in town….I am looking forward to city living!!
Hi,
My daughter also has POTS. The onset was after a severe case of mono when she was 13. Her case was very disabling for years, but fortunately she is quite functional and stable now that she is an adult. A predisposing factor appears to be Ehlers Danlos syndrome, or joint hypermobility. Super stretchy ligaments, often present in growing girls (and dancers!), is a vulnerability for POTS.
Thank you for sharing this personal information as it may help others who are struggling with mysterious symptoms.
This post is the most wonderful Christmas present ever! Thank you for sharing such a personal and heartwarming story!
Oh Laurel, I loved this post. Makes me want these cabinets too!!! I actually cried watching the last film the crew did for the owner. I love down to earth Craftsman that are proud of their work.
What a great presentation.
I had a mil case of what you experienced getting out of bed a few days in a row. I had to hold on to the wall to get to the bathroom. Changed the fluff and angle of my pillow which eventually helped. Glad you feel better too.
Laurel, It’s a wonderful thing, the relationship between you and Cale. As I can attest, all sons don’t “outgrow” rebellious attitudes. But, I’m not dead yet so there is hope. I pray that your health is restored and there are no more episodes like you just experienced. Cale’s presence and actions on your behalf made all the difference this time. Take good care of yourself…there’s so much to look forward to in your new adventure and you need to be up to relishing it all. (I’m almost embarrassed that you were so thorough in addressing my “eyeglass frames” question. You are so busy…I’ll be careful not to impose again…but thanks a lot and may God richly bless you and your boys.
Hello,
Susan from Owensboro, KY—close to your hometown! Thank you for sharing about dysautonomia. I knew you had it when you described your episode a year or two ago. You said “no comments” since you have a fine medical team who’s on top of it, so I did not comment. My 29 year old daughter has had MVPS Dysautonomia for 9 years. The average time from symptoms onset to diagnosis is 8 years!!! The definitive diagnosis is a positive tilt table test. Please, Laurel’s readers, familiarize yourself with the symptoms. You might be able to help solve a medical mystery for someone. Now that I know about the condition, I’ve diagnosed 3 others ( just call me Dr. Susan-haha.). Seriously, most doctors know nothing about this condition, think it’s all in your head. There are POTS/Dysautonomia specialists but not in every state. My daughter’s specialist is in Birmingham, AL, six hours away (fortunately, I love Birmingham!) Thanks for all you do, I’ve learned so much from your blog.
Hi SFO,KY! Yes, very close to Evansville, IN. And yes, I know that the Ohio River belongs to Kentucky, not Indiana. At least the part by Evansville.
MVPS I assume stands for Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome. Actually, I just, just, just read this the other day. Well, from the time I was five until maybe age 40-something, I was told I had a heart murmur due to mitral valve prolapse. And that was due to my bout at age four with rheumatic fever. I do remember that. I was very weak and could hardly walk.
But, yes, you are right. The majority of doctors don’t seem to understand what’s going on. Maybe it’s beginning to change. However, my doctor first sent me to a cardiologist who thought I was being a princess because I couldn’t complete the treadmill stress test. I was so sick, it took 90 minut with a bag of chips and some coffee before I could drive myself home.
That was six months before my tilt table test that I flunked mightily when my BP dropped so low, the machine couldn’t record it. It went back to normal the second they put me horizontal, again.
My cardiologist who did the test is quite elderly, and I don’t know for sure if he’s still practicing, but he’s Dr. Kenneth Kaplan at Phelps Memorial Hospital in Sleepy Hollow, near Tarrytown, NY. That’s about 25 mies north of New York City in Westchester County.
He was incredible and very thorough. My PCP was very impressed. I was lucky. My PCP in New York, is one of the best. If you’re in the waiting room, more than 30 seconds, it’s because the nurse was taking a pee break. haha But, most importantly, he’s smart and he listens. I’d give his name out too, but the last I heard, he was no longer taking new patients. What the hell. He lost one, two years ago, when I moved.;] Robert Wolfson in Mount Kisco, NY
Laurel,
You handled that all very well; i.e., the management of and communication of your episode with POTS.
The Crownpoint cabinets are beautiful! Likely beyond my budget, however. Thanks for a richly informative post!
Wishes and prayers for your good health!
Traderette
Hi Paulette,
Their Crown Select line kitchens start at about $25,000 and are still the same high-quality cabinets. The only difference is the door are 3/4″ instead of one inch. And there are fewer options, but still a ton of options. You can see the Crown Select kitchens here.
So many things to comment on in this post! It’s jam packed!
Glad you and your son know how to handle your health challenge.
The videos and pics of the work Crownpoint does were very informative. I’ve had a similar tour with a smaller custom cabinet shop here on the west coast and found the machinery amazing, I can only imagine what a larger production line must be like.
Their staff is huuuuge…as evidenced by the flash mob way back in 2013…Ten years ago! Yes, I teared up as well. Love it! Thank you, Laurel!
Hi Michelle,
Yes, there are about 90 people working there. It’s all on one floor and it just keeps going and going and going 100,000 square feet!
Please, please, PLEASE take good care of yourself, Laurel. My brother dated a woman who’s daughter suffered from POTS. She was an exceptional young woman; a wonderfully kind and capable person, well liked, and brilliant. She graduated from high school in three years, and was admitted to MIT her freshman year in college. Sadly, she took her own life because apparently she could no longer cope with the disease. What a tragedy. I guess it manifests itself differently, and with different severity, in different people. I’m hopeful about the prognosis after hearing the comments of some of your readers.
OMG! That is such a tragedy. I’m so sorry to hear this. Yes, there are different levels of severity. It sounds like this young woman was one of those who struggled to get out of bed without passing out. Here’s the problem. If standing makes one ill, one tends to sit or lie down. Of course, this only makes it worse. In fact, some dumb doctors insist it’s only deconditioning that’s going on. That is not true. The POTS is the root, the deconditioning, and the result of the dibilitating symptoms. However, getting deconditioned is bad for the heart, of course.
So, how does one exercise then? Horizontally! I’m sure there are videos on youtube that give exercises one can do in bed, or on the floor.
Sadly, no matter what medication is tried, nothing works for some people.
My sistuation is very mild by comparison. And the beta blocker I take does work. The dose might need to be tweaked.
In addition, my move to Boston forces me to be active. I walked well over 3 miles today, and about a quarter of it was up hill.
BTW, for anyone reading this who remembers my fall in October 2021. That had nothing to do with POTS. I was tired but from what I can tell, my foot got caught in a rut, next to the curb. It was a freak thing.
Hi Laurel,
The best thing to come out of this is the kindness shown to you which guarantees these are very special people to work with on your kitchen. Sorry it happened but so happy Cale was there with you. As you know it took us a while to find the “right one”, contractor and cabinet maker, and our kitchen would not be the same with out them. So happy we waited until it felt right.
The Flash Mob made tears splash done my cheeks, another “guarantee” that you have found the perfect team! XOXO
Thank you so much, Nancy. I’m very grateful!
Sorry to hear about your illness episode; hopefully, you’re feeling much better. Try to be nice to yourself with some extra self-care during holidays!
Your son, Cale, is precious! Glad he was with you, too.
Thank you, Dee. Yes, he’s a doll!
The Crown Point Christmas video was joyous and teary… there is good in the world – sometimes we just have to look harder. People really enjoy doing things for others.
Your kitchen will be marvelous! With all the detail you could hope for.
Looking forward to more design adventures with you. Happy Holidays…
Happy Holidays to you too, Sandra!
Thank you for your explanation of POTS. My soon-to-be fifteen year old granddaughter was diagnosed with it about five years ago. It is my understanding that she might possibly grow out of it. There are days she has to come home from school because of feeling exactly as you described. We were uncertain how she would do performing in the strenuous activities of Color Guard and World Guard, but she has done fine. She is very sensitive to heat, and even tepid bath water is too much for her. Your description helped me to better understand the disease and how it feels, so thank you.
Don’t you think someone as talented as that guy who designs the cabinets should make at least as much money as an NFL player? I do. What a gift! FYI, we made all of the cabinetry in our home built in 1992, thanks to the extraordinary woodworking skills of my father and husband, and I can attest to the quality I saw in Crown Point’s cabinetry.
Hi Kathy,
I was fine until I was 20 after a bout of the flu. But, then I got better. I had rare episodes but just thought I was hungry or something. But, about 12 years ago, is when I began with more frequent episodes.
Yes, a lot of people deserve to make the kind of money NFL players make. Alas, that’s the society we live in.
Thank you so much for the article on POTS! I have struggled since high school with symptoms without a clue as to why. I’m an active cyclist and hiker and prefer going out by myself or with just my husband rather than in groups because I have had to get off my bike or stop on a trail and lay down with my feet up against a tree or rock. It’s embarrassing in a group who likes to stop and chat after a long climb. That’s when I get the symptoms so I need to keep moving. I’ve passed out in a hot shower, standing too long in line, or in church. I’ve seen cardiologists, neurologists, a rheumatologist to get answers with little results. I was told I have Sjogrens and to wear compression socks but that’s it. This was so helpful!
Hi Jean,
This was another reason I wrote about this. I know that there are thousands of people, maybe millions who don’t have the amazing medical care, I’ve been so lucky to have in NY and now Boston. Typically, people are told they need to relax, or take something for anxiety. Eyes rolling. Not to minimize the suffering people have from panic disorders, but this is completely different.
I will send you an email with more information. xoxo
Dear Laurel,
My 23 year old daughter has POTS. She was diagnosed at age 18 after she lost consciousness while driving. After being diagnosed, her neurologist said it is highly likely she has had the disorder since age 5 and will have it for the rest of her life. She frequently faints and has suffered multiple concussions. She has a subtype called hyperadrenergic POTS meaning she has an excess of adrenaline coursing through her body. This causes dilated pupils and fine tremors. She has a myriad of other symptoms but in spite of it all leads a fairly normal life. She takes beta blockers which help control her heart from racing.
Hi Sue,
OMG! Your poor daughter. Yes, I have read about hyperadrenergic POTS. I also take a beta blocker morning and night. The first year I took only one, but then became symptomatic, and two did the trick. Maybe my dose needs adjusting. I’m going to see how it goes. She is so young. Hopefully, there will be a better solution in the near future.
Oh my Laurel, You MADE my Christmas with this video!!! You have truly found THE crown of cabinet companies….not just in their terrific and intricate workmanship but in a BIG HEART and such love and integrity. Yes, rare today.
What a huge joy it was to watch this presentation. Christmas is already more wonderful! This is what it’s about. THANK you , thank you.
Hi Mardi, I agree 100%!
Georgous- so inspiring. Classic – always the best. Everything else now in magazines is lovely but will look dated in a few years. Love these people. I hope millions see this article.
Btw- I grew up going to Catholic Church and every time it came time to kneel, I would need to be dragged out by my mom. I would turn white, feel faint and become “ sick” right after Communion. She thought I was allergic to church and would get angry. Still have these symptoms as an adult.I Understand.
Allergic to Church made me chuckle a little. Although, it’s not funny. But, yes, repeated kneeling, or even standing up and sitting down, can bring on symptoms, because the blood pressure isn’t adapting properly. One of the worst attacks I had was at the supermarket about 5 or 6 years ago. I was trying to get a box of oatmeal off the top shelf and way in the back. Did I go and ask for help? Of course not! I reached across the isle for the dishwashing detergent. (Yes, the oatmeal lives across from the dishwashing detergent at the Acme in Bronxville, NY) It took a couple of minutes, but finally I was able to scootch the box forward.
I captured the oatmeal and put it in my cart and then realized that I was about to collapse and phenemonally nauseous. I thought, maybe if I walk, I’ll feel better. No. Worse. I made it to the dairy section in the next aisle, parked me cart and sat ON THE FLOOR next to it.
Someone stopped and asked if I needed help. I told her I was okay, just a little dizzy. After a few minutes, I slowly got up and made my way to the front of the store and told a cashier that I needed to go outside for a few minutes and I would return and pay for the groceries.
Outside the store a few feet was a vacant bench. It was about 65 degrees which was the perfect temperature for a blood pressure reboot. I laid there for at least ten minutes not believing that I was out in public laying flat on a bench. Finally, I felt well enough to go in and pay. Then, I came out and decided that walking home with my groceries was not an option, even though it was only half a mile. I called an Uber and by the time I got home was much better.
This happened before I was diagnosed and put on a beta blocker.
Laurel
Fabulous post. Sorry about your “illness”, it seems you are handling it well, and thanks for including it in your post. We all need a reality check, and getting to know you better.
I am embarking on a full kitchen remodel, and I will certainly contact the company. I am intrigued about their business model, the treatment of the cook top ( you can be sure I will steal that idea), and the company in general. Thanks for allowing us to meet such wonderful and talented humans.
Beverly
Hi Beverly,
Their business model makes so much sense. The manufacturer is in complete control. They are working with their own in-house designers. They know what can be done and what can’t be done. Of course, one can also work with their own kitchen or interior designer, to begin with.
Oh Laurel, I’m so sorry you fell ill in the midst of a long awaited trip. Yes, you’re fortunate that Cale was with you. And Crown Point was beyond understanding of your predicament.
That was some tour they gave. You must be so excited about your new kitchen now that you know how it will come to be. The upcoming year will fly by and before you know it you’ll be whipping up gourmet meals for your sons & friends.
Thank you, Mary. I am excited!
My mother-in-law had POTS, also at an age where they thought she shouldn’t have it. In fact hers was first diagnosed in her 60s. Getting a diagnosis was tough because they thought it had to be something else and kept putting her on medication she didn’t need that made things worse, not better. Once she found a doctor who actually listened he quickly figured out what was going on. For her one of the solutions was that she had to eat a certain minimum level of sodium every day. No low sodium diet for her – she would pass out. She used to travel with salty snacks as an emergency backup.
Hi Kristin,
Yes, we get to eat all the salt we like! It used to make me retain water, but not anymore. So weird. But, yes, salty almonds, crackers, olives, and pretzels. I love those sourdough pretzels. I also have to be sure to stay hydrated. Basically, I just try to listen to my body, and it tells me what I need.
Thanks for sharing this!! Between drooling over the cabinets, their kind treatment of you, and the video at the end this was a heart warming, perfect feel-good post for the holidays –or any time!!
Your kitchen is going to be fabulous!!!
Thanks so much, Maggie! You’re a doll– always. BTW, I am leaving Mailchimp, but it’s a little slow going because there are some other technical issues that have taken Tim weeks to work out. Google is a draconian beast!
Dear Laurel,
I so enjoyed viewing the beautiful woodworking of this company. So rare to find such a wonderful group! I would like to comment on your POTS syndrome. I have Vasovagal syncope which I have had since I was a child. I have learned how to manage it, and it has decreased in frequency through the years. My mom had the same thing. I, too, discovered that if I lie down flat, elevate my legs, and put a very cold washcloth on my forehead, it will pass within an hour. If I don’t lie down quickly, I will pass out. Mine is triggered by pain, usually GI discomfort or cramps. It’s a horrible, frightening occurrence to say the least, I’m happy for you that they were quick to accommodate you! Take care!
Thanks so much, Dawn. I knew there would be some people who either have it or no someone who does. It’s not common, but it’s not rare, either. Plus, some people have it but are not diagnosed properly and are told it’s stress or anxiety.
Thank you for sharing, the best kind of beauty in the world.
Laurel, I see so much more here than your usual insights into design, workmanship, skill, etc. I see expressions of the good in humanity: The love expressed by presence and sharing between mother and child; the inspiration of a staff’s sincere love and appreciation expressed for a devotedly deserving employer; the unusual hospitality and appreciation expressed by a supplier to a visiting prospective customer; the sincere care and compassion expressed through actions to one suffering. I saw so much good of humanity in between the lines in this post. (btw, Off topic but, confined to shopping online I’ve been frequently disappointed buying undesirable “oversized” eyeglass frames online. Can you direct me to the style and source for those you’re wearing in the “Welcome” photo of you and Cale?
Hi Gloria,
Thank you so much! Yes, it was a very special day, and Cale is a wonderful young man. I so wish I could’ve seen a glimpse into the future 20 years ago. He was a massive handful to raise. But then, he showed this tremendous musical talent. And, yes, he has always had a good heart. It was a matter of maturity. Ironically, he taught elementary-aged kids for two years in 2019-21. He fully gets it now. Like, how did you deal with me, Mom? LOL!!!
I got those glasses in October 2021 after I busted my other glasses when I fell. Those were Celine and loved them. Quite honestly, these not nearly as much. They are okay, but they aren’t quite as comfortable and I’m embarrassed to say how much they cost. However, they double as sunglasses as the lenses are transition AND progressive lens change for distance or close up reading. I mostly wear them outside. Insurance covered about 25% of the cost. I got them at a store right behind me called SEE. It is their own brand. https://seeeyewear.com/
Happy to hear you are feeling better Laurel!
In reference to Cale’s interest in post & beam-has he looked into attending the North Bennet Street School (right in the North End of Boston)? It’s the oldest trade school in the country w an emphasis on traditional craftsmanship. My son is currently in their Cabinetry & Fine Furniture program.
I am restoring an 18th century house on Nantucket and all of the post & beam repair work has been done by graduates of the NBS Preservation Carpentry program. I can’t speak highly enough about the quality of their programs and graduates of the school. Well worth exploring for anyone interested in woodworking. I even took a two day course on machinery and tools…for fun!
I’ve enjoyed your ongoing your kitchen designs and look forward to seeing the finished product next year.
Hi Sarah,
Oh, thank you so much. I’m going to tell him about this. So far, it’s only been on-the-job training, however, not everyone is willing to do that and it doesn’t pay very well, either.
Dear Laurel,
Thank you for sharing the heath issue. I’m 56 and while it hasn’t happened in years, I’ve also had the same issue, as did my mom in her younger years. She always called it vertigo and once while out shopping, she did have to lie down right in the aisle. Some people have said it was a type of migraine. I’m glad to finally know what it was!! Thank you!
My mom just recently passed which is why I haven’t gotten back to you with the pictures of our new home. I didn’t fall off the face of the earth-just regrouping.
I’m so happy you loved your Crown Point visit! Thank you for all of the wonderful gifts you share with us all in design, decorating and all the little life lessons along the way.
With appreciation,
Kelly Quill
Liberty Hill Design
Lancaster, MA
Hi Kelly,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. It’s funny, I was just retelling my supermarket sitting in the aisle story. It might be related to migraines. I’ve discussed it with my sister. She gets migraines, but I don’t. There is a headache but it’s mild. The worst is feeling nauseous.
Recently finished a renovation of a post and beam farmhouse and barn on the (north) North Shore of MA. We used Crown Point and could not be happier with the choice from the stand point of quality and customer service.
Excited to hear your son is interested in post and beam construction, a beautiful art.
They take tremendous pride in their product. One video I should’ve shown is where they inspect every piece of wood before it’s put together for flaws of any kind. I can’t tell you the number of times, a product went out clearly flawed. It was like, “Didn’t anyone look at this before it was shipped?”
Laurel, this is the best post!! What a wonderful place to work!! You are right that last video was so heartwarming.
You will have some gorgeous cabinets for sure!!
Merry Christmas ! 🎄🎄🎄🤗
Merry Christmas to you as well, Marianne!
Beautiful cabinets and an inspiring company history…told as only you can, Laurel! I loved seeing their quality cabinets!
So sorry you were ill!
Thank you, June.
Laurel, this was a wonderful post.
Your information about your health issue was both touching and helpful as I am guessing most of us have not heard about the condition you live with. By sharing the experience, you also showed how caring the people are at Crown Point. I wish every company could be like them!
I loved the video too and think it is the perfect antidote to the ever present bad news.
Hi Mary,
Thank you, and I feel the same way.
Loved the employee Christmas video! It was so sweet and heart warming and definitely brought a tears to my eyes.
Hi Lisa,
Yes! And imagine the planning that took. I didn’t show you, but there is an employee area where they eat and take breaks. I can imagine having a couple quickie rehearsals. But, still, keeping the entire thing a secret was most likely no easy feat.
I have just completed my 2nd Crownpoint kitchen. Our first kitchen was 22 years ago on Long Island which was gorgeous and withstood the abuse of 5 growing children and ME… the messiest cook ever. After being widowed I moved into Manhattan and just completed a gut renovation in a 1 BR kitchen on the UES. My new Crownpoint kitchen literally brings tears to my eyes. I f you select Crownpoint I promise you that you will be beyond satisfied!!!
Hi Monica,
Why didn’t I just ask you guys before spending all of this time searching? There’s so much in the presentation I didn’t share. It’s impossible to condense 3 hours into a blog post someone can read in maybe five minutes. For instance, there was a lot of discussion about the finishes, how they’re applied, and the rigorously controlled environment that happens in.
OMG!! I LOVED that video of the staff at Crown Point!!! How heartwarming to see such a great group of people who really seem to LOVE what they do, and who they work with!!
That alone is enough to make them my choice when I re-do my kitchen!!
Hi Maureen,
Like many before me have said, “It all stems from the top.” It’s so true.