Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Chicago anymore
September 1st, 2009 | Published in Knock, knock | 4 Comments
Photo by John Adachi
This is why The Snoopster has been silent of late. I’ve been on the road — to Minneapolis, Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands and Montana, and back again.
I had every intention of writing from the road, but I found myself on borrowed time – computer-wise — and then there were the mountains, the rivers and the setting up of a college dorm room calling me.
My apologies, ye Snoopster faithfuls! But look what I’ve brought back for you! Way better than a T-shirt!!
This is the house that Robin Ogata and Parks Reece built in Livingston, MT. It’s the magical marriage of Eastern aesthetics and wild West — of Robin’s eye for putting an antique jeweler’s cabinet together with old dressers to create a kitchen island at a perfect height for someone who hovers near the 5 foot mark and of Parks’ indefatigueable awe of nature and his humor.
These days, Parks, an artist, lives here with Appa, his yellow Lab, and two voracioius kitties — but the home definitely bears both their marks. Enjoy!
Photo by Elaine Matsushita
Not merely a picture window — you’d have to call this a masterpiece window.
Photo by Elaine Matsushita
Eclectic never felt so good — and warm.
Photo by John Adachi
Beautiful hand-painted silk screens by the late Roz Mina close off a closet artfully.
Photo by Elaine Matsushita
Photo by Elaine Matsushita
A few years back, Parks and Robin added on this large open space at the back of the house. It houses a great big place to lounge, entertain and eat and supports Parks’ studio upstairs. The floor is stained concrete, done by Parks to create the illusion of water — complete with a few fish swimming in it.
Photo at left by John Adachi, the other two by Elaine Matsushita
In the kitchen, antelope/cheddar/jalapeno sausages, two-day potatoes and pu ehr tea coming up! I love the cooking island Robin designed. How I’d love to have a counter fit to my 5-foot frame. . . . And then there are the wonderfuly little surprises everywhere.
Photo by Elaine Matsushita
I love the gallery along the stairway — especially the oval-framed photo and the pictures of young Myers Reece (now a journalist at the Flathead Beacon in Kalispell, Montana). My sons: They love the climbing rope that invites from two stories up!
Photo by John Adachi
Shoji screens wall in the second-floor master bedroom as well as the second bedroom across the sea of air and light.
Photo by John Adachi
I don’t know what others call this. I call it my room. … One thing I learned on this visit: Old, beautiful rugs infuse more character in a room than just about anything.
Photo by John Adachi
Did I mention Parks’ humor?
September 1st, 2009at 7:00 pm(#)
Elaine:
This was great!
September 1st, 2009at 8:27 pm(#)
Wow! You are one talented lady!! The house is SO cool. I love the rope swing. Were you in MT to move Josh in?
October 30th, 2009at 3:49 pm(#)
Elaine –
Nice little spread on “Cokedale Manor.” What a surprise – I didn’t know you were doing it. Being the caveman I am it took me this long to get someone to print it out for me – which I’ve proudly displayed at the house – and to type this response. Your room will hopefully shed some of its debris as I go through the boxes and it will be waiting for you as Josh’s will as well – whenever you are in the neighborhood.
I’ve just shot a monsterous elk. It took all day and into the night to get it out of the woods – similar to shooting a holstein cow and dragging it home. I’ll try to make sure that Josh gets some of the meat – tell him to call and actually tell him to come down for a weekend.
Take Care, talk to you soon. Parks
November 2nd, 2009at 9:17 am(#)
The house is big and wonderful. It is imbued with Parks’spirit of adventure and humor. A grand stone playground with outdoor kitchen and stage and firepit have recently been added in loving memory of Parks’ dad, Charlie Reece. A visit with Parks is like going to the fair. It is fun.