Meet local yoga enthusiast Leslie Davis Photography by LaShonda Delivuk, Eye for Ebony
Lynchburg Living Editor Shelley Basinger: Leslie, you have become very well-known both locally and on social media for your passion for yoga. When did you first develop an interest for it? Leslie Davis: In 2008, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation held a course at James River Yoga. I did it and I loved it. From there, I just kept taking classes and became a teacher five years later. Yoga just took me over. One of my teachers in North Carolina told me to go see Cyndi Lee in Lynchburg, at Yoga Goodness, and I met her and just fell in love.
SB: What set her style apart? LD: She was a dancer and her movements felt natural to me. The Vinyasa (or flow). That’s what I practice the most now, Vinyasa. I love the flow in and out of poses, to make it feel like a dance move.
SB: One very common message you seem to have when posting on social media is about breaking the stereotypes about yoga. LD: Yes! My goal is to put it out there that you don’t have to be a certain size to do yoga. “Yoga Barbie” is what that stereotypical person is called on Instagram. I think everybody gets stuck on what is culturally normal. Sort of, “This is what you should be doing,” instead of thinking outside the box and being your own person. I feel like nowadays people are still scared to be their own person. Do what you love!
SB: There have been some ups and downs in your career journey over the past couple of years. LD: When Cyndi Lee, my mentor, stepped down from Yoga Goodness in March of 2019, I took over. I learned so much during that time and had so much fun. But unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic, I made the difficult decision to close the doors to the studio in July. I miss all the faces of our community.
SB: But you really made your mark while teaching there with lots of unique classes. LD: My Voluptuous Ladies classes were always very popular. I also started Trap Yoga. It’s more yoga and dance and is a fun way to get people in to the class who thought they would never do yoga. And I started my Black Queens class as a way to diversify. I also teach donation-based Black Lives Matter and prenatal yoga classes.
SB: Even though Yoga Goodness has closed, you are still remaining a fixture in the local yoga community. LD: Absolutely. I will continue to teach classes via Zoom. This fall, I still plan on teaching Yoga in the Park. The class is every Saturday in the month of September at 8:30 a.m.
SB: Finally, what best piece of advice would you give to someone who hasn’t tried yoga due to any insecurities? LD: Don’t let fear get in the way of you living your life to the fullest. If you apply the practices of yoga, it can change your life physically and mentally.
I remember when I broke the news to my now-husband when we were dating. I wanted to tell a little white lie—“Yeah, sure, camping’s pretty cool”—but I had to come clean to a man I knew loved everything about the outdoors. Thankfully, it wasn’t a deal breaker, and he has only made me tent-camp with him once. (I survived, but just barely.)
Even though I’m not a fan of overnight camping, I absolutely love spending an evening outside around a fire and eating delicious food. What’s great about our cover story, “Camp Cuisine,” is that it caters to both ends of the outdoorsy spectrum. On one end, you have contributor Mikael Blido (who is known to thru-hike with his wife Traci) and on the other, high-maintenance people like me who would prefer to get the outdoor experience wrapped up by about 9 p.m. Be sure to check out Mikael’s five simple recipes in our Taste department.
The best way to spend some time around a campfire? Tell a few spooky stories. It is getting closer to Halloween after all! We had a blast working on our This City feature with Woody Watts, founder of the new group Hill City Paranormal, to give an update on the Rocking Cradle House legend that dates back to the 1800s. (And, spoiler alert: THE HAUNTED CRADLE IS BACK… well, maybe.)
Another one of my favorites this issue is our feature on Kuumba Dance Ensemble. Founder Sheron White and I actually reconnected for this story, as she helped me out when I participated in Dancing with the Lynchburg Stars years ago. Sheron was a breath of fresh air then, and still is today, and she hasn’t slowed down one bit. Hear how her group is continuing to grow, even during a pandemic, in our Art department.
Whether it’s dance, campfire food, spooky stories—you name it—it’s important now more than ever to gravitate toward the things in life that bring us joy. For me this fall, that will mean being intentional about disconnecting from social media (and negative conversations), and heading outside to enjoy Central Virginia’s beautiful evenings.
Artist Profile: Sunshine Barlowe Lewis September/October 2020
Abstract Artist
Lynchburg Living Editor Shelley Basinger: When did you first start painting? Sunshine Lewis: I started painting in 2008. I had been painting for fun alongside my close college roommate and friend. When she passed away later that year, I had such a deep loss and I kept at it. I realized it was a great outlet for me.
SB: Art is so healing. How did you end up where you are now? SL: Art found me—I wasn’t looking for it. I believe creativity has the power to heal and is beneficial for everyone. I look back at my art and I’ve grown into my style. It has evolved and changed over time just like I have. It’s been a great tool and a gift to me. I’ve always loved texture and layers that build upon one another. The more I painted and the more mistakes I made, the more I learned. I figured out what worked for me and what I really love. At the urging of friends and family I reluctantly started to put myself out there more and started selling. The more I sold, the more confident I became. I realize art is subjective. Not everyone “gets” abstract art. And that’s ok. I have had people ask me, “What is this?” and I’ll reply, “Whatever you want it to be.”
SB: Do you enjoy doing commissions? SL: Yes! But only if they allow me creative liberty to make most of my own decisions. I’m okay to ask them for a broad idea of colors and movement. But if there is a client who has too many specific ideas then I am not the artist for them.
SB: You also work closely with the interior design community. How has that helped you take your artistic career to another level? SL: I decided to send emails to local interior designers whose work I’m drawn to. Eventually it paid off. I’m honored that they would want to use my work, it gives me another foothold in the market and exposure, too. They put my art in such beautiful spaces and it just comes alive.
SB: Your art is full of color and texture. What inspires you to create? SL: I’m inspired by music, nature, old books, the texture of old brick walls, the sea, and traveling. I can find inspiration in many places and things.
SB: Aside from long days painting, what else keeps you busy? SL: When I’m not painting, I’m hanging with my three boys and husband. We love to be outdoors at the lake and love to travel. I’m also a birth worker and come alongside families to help them prepare for birth and achieve their birth goals.
SB: Sounds like you don’t have a lot of free time on your hands! What’s next for you? Is there anything you want to accomplish in the coming years, either in your art or in life in general? SL: I’m looking forward to focusing on a new collection and taking some time off to focus on filling up my online store.
More travel. More experiences. More inspiration.
In college I took a Voice and Diction class for my journalism major. I clearly recall our professor teaching us how to take “cleansing breaths” to prepare ourselves for public speaking engagements. I hadn’t gotten into yoga yet so the concept of deep breathing was new to me.
Inhaling deeply through my nose, taking all of the air into my stomach, and then slowly exhaling through my mouth…the whole process was a little awkward at first, but man, after that first breath, I was hooked. I could feel a little bit of stress just melt away.
I’m not sure about you, but I’ve been taking a lot of “cleansing breaths” lately.
Thankfully, since taking this job four years ago, the Summer Issue has always been a bit of a breather for me. Partly because of the season—warm days and sunshine make deadlines feel less oppressive. But also because this is the one issue of the year that’s less formulaic—a delightful hodgepodge of all that is light and bright (and possibly outdoorsy, but not always) in the Hill City.
You’ll find what I believe to be little breaths of fresh air throughout this publication, including a local scooter club that’s featured on our cover. This unique group has a passion for Vespas or Lambrettas and you may catch them “zooming around town” in their often colorful mod-inspired outfits.
There is plenty of encouragement to head outside: grow peaches, play disc golf, or even trek across the state to encounter one of Virginia’s mysterious pony herds. We also have inspiring stories that will make you smile—from our 2020 Healthcare Heroes, which include one of the frontline nurses in the local fight against COVID-19, to a new downtown mural that’s spreading the word about “Black Girl Magic.”
But before you dive in, consider taking a moment to reset: inhale, hold, and slowly exhale.
Following the approval of our March/April issue in mid-February, I was ready to move forward—per usual. Home & Garden Issue, check. Food Issue—you’re on deck. Let’s do this.
But my once-predictable, formulaic plans—like all of yours—slowly started to change as we moved into March. As the COVID-19 pandemic ramped up, Lynchburg Living’s big food-related features were postponed; some photo shoots were cancelled. Once the dust settled from those disappointments, it was time to refocus and take a different perspective… the good news, I guess you could say: We now had the opportunity to tell a more timely story.
As I looked around during the pandemic (virtually), I saw that alongside the negative—school closures, job losses, challenges in the health care industry—there were countless examples of the positive. Donations, manpower, random acts of kindness. We were separated in our households, but still found ways to be there for each other.
So, the Community Issue was formed.
Our main feature, “Coming Together,” only scratches the surface of the good deeds and selfless acts taking place across the region during the pandemic. We also joined in on an international photo movement, The Front Steps Project, by highlighting various members of the community in different professions—on their front porches, of course. Also, our special “LYH” illustrated cover is another example of coming together. We asked Heritage High School art teacher Jon Roark for help and he didn’t hesitate to say “yes.”
The concept of community is also represented in other ways. From Tarsha Joyner’s decision to keep her “absolutely fabulous” bakery downtown to a unique outdoor art initiative in Bedford, this magazine is full of what we do best—positive, uplifting stories about the greater Lynchburg region.
I sure hope this continues. Not the bad stuff—we all are ready to get back into a “new normal” as it’s being called—but the generosity. That shouldn’t be a feeling that rises and falls with Christmas, like a seasonal flu that comes and goes.
Let’s make this concept of community contagious year round.
Wooden Camera Sculptures and Photography Photos by Lucas Moore
Lynchburg Living Editor Shelley Basinger: John, where can you trace your love for photography and cameras back to? John Shuptrine: It started when I was a teenager and continued through college. I grew up on film and at a time when it took longer to learn the craft of photography because you didn’t have that instant feedback. I started to get serious about photography about 25 years ago. Most of my photography is black and white.
SB: This was while you were working as an anesthesiologist? JS: Yes, photography was a wonderful outlet. Along with the support of my family, it helped me stay centered during some of the busier work times of my life.
SB: Where did the idea for these wooden camera sculptures come from? JS: After I retired, I literally woke up one morning with the idea of building these wooden bodies and then adding on some old camera parts. I had dabbled in woodworking all my life. It quickly evolved from that. They were a little crude at first but got more finished over time. Now, I display them in local and regional craft shows, and have won some awards. I’ve also been published in Artful Home magazine.
SB: About how long does each camera take? JS: I would say at least a couple of days—from gluing different pieces of wood together to shaping the wood to adding the parts. I look at the piece for a while and I kind of just let it tell me what to do next. I just let my mind go.
SB: What’s your favorite part when you are creating? JS: For me, it’s all about the wood—the beauty of some of these pieces of wood and incorporating them and their colors. It’s got an energy and a life to it. I also feel really good about repurposing old or non-working camera parts, give them a new life.
SB: How many have you made so far? JS: About 300. Of those, I’ve sold or donated about 150. Occasionally, a local organization needs one for a fundraiser and that means a lot to me that I can help that way.
SB: What’s next for you? Are you itching to start up any new projects? JS: I have started to create more furniture, some end tables and coffee tables. It’s delightful to make functional woodworking stuff. And I have ideas for some huge boxes of leftover metal camera bodies. But first I need to learn how to weld. I recently joined Vector Space on Fifth Street so I can do that.
SB: What’s your advice to aspiring artists, young or old? JS: Be patient. And be kind to yourself. Let yourself make some really ugly stuff… until you don’t. I’m learning how to paint right now. Painting is very challenging for me. So I’m having to be patient and kind to myself. And let myself make some really bad-looking paintings.
“I’ve found a greater need to spend my quiet time being creative. I’ve found with all of the stress around us, it’s been a place of sanctuary.” – John Shuptrine
Take a Break from Netflix: Book Recommendations for All Ages
Lots of people are finding themselves with more time on their hands than ever before. (That’s not a bad thing, right?) Even those working from home during the day have free evenings and weekends as the governor’s stay-at-home order continues.
Now is the time to get lost in a good book (or two… or 50). We asked the Lynchburg Public Library to recommend some good titles for all ages—and all are available online through the library’s hoopla or Overdrive collections. If you aren’t sure how that works, we’ve included some background information as well—just keep scrolling.
Adults Titles compiled by Leann Underwood, adult services supervisor at the Lynchburg Public Library
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel—Hilary Mantel provides a compelling twist on Henry the VIII, telling the Tudor saga from Thomas Cromwell’s point of view. Mantel does not paint Cromwell as a do-gooder, but rather shows us his greed and ambition as part of a complex character. The eaudiobook is available on Overdrive. The video is available through hoopla.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman—We could all use a reminder to have faith in humanity. This humorous, poignant novel follows a year in the life of Ove, a man who has lost his wife and is determined to end his—but events and neighbors assure that Ove remains. The ebook and eaudiobook are available on Overdrive.
Clock Dance by Anne Tyler—A delightfully bewitching and beautifully written novel of one woman’s transformative journey through self-discovery. Willa Drake spends the novel surrounded by eccentric neighbors who treat each other like family. Available on Overdrive. The Splendid and the Vile by Eric Larson—Eric Larson makes non-fiction read like fiction. It is the height of WWII and Europe is looking for a leader. Larson captures the sacrifice of Winston Churchill himself, and his family, in the fight against Germany. Available on Overdrive.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett—“The Dutch House” is very accurately described as a “richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood, and a past that will not let them go.” The Dutch House almost becomes a character itself, allowing the reader to look through the windows into the lives of those who have lived there. Available on Overdrive. Young Adult Top 10 List Compiled by Emily Mook, youth services library assistant at the Lynchburg Public Library All are available through hoopla’s Bonus Borrows Collection
• The Lord of the Rings audiobooks (entire trilogy) • The Hobbit audiobook • Spider-Man: Miles Morales Volumes 1 & 2 comics • Loki: Agent of Asgard Volume 1: Trust Me comic • Magic: The Gathering: Rise of the Gatewatch eBook • The Gamer’s Bucket List eBook • Star Wars Volume 1: Skywalker Strikes comic • Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins Volume 1 comic • Rebel Belle audiobook • The Self-Compassion Workbook for Teens eBook
Children’s Top 10 List Compiled by Emily Mook, youth services library assistant at the Lynchburg Public Library All are available through hoopla’s Bonus Borrows Collection
• Captain Underpants audiobooks (select titles in series only) • Lumberjanes Volume 1 comic • Boxcar Children eBooks and audiobooks (select titles in series only) • Classic Starts audiobooks: Peter Pan, Oliver Twist, The Swiss Family Robinson, The Secret Garden, Treasure Island, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, A Little Princess, Alice in Wonderland, and Anne of Green Gables • Diary of a Wimpy Kid eBooks (select titles in series only) • Big Nate comics (select titles in series only) • The 39 Clues audiobooks (select titles in series only) • Wings of Fire audiobooks (select titles in series only) • Avatar: The Last Airbender: North and South Part 1 comic • I Survived audiobooks (select titles in series only)
Understanding hoopla and Overdrive The hoopla and Overdrive collections are available to anyone with a Lynchburg, Campbell County, or Bedford County library card. The Lynchburg Public Library allows for three checkouts per month per library card. (However, checkouts of the hoopla Bonus Borrows Collection are unlimited.)
Anyone who has a library card issued from a library branch in Lynchburg, Campbell County, or Bedford County can create a free digital account with each collection. Go to hoopladigital.com or vppl.overdrive.com and sign up for an account using your library card number and PIN. (Your PIN should be the last 4 digits of the phone number you gave when signing up for your library card.)
People who don’t have a library card can still get one online at lynchburgpubliclibrary.org/get-a-card. Allow 24 hours for your card to become active.
If you have a question or are having trouble, reach out to the Lynchburg Public Library on Facebook or by calling (434) 455-6300 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Staying Sane As You Work From Home
A licensed professional counselor shares some words of wisdom
You thought it was your dream come true—but “working from home” isn’t quite as easy as it sounds. Many challenges are surfacing as employees all over the country try to do their jobs from their kitchen tables.
With Gov. Ralph Northam’s recent announcement about continued closures through June 10 (hopefully earlier), we know lots of you might need a pep talk. Pamela Smith, LPC, CEAP, is a local licensed professional counselor with years of experience in individual and family counseling. Here are a few of her suggestions for the work-from-home crowd:
Follow a schedule—“I think we all work better with a schedule,” says Smith. “Even though we are working from home, try to get up at the same time every morning. Set an alarm.” Then, take a shower, dress as if you are going to the office, put on makeup or jewelry. This will help you get in the right mood, Smith says. Finally, be sure to map out how your day is going to go or create a to-do list.
Set reasonable goals—Stemming from the above, Smith says she hears many people complain that they just can’t seem to finish any of the tasks on their to-do list—and they feel stuck. She says lack of motivation is very common during this time of uncertainty and suggests trying the 5-minute rule. “Break down tasks into little pieces,” she says. “If you want to clean out the garage, maybe start with one shelf. If you want to do more, great.” When possible, use the same approach with your work tasks.
Find and make personal space—This especially applies to couples and/or families that are not used to being together as much. “I think we’ve got to talk to each other about this and figure out where everyone’s space is so that if we need to get away for a few minutes we can,” she says.
Stay hydrated and eat well—“Stress and eating can collide and thus we either overeat, avoid food or forget to eat,” Smith says. We all know we feel better when we are taking care of our bodies. One idea is to use this time to improve your cooking skills or find ways to challenge yourself to eat healthy on a budget.
Use a timer for breaks (preferably dance party breaks)—Breaks are essential for the work day—they clear your mind and reset your body. “I have a friend working from home with family who told me at five minutes to the hour, everyone stops what they are doing and gets up and dances. Just to break the ice and give everyone a good laugh,” Smith says. She suggests finding a new genre of music and to have some fun with your playlist.
Cut yourself (or your employees) some slack—In other words, be flexible. Slower internet speeds, children in the home and other factors will make it a lot more difficult for employees to be productive. “A lot of people struggle with change. This is a scary time,” she explains, adding that we, “need to lower expectations and practice radical self-acceptance, accepting everything about yourself, your current situation and your life without question, blame or pushback. You are doing the best you can in a very difficult situation.”
Need Some Fresh Air?
5 Local Trails Worth Checking Out
While “social distancing” continues, you might be searching for some new outdoor activities. Central Virginia is home to so many incredible hiking options—from easy hills to challenging climbs—but we particularly love these 5 local spots.
The Alpine Trail at Lynchburg’s Riverside Park Take care of your body and your mind with a hike on the Alpine Trail, the first dedicated hiking trail in Lynchburg. The Alpine Trail was built during the 1920s and ’30s when visitors could cross the James River onto “YMCA” island, which is now known as Treasure Island.
This secluded path winds through the steep, wooded hillside of Riverside Park off Rivermont Avenue—offering spectacular views of the James River. Nature lovers will also adore the frequent sightings of woodland birds, including migrating hawks.
Length: 1 mile Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Restrictions: Since the slope of the hill drops almost vertically onto the railroad tracks hidden below, this trail is not recommended for small children or individuals with disabilities. Strollers and bicycles are prohibited.
Where to Enter: Look for a marked entrance sign just past the Riverside Park Overlook. An entrance to the other end of the trail is found near the Fink Deck Truss Bridge.
New London Tech Trails
New London Tech Trails in Bedford County Perfect for hiking, trail running and mountain biking, the New London Tech Trails—built in 2017—is one of the area’s newer outdoor destinations. Although the trail system was designed as a “power lunch” option for employees in the New London Business and Technology Center park, it is open to the public as well.
With 6.5 miles of multi-use trails on 500+ acres, you have plenty of room to explore with friends, family, or even your furry companion. Length: 6.5 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. These are smooth rolling terrain trails with limited trip hazards and clear lines of sight. Options: There are 5 color-coded trails to choose from—the longest loop is 4.3 miles. Where to Enter: The New London Business and Technology Center park is located off U.S. 460 at Meade Road.
The Cole Mountain Loop in Amherst County Wait—or is it Cold Mountain? Apparently both names are acceptable for this hike in the George Washington National Forest. (But Cole is the “official” one.)
Hikers of all skill levels are welcome on this loop that’s a part of the Appalachian Trail. You can make it a workout… or take it slow and observe nature along the way.
The best part about this hike—the Cole Mountain apex is a nod to The Sound of Music (you know, the part at the very beginning where Julie Andrews is running through the field surrounded by gorgeous mountains).
After making the trip up to the top, Cole Mountain hikers reach a wide-open pasture with panoramic views on all sides. It’s the perfect backdrop for selfies, professional shoots, or even a song from your favorite musical. Once you see the view, you may be moved to do pretty much anything.
Length: About 6 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet Difficulty: Moderate How to Get There: Take Route 60 west out of Amherst. Turn right on Coffeytown Road and then another right on Wiggins Spring Road. (Note: Wiggins Spring Road is a forest service road. The drive can get bumpy.) Where to Enter: The parking area is at the end of the trail but you enter about .2 miles north, on the blue-blazed Hotel Trail. Follow those blue blazes to stay on track. Take It a Step Further: Make the hike longer by combining the Cole Mountain loop with the nearby Mount Pleasant hike on the next ridge. Together, they make an 11.3-mile circuit. Be sure to pack a backpack and plan accordingly for this longer journey.
Sharp Top Trail in Bedford County With its impressive summit offering a 360-degree view of the region, Sharp Top Trail at Peaks of Otter is a bucket list hike for Central Virginia natives. Park at the Visitor Center to begin your journey.
Length: 1.5 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Time: Allow two hours for hiking up and one hour for hiking down. Add an extra half-hour for the spur trail to Buzzard’s Roost, which is a series of large rock formations offering different views of the area. What to Pack: Water—none is available at the top. Professional camera—to capture amazing photos.
Mike Donahue Trail in Campbell County Part of the Liberty Mountain Trail System, this particular trail is one of many you’ll find near the Snowflex Centre. We like it because it’s an easy 1-mile loop without a lot of elevation changes. (So you wouldn’t have to worry about getting stuck carrying a complaining child, for example.)
Length: 1 mile Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Where to Enter: The Trailhead is located at the parking lot of the Snowflex Centre. Take It a Step Further: For those wanting more of a challenge, try out the Lake Trail and Dirty Ridge trails nearby. Nearby Attractions: Once you’ve finished your hike, take the family over to the LU Monogram and grab some photos as you overlook the city.
Bold and Beautiful
A Bedford County custom build full of color and contrast
Photos by Laura Beth Davidson
Before Jill Rufus can answer a knock on the front door, the family’s Golden Retriever, Hershey, has long beaten her to it. Almost on cue, the gentle giant lays down on the foyer rug, rolls over onto his back, and stops—hoping for a belly rub from this new stranger-turned-best friend.
It’s a very fitting welcome to the Rufus household. While the impressive craftsman-style home is impeccably styled down to the very last detail, there is a down-to-earth vibe here. From her husband Jim’s obvious aversion to wearing a tucked-in button down and khakis to Jill’s easy and approachable conversation, this is a place where it’s okay to kick off your shoes and be yourself.
Jill and Jim—owners of real estate and rental investment company The Rufus Group—stumbled across the “Tranquility” house plan by Garrell Associates while attending a party at a friend’s house in 2012. With four sons—now ages 16, 17, 18 and 20—they were outgrowing their current space, a traditional historic home. “What sold us on [the new house] was the open spaces, and I liked the different levels of the ceilings,” Jill said, adding that only three homes of this style have been built in the Lynchburg area. “It’s not cookie cutter.”
Neither are Jill’s décor choices—she’s not afraid to mix colors, patterns and textures. “I’ve just always been attracted to color,” Jill said. Turquoise is one of her most-used hues.
The living room is especially vibrant with its floor-to-ceiling wall featuring patterned hardwood tiles from Mirth Studio, based in Charleston. “I call this my Charleston room,” Jill said. The couch, zebra-inspired ottoman, and large floral oil painting over the fireplace are all Charleston finds.
While Jill has always been a do-it-yourself kind of person, (she also is part owner of Ideal Cabinets of Lynchburg and oversees kitchen designs and other renovation projects regularly), she recalls a gentle nudge to get some design help as they built. “We were about 25 percent in when the kitchen designer said, ‘do you not have an interior designer?’” Jill recalled. “It had never dawned on me at all.”
The friend with the same house plan they saw at that party, Kate Avello, agreed to take on the job. Because she had lived in the same house, and had a similar modern style to Jill’s, it was an easy fit. “We had a really good time together,” Jill said.
Instead of always focusing on perfection, Jill loves to talk about all of the things that went wrong throughout the building process—but ended up being “happy accidents.”
In the keeping room right off the kitchen, dark wood, mirrored inserts frame the fireplace and instantly catch the eye. They were designed by a jeweler-turned-home builder, who also does other custom projects. He laser cut the design, but the final pieces were too small. “Jimmy did the measurements one day, and I took a pic of those and sent them to the builder,” she explained. “Well, apparently Jimmy’s 7 looked like a 1.”
This led to a months-long back and forth between the designer, decorative painter, installation crew and mirror company to come up with a plan to salvage the original design: “But it was all worth it in the end,” she said.
There are other “happy accidents” in the kitchen—featuring antique white cabinets and a leathered granite in Antarctica white.
The Rufuses chose to not only increase the size of the island but also double stack the granite—which caused the slab to sag. Jill had meticulously measured the space and bought chairs. At first, she was frustrated they wouldn’t fit with the added support posts. “Our builder said, ‘Jill… put two of the chairs on each side. You’re going to have better conversation that way.’ Now, I love that.”
The kitchen is truly the heart of the Rufus home. “We usually eat right here [at the island],” she said. “The computers go up and everyone just hangs out.”
It’s also a place that Jimmy shows off one of his hidden talents. “His degree is in hotel/restaurant management. He does everything involving cooking,” she said. “I don’t cook at all!”
The Rufuses enjoy hosting dinner parties in their formal dining room a few times a year. But even when they aren’t expecting company, the table is always set. “Every time people come over they are like, ‘Are you about to have a party?’ For my eye, I like to see that it looks put together and not empty.”
A herringbone dresser in the dining room ties into the other black and white accents found in the home. It’s the only piece of furniture that came from their old house, a $300 auction win. “Other things I’ve shed,” she explained, “but that will always stay with me.”
In the master bedroom, the brighter colors found in the rest of the home are taken down a notch—including the classic drapes, a $50 find from Estates and Consignments. Chandelier-style lamps give the room another touch of elegance.
On the tray ceiling, a decorative painter, who also did work in other parts of the home, created a unique bronze design. Again, Jill wasn’t worried about perfection. “Kate called me and said, ‘Jill, it’s not even.’ I said, ‘No, I kind of like it like that.’ Because the painter freehanded it. And it’s another part of the story of this house.”
Jill and Jim reminisced about another “happy accident” many years ago. With two young sons already, they were finalizing plans to adopt a newborn baby boy, when Jill found out she was pregnant. “My life at that time was a blur,” she said. “Is he a happy accident? He is. I would have definitely been done after our third.”
Opening their home to a child in need came second nature to the Rufuses. Jill’s previous career was running an infant adoption agency. It was also in this season where she developed a passion for interior design. “I would go on these home visits all over the state and was just wowed by some of the interiors I saw,” she said.
The main level powder room is the room for the daughter Jill never had, she joked. It’s the smallest, but loudest, room in the house—inspired by the beachy prints of Lilly Pulitzer. “The boys will bring the girls they are dating in here and show it off,” she laughed.
The Rufuses four sons all live at home and have plenty of space to themselves. Right off the foyer is a set of open stairs leading to the basement, where there are three of the boys’ bedrooms, a kitchen, billiards room and home movie theater.
It’s a major upgrade from their last home, where all of the boys shared one bathroom. While Jill certainly has moments where she misses their younger years, she’s also the type of mom who thrives in the present. “Years ago, my first house was very matchy matchy. It looked like kids lived there and I wanted it to look that way,” said Jill. “But I knew once my kids were older, I could really invest in stuff that would stay nice. Once that time came, I knew and did exactly what I had always wanted to do.”
SB: One very common message you seem to have when posting on social media is about breaking the stereotypes about yoga.
SB: Even though Yoga Goodness has closed, you are still remaining a fixture in the local yoga community.
SB: Art is so healing. How did you end up where you are now?
SB: You also work closely with the interior design community. How has that helped you take your artistic career to another level?
