We Found Our Cottage...now what?

We toured the cottage and tried to imagine what it would look like if it wasn't dirty, smelly from pet urine,and what it would look like without the loud loud colors that changed from room to room. We have always bought and renovated homes and usually homes that were distressed. So the condition actually wasn't as bad as some we had purchased in the past. Distressed houses with NO structual issues are relatively easy to renovate. We used to be able to tackle some structual issues and more serious renovations when Dad was alive to help us. He did teach me to look beyond the surface and to concentrate on the bones, structure, roof, floor plan and exterior style and condition. He used to say a bucket of hot water, spic and span, and lots of sweat and elbow grease can create miracles...many people just aren't interested in working that hard...and IT is hard work. He also taught me that paint is another miracle worker and can dramatically change the appearance of a house both inside and out. He always insisted on buying the best quality paint, brushes, etc. He said the labor was the expensive and time consuming part so cheap paint and tools provided very poor value and also just made it harder to do an excellent job. He never tackled anything without giving it his best. I guess you can tell I miss him everyday but carry his wisdom in my head and heart. He always thought I could do anything...which is an amazing thing for a parent to give to their child. Back to the cottage...It had it all...good bones, cute cute cottage style...but it was in great shape structurally which was very unusual for a Tybee Cottage. The floor plan was awesome and included french doors to close off two of the three bedrooms and the adjoining bath...how perfect for rentals...allowing two groups their complete privacy or a great way to put the kids to bed while the adults play. The best part...the owner had just added a three season porch. Tons of windows and french doors to a small deck in the back yard...with a giant live oak with spanish moss dripping down. I was in love. I quickly went outside and walked the property and then went next door and checked out the neighbors and was pleased to find plenty of privacy and that one was a full time resident...likely quieter than renters and the other cottage that was just as cute as ours was used as a rental office which was great since they would only even be there during business hours! We also had a very nice utility area as part of the house with a high ceiling and concrete floor a perfect storage area for Kayaks, bikes,outdoor gear, etc. and could later be converted to a nice small shop. We told Sandy we were in Like but needed some time to discuss and would call her. She provided lots of info on what taxes, flood insurance, etc. would cost...considerable costs since you are on and island. She mentioned lots of folks rented their cottages to offset the expenses and of course we couldn't be there all the time. We left with our heads spinning and retired back to Fiddler on the Creek to sit on the dock and start making lists of what we would need to spend to make the Cottage Tybee Cute! Stay tuned it gets interesting...a conservative banker who doesn't believe in having debt and had just paid her home off...is faced with a big decision...the coastal living cottage dream...how to pay of it and not freak out...could I possibly do it...Mike was right there with me and was in exactly the same place. Lots of discussion and hand wringing...more tomorrow!

Creating...

I have been working in acrylics and have done four paintings. My first a hummingbird...still not happy with it...the good think about painting you can just paint it out and go again! The second I like and the subject was the Marshes of Kiawah Island. Funny I wonder now did I know deep down somewhere that I would be finding a way to spend more time near the marsh and ocean. Anyway this was a small canvas but it turned out ok and now it is hanging at Paws and Paddles Vacation Cottage! The third painting was a orange sunset with two kayaks in dark/black shadows. The fourth was a 36 x 36 canvas. The largest I have ever tackled. It showed the marsh and the front of a kayak from the perspective of the person in the kayak. Lots of lime green to go with the pillows on the couch at Paws and Paddles! So all of my paintings have ended up at the cottage except for the hummingbird and I want to rework him. I also have an idea to paint some 12 inch ceramic tiles with sea animals and use them on the fence in the outdoor shower area...A sea turtle first, then a sea star, sea horse, and maybe a jellyfish...we'll sea...lol

Extreme Self Care

Extreme Self Care is an awesome book and it is helping me figure out where I went...sounds crazy but you can lose your self. I have started paying attention to me and discovered a huge desire to be creative...trying painting. Also started attending events I had meant to but never did...little steps but all very interesting and quite positive. I seem to be happier and even more interested in taking risks...more later...a true work in progress!

Life can Turn 360 Degrees in Minutes

This week I attended a very nice afternoon Tea Party/Fashion show at the best hotel in the city. It was sponsored by United Way as a thank you to contributors. The food was beautiful as was the setting. Beautiful flowers, art work, and furnishings as would be expected for a very nice hotel. The fashions were modeled by beautiful young women. The clothes were very high fashion and expensive. A talented gentleman played a beautiful Grand piano. Conversation and laughter was abundant. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the afternoon. I needed to attend another event and had to leave early. I noticed that the piano player was also leaving early. I was very surprised when he turned out to be the piano player at the next event I was attending. The next event was held at the Salvation Army Church by The Turning Point. The Turning Point is a local shelter that assists women and their children who are being abused. They were holding a candle light service to remember the women who had lost their lives to domestic violence. The people attending the event had either lost a family member or a friend to domestic violence. The attendees faces were sad and there was little to no conversation. The program included a poem and a skit that left most in tears. Candles were lit and hugs shared as we remembered those that were lost at the hands of those that they thought loved them most. As I was driving home I thought about how ironic it was that in the space of less than 20 minutes I had witnessed two such different events. The events were held at locations that are less than one mile apart in our city. But the two events were light years apart in tone and purpose. One event recognized the monetary contributions of the attendees the other the loss of loved ones and the support of a brave group of people who daily work to prevent additional loss of life from domestic violence. Life can turn 360 degrees when you are least expecting it.

Life is Complicated

I have realized I rarely have time to think about me. What do I want. If I were going to write down dreams/goals just for me...I can't seem to focus on what they would be any longer. How did that happen? Days are busy and turn into busy weeks, months and then years. Is being busy just an excuse to avoid thinking about what is important? I seem to have plenty of questions but no answers.

Married with A Career