A Fresh New Look

For several weeks the inside of our home has looked as if giant hands descended from the sky, picked it up like a trinket-filled shoe box, shook the living day lights out of it, and then placed it back on its foundation. The kitchen table is so jammed packed with odds and ends we can barely make a clearing for Dani to eat a meal. My cell phone, which normally charges by my purse on a desk in the living room, has relocated next to my toothbrush in the bathroom, while my purse meanders hither and yon with no set place to roost. Our main computer (a big juicy "Apple" which I'm gleefully tapping on this very moment) had been out of commission for way too long and if that isn't enough to make me want to pull my hair out, there is a fine white dust in, on, and around every item we own. It's been a very frustrating time and I'm happy to say it's almost over. A big portion of our renovation is nearly complete.

Our home, once modern and new, wreaks today of the 70's with its dark wood trim, bland flat-faced doors, half wall dividers with accommodating spindles, and paneling that'll swallow you in one gulp. The fixtures are older than the hills and dark as their wood counterparts. Our hall light had a bad habit of subtly flickering in a way that made it feel as if my eyes were failing. It wasn't an obvious strobe-light effect, just an unsteady light that was hard to put your finger on. I don't believe in euthanasia, but we were eager to put this particular light out of its misery. It felt so good to have a strong light in our midst we took Genesis 1:3 ("Let there be light") literal and replaced all other fixtures in the house. It's made all the difference in the world.

We've needed a facelift for quite some time and for some reason this winter seemed to be the right time to begin the process. With a design and plan fully hatched in his mind, Jimmy eagerly began work on this project that'll surely last till spring. We don't have a huge abode so every square inch is highly valued and put to good use, which is why renovation began with the front living room. Even though most of Jimmy's photography sessions are done on location, he needed a place to sit and consult with clients, so we figured what better place to create a studio than in our home. With clean white wood work, new carpet, fresh paint, and modern furniture, clients now have a place to meet with him and see his work on display, right in our very own home.

Here's a few pictures of the process.

Old wood and walls coming down

and dated green carpet about to come up.

Fresh paint and white wood work all done.

Now it's time for the new carpet.

Almost done.

Fresh furniture with canvases

ready to be hung.

Ecclesiastes loves the carpet so much he refused

to move for this picture.

Studio's nearly done.

Just waiting on a black leather sofa for the bay window

due to come in January.

Ecclesi still refusing to move.

Jimmy you did a wonderful job and have once again proved to be handier than a pocket on a shirt. Your studio is beautiful!

Next project...the bathrooms.

If It Isn't One Thing...

If it isn't one thing it's another. Such is life, but I haven't given up. The cyst in my right knee has given me fits off and on since the Autism 5K on September 4th. When it will go away I do not know. I simply respect its wishes by running shorter distances so as not to aggravate. In the mean time I try to not get discouraged, feeling old enough as it is.

As if dealing with this temperamental vesicle wasn't enough, my left knee had the audacity to give me so much trouble I could hardly walk a few weeks ago. Oddly enough it had nothing to do with running either. One day I was simply sitting in a conference and felt a sore spot on the inside of my knee. Naturally I massaged it thinking I was doing a good thing, totally unaware I most likely popped what my chiropractor thinks was another cyst. The next day it seemed to take forever to straighten my knee and once I did, I could hardly bend it again. Each day proved progressively worse in spite palliative efforts of ice, heat, ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Aleve. Forget running. I could barely lower myself into the tub. Over night I had become a full fledged geriatric case. Fear I'd have to hang up my Bikilas loomed on the horizon.

The thought of quitting running has crossed my mind, but only on rare occasion. As young as I may feel at times, life reminds me daily that I'm no spring chicken and more fragile than my younger counter parts. It isn't likely I'll be able to run as much or as long as I'd like to and I'm sure to meet road blocks along the way, but that's no reason to quit. Life in general involves the process of solving one problem only to have another come along to take it's place. In fact, one advantage age offers us more seasoned folks is the ability to look back on life events that once seems insurmountable, but are now nothing more than a distant memory. I remember when Dani was outgrowing her crib we needed to buy her a new bed but couldn't afford it. It seemed like such a big deal at the time, but looking I see how futile my concerns were. In time God provided the funds, we purchased a real bed, and she was no worse for the wear. If only I had saved my energy for something more positive.

The last run I went on was a killer on my right knee. Ecclesiastes kept trying to prompt me to run but the cyst slowed me to a crawl just shy of two miles. I not only felt old but knew I was letting my little buddy down. By the time we got home I was discouraged with my limitations and had to work hard to remind myself that this too will pass. Eventually the cyst will either go away on its own or have to be dealt with directly. Either way, when all is said and done, it's no reason to worry or get bent out of shape. A good dose of humility never hurt anyone and for sure when this problem is solved another will arise.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday may our hearts be focused on all that is good. Let's thank our Lord for what given us, pray for those less fortunate, and look for opportunities to bless others. If someone seems at the end of their rope, remind them that this too shall pass, lend a helping hand, and point them to God. What greater gift can we give amidst the holiday season.

Have a great Thanksgiving week dear one!

PJ Day

I still remember the dreadful nightmare I once had of going to junior high in my nightie. It was a cold winter's morning. I road the bus to school, made my way through the crowd of kids to my locker, when suddenly it hit me. I'd forgotten to get dressed! I remember the frosty cold air whipping up my legs clear as a bell. It's a vivid memory that can still haunt me today. My only solace is that it was only a dream.

Times have changes and it seems greeting the day in your PJ's is the thing to do. Dani headed off to her Day Hab happy as a clam the other day because it was pajama day. More of a dream than a nightmare, she had a blast in her silky poodle designed night wear. She thought it was the neatest thing since sliced bread and I must say I got a kick out of it too.

It was cheap fun that spiced up her day.

Hope your have a great day too!