Thankfulness (a whole 7 weeks early!)

There is abundant goldenrod on the job-site property...and, no, it does not cause allergies -- that would be its ragweed friend

It's well into October and I haven't posted. It's not uncommon knowledge that my life has been crazy the last couple of weeks (I predicted this), but I've also been suffering from a lack of inspiration. I can't figure out why but, alas, 'tis the heart and mind of a writer. I've heard it said that writer's block is experienced by all those who put their heart on paper, as is trying to find that next round of motivation by all the many creatives living in this world. One day you feel full of inspiration and it flows out like a robust fountain. Then there are the days that just getting a few words out on my Instagram feed is about all you can hope for. So here I am on this overcast Thursday morning with my slightly weak cup of Joe (ugh...out of coffee so making do!). And even though I am suffering from that dreaded illness of "inspiration-lack," I owe you my readers an update on the reno and my very exciting life (haha!).  

The renovation is moving along but, as in my last post, I'm just waiting for the fun to begin. Giving the ol' girl a checkup and making sure she's in good health before putting on the makeup is a necessary but slightly agitating procedure. We've had two million and two folks out there checking her inner workings...you know, her lungs (HVAC), her head (roofing), her urinary system (plumbing) and the like, and thankfully everything seems to be checking out pretty well. We are coming in slightly under budget so far (a miracle in and of itself) and, if things continue like this, we may have her ready in six weeks. But we all know that the devil is in the details, and I've known the finishing touches to drag out and try their darnedest to punch you in the gut before it's all over. Still I say, bring them on...the pretties...the flooring...the kitchen and bath upgrades...the lighting...all those things that will once and for all give this gem at heart her final facelift and we can present her to the family who will take her into the next generation. 

On a more personal note, I have so many things for which to be grateful, and I never want to neglect open and direct thankfulness for such. It has been an unspeakable blessing to have my oldest daughter living back in the states and my life has been blessed by this in so many ways. Even though she is not completely out of the water when it comes to the risk presented by the Zika virus on her pregnancy, baby girl appears to be healthy and strong. My baby girl (unlike her mama) doesn't especially love being pregnant -- the actual state of -- and finds her lack of energy and cumbersome ever-growing belly aggravating for much of her day. She focuses on the end-game, which is putting her hands on the little angel with whom, for nine long months, she is one. Pregnancy for her is the means to an end -- or really, a new beginning with this precious life. I, on the other hand, loved being pregnant. Once I got over the initial morning sickness and could eat, I thought it my high and well-deserved privilege to eat anything and everything in sight...hence, the 50-lb weight gain with my last baby, which still hangs with me today. I can't really blame my extra pounds on that anymore though, right?! But having my daughter home to share a friendship that only grows deeper with each and every passing year has been a healing salve for my soul. I am having a window of time (however long that is) to catch up on the things most mothers and their daughters take for granted. For this I am thankful. Beyond thankful. Extremely thankful. I truly wish it could last forever. There also is a distinct possibility that I might -- just might -- have my entire gaggle of geese home for Thanksgiving. This is something that I always long for at the holidays because having my entire clan together is a rare occurrence. Keeping my fingers crossed on that one.

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Baby bump!

(Note: I had the awesome pleasure of photographing my sweet girl and her family this week. Check out my photography page to see our photo shoot...this now-defunct train track reminds me that life is a journey...)

Today we will be traveling to a nearby town to check out a possible house for our next reno... I know, I know, are we crazy? Yes, sometimes I think we are. But this is what we do, and my life is full and for that I simply cannot complain. Loving this life but sometimes...just sometimes...I need a pittling, do-nothing, stay-in-my-nightgown-all-day kind of day. This would be a great day for just that, what, with the clouds and cooler temperatures outside (another thing for which to be thankful!), but it's simply not possible. Must work today, looking for potential in another renovation on the horizon and be back in time to take sweet baby girl to the corn maze, which is a very autumn thing to do.

Now, that is something that gives me inspiration.

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The property borders a preserve which was recently mowed and baled...so pretty and such a fall picture!

My sweet dad putting a loose brick back in place (hope no one steps on that before we mud it back in!)

Our very own little bamboo garden...

Looking at progress...doesn't seem like much but this image represents major achievement for us!

This lovely wallpapper (ugh!) must go! This island will be re-worked and transformed...you won't even recognize it when we're done!

"A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil." 

Couldn't have said it better myself...