I know my posts have been a little lame these last few days, but I'm worn to a frazzle. The construction work, replacing the deck and installing Hardiboard is moving slow. But this evening as the sun dipped below the western horizon, I sat on a bannister, sipped a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, and admired our work.
I snapped some pictures today but they weren't very impressive. With all the old wood, stacks of lumber, and construction debris all around, it looked like a mess, but it's coming together.
I looked back through my journals recently and for the last several years, I've had the same things at the top of my list -- install a metal roof, repair the decks, install Hardiboard, repair the old house, and barn.
I know now why it took so long to make it happen -- it's a lot of work! But in a few days, I'll be able to check these items off my list.
Writing on a list, and wishing for something, doesn't put nails in boards, or hang windows.
I think this is true with almost anything you want to do. Imagining it is important because everything begins with a thought, but then you have to figure out if it's doable, affordable, practical, and the right thing to do.
Wanting to write a novel is a noble goal, but the words won't write themselves. It takes guts, commitment, and determination. Woody Allen said that 80% of success is showing up. It sounds almost glib, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized just how profound this statement is. You can't win the lottery if you don't buy a ticket!
......Now where was I? Oh yes. Tonight as I stood out on our new deck, the moon rose to the east, and I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. I know we still have a few days work to finish all our projects, but we're so close we can smell the barn, as they say here in the country.
I'll will post some "after" photos soon. Y'all have a great Sunday.
I snapped some pictures today but they weren't very impressive. With all the old wood, stacks of lumber, and construction debris all around, it looked like a mess, but it's coming together.
I looked back through my journals recently and for the last several years, I've had the same things at the top of my list -- install a metal roof, repair the decks, install Hardiboard, repair the old house, and barn.
I know now why it took so long to make it happen -- it's a lot of work! But in a few days, I'll be able to check these items off my list.
Writing on a list, and wishing for something, doesn't put nails in boards, or hang windows.
I think this is true with almost anything you want to do. Imagining it is important because everything begins with a thought, but then you have to figure out if it's doable, affordable, practical, and the right thing to do.
Wanting to write a novel is a noble goal, but the words won't write themselves. It takes guts, commitment, and determination. Woody Allen said that 80% of success is showing up. It sounds almost glib, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized just how profound this statement is. You can't win the lottery if you don't buy a ticket!
......Now where was I? Oh yes. Tonight as I stood out on our new deck, the moon rose to the east, and I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. I know we still have a few days work to finish all our projects, but we're so close we can smell the barn, as they say here in the country.
I'll will post some "after" photos soon. Y'all have a great Sunday.
When it is ready, you can look back and enjoy a job well done!
ReplyDeleteI bought my lotto ticket today. Maybe tonight with the supermoon it will be my lucky night. You're so rigtht: I you don't at least try you won't even have a chance.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
You should feel good about it! You certainly got a lot done and from the pics I've seen it looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI love that Rick...80% of success is just showing up. Makes the getting up every day worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteIf only we could stay with the programme and let go of the results, my heart tells me, we would all succeed.
You have your plate full, writing for the papaer, a novel, construction and being with that adorable wife!! A lot!! Enjoy each creative, wonderful moment...life goes by too fast!!
ReplyDeleteI hope Woody Allen is right about that 80% business. I'll let you know more at the end of the year.
ReplyDeleteMs Soup
Rick, I give you a lot of credit for taking on so much at once. Especially since we're not spring chickens. I'll be so happy for you when you get to sit in it and reap the rewards of having that magical place to create. Happy Sunday to you too!
ReplyDeleteI love being dirty and tired at the end of a day, after doing some sort of physical labor. I always put off/dread getting started, but once it's underway I find that I enjoy it. (Unless it includes bugs and cobwebs, like the shed we took down.)
ReplyDeleteHave a restful Sunday!
I'm looking forward to seeing someone's project done...lol...My deck was going to be enclosed this winter but now the plan is April 15th. My hubby refuses to have any lists made for him but I love my own. Once you cross something off it's done in my mind.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like a tremendous job to take on all the rebuilding and rehab work. I look forward to seeing the photos of the finished job, and maybe a picture of chore list with the three large jobs checked off. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteWell done you! Very impressed by what you have achieved.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the pictures. I have posted a few of our before and afters recently on Thoughts from Miller Manor, too. We are worn to the nubbins, ourselves, but you are right, it sure feels good to sit back and admire the progress.
ReplyDeletetm