Summer Changes - Part 3: The Reason

Summer Changes

Part 1: The campsite shuffle
 

 Part 2: Stubborn takes over

and finally,

Part 3: The Reason

(All 3 Parts of Summer Changes are HERE)

Renovations are expensive! Having renovated for the past year and a half, even with all the generous help I received from the reno team, I tapped out all my own resources in an attempt to get things done.

So after the renos on my home were complete, there were no funds left to decorate my home. Top that off with a weird illness, and add in having to stay home with no place to go for a long time to come, I had to get creative if I wanted my newly beautiful home to show and function well.

I started up my curb side and thrift store hunts again which had laid dormant for many years. (Raising a baby, then living through a failed marriage, then finally learning how to start over does that to you.) I've always had a thing for decorating with ready made antiques as I wasn't a builder, so finding nice yet rustic things was a long lost love of mine.

BUT... I wasn't in a position to buy 'nice' things this round. So I started to venture into thrifts with other ideas in mind. I had started to read decorating blogs, which awakened my senses to seeing things differently than how most saw them.

I quickly discovered that I was capable of visualizing all kinds of cool things for any given item I brought home. It was right then that I knew, I had to start a blog about decorating a little differently. I named it Funky Junk Interiors with the premise being, Creative Decorating with Unique Elements. It felt right and it fit for what I had in mind.

At this point, staying home all summer had finally settled in. Taking my swimming head condition with me, I wandered outside into the bright sunshine. It was a beautiful day but I couldn't help feeling gloomy. My son was at his Dad's and I had nothing to do except look at an ugly yard, empty-ish house and the weirdo firewood stuffed greenhouse that wasn't 'me.'

Yearning for the beach in the worst way, I wandered the neglected yard in search of... something.

 And then I happened by a pile of wood I had captured from someone's burnpile plans.

 A flick of interest kicked in.  I picked up a board, glanced at the greenhouse, made an effort to find my cordless drill and one screw, and proceeded to mount the board on the framework of the greenhouse. Would this work?

All it took was one board. Something clicked. I tore off all the greenhouse plastic, giddy with my new plan. All the boards were pulled out onto the lawn and scrubbed down.

A neighbor showed me how to use my circular miter saw and I got to work.

Common sense just kicked in. A window was first mounted to the greenhouse structure as is,

... then the rest of the boards on the existing framework followed. I wasn't building a house to LIVE in after all. :)

My creative fire was officially lit. The next day I couldn't WAIT to continue. I ended up creating this cool door. Me. Building a door?!? Unheard of!

Well, let me tell you, my view of the world as I knew it started to change. Yes, I was still in mourning of where I couldn't be, feeling like crap, however I was lit with passion on the creative process of outputting something that had lived in my head for far too long.

And while creating, I forgot about my wonky head condition.

You see, for years I imagined all these things on what I'd like built, but didn't have the know how to even turn on a tool, let alone use it. In my past, I left myself in a place of complete and utter NEED never having learned how to use tools. So when I pushed away the fear factor and just got on with it with a few skills behind me, the sun literally shone down.

Imagine... if we make the effort, we get rewarded. Who knew.

2009, my first building project

In no time, I was proudly displaying my first ever building project I had done myself from start to finish. And all it cost me was a little creativity and enjoyable time. And less camping. :)

All the things I built the character building with were free. Lovingly collecting over time, I had all I needed on hand to create, in my eyes, something wonderful. All that was left to do was to get busy and just do it.

I was forever hooked from that day on.

After that project was over, I couldn't WAIT to get back out in the backyard and tinker around some more. The place was starting to feel like I lived there for the first time. The transformation process outdoors was also taken indoors. And the more I did, the more I loved it, and the more I blogged about it.

Blogging about my stuff was scary! My projects and style were indeed 'different', so how would it be received? I held my breath with each PUBLISH click and watched your reactions unfold. To my amazement, you grasped what I was doing. You validated me.

Still on a mission for the yard enhancement program, when my son's pool sprouted a leak, knowing we'd be home for the summer, I allowed an upgrade. I scoured the newspapers in search of a good deal. I found this one in a store that had them on for 50% off with just this one left. SOLD!

 summer 2009

The new bigger pool sealed the deal. Our yard was officially being enjoyed and appreciated. But not just by us. We ended up with a summer heat wave. My son's backyard pool was always filled to the brim with happy friends and neighbors. And we went for many hot summer night midnight swims under the yard light during the intense heat.

Honestly? It was one of the greatest summers I've personally ever had. We had our privacy (mingling in crowds wasn't something I was well enough for), all the comforts of home, I could create upon will, and if we were hot, we could go for a swim in our own private quarters. With a pretty cool view of a funky building to boot. :)

But the summer didn't come without bumps. My health took some weird turns. I had the symptoms for a good half a year straight, got some specialized neck treatments and gradually, things started to improve. I worked, played, built and carried on with life despite of my new limitations.

As for the rest of the summer,  we bonded with our newly renovated home and starting-to-get-nice yard. I continued on with other flowerbeds but not having a dime for new plants, kept them pretty empty. But empty was better than weeds! The plants could come next year.

 And that is why you're seeing so many recent garden posts on my blog lately. Next year is here. :) I'm in the midst of  completing another mission in reclaiming a beautiful yard, one plant at a time.

And, it looks as if we're home to stay for another summer. My health is not 100%.  I have nagging symptoms that flare up and am yet again seeking some new treatment. But there IS  improvement from last year. The debt I was dealing with is being delt with slowly. It's simply not time to spend wads of money on playtime.

And I also know, the reasoning is right to stay put again. I accept it, will make the best of it and while still mourn what was, I look forward to seeing what's in store.

For it feels like it's time to build towards other more important things while still capturing a lazy summer with my son. And so that is exactly what we are doing...

... in the comforts of our getting there beautiful home...

... and our nearly there awesome garden. :)

We will be ok. Because we'll make it so.  With His help.

~ ~ ~ ~

Why share this story?

One can question why something happens to them. And be angry and upset and mourn. But at the end of the day, do you ever stop and really think about why? And I don't mean in the sense of, why me. But more, in search of the bigger picture?

If you've ever had a life changing experience, try asking yourself... 

Why did this happen?

For me, I think it had something to do with needing to change direction as I wouldn't have had the willpower to do it on my own. Poor health stopped me dead in my current tracks and brought me elsewhere.

For you see, I resented this house and all the reasons I landed here. Running away out of habit was just easier. I wanted to run.

It was simply time to break old habits, and venture somewhere new in order to grow.

Was I condemned or was Someone looking out for me? 

What you choose to believe will indeed determine how you continue on. Stay positive, and positive will come to you. I'm choosing to believe the latter.

Embrace the reason and make the best of it.

Only when I stopped fighting the changes, but rather embraced them, did I see progress in myself. Resigning to the fact that this was most indeed planned, I started to invent and create and try new things. And with practice, I am now capable of implementing many ideas I use to only be able to visualize a short year ago. I admit I have a long way to go building wise, but idea wise? There's simply no shortage any time soon. I will figure out how to build what's inside my head yet! Watch me. :)

Part 4?

Do you also have a Part 4? I'm living mine. I'm inventing, creating, building, sharing, learning and writing about it. What happens next is your guess as well as mine. And I have a feeling you'll be right in the thick of it alongside me. :)

All I know is, this feels right.  1 hour feels like 1 minute. That speaks volumes.

Still need help?

I've had alot of help from others getting where I am today and continue to get it. I often reflect all the good that came upon me, and how can I give back. That is why I give what I can here, by way of my experiences, in an effort to help others going through similar trials.

Can't build? 

Learn along with me. Watch, then try. You CAN do it if I can!

Got some bumpy life situations that are hard to live through?

It isn't easy sharing the unglossy areas of my life. But I'm sharing mine in order to give you hope for your own life's quirks.

Have no funds to do things with?

Watch how I decorate my home with no funds and give it a whirl yourself.

Can't see a junk object as anything beautiful? 

I'll keep showing you what I do with normal schnormal, turning them into must haves. All on a dime.

This blog isn't about popularity or fame. I don't feel a need to compete with anyone. I don't even copy anyone. This blog is about sharing new creativity and soul searching posts, that will help inspire your own home situation, whether it be personal or DIY related. I just love doing it. :)

Other plans

I'm working on bringing some income from all this along the way. Because I simply believe we ought to be doing what we LOVE to do for a living. I hope you are striving for the same no matter what you choose to do! Thanks for your patience as I experiment along. Watch for some new exciting things to come, in real life and online!

Thank-you!

Thanks for your interest in this story and what I do here on FJI. It's my sincerest hope that by sharing what I love to do and what transpires in my life, you can attribute it to yours in some small way.

And know, without a shadow of a doubt, by putting your faith where it belongs, you too shall receive. In His time.

~ This 3 part story was featured by Melissa on ~

~ and Bonita on ~

Summer Changes - Part 2, Stubborn takes over

Ever have a life change that modified everything you did?

We all get accustomed to where we are in life. There's comfort in routine it seems. So when change is forced upon you against your will, anxiety, depression and dread can most certainly kick in. And this is how 2009 started for me.

Summer Changes
 

Part 1: The campsite shuffle

and today:

Part 2: Stubborn takes over

(Summer Changes 1, 2 and 3 are HERE)

Jan 2009. The reno team and I had just completed a major reno on my home and the last part we had just completed was the kitchen. (my first ever blog, all about the renovations is HERE) 

 

A long time coming!

It had been a very difficult deadline and I cut down on work to help achieve it. So to my complete and utter surprise, one day I sat up one morning and my world was tipped sideways. Overnight. I literally fell back in bed. I couldn't get out of bed for nearly a week.

Alarmed, as soon as I felt I could, I dragged myself to the doctor.

And then the tests started. It seems what I was feeling was a type of vertigo symptom, but not the standard spinning sensation. Tests and history were traced, but at the end of the day, there were more questions than answers. In a nutshell, I had a major health issue I didn't know how to treat for the first time in my entire life with no lead on how to fix it. And for that matter, I didn't know how to be sick! (constantly healthy people make terrible  patients it seems)

So my life changed from that day on. Everything I was doing had to be modified. From driving to working to even getting out of bed right down to the simple act of breathing, everything was a major effort.

To top this plight off, the economy had taken a nosedive and my funds were tighter than they had EVER been. In this self employed single income home, things were not looking good.

With no end in sight of health or financial issues, I was scared. But I kept on doing only what I absolutely had to do. And stayed put as much as I could. I worked when there was work and didn't when there wasn't.

 My last campsite

As it so happened, my trailer had been parked up at the campsite all winter long. I had waited YEARS for a riverside site and just the past fall one became available! My intent was to leave it there 12 months out of the year at this point. But the plans had to change. Not only could I no longer afford my camping expenditure, I couldn't drive up there in my present condition, let alone even feel like camping.

On a relatively so so weekend, I drove up to assess what on earth I was going to do with the campsite. I went alone, not wishing to put my son in jeopardy should anything happen. And it was the darkest visit of my camping experience.

While my head cleared enough to get there, it fogged up while I was there. I right then had to make the very tough decision to pull the trailer home after being an avid member there for at least 12 years. I remember sitting on a picnic table with my head in my hands, with my view the foggiest it's ever been. But I forced myself to go announce my plight to the campground owners and camper neighbors I had become to know as family. I had to start sharing how I was feeling. Darn it!

I was better at hiding things than sharing. And had become quite good at it. I am a strong willed, independent type, so asking for help was rather like pulling teeth for me. But I swallowed my pride, got home and asked a good friend to help me pull the trailer home. I flat out had to soften up and ask for help dag nab it!

 The days ahead were ULTRA tough. My trailer was home and I felt so uprooted. 

 I felt like I was locked in a room with no place to go. It was so hard to leave behind amazing mental images such as the one above. 

And although my home was newly renovated inside, my yard was dead ugly to be around. It depressed me. And since summertime brings you outdoors, this is what I got to look at.

You see, many years of camping takes you away from your yard. You purposely don't buy plants and things that will die in your absence unless you want to hire others to take care of it. I chose the first. Why bother?  Basically put, the yard still belonged to the previous owners AND I had allowed it to go downhill even further. Double demerit for a gardener/decorator type!

So summer approached with my trailer in my yard. And my weekends stuck at home. And me feeling like I had the flu all the time. I wasn't in a good place emotionally. Unplanned depressing change can suffocate you, whipping out your hopes and dreams.

I did alot of concentrated praying during this time, prayer for healing, finding my way, whatever. I just prayed.

Here's something else I tried. I had been feeling really ill one particular Sunday (my son was with his Dad), but something led me to get out of bed and get ready for church. I kept glancing at my watch full knowing this was a crazy idea. I was really ill and I would be running late if I tried. But for some odd reason I felt compelled to push myself and  went for it. I got there only about 2 minutes late and I remember having to stay seated in the pew so I wouldn't fall.

Know what the message was about that day? Healing. My stomach did a lurch.

And THEN to top that off, the pastor was inviting those desiring healing to come up front for prayer and oil ointment. Sorry, I don't really know what to call this.

I thought I was going to be sick. My heart raced and my head went dizzy with panic and fear. I knew I'd NEVER forgive myself if I didn't try this opportunity. I mean, it was like it was being handed to me on a sliver platter! But to go up THERE? In front of all so they'd all know how sick I really was? Augh...

Still unsure, I turned to the young girl beside me and said, "How do I do this? Do I just go up?" Tears sprung in her eyes and she nodded. And offered to come up with me. I accepted. So I held my breath, and walked up to the front with her, holding hands. I was in a mental daze. I couldn't believe I was doing this. But oh my gosh... I was met with amazing support, shouts of Hallelujah, and just felt warmth around me. Trust me, this was totally out of my comfort zone. But I wanted it to work. And I wanted it bad.

The event was an amazing experience. After the ointment, well wishers came up to me, put their hands on me and prayed alongside me for healing. I have never felt such a rush of love quite like this in my entire life.  I think I cried through the whole thing. I was just so touched.

And then it was done. And I went home. And waited. And hoped.

And know what? It didn't work. I didn't get better. Frustrated, I resumed to status quo and felt low all over again.

But I never stopped praying. I summed up that perhaps that would have been the easy way out when I was suppose to do something else myself. I had no idea. But I had to keep believing there was a reason I wasn't granted my desire to be better overnight.

And I believe, there was a reason indeed.

Part 3 - The Reason is next

(I'll post it this week so I don't get hate mail for a week LOL)

Have you ever had something happen that changed your life overnight? How did you cope?

SNS #36 brings you - old doors

Intro

Welcome to Saturday Nite Special #36!

If you're new here, join in! There are three categories to link to. Home Decor as well as Crafts, Sewing, Recipes, plus the themed link! Check below for this weekend's theme.

Party starts Fri night and ends Sunday 11pm pacific, so you have all weekend to join!

I LOVE to highlight inspiring posts during the event on the sidebar, so make sure you check in several times over the weekend. You may be next. :)

~ This weekend's themed link ~

old doors

Old doors are really making their way into the DIY decor world in a big way. The addition of authentic rustic charm is one of their highest pulls.

One of the most creative and unique uses I've ever seen thus far is what Missy from The Little Green Bean did with her old door. It's now a lovely rustic daybed! I love the one of a kind added detail you see along the exposed edge.

And let's not overlook the beauty to using an old door for... an old door! Amy from WhisperWood Cottage utilizes a barn flat track for mounting this amazing door, resulting in a gorgeous room feature! Much more than just another closet door, wouldn't you say?

I only have one old door in my own home which is my bedroom headboard. Sorry I couldn't get creative with something new this round. I've been busy working on my Gitter Done project. It's a biggish one!

Tuesday July 7!

Will YOU be ready?!?  Read more about the event rules HERE.

Here's a sneak peek. That was mean wasn't it? :)

Remember to link up your OLD DOOR projects in the 3rd themed linkup below. Can't wait to see what you bring this weekend!

~ Upcoming themed linkups ~

garden features/art

drawers

rust

curb appeal

There! Now you can plan some projects so you can join in easier! I'll post them in the order you see here.

What other themes would you like to see on SNS? Let me know in comments! 

 ~ SNS blah blah linkup rules ~

1. Please link up your intended post, NOT your blog homepage url. (post, then click the title of your post, cut and paste that url)

2. Please put a link in your post that leads back to the party so others can see what's up! (scroll button on sidebar if you wish)

 3. This party is geared for DIY type projects we can all attempt to make ourselves. Items for sale may be linked up IF your entry is posted on your blog and in tutorial style (unless making the item is self explanatory).

5. For Home Decor and Crafts, Sewing, Cooking, please link projects up that are new to SNS and within 1 month old. The 3rd weekly themed link may have older posts and not brand new to SNS.

If you can't decide which category to enter yours in, please just pick ONE and go with it. It's all good!

Happy summer!

Summer changes - Part 1, The campsite shuffle.

Over the last few years, we've been blessed with a wonderful summertime lifestyle.

 We'd take our trailer and leave it at a local lake resort ALL. SEASON. LONG. (April to October) For many years, this simply became our summer home and neighborhood.

As each weekend approached, we'd pack up some clean clothes, stop on the way for fresh groceries and head up to our lake side oasis.

 We'd take my mom up some weekends too. When my son was just learning to walk, we'd remove his shoes so he wouldn't  keep taking off on us. :) When I get set up with my new computer/scanner system, I'll tell you a few stories from our camping past. This was well before digital photography and blogs. :)

And a pretty cool lifestyle it was. My son grew up with the other seasonal camper's kids there, so he was always happy and occupied, leaving me to read a book or three. So relaxing! With a colourful beach front town, with live music, great coffee house, plenty of beautiful hiking trails and loads of restaurants if you felt lazy, we had all we needed plus.

Here's one of our seasonal spots. The campground had just placed a nice new patio down for me so I went hunting to pretty things up. I dug deep into the campground bone yard, picking and choosing woodsy things, scrubbed the moss off, then white washed the works in a tone to match the lower half of my travel trailer. The tree in front got tightly wound with white Christmas lights for a wonderful night time ambiance. It was a simple redo, but the effort made it feel homey and loved. YES. I decorated my campsite too. :)

 This is one of my most fav camping pictures. :) Note how we're roughing it and going without here... One fella is my campground neighbor and the other was the owner of the campsite, and together, were trying to figure out why my crappy laptop wouldn't hook up to the net. Yup. I brought my computer issues right along with me wherever I went.

While I loved the look of the last site, when a riverside location became available, I revamped things. I'm not entirely sure why I didn't take a picture of what I finally did to this site but it stopped campers dead in their tracks. Wind was an issue in the evenings so I mounted some plastic lattice along the riverside for a see through removable wind break, and placed the benches in front. Plants and birdhouses prettied up the joint.

Oh yes. I remember why I didn't take pictures. I got sick. For a long time. That story will come.

Last year, we didn't go to our all season campsite. I had to pull the unit home due to changing financial and health related circumstances. So we went 'normal' camping nearby instead. We took in a couple weeks and found a more private setting. It was very nice but also very different. When you stay for a short duration, you don't pull out all the stops to make it your home, you just go to plunk and enjoy. We grasped it for what it was, and enjoyed!

Camping has done my son and I a world of good in the past. It's a perfect way to get away from the phone and work, providing you a means of total family time and different types of conversation.

I'm not entirely sure what this summer is holding for us. We'll put up our backyard pool for a start and see where things take us. Maybe after the pool is up, the sun will decide to peek out. Maybe. :)

This is part one of a bigger story I'm going to tell you. It's about morphing along with changing circumstances, making the best out of what you have and where we are today because of it. It'll be deep.

Summer Changes - Part 1, 2 and 3 are HERE.

What are your summer plans? Any other campers out there?