Do you categorize your daily routines into the want-to's and have-to's? There's the gotta do the house cleaning, laundry, dishes, go to work, and grocery shopping. However, then there's the move to the country, build new workshop storage, get my own flock of hens, and go on vacation kinda thing. sigh... Why can't it all be fun? In my efforts to catch up in and around my home, I focus on my garage before winter sets in each year. Here's a box of scrap goodness that has been begging for my attention. I have a vision for reclaimed wood houses. Hang with me now...
While I'm extremely thankful and see it a blessing to be able to take care of the have-to's, I'm also yearning for the want-t0's. I suppose it's only natural to have dreams and work towards them. I'm not a quitter until I reach the grave, so I hang on and keep my head up. I feel like this wood is much like me...waiting for the right time for events to fall into place.
Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:31
THE BACKSTORY
You see, these bits are harvested from reclaimed beams we pull from this glorious stash we've tapped into from time to time as needed for our remodels and projects.
Back a few years ago, we set out to remodel our kitchen. With our work schedules, family of 8, and budget restraints, it took us a few years, but our kitchen is no complete. In addition, you can take the tour in the video below and
view the update HERE.
The scraps in the picture above are from the peninsula we built to replace my awful base cabinet. You can see the uprights are 4" beams from a previous life.
THE CONTINUING STORY
After we built the peninsula, my husband didn't see the value in the remnants. However, my creative eye saw a whole lotta potential. Do you see it? They've sat in a box in my workshop just waiting for the right time. The time is now. woot!
A few years back, I staged them on top of my bookshelf. At that point, I wasn't sure how I wanted to finish them, but they are definitely too awesome to leave in a box any longer. First, I select an array of paints from my stash and dress them up in a wash. My inspiration is two different things: (1) salt box houses (2) the houses that line the shoreline of Italy on the Mediterranean.
After that paint cures, I apply a bit of details to really bring them to life. Do you see where I'm heading with these?
Oh, and I have a new toy that I'm eager to share you with that is also long overdue. eep.
THE REVEAL
Finally, after many years of waiting, my reclaimed wood houses are in their proper spot on
my barn beam mantel. They are just as I imagined - perfect in every way. Totally worth the wait and my "want-to" now is a fulfilling moment.
Not only do they retain their rustic charm, but now I feel like they have an even sweeter story to tell. Plus, my kids and I have fun picking out our favorite and which one we want to live in. Which one for you?
Also, I wanted to retain the rustic charm they offer by adding a few rusty bent nails as door lights and chimneys. You can find my rusting recipe in
this past post. Works like a charm!
THE FUTURE
Whatever happens in the future, whether I get to be back in the countryside, or have my flock of biddies, I know that I have a God who has me where He wants me. I need to make the most of the time given. When I've been in numerous scans or hospital stays, I've had time to reflect. Every day is precious - there is no promise we get a single one. We do have a promise that we will never be left alone and an eternity in bliss if we seek Him.
If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9, 10
My goal is to inspire you to to not only have fun in life, the greatest adventure, whether it's DIY, cooking, sewing, etc., but to be thankful for all your blessings. Likewise, your time is coming to shine!
In addition, do pin and share to inspire others too. It's time to break out those treasures we've been saving for just this time.
Up next, a cutie found me that just needs an update and TLC. Come see the makeover
HERE!
Before you go, be sure to
sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
PINTEREST | EMAIL
Also, more fun creations like my reclaimed wood houses:
