Renovation and Reality

By Liese Gardner

For the past 10 years, one of the main passions driving me was a fixer upper that kept my boyfriend and I very busy. Through his talent for engineering and construction, as well as his British never-say-die attitude, we created a lovely little home and I learned so much first by watching and assisting, then by doing. But in the process, we lost each other. Sadly, we broke up late last year (for another post … or two).

I’m still working things through and I’m still working on the house. But to my surprise, I’ve found that I enjoy the creative process and the hard work of construction. It’s something I certainly never pictured myself doing, especially on my own, yet the experience is rich with challenges.

My first project by myself was to simply replacing a pane on a French door — getting the glass, reglazing it, etc.  That went well so I took on this hallway-to-closet conversion that are in these photos.

Along the way I’ve learned some realities, or truths.

All by way of saying, not everything we ever needed to know was learned in kindergarten. I may not look the smartest when I’m covered in sawdust but it’s been a brilliant education. I’ve learned to:

Be fully present

When working with power tools it’s absolutely essential. You might wonder how this translates to life; after all, we aren’t always working with saws that go through bone like butter. It’s about being mindful of everything we do. By relaxing the body and emptying the mind we focus only on that which is in front of us. It keeps us aware, in the moment and able to accomplish anything without grievous harm to body or soul.

Never give up

That there will be difficult times large and small is a given. So is the fact that you won’t really know which is which until you start. But no matter the size of the challenge, your reaction to it is yours to control. And take my word, you will feel out of control if you look at the project in its entirety. Take a step back, break it down, and take it inch by inch and miraculously it gets done.

Before you begin, think of the end

Endings aren’t fun in relationships but an ending in construction is nirvana. Yet it won’t be if you didn’t take the time to figure out where that electrical outlet will ultimately go. Come to think of it, perhaps if we entered our relationships with a blueprint they might go much better too!

There is always a solution

Approach everything with knowledge, will power, grace, humor and the right tools and you will always find the right solution. And of course this applies to construction as well!

He who dares wins

A phrase embraced by the British RAF to stunning successes. Take the chance — dare and win. There are people who agonize over paint colors and drawer pulls. Why? Because this is the only part of their renovation they really are in charge of. When you leave the big decisions up to others because you can’t be bothered or don’t want to know, then you will end up frustrated and confused. Life is just too short to not get your hands dirty. Whatever it is, just dare to do it!

Use applied strength

Although we might want to, it doesn’t help to clobber something with a hammer and expect it to respond in a meaningful way. But you also can’t be afraid to  use some muscle when needed. I learned this when I was taking out a window. It was taking me hours tap-tap-tapping at the two-by-fours that held it in. Then I realized that this was demo. Demolition! It wasn’t finish work. As soon as I got over my fear of using a bit of force, I got that window out in no time — without breaking it all to pieces. Applied strength in life and business is an art form as well. Never be afraid to be strong in the face of something that needs to be changed.

There are now many instances other than construction that require me to rely on my own strength, cleverness, diligence and hard-headedness. Of course there is an extended support system of friends and family but internally, I believe we all are built strong and true, with the ability to shift and move in order to find our foundation, like a house. It’s up to us to continually revise, renovate and rethink the structure of that building and the make-up of who we are. The lessons, thankfully, are everywhere. It truly is a brilliant education.

and just for fun …

 Here’s that window…

Now it’s gone.