Okay, this is my first blog post...ever. And this is my first 130-year-old home...ever (see the pic below...or beside...or above...if I can figure out how to link to it). Drastic times call for drastic measures...I'm resorting to a blog to share what I learn and to learn from you. Before everything is said and done, I will need carpentry, plumbing, electrical, alarm system, insulation, plaster, Sheetrock, trim, window, door, dating and relationship help (okay, maybe not the last two...at least not on this blog, but definitely the others). So, please come along for the ride. Two's company, and misery likes it...company, that is.
Just to give you some background, my house, which I purchased in January, is completely gutted on the inside, i.e., not even livable. So, I'm living in my next-door-neighbor's attic while I try to bring my house back from the dead. The exterior of my house [...wait, just a second, I've decided to interrupt myself....I've made an executive decision...because it is already getting old saying "my house this..." and "my house that...", I've decided to name my house "Whitney"...why "Whitney" you may ask? Because, well,....wait, I think I'll make you figure it out yourself...call it a teaser...let me know if you think you know why...there is method to my madness. Now...where were we...oh, yes.] Whitney's exterior has already been largely restored, which stands in stark contrast to her interior.
As you can see, there is a lot of work to do inside. At this stage, Whitney is like a lot of people I know; the outside is well painted, but the inside hasn't been given nearly enough attention (and when you take a closer look at the outside, even that needs some work). Shamefully, I guess I'd even have to put myself into the pay-too-much-attention-to-the-outside-while-neglecting-the-inside camp at times. But that's a topic for a different blog.As this blog unfolds, I'll let you be a little bit of a voyeur and watch my progress, but please don't be content with spectating...share comments, ask questions, and give advice. God knows I need all the help I can get.
14 comments:
daniel - you have the coolest house ever! we love old houses, but could only afford a 50 year old house. anything older than that is just way too expensive over here.
I LOVE YOUR HOUSE!!! Does Whitney have anything to do with Whitman Street? or is that just a coincidence?
Thanks, Peggy...you would love some the architectural details in the house...I'll post more about them later. If you guys are doing some remodeling send me some pics...in the future, I'd like to have some guest bloggers participate in the blog and talk about their projects too.
Angela...you win the prize...Whitney was the closest name to Whitman that I could think of...and a female name seemed to be the best fit.
Don't have any remodeling projects going on, but just thought I would let you know Whitney is beautiful. I am sure there have been moments and there will continue to be moments when you wonder why in the world you bought her and if she will ever look like she did in her glory day. As with our lives the more time we take on the details, especially for the inside, the more the beauty will start to shine through. Have fun I am sure this blog will be a medley of adventures.
That is awesome!!! Flip That House is one of my favorite shows now - I love making something old look new, wonderful and usable again. Thanks for all the incredible analogies everyone - great thoughts to ponder.
Congrats and all the best in your endeavor - will be reading with interest!
Daniel!
I think you are off to a great start! A complex aura of sentiment is settling upon 15 Whitman Street; an ardent optimism mingled with diffident realism; and yet a resolve marked by steady determination pervades all.
I plan to stop by often to observe the progress and to help where I can. I am an architect you know. (So perhaps I can assist in hammering a nail or two, just as long as you can recommend which end to use)
I am more than willing to accept help from friends...even architects. ;)
YAY! Glad to see the blog is up and running. =) I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. Ilove the look of the house from the outside . . . old houses are the best.
Whitney looks wonderful Daniel. I can't wait to see the finished product. Your analogy is so true. Often we get caught up in the external, but God looks at the heart. You see Whitney as she could be without all that stuff. God give you wisdom as you help her recover!
thanks, j. One of these days, Whitney will look as good on the inside as she does on the outside. Me too.
Daniel!
The architect is checking in again. I am enjoying your thematic progress reports; how they are paired with an amusing, cliche phrase or fictional anecdote. Creative writing is always therapeutic for me when I am recovering from my own battle wounds. Thanks for the entertainment. The porch looks very nice. May I suggest a cliche-theme for the upcoming paint party? How about...."What goes up...", or maybe "How many paints could a painter paint if ....?", or "Check once, paint twice;..." or "Those who live in (operable) glass (windowed) houses don't throw paint(at the jambs without cleaning them so they still open)." Bye for now....
You crack me up, Mark. Thanks for the encouragement. When I get to the painting stage, I'll be so happy that I won't care what it's called, as long as I can call it "done." :)
absolutely breathtaking.
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