For most people around the world, this year has been one for the record books. Unprecedented restrictions and mandates, celebrations and travel plans canceled, and far too many deaths.
Contrary to the inactivity experienced by many, the past 6 months have been anything but sedentary for me.
In April, a few weeks after Covid hit, my tenant moved out, and I began renovating my last rental property.
It was pretty rough. Both bathrooms needed a complete remodel.
Who knows how long this was leaking? There was a beach’s worth of sand…
The kitchen wasn’t looking so hot, either, and the appliances were trashed.
Never had it myself, but I figured granite would be good for resale value.
Many doors had holes and all of the ceiling fans had “fur” on them, and needed to be replaced.
Once all the ceilings, walls, and trim was painted, my attention turned to the outside…
That concrete block sucked up the paint like a sponge, but what a difference it made.
New black shutters helped, but now it definitely needed a new trim color.
To my amazement, when it was 95% completed, God told me to move into it and sell my own home! It is my experience that blessing is commensurate with obedience, so I called the movers.
I had no problem rolling up the carpets and corralling my furniture into the front room, but that king-size bed upstairs was going to challenge me for sure.
What goes up must come down… Funny, I don’t remember it being this big six years ago.
Now that I had a new address, round two began, with the refinishing of this 100-year old hard wood flooring.
Termites are prevalent in Florida, and are especially fond of these old wooden boxes.
Covered in area carpets for six years, I had forgotten the condition of my old flooring.
Enter Johnny Poole, floor refinisher extraordinaire. This guy worked magic on my beat up floors and made it look like child’s play.
In the sweltering June weather, he showed up each day, patiently sanding, replacing boards, filling holes.
I took pictures at the end of each day. You can imagine my reaction the day he applied the first coat of stain.
The mellow satin finish was softer than its polyurethane counterpart, and even a grain of sand would scratch it until it cured completely.
I must have spent hours moving, shaking, and rearranging floor coverings, in an effort to protect my investment.
Slowly but surely, the ceilings, walls and all that trim got painted, and I could put it off no longer….
The dreaded, vile kitchen cabinets- all 17 sets of them! I have never prayed harder for the Rapture…
I patched, plastered, and painted until I thought my hands would drop off…and then I was done.
At this point, I had a buyer and a closing date of July 17. Between the two houses, I had been working non-stop for 13 weeks.
As I painted my way out the front door, I tried not to be like Lot’s wife. Although I did not want to look back at what I was leaving, it was very bittersweet.
I would miss my daily walks around Lake Morton, but I knew that when God takes something away He always replaces it with something better.
My new home needed some outdoor living space, so I called my favorite carpenter (ex-husband Brian) and we added a deck.
In late July, upon my return from a blogging trip to Georgia and North Carolina, God told me to go to NC and start a mission. So I went house-hunting…
Sitting on 3 acres surrounded by farm land in Pikeville, NC (population 600), I found this RV ‘hangar’/ workshop.
The upper level was a studio apartment equipped with all the comforts of home. Two full flights of stairs brought me there…
It had been vacant for two years, but through the dust, dirt, and a boat load of ugly, I had a vision of what it could be.
The house, if you could call it that, sat at the back corner of the property.
The nearest neighbors to the south were on the next street over. The peace and solitude was palpable.
The 600 foot long driveway reminded me of a scene out of Gone With The Wind.
More crops in expansive fields and horses everywhere. It was a no-brainer- I knew I must purchase this property!
Back in Florida, a friend expressed an interest in buying my house. When she qualified for a loan, we signed a contract.
The roof was very old, and although not required, I decided to have a new one put on before we closed.
And another moving day was here, less than six months after the last one.
My daughter-in-love flew to Florida to drive my moving truck back to NC. Roughly 630 miles and 12 hours later, we arrived at our destination.
My son and grandson were waiting to assist, and we finished quickly.
My patch is wilder than ever, but the neighboring fields have been harvested. You can now see my home from the street.
This praying mantis has taken up residence since I was here last time.
https://www.treehugger.com/wondrous-facts-about-praying-mantises-4858807
I am surrounded by rugged natural beauty; the sunrises and sunsets will never get old.
Within a few days I had cleaned the space thoroughly and set up my furniture as planned. It’s very cozy!
Who would have guessed that two months after writing the Carolina in My Mind post, my body and all of my earthly possessions would follow?
The following are a couple of Internet photos that provide a basic floor plan for the buildout. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome!
There’s nothing like the “lofty” feeling of knowing you’re exactly where you belong, because you are moving in God’s grace and providence.
Wishing His shalom for all of my readers. As 2020 draws to a close, let peace reign in your hearts. Maranatha. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
A wonderful story. And so in told, giving Goory to God and obedience in action.
Again, Im sorry have missed your gathering at the Italian Palace,
But had i seen you, you might have been hearing from me sooner saying that I was being tested for Covid. Thankfully, confirmed 4 times in a week, it was not Covid, but I was hospitalized for a week sepsis. Apparently my odds would have been better with Covid. But thanks to skilled nurses and doctors “some With better communication skills than others,” they jumped on the antibiotic for sepsis pretty quickly. I am sure that in the prayers of many, many people which were tangible, finally brought me home where my 36 yr old son came to town as a wonderful, wonderful nurse. He leaves tomorrow, and my husband gets to show his nursing skills. He is deaf as a post so thankfully I think I’m past the point of waking up in the middle the night and needing pain pills.
But it certainly reminded me of the importance of being surrounded by prayers. The blessings, and kindness of people far outnumber the frustrations.
A wonderful journey! You will do great things there. It’s wonderful how you’ve made all these changes and felt faith and God leading you to do them. Enjoy your new life and mission in NC. Looks like you will be near son, grandson and daughter in law there? And have peace and solitude too. How wonderful. Go in grace.
Marie, all I can say is WOW! Your life sure is evolving and changing. We wish you the best God has for your life. We miss you. Love and best wishes, Mary Ann and Dave
Wow! It looks great out there! You settled in really quick! God is good.❤
Marie, when all is safe, Don and I will have to drive up to visit you. The reno on your rental was amazing! You’re certainly gifted in creating a beautiful space.
Your new “home” is amazing. Love your kitchenette – and the view from your “bedroom’ must fill you with joy. Congrats on your new home and many blessings to you.
Sending our love, Val & Don
Marie, what an exciting journey ! I watched all of the blog and was wanting to comment on many of the pictures. North Carolina always has had a special place in my heart. Peaceful and you actually get to see and enjoy all seasons of our planet. Just don’t let the winter catch you by surprise !!
Sending waves from our beautiful oceans to you for peace and tranquility !
Praise the Lord mighty woman of God! As a sorjourner and a pilgrim to the heavenly Zion, the Lord God Almighty has blessed your steps and directed your path! Thank you for sharing the journey with us! God bless you forever and I love you! Amen!
Wow, wow and wow! Absolutely gorgeous. Can’t wait to see how it turns out and what the Lord has in store for you next. Love, A