Bella’s first sojourn into the unbroken snow was funny to watch.
Timid at first, at the unfamiliar cold under her feet, she nevertheless ventured up the driveway.
Although she seemed to enjoy it, she didn’t linger when I called her, making a break for the house at full gallop.
Baby it’s cold outside! The windows, the car, and yes, the flag, are iced over and frozen.
Even the birds boldly and uncharacteristically approached the seed I had scattered for them.
My veggie babies, however, are not bothered by the cold. Rather, they are fogging up the windows in their tropical paradise where the climate is a consistent 65-80°.
All of this from a girl who could kill a cactus! If I can do it, anyone can…
Freshly clipped arugula, lettuce, spinach and kale make their way into my salad bowl most evenings.
I counted 12 zucchini babies so far, from the two seeds I started just over 3 months ago. The tomato plants are four feet tall and loaded with flowers and fruit.
Speaking of babies… On a brutally cold day last month, I went into the shed for a paintbrush. Under my collection of birds’ nests, I found this little guy.
I went back the next day, but the momma had moved them. They were so tiny and translucent. I pray they didn’t freeze to death.
As I turned my attention to painting, I was grateful that Josh had divided the primer into manageable portions. Now to cover every square inch of wall and ceiling with it…
I’ll admit that I was intimidated by the enormity of this project. But as I emptied those buckets, my confidence grew.
It was like painting a bowling alley. I thought I’d never get through it!
It is several long days later, and I now feel like I am standing in a bottle of Wite-Out. Time to get some color on these walls!
Because of the light from all of the windows, I had a hard time choosing my paint colors. Can one go wrong with earth tones?
I went with all three on the card, and love the subtlety of the contrast between the golds.
If you don’t like the color at the minute- wait a minute. It changes all day long with the movement of the sun.
When my cabinets were delivered, I could finally visualize what the kitchen would look like.
I also had more stuff to sand, prime, and paint. Yay.
There’s nothing spectacular about my furnishings, but I am proud that my materials are largely repurposed and recycled.
I purchased these left over imported Italian tiles from a wealthy woman in the suburbs for $30. They just tiled the half bath.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist were such valuable resources, and I scoured five counties for my odds and ends.
This floor tile came from three different sources. The 12×12 mosaic mats retail for about $10 each; I got 18 of them for $15.
Purchased separately from Marketplace, but matching so well, the vanity base(s) and granite top totalled less than $150.
There was even enough to tile the utility room. As you will see, they really cleaned up nicely.
I went with solid Beech butcher block counter tops. They were basically just slabs, and weighed a ton.
I had no idea the time and effort to fit, shape, router, and join them, but they are beautiful; so perfect in my tiny kitchen.
This week the electrician, plumber, and A/C guys will be completing their final tasks. Trim work and flooring will follow. Thanks for following the progress of Ark Update and for your encouraging comments. Check back soon.
About the title: Emerge, by short definition, is to rise from an inferior position or condition. To me, the word emerge indicates growth, but with loft, dimension, a going forward or forth, perhaps.
My new dwelling place may have appeared a bit unorthodox by some standards, but this is what God has shown me to do. With very little direction and much inspiration, it has emerged from its former self. I suppose you could say the same for me. When we change our circumstances and shed our current situation, we are better able to evolve. We usually see more clearly and hear better- especially the Voice of God. Hugs. MH
Marie it is absolutely beautiful!
I know God will show you just what’s next in His plan for you and your new home!
Love,
Maria and Rich
You’re such an inspiration ❤️🙏. May God continue to bless you and guide you. We would love to visit you some day in the future 😀.
WOW, great job, love the tile and countertops
It all looks great except for the cold!
Awesome! It was quite an undertaking! Glad you are getting close to be done!
So much progress! Amazing vision. It is all to HaShrm’s glory!
Thanks again for the update Marie. Always fun and enjoyable to follow the “Arks” evolution. What are the two little furless animals that you found? Squirrels?