My dad says “I really enjoy building stuff, opposed to taking stuff down”.
Of course he is concerned and has been from the beginning that this project is “a lot of work”. In his defense he is right, but from day one of stepping into the Humphreys House, I knew this. A project like this is never done. It is like a child; after it’s born there is a great amount of growth initially, followed by continued development and growth for the rest of his or her life, and yours. Thankfully, this is not the least bit intimidating to me. I’ve done it before, and with the full support of the our household, we are excited for our new baby.
That said, it is two months in and still feels like we are tearing stuff out. We are hoping to be in before the holidays and there is still a lot to do. However, we are over one major project, putting in new windows that will double the amount of light that pours into the kitchen. This coupled with the open back stair case, has created an aesthetic line of sight through the whole house as well as improving elements of feng shui that invites positive energy in, and lets negative energy pass right through.
During these two months, we have not had the opportunity to invite people over to our house. Entertaining has always been something important to us and not doing it has left us anxious to finish even more. I commented to someone over the weekend that I can’t wait to be 30% done so we can start having people over again the work, (as I realize the work will never be completely done.) Fortunately this week we should be able to start covering the walls with drywall and patching spots of plaster–closely followed by the painting parties with pizza and beer!
Since it is Halloween, it is worth mentioning that I do from time to time wonder if the spirit or energy of the previous owner its still there. Mary Humphreys, and her parents were the only people that lived in the home, so why wouldn’t she still be here? I have had a couple conversations with Mary, reassuring her that the work we are doing will let the character of the house show through. I think she approves so far as she appears to keep a close eye on things. There is a “spot” on the wall in the kitchen that bears striking resemblance to a classic silhouette of a woman. The spot, which is a tear in the layer of drywall paper, appeared underneath of the wallpaper we tore off in the kitchen, so we left it, inviting Mary to watch the process. I wonder if she will be watching out the window tonight for trick-or-treaters?
