Forward Motion

The other day, I came home to find the former owners of our house, Gillian and Rita, parked outside, patiently waiting to see if someone might come home. When they introduced themselves I eagerly invited them in to have a look around. I had met them only once, when we closed on the house, and none of us could believe 10 years had passed! 

Before: decades and many layers of old paints and drips

It's funny how a visit like that can unstick you. Gillian and Rita were very complimentary as they walked from room to room, noticing color choices, how we had laid our our furniture, spaces we had opened up. They were so sweet! But there was something else. Suddenly, I realized - they were pleased because in ten years (10!) some things hadn't changed at all. 

The bookshelves Gillian had built downstairs (which we've been meaning to remove) were still in place. The bathroom's vintage tile (long overdue for a makeover) was still there. And the original kitchen cabinets from 1939, with all their many layers of paint and drips - yup - those were still there too. 

After: It's a whole new day! Clean and crisp. Just how we like it.

Of course, we love things vintage and we have many reasons for keeping some things they way we have. But, we've also been in the process of re-painting our kitchen for months now and haven't been able to finish it. It's like we've been stuck in a foggy maze of complacency.  

Within an hour of their departure though, I had the sander and paint out and was going at it. It felt great! Sometimes the universe gives you a kick in the pants just when you need it most. So here's to you Gillian and Rita. Thanks for that!