Baby Steppin’
In my…I hope…temporarily diminished capacity, my world famous and patented Baby Step Method™ is proving highly useful. Please note the left (west) bump-out. Its edges were all messed up. What was once crisp was now eroded. Oh, the horror.
While I cannot do much of late, I can do a bit. Here, I have managed to attach some corner bead, and to apply some joint compound to recreate…hallelujah…crisp edges. I shuddered with excitement.
The arch is trimmed with Lincrusta. Bits are missing. But…squee…I have extra bits stored in the basement. A bit down the road it will be a thrill to repost this small area all restored. And, over to the right…
…the other corner is damaged. The poor dear. This, too, will soon look all anew. And you, and I, will be gobsmacked.
I am quite grateful to have these very small projects to attend to. The idea of, say, reshingling much of the south facade…as I did not long ago…fills me with wonderment. Did I really once have such energy? The very idea also fills me with terror. For, at the moment, having such a monumental task on my plate would reduce me to a fetal position, crying and sucking my thumb.
Today though, I am truly grateful to have a series of very small goals to accomplish.
Of vital note is how much the Cross House is actually helping me during this difficult time. For, it is only when I am at the house that I get any exercise. I am up/down stairs. I am up/down ladders. I am bending and walking and sooooooo not sitting in a chair as I do at my house. My doctor highly approves of all this. “Keep working on that house.”
At the end of 2017 I wrote how the Cross House really saved my life. I began 2017 filled with dread but the year ended in a profoundly unexpected way: It proved the best year of my life. And this was entirely due to the Cross House.
And now, in 2022, I am again finding this true. I could never have predicted all this when I purchased the house in 2014.
So, even with but micro-improvements on a daily basis of late, something is getting better. And, thus, the world is just a tiny bit better and y’all all know how much I like such small moves, Ellie. Small moves.
Upon purchasing the house in 2014, I made but one promise to myself: When the restoration was finished was not the point. The only thing which mattered was that every week, every single week, the house needed to be…better. Every week.
And even though things are currently a real struggle, I have been able to maintain this promise for eight years.
Ross happy.
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You have always been one to keep your word, Ross. Well done.
Being sedentary is the worst thing to do. Keep moving! Keep doing little bits each day.
I can so relate. I was an all or nothing kind of doer. Health issues also forced me to baby steps and I still find it hard. But I also find when something small is done, I stare at it and am happy. Hang in there. I’m still in awe of all you’ve done, do, and intend to do. You are awesome!
We happy when Ross happy. Keep moving!
Hang in there, friend.
Bravo dear Ross!!
Your baby step by step and and small bit by bit is making marvelous progress!
These seemingly small steps are so integral to the entire process! Small areas and small steps can prove to be extremely important down the road! These could prove to be helpful in preserving larger portions from further decay. Perhaps beyond finessing and polishing sections of the whole restoration.
God Bless you Ross.
I send you many {{{hugs}}}.
Your baby step method has inspired me for years – it really is genius. You have made so much progress, and I love that you are enjoying the journey. I am so happy to follow along. I hope that the medicine really kicks in and you are feeling better soon.
Baby steps work every time. You don’t need a lot of energy and you feel like you have accomplished something. Keep moving, I find when I sit a longer time than usual, I don’t want to get up. When I’m working and busy I have more energy, if that makes sense. The bump outs will be very elegant when finished.
Your positive vibes resonate so deeply in my soul. Before a tragic life event, happiness came easy. I’ve had to learn to choose happy. I choose to let simple things bring me joy and choose to open my eyes to the beauty around me. Life is too short not to. 🙂 Keep on keeping on, Ross. Those baby steps are so inspiring!
I have not commented much lately but I must say, I am very encouraged. I as well am getting older and losing much of my former energy. However, I too have accepted it and find that now everytime I complete something, I feel ever so much better. My life is one of accomplishment, however small it may be on any particular day. Keep on with your baby steps. It all comes together in the end.