Author: inkspeare

In Retrospect, and a Farmhouse Christmas

/ inkspeare

Just a few more weeks until the end of the year, and for us it means closing projects and getting ready for winter. According to The Old Farmers Almanac, we should expect a cold and wet winter. If they are right, that means planning ahead for many things such as pellet fuel and other weather-related items. During winter, the focus shifts from the outdoors to indoors, and all outdoor projects cease. In retrospect, what I have learned throughout the renovation process of this old farmhouse can be summed up in one phrase besides hard work, and that is adding value. For those not familiar with this blog – my husband and I purchased a dilapidated 1910 farmhouse and set out to fix it one step at a time, for the long term. At that point, there was not much value on the structure, but the land and a good foundation. We realized that anything we were to do to the structure would increase its value over time. Our main goal has been to build value over time. We had a minimal budget to make it livable, and from that point on to improve it. One of the things we focused on due to budget limits was to forgo “the fancy” and go for solid materials, whether recycled or new, and at a discount from various sources, preferably. We obtained materials through different venues: contractor surplus, Craigslist, discount stores, antique shops … and some we bought new from home improvement stores, but always minding sales and sticking to the budget.

At first, we prioritized on adding value vs curve appeal or latest trends. One of the main reasons for that was realizing that because we planned on living here for a long time, the newest and fanciest of materials would become “dated” over time, thus losing appeal for future buyers. It was the opposite approach to flipping a home, where the focus is to attract new buyers quickly. Adding value over time will continue to be the focus, until the time comes to sell, which will probably be in our late golden years. By now, we have more than tripled our initial investment, and we are satisfied with that. There is much more to be done “at budget,” however, always keeping in mind adding value. Curve appeal will continue to be added small bits at a time, which will enhance value. Adding value to a property can be done by adding features that stand the test of time or improving existing ones. Also, features that appreciate with time instead of depreciating. A good example would be adding land, or even building an addition that recuperates the initial investment plus, over time. Creating an attractive landscape is another way.

The concept of adding value can be applied to writing or anything in life. When I started this blog many years ago, I set out to write about two journeys at once, writing my novels and restoring this farmhouse. Both journeys have been rewarding and enjoyable; however, far from finished, more half-way into the journey. As long as I keep my focus on value and not on trends, quantity, or fast-paced agendas, I will be fine and on time.

I will share a few pictures of this old farmhouse decked for the holidays. It has been a long (and rewarding) way. Hope you enjoy them.

I hope you are inspired to give the old a second chance, and to keep on going toward your goal, whatever that might be, defying the odds.

I will end this post with a favorite quote.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Decade of Doom and Gloom

/ inkspeare

Ever had a time in your life when everything seemed to go wrong, and you didn’t know why? I mean, you even questioned your existence or desired to cease to exist. Many years ago, I had such an experience, an entire decade. During that time, I lost so much. I lost my beloved grandmother, who raised me and was a mother to me. I also lost two brothers, six much-adored pets that I loved as my kids, almost everything I owned, and I almost lost myself. Why am I sharing this very personal experience? Well, because I believe now that we are put on this earth to be beacons of light to others, and if there is one person out there that has lost its way during a bad life-storm, then it is worth writing about it.

That decade left me shriveled and tired, out of breath, questioning everything; I was emotionally and physically drained. However, upon reflecting on that very dark time, I realized that there was a constant. That constant was the love of God, even when I could not feel it at that moment. Events and moments like that blindfold you, and you cannot think straight or weave two thoughts together, neither give of yourself to anything or anyone. As sad, desperate, drained or disconnected as you may feel, there is one thing that you can do, and that is talk to the one that made you and put you on this earth for whatever purpose, whether you see it or not. God is always accessible and ready to listen, when you are ready to talk.

During those dark days I found that this was the only constant in my life. The love of Jesus was ready to embrace me, if I would only let it. With time, day after day, I saw God’s hand working in my favor, rendering the help I had asked for, and working all the details. It let me to believe and know that He is just a prayer away, ready to intervene in my life if I only let go of my walls of darkness and call upon Him. The love of God transcends the material and immaterial, so anything that you might think is too much and is breaking you, that love can heal anything in your life. Just ask with your heart open; He is next to you, ready to answer. Just give it a try; I did.

‘Tis the Season

/ inkspeare

It is the season to look up, down, and all around. No matter where we look, there is something to be seen. From meteor showers to leaves on the ground, critters looking for shelter, or the bright moon, to planets that look like bright stars; all of it is beautiful. There is also the unusual, the unexpected, like a spring flower coming up in the garden in the cold weather, or the late red rose that doesn’t wither after a frost. All of it, although simple, is wondrous.

A majestic morning moon peeking through the leafless branches.
That very bright star on a very dark night.
The same star (I think it is planet Jupiter) zoomed in.
The ground covered in leaves (for the third time).

Nature is ready to take a rest, but it is still whispering its wonders, and displaying its magic.

Garden Offerings, Better Late than Never, and a Thankful Heart

/ inkspeare
Yummy carrots (photo by M.A.D.)
Sweet potatoes that look like carrots (Photo by M.A.D.)

Here in the USA, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day very soon, on November 23rd. For many, it marks the start of the Holiday season; others call it Turkey Day, in reference to the main dish served, roasted turkey. When I think about it, there is so much to be thankful for, not only on that day, but every single day. From the moment I open my eyes to receive a brand-new day the simple blessings are many. Take a moment and think about it; even that first cup of coffee is a blessing not to be taken for granted.

It is easy to be thankful when everything is going well in our lives, but not so easy when things are not working as expected or when undesirable and sad events happen. It is then when a thankful heart, although difficult, will benefit us the most. It will open the door to peace within, even in the middle of the storm. Giving sincere and heartfelt thanks to our God when we feel “less blessed and challenged” will humble our soul and will be a step taken in order for us to appreciate what is good in our lives, which is plenty.

Being thankful in the midst of sad or painful situations is not easy, but it is a start, one that gets noticed by the same God that only wants to shower us with blessings. When everything is going fine in our lives, sometimes, we forget and take for granted many things, many people. We might want more, become unhappy with the status quo, and totally disregard our daily blessings. Sometimes, what brings us into focus are the same things we dread or fear, and those things become a tool to bring us back to a state of appreciation, and therefore, a grateful heart. Every day presents an opportunity to be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving Day!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace.

Romans 15:13 NIV

The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.

Psalm 145:13 NIV

Let us come before Him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 95:2 NIV

Sweet November

/ inkspeare

Ahh, it is that time of the year when everything around me is changing, and there is so much color around me; I love it. Although we had little rain during this summer, nature managed to delight us once more here in Southside Virginia, and at least we have had some vibrant colors around. The heaviest of the Asian ladybugs and Boxelder tree bugs invasion is over. I can be at peace now and enjoy the rest of Autumn. I am still trying to become used to the yearly arrival of those critters; hasn’t happened yet. During those days, I long for the Jersey shore. But sweet November is here, and with it, the anticipation of the holiday season and all its blessings. There is so much to be thankful for, even in our most desperate days. God never abandon us, even when we think that He has, even when He feels so far, in our limited human perception. I am thankful that He is always around.

Sweet November

Sweet November, golden reddish hues,

Scents of Earth arouse the soul.

Finding peace in the rush of leaves,

the song of wind, appease my soul.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

What I Am Reading Now

/ inkspeare
Herbert presents The Complete Apocrypha by Christopher David Richardson

There are some books you cannot pass by. Instead of reading what is already waiting in my library, I am reading this new finding. I have been in the lookout for a collection or compilation of the apocrypha in one volume. There are many to be found, however, this one seems to have a larger number of books or fragments included. Some I have read already from other sources, but the majority I have yet to read. The book presents the Ethiopian bible, one of the oldest sources for these books or manuscripts, many which did not make it into the other more modern renderings of the bible as we know today.

I started with The Book of Enoch, and it is one of the longest included here; fantastic so far. I am enjoying this book immensely and cannot wait to read more of the other apocrypha books included here. If you are looking for a source that includes many, as well as background/history on each text, this seems to be a good source. A great addition to my library for sure.

A Season of Letting Go

/ inkspeare
Photo by M.A.D.

As I sit and write this post, I can see leaves dancing in the air. There is a tree that lets go of its leaves very early in the season. In August, it sheds a few leaves and by the end of September, it is almost if not bare. It is the only tree around here that loses its leaves early. It is one of the trees we saved when we set out to clean up this place. It was growing in the middle of overgrown bushes and weeds. We removed everything around it and decided to keep it. Today, it has grown more than twice its size and it is a favorite of crows and other birds. Deer love to eat the berries that fall on the ground early summer. I don’t know what kind of tree it is, and it really doesn’t matter. It looks pretty and is useful to the wildlife; it does what it is supposed to do.

Are we as that tree? Do we do as we supposed to do naturally, or do we let outside forces influence us to the point that we lose our inner strength and end up doing something that does not feel natural to us? Are we able to shed our leaves, to let go of every regret, ill preconception, judgement, and negativity? Sometimes, it is possible, but when our inner strength is lacking, we need a savior. We need a savior to remove all the weeds and thornbushes that surround us; we need help.

When our leaves are too heavy to carry, and we are surrounded by weeds, our Savior is just a prayer away. He will clean up around us and help us shed that what is too heavy for us to carry around. Just as the tree is transformed in a season, and renewed the next, so are we when we call upon Him, our Savior Jesus.

Love and Light

Apocryphal Gospels

/ inkspeare
Herbert presents The Gospel of Mary and Other Apocryphal Gospels.

I have read some of the apocryphal books, but not the ones in this particular book, that is, until now. I intend to read as many as possible because I want to have a better understanding of why these books were not included in the bible as we know it today. Many of these books are considered to be of historical value, however they are deemed to not be divinely inspired, or may have questionable origins. I have read the ones which are included in the Catholic bible (but are not part of the King James and other versions) because of the historical/poetic significance and contribution to understanding the times in which these were written. I find these very interesting and full of important detail that helps me understand better other non-apocryphal books. A good example is the books of Maccabees.

I am enjoying reading this book so far and can really see why these particular gospels have not been included; however, I find these are rich in historical details and have filled some gaps in my understanding of some biblical events. I find the Gospel of Mary Magdalene questionable for sure. I enjoyed the Gospel of Peter, very rich in detail. The writing style seems simple compared to the books of Peter included in the bible. The Birth of Mary was very interesting as well, and mostly refers to her background, her parents, and her life before her marriage to Joseph. The Acts of Pontious Pilate, also known as the Gospel of Nicodemus, is also very rich in details concerning the time when Jesus was arrested and brought to him. The Gospel of Thomas is presented as a list of things that Jesus said. I found some parts a bit questionable or not clear enough; however, these are translations of old manuscripts that were unearthed much later, and in modern times. Many of these have pages/fragments missing, so these are not a complete account. Overall, these books have enriched my knowledge by offering historical perspective.

Welcoming Autumn

/ inkspeare

This year I have been in the mood for Autumn days. It is almost here, and I have enjoyed already a few crisp mornings, decorated a bit to enjoy the season, and collected a few veggies from the garden. Wild turkeys have been visiting, and I saw the first large flock of starlings flying by. This year, they did not stop here, but kept flying. I hope the next flock does; hundreds of starlings pecking on the grass is lovely to see. The birds are almost gone, and I have not seen a hummingbird in the past couple of weeks. A few leaves have fallen, and some trees are starting to change color. Nature is preparing for a new season. Just as in life, change is needed for a new season, even when transition might hurt. Rebirth always follows.

Love and Light

Farmhouse Project – The Side Entrance

/ inkspeare

We are trying to finish a few projects that were scheduled for this year, and one of them was to fix the bottom part of the side entrance. Water accumulates when it rains, thus forming a puddle, and later on, it turns to mud. My husband worked on this project over the past weekend, and I love the result. One more item taken off the long list, and we are happy with that. There are still a few projects that were scheduled for this year but will have to wait until next year. We might be able to tackle one or two more, but not more than that. For the purpose of this post, and so that the reader can appreciate the before and after, I will share some pictures from the early days when we bought the old farmhouse showing that particular area as well.

The Process

First, my husband measured the area and built a frame, tested it, and later on, removed all the grass in that area and leveled the ground. Then, he attached and fixed the frame, poured cement, leveled the cement, scoured the sides, and let it set. It took a couple of days for it to dry. Last, he removed the wood frame, and cleaned the area. It was a simple process, but it took time. We decided to leave the steps the way they are now because they are in good condition, and so far, there is no need to redo them. We worked on these steps when we bought the place.

The Before

This was the condition of this area when we bought the old farmhouse. It’s been a long way. The two gargoyles go with me wherever I go.

One more project done on this old farmhouse. I hope that you enjoyed the pictures and reading about the process, and that it inspired you in some way.

Love and Light