Patients Can be Challenging.

To date, I have spent three summers at my farm. If you have been keeping up, you know it was an absolute armpit of a place upon arrival. Lots of projects, infrastructure, and cleaning have occurred. People always tell me they would love to have property, it’s their dream, animals galore, and gardens to boot. They don’t know how much time and money it takes to upkeep a large abundance of land. 

Now, I know that 60 acres doesn’t seem like much to some, and to others, it feels like a whole state. But, either way, there is never a day when something doesn’t need to be maintained. And, because of this, my main squeeze, “The Old Barn,” has made little progress this Summer. My current studio resides in my basement, which functions fantastically, and I am lucky to have it. However, my vision is to have my studio in the barn, garage doors open, a lounge area for visitors, and a big sale twice a year pulls at my hearts strings. Acknowledging that this vision would take time is something I have always been content with. But, sometimes when I take my daily walk to the barn I think about all the tings left to do and my patients gets the best of me. I have to remind myself great things take time I take a deep breath, remember why I am inspired to create and return to work. 

What comes along with rehabbing an old building? You guessed it, considerable expense. The barn was in terrible shape and has come a long way. The steps to completion are enormous financial decisions and cannot be rushed out of selfishness. Patience is a quality I am proud to say I am good at. But at times, this rehab has me frustrated with the cost and hurdles that always arise. Water, sewer, and a new roof are just a few things needed. I won’t begin listing the small items accompanying the big ticket pieces, or this post will be three pages long. A new roof cannot just be installed. First, the trusses must be inspected, and some must be replaced. To complete one big project a dozen trivial items must be completed first. When will the next phase begin? I am not really sure. Will I ever move out of my basement studio? Unquestionably. I just don’t know when. Hang in there with me and hopefully in the next several months I will have some new updates to share. Until then, remember that patients are required when progressing on any project especially one’s own creative life.