I’m a dreamer.

I’ve never denied it.

Then I turned 40. An insignificant number, really. Roughly halfway through a healthy lifetime. Sure, I may die tomorrow (or today), but chances are I have at least another 40 years, maybe 50, in me.

Halfway there.

Sometimes I think – Do I really have to put up with this crap for another 40 years?!?!? Other times I’m excited about what the next four or five decades will hold for me. I’ve accomplished quite a lot in the first 40, most of that in the last 10-15 years, actually… so I could accomplish quite a bit more.

I’m a dreamer.

I set lofty goals.

I dream of Castle Houses. Traveling Europe. Not worrying about the bills. Knowing there is enough. Enough money. Time. Love. Energy. Just enough.

But I’ve recently come to a realization (with the help of Tolle & Dryer): the future will never come, not really. Because when it does come, it is now. It’s always now.

What’s the use of dreaming for a fancy Tudor “Castle” House when it may never come? In the mean time, our very modest home is falling apart around us from neglect. The lawn is dead. We never made any real improvements because it was always just a stepping stone for us.

But what if it’s not?

We can drive ourselves crazy with what-ifs…

• What if the economy doesn’t recover?
• What if Ethan is hurt on the job & can’t work anymore?
• What if we’re stuck here for ten+ years?
• What if we never “make it”?
• What if our next book isn’t any good?

Ad nauseum…

The important point is not what might or might not happen. The important point is that I live here NOW.

So I decided that I would make this modest house a mini-Castle House.

I decided to honor the life I have. The space I have now.

We’re making the most of what we have by doing a whole-house face lift under $1,000, using mostly repurposed building materials, plus adding an art studio out back. We’re very lucky not to have to pay for labor, or it couldn’t be done for so very little (relatively), as Ethan is a licensed General Contractor. And I’m learning a thing or two myself!

So far, we’ve renovated our entire kitchen for $250 & given a nice face lift to the Living Area for just $80.

Although we’ve done a lot in the last month, there is still much to do! The bathrooms are next, then the exterior & landscaping.
Watch our progress in pictures.

I’m still a dreamer, but I’m finally beginning to mix those dreams with a healthy dose of NOW.

Part of keeping me present consists of cleaning daily, keeping up with chores, and making this a nice home for my family. I do this while listening to the wisdom of Eckhart Tolle on audiobook. Starting each day with Tolle really helps keep me present. He keeps me here, now.

Peace.

Or, download A NEW EARTH for free on AUDIBLE.COM when you sign up for a free trial membership.