I’m a creative soul.

I love to give things a new life.

The old house took priority for a couple of years and Dad leaving for heaven sent my garage time creativity to the bottom of the pile.

I could still see things I wanted to raise back up from the landfill but I just couldn’t get the energy or the “want to” to get it done.

I’m not sure if it was stubbornness or sadness.

I didn’t want to do it without dad. I was mad because I didn’t want to do it alone. I was sad because he was my sanding partner. He made the garage fun. We bounced off ideas and most of the time he would roll his eyes at me and say it would be ugly.

But we would work it out……he would do what I said and we would create an outstanding final piece.

The last two weeks, I have made myself create something to sell.

Just do one thing, I would tell myself.

Take something off the hoard pile and just start.

This little table was my first to finish. It needed a new top since I ripped off its original top to make a desk.

It got a new paint job

It made me so happy to finish and to sell it to my sweet friend.

It gave me the courage to keep going.

These little stools were a spontaneous purchase from the Interfaith Thrift Store and I loved them from the first time I saw them.

They needed a coat of paint and some farmhouse fabric. You know I’m all about white and some checkered fabric.

I think I might need to keep these and put them in our Master Bedroom that will be soon be getting a makeover.

Today, I finished a desk/table/console.

It had been gifted to me from a very special lady.

It was a fantastic piece of furniture that just needed a little love.

As usual, I forgot to take a before picture

It has great bones with an extra special top

Some stripper

Some sanding

Some stain and some paint

Soon she’s heading into Moms house and will be a beautiful addition to her home.

All of this to say……

Today is Dad’s birthday. We would have celebrated his 82nd birthday tonight with chicken wings and pie.

Everyone grieves differently. It’s not right or wrong, it just “is.”

Last week a special lady said to me, “Your Dad would want you to continue the legacy” when we spoke of me continuing to restore items.

There is more to the work I do than buying and selling. It was more than just seeing things from start to finish.

It was the time spent with the Dad that was given to only me. It was him being proud of me as I perfected the skills he taught me. It was the opportunity I was given to work side by side with him during the last year.

He would be proud of me. I’m absolutely certain of that.

Happy Birthday Dad!!! You are missed so much. We are still learning to live life without you but are trying to make you proud.

I’ll see you at the gate one day.

Love,

Your baby girl