Monday, November 30, 2015

A Letter To My Tiny House


Dear Tiny House,
For the past 15 months I have poured every spare moment, dollar, and ounce of emotional energy into you and now; you’re done. 
 
Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography
 
You still have some trim to attach here and there, and some sealing and caulking to finish. I still need to install your composting toilet, and the curtain rods under the countertops keep falling down, but, you’re done.
 
I am both elated, and sad.
 
 
You see, some people drink or smoke or exercise or find other means of stress relief.  But for me, you’ve been it. You’ve been my happy place, and given me challenges to conquer and problems to solve. 
There are so many problems in my world and life that I cannot solve, so, I look excitedly forward to solving the ones I can.
 Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography
 
Yesterday, even though we couldn’t get your heater to work, we had Thanksgiving Dinner in your living room. I even made a tiny table just big enough for a turkey dinner for two. 
Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography
 
Last week, we moved you and it was horrible, and you got stuck, and I cried. It felt like my child was sick and there was nothing I could do but wait for others to make you better.
Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography
 
Two weeks ago, we invited all of my friends to come see you and welcome you to the world and now they love you as much as I do. 
Photo Courtesy of American Standard
Last month, I was so happy when your shower was installed and I got the fender boxes built.  Last Spring, I cried happy tears when I plugged you in for the first time and your lights came on!
Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography
 
I’m not sure that others would be so emotional about their tiny houses but this ending is so bitter sweet for me. Now that you’re done I need to start putting my emotional energies towards the “what next” and that’s pretty scary. 
Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography
I am happy that you’re finally settled where you’ll be for (hopefully) a long time but also sad that you’re not parked in my driveway where I can keep an eye on you.
Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

Just above the doorway to the bathroom there is a spot in the wall that I have reserved for a time capsule. I am surprised, but nobody has asked me why the trim was missing, right there. 
Photo Courtesy of American Standard
Maybe they were being nice and trying not to point out such an obvious error. Nonetheless, behind that trim piece this letter will be. 
Photo Courtesy of American Standard
 
I’ll add a few pictures of your early days, a few of your building days, and then a few of you now, in all of your glory and color. I’ll even put in my original sketches of your design, with the blue tape still attached.
Photo Courtesy of American Standard
 
And, I think I’ll add a scrap of fabric from your chairs, a small block of barn wood, and maybe a nail or two.
Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

Someday, that time capsule will be opened. And, when that day comes I hope you are still as lovely as you are now. I hope you are loved, and colorful, and full of life and laughter. 
Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography
 
 
I do not completely know what will become of you. Someday I envision living in you, and then maybe traveling the world, and then returning home to appreciate you even more.  

Photo Courtesy of American Standard
 
I envision enjoying your quiet space as a place for friendships and love to grow.
Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography
 
I can picture sleep overs, and parties, and sun drenched windows that warm your very heart. I hope there will always be wine, and giggles, and joy within these four walls. 
Photo Courtesy of American Standard

I originally named you My Empty Nest and, when I started building you, I was eagerly anticipating the day when my two kids would grow up and move on with their adult lives. Now, however, I am thinking that the name I gave you does not really fit you.
Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography
 
You have helped me see that no matter where my kids are, and even if I am your only official occupant, you will never ever be truly empty. 
You will always be full of love, and memories, and friends, and maybe even someday, grandbabies!
Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography
 
When I am gone, I hope that whomever you choose to live with, next, will love you as much as I do at this moment. I hope they will appreciate the time and creative energy that went into making you, uniquely you. 
Photo Courtesy of American Standard

Because, you’re wonderful and amazing and adorable and inspiring and lovely and quiet and peaceful and quaint and witty and joyful, all at once. 
Photo Courtesy of American Standard

You are, in many ways, so much like me.
And you’re perfect.
Photo Courtesy of Mark Sharley Photography

Sincerely,
Your Designer and Maker
M.J. Boyle
November 28th, 2015


28 comments:

  1. Totally Wonderful, I love her.

    Christy
    Lilbitbrit

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just loved this.

    thank you so much for sharing this journey with us.

    you are inspirational.

    hugs from maine.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a beautiful letter and I adore your Tiny House. I admire you for having done this by yourself and will remember you one day when I embark on that journey myself. For now I'm living in my 36 ft Pace Arrow Motorhomes, whom I lovingly call my Bus. It's my empty nest and will be my home until I can figure out how to accomplish my true Tiny House dream. Thank you for your continued inspiration, Michelle.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You design choices ...simply perfect. I love everything about this little home. It looks so warm and there is something beautiful to rest your eyes on wherever you are inside. Color choices, the barn wood with green tint, the elf, the tiny touches. You are a genius at this. In admiration here. The fact that you did much of the carpentry/electrical/plumbing--yow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I tried to make it cozy and unique without being too terribly "busy" looking. Thank you for your kind words!

      Delete
  5. ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!!! I'm a divorced mom of 5, who recently downsized from a 4 story, 4bedroom home, to a 3 bedroom second floor apartment. I actually do have an empty nest now, but much to my great pleasure, I've aquired 2 grandsons, who I spend a good deal of time with. Originally, my goal was to unload as much "stuff " as possible, and find a tiny house, however, I didn't realize how difficult it is to do this. My recent step down included 4 huge household sales, and multiple donations. I just took the tip off the iceberg.
    Anyways, I want to say, it takes great discipline and fortitude to do what you've done, and to live simply and conservatively is no small task!! I admire you greatly! I'll continue to strive for a simpler way of life, thank you for setting such a great example!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome. Thank you for sharing your story. All the hard work will pay off. I am STILL downsizing! LOL

      Delete
  6. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It looks so beautiful Michelle. So incredibly in awe of your courage, passion and enthusiasm to create your dream!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beautifully stated! She is a work of art.

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a wonderful thank you letter to your "tiny house"! We enjoyed the little bit we could help you with, and am over the moon that you included my little TINY letters in your photos! I hope that wherever life takes you, you will be able to return to your creation, and say "It's mine!"

    ReplyDelete
  10. In some ways I felt you were describing and talking about me. You almost made me cry. I love your empty nest, wish I was strong enough to have one very simular to yours. Maybe if I'd known about the Tiny when I was younger and stronger I would've looked into it sooner in life. I like reading what you write, you should be a writer if you're not already one and the pictures are gorgeous. Looking forward to your next post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am writer but I think it is more of a life long goal.......writing things that people want to read. LOL Thank you for your kind words!

      Delete
  11. Your tiny house in the trees is stunning! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love tiny houses, but yours feels like "HOME." It's inviting and cozy. It draws you in and gives the yearning desire to sit down and have a cup of coffee and share a heart-to-heart with somebody that will listen. Your heart us in that home. I hope you can live in it and enjoy it!

    ReplyDelete
  13. There is nothing tiny about your home, I could actually feel the love as you were talking about your home. Your home is stunning, warm and welcoming. You should be proud.

    ReplyDelete