The Dirt Work Begins-Project Progress

Today is the day! We begin breaking ground, literally! 

After they got everything staked out, Andy and I were really pleased with the size of the new garage and mother-in-law apartment and the position of it in reference to our house and the commercial kitchen/cottage. I will update with more pictures as things progress!

As an aside, I'm going to lose my apple shrubs that never produced a single apple in 8 years. I'll live, even if the apple trees don't. I've never been much of a plant person. My mother was an amazing plant person, but she grew into that. I wish I would one of these days.

Oh well, like I tell my niece, being really bad at something just gives you a vast amount of room to improve. 

Today is a big day! Stuff is moving! 

Andy and I hugged it out in the bedroom this morning as we both admitted in squeaky voices that we are very excited and scared at the same time. But as he left, he turned and said, "It's going to be ok. It's going to be really good."

Ok, dear. I've made the choice to believe you. 

Thanks for believing in me, too. 

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A Simple Favorite for Breakfast

We've been enjoying this one for nearly seventeen years around here. Onion and chive cream cheese, sliced tomatoes and onions on a toasted bagel with seasoned pepper and whatever herbs I have laying around. Easy to throw together in minutes, a serving of fresh vegetables knocked out first thing in the morning, pretty to look at, delicious to eat. 

It's one of Andy's favorites. He's never said so, but every time I make it for breakfast, he gives me a kiss on my head on his way out the door. 

I think it's the tomatoes. 

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The Two Hungers

Andy and I have a trip to South Africa planned for later this year and while researching I came across a piece about the San People (Kalahari Bushmen) of Southern Africa. I learned that they have lived in that part of Africa for more than 20,000 years. One of their philosophies really spoke to me:

“The Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert talk about the two "hungers". There is the Great Hunger and there is the Little Hunger. The Little Hunger wants food for the belly; but the Great Hunger, the greatest hunger of all, is the hunger for meaning.

There is ultimately only one thing that makes human beings deeply and profoundly bitter, and that is to have thrust upon them a life without meaning.

There is nothing wrong in searching for happiness. But of far more comfort to the soul is something greater than happiness or unhappiness, and that is meaning. Because meaning transforms everything into a more beautiful and elevated form.

Once what you are doing has for you meaning, it is irrelevant whether you're happy or unhappy. You are content - you are not alone in your Spirit - you belong.”--Laurens van der Post

I realize not everyone will understand that I find meaning in my life from making beds, cooking, hosting, facilitating and paying attention to the details that will enhance my guest's experiences and memories when they stay with us. You don't have to get it, but for me, there's no denying that's who I am.

I remember in the seventh grade, we had to take these vocational assessment tests that were supposed to find out what we were interested in and maybe even tell us what we would be good at. I can't really remember, except for one question on the survey: "Rank the top three careers, in order, of where you see yourself in the future," followed by a long list of options.

I was certain I was going to be a writer. A journalist. However, this is how I answered the question:

1. Chef

2. Catering

3. Innkeeper/Hotel Manager

Because those sounded like the most fun to me.

As I prepare for your visit to the Li'l Kitchen and the Hidden Cottage, I promise I will do my best to create a memorable and comfortable stay, and I will work hard to create dishes to satisfy your "little hunger."

And while I am doing these things, with the greatest intention in every detail, I will be satisfying the "great hunger" in me.

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Final Plan-Cottage Progress

Well, we have a final floorplan for the garage/mother-in-law apartment, and it will be going to the builder tomorrow morning! Now to find out what it will cost and how much work we are going to have to do. 

Andy is really pleased with the renovation plans we have for the addition. He likes that the plan completely separates our house from the business part and that the new plan is very non-invasive. Should we ever decide to convert the space back to living space, he feels it's a weekend warrior job. Roughly two days and the space can be converted back should we ever go that route. A few more days to polish it up and we can change it back!

This is the month we start doing the dirt work for the foundation of the garage/apartment. We have a dirt guy. We also have an electrician and a plumber lined up.

Last night Andy told me to hop in the van so he could show me something. He drove to a place about 20 minutes south of our farm to show me a building that was really similar to this one. He just wanted me to see it. Because he knows I'm a very visual person and seeing the building would help anchor our vision for it. 

He gets me. 

Life is pretty ok. 

Hope you're all doing well and feel supported by those you love. 

More at hiddencottageatlinncroft.com