Tuesday, July 22, 2008

I Interrupt This Broadcast...

I had my week all planned out. The day planner read something like this: Monday? Meeting in Dallas with oil client. Tuesday? Meeting to square away my recent licensing by the State of Texas to operate and manage a B&B and a restaurant. (!) Wednesday? Design meeting with folks handling web design and promotional material for Freeman House. Thursday? Errands, banking, consultation with contractor. Friday? Wait for piano tuner and pest control guys. Plant pumpkins and squash. Jar up my homemade pesto. Update the Etsy shop. Crash.

Of course, it never goes as planned, does it? First thing, the oil client called and wanted to reschedule for Wednesday. Then Wednesday's meeting said, really, it would still be several weeks until they were prepared to present mock-ups for the site. Then the bug guy said he was waiting on chemicals and ... and so on. Sunday I sat down with a good friend and said, calmly, "I can't even plan my life one week in advance. Most people have things on their calendars three months from now and I can't even commit to anything three days from now! I envy you folks with a little stability. Can we trade?" And then I started shaking. Shaking. I think I'm too keyed up or something.


Love Letters, Freeman House

All that said, I'm so excited about what the next year holds for Freeman House... for my life. This winter, the old place will open to its doors to begin serving regular lunches, dinners and teas. The bakery will kick off. I'll be launching my own brand of organic spice blends and baking mixes. And Freeman House will begin receiving overnight guests. Special guests. People who've been thinking of buying or renovating an old house. People who are curious about the renovation experience. People who want to live this life - if only for two nights. Folks who want to help pick paint samples, root hydrangeas, plant fall bulbs and learn to restore old woodwork. People who want to learn to bake bread, knit, can or garden. Those who like to explore old attics and read old love letters. People who are curious about what it takes and how you go about finding, purchasing and renovating historic properties. (Of course, there will be plenty of starry nights, plates of warm cookies, kayaks, books, homemade dinners, line-dried sheets and library fires to keep things cozy in the meantime.) Yep, those sort of people will be extended an invitation to come and stay. It will be wonderful. I'm so excited to welcome new faces into the old place. We'll have a ball.

In the meantime I have much to do. Understandably. And in the middle of all this I have two excursions planned: one to Europe, the other to the Bahamas. (My life hasn't changed in one respect since I left news reporting: a bag is always, always packed, and I own two of everything... tooth brushes, hair dryers, bottles of vitamins, etc.) I don't call it my messy, thrilling life for nothing.

The point? I suppose it's this: I'm signing off for a bit. Not forever, just a bit. I'll pop in periodically with a "Look at this!" and a "What do you think?" and an "Ooooh... try this recipe!" Other than that I may be a little scarce on the world wide web for a bit. But don't worry. Please don't worry. I'll be happily busy, preparing a place that we all might, in some way, consider a little piece of home... even if it's only in our dreams.

Until we meet next, enjoy your summer. And know that somewhere out there, a busy, brown-haired girl thinks of you warmly and hopes for the day we can pull up some chairs and share a plate of homemade cookies.

Take good care. I'll see you soon. -Brin

(By the way, the Etsy shop will be updated Friday. See you there... see you then!)

51 comments:

Anonymous said...

We'll all miss you, but enjoy your adventures!!! I'm sure you'll have plenty of stories when you return.

Anonymous said...

Go in peace, Renaissance woman!
Warm thoughts from your many friends in blogland will follow wherever you go. Till next time...

Jill

Jenny said...

Have a terrificly fun and safe time, Brin! Millie too! How about we share some lemonade with those cookies as we chat about Fremman House?

Looking forward to the next post,
Jenny

Val said...

:( I'm already missing your insight into Freeman house just knowing it will be a while.

I can't wait to be able to visit someday!!! I feel like I will recognize every nook and cranny from the picture you have painted

Adrienne said...

You have a lot to do but it will be worth it! We will miss you but look forward to the times you pop in and give us just a peek or two or what's going on. Can't wait to hear more. Take care of yourself and it will happen. ~Adrienne~

Anonymous said...

Things never go as planned Brin---usually that's for the best.
Good luck with all of your plans!
Hope you'll still post now and again--yours is the best blog!
You are an awesome woman!!!
Karen

Anonymous said...

Brin, I believe ADVENTURE must be your middle name. By the time you are a grandma, you will have a million stories! I enjoy your blog so much, and will miss your insight. God Bless and protect you, and check in sometime just to let us know you are ok. Candy

Susan said...

It's all so tres exciting ! Can't wait for more details ... hoping "things" go as smoothly as possible.

Cheryl said...

You are a busy little thing aren't you? Good luck with all your adventures and we'll be waiting with excitement to hear them all. Know that you will be missed but you will be prayed for.
God Speed!

Anonymous said...

All your readers will miss your regular posts so very very much. Thank God for the archives though :-) Best of luck with renovation/bakery/paper work/trips/making plans/changing plans....
*hug* from Tine, Denmark

Anonymous said...

Oh no!!!!
I will truly MISS your blog!!! I am a fairly new reader, and hope you will be back soon. Reading your blog is part of my morning routine. I suppose in the meantime I will read the archives.
Happy travels to you!!!
Look forward to hearing more about your adventures in the future.
God bless...
Jessica

Corey Davis said...

Brin,
Sounds like your vacation's come in due time. Stress sucks, I'm sorry you're feeling that way, but know you're not alone.
Are you going to stay in the Freeman House after it becomes a B&B? Are you going to keep brokering?
Have a great time overseas!
Corey

Anonymous said...

Brin,
I too have taken on the challenge of renovating an old house. It has become our home with deep roots. My husband and I have left the city life for life on a farm in hopes to make unforgettable memories for our little boy as he grows up. The rural friendships are such a blessing and the renovation challenges keep us very grounded and humbled. God has blessed us. I found your site while looking for ideas... you have inspired me. I wish you many blessings and pray that God protects you through your travels. And don't forget what you have waiting for you... in your own words: "That feeling of being wrapped up... that feeling of prayer and grace... that feeling of being home." Home will be waiting for you!
God bless you and keep you,
Jenn of Joy, TX

Unknown said...

I miss you already! But I know how busy you are and the result of your absent time will be worth it all. I just wish I lived closer so I could come and visit, someday you will find me on your door step! Look out Mary Jane, here comes Brin! Love ya!

Linnee said...

Enjoy your time away from the 'puter. But know that we'll be missing you and hoping for a quick return! :)

(I don't often comment, but I do pop in almost daily. I hope I don't suffer withdrawal while you're away. hehe)

Anonymous said...

Best wishes Brin!!! I can't wait to hear all your adventures when you're ready to return to blogland. I know that you will be a great success with the bakery and B&B. You've got one future patron ready to take a road trip from the Great White North to your beautiful Freeman House. Take care, Lisa

Mim said...

Brin
Happy planning and brokering and traveling and baking and cooking and gardening.
And we will be here when you want to be.
Mim

Elenka said...

Good luck to you, Brin. I am currently taking a break, covered in paint and joint compound...working on my 200 year old house. Love those old houses. Can't wait to see pics of how things work out for you.
Show some more videos sometime if you have a chance. That was fun to see 'real life' on the video, especially sweet Millie. I'll be checking in every once in a while.

paisley penguin said...

Ohhhh! Your ideas for Freeman house sound so absolutely awesome! I want to play!

Beverly said...

" ... All that said, I'm so excited about what the next year holds for Freeman House... for my life ... "
When you're excited about what your life holds, we're excited. You never fail to surprise us, entertain us, give us hope that life can be lived to the absolute fullest.

Beverly

Anonymous said...

Wow, Brin! What a lot of great plans you have in store for Freeman House! I think they're just brilliant. Plus they'll help you to finish all of those pricey restorations *wink, wink*. Very clever indeed :D. Have a blast! Bring tons of sunscreen to the Bahamas this time of year!

Harbor Hon said...

We'll miss you, sweet girl, and will await your return. Have lots of great adventures while you're away.

Recipes? Pocket pies ... please. I've been waiting such a long time since your email. Want to make them for my 81 year old Dad. xxoo

Sue said...

So much excitement. Enjoy each moment, planning, dreaming and doing. I will miss reading your daily musings but look forward to future tales of all that has gone on behind the blog doors. God bless.
Sue

Victoria said...

Brin,
I have so enjoyed your blog and will miss your posts. You have been such an inspiration!

Godspeed in all your adventures.

Jacky Hackett said...

I JUST found your blog, literally! I am so bummed you are signing off for a bit. Though jealousy is close, sounds like you have an awesome adventure ahead.

Enjoy and tell us all about it!

Nana Trish is Living the Dream said...

Your plans sound great! Have fun in all the preparation. We will all be missing you, but I know you will have tons of great pictures and stories when you come back. God bless you and keep having your messy, thrilling life!

Anonymous said...

Selfishly,I must say (err - sob?) "Nooooo-please don't go!" ~

There! Now that I have that over with...best wishes, good travels - and I hope you return when things settle a bit (interject whiny groveling here - please, oh please, oh please, come back ;O)...)! I am single Mom to 2 - and have come to cherish my time in the evenings (when the littles are abed) spent visiting you and Freeman House!

Take care, and God bless!

Kate

Antonella said...

well Brin, if you happen to visit Italy during your Europe stay I'd be so happy to meet you.
Have a nice summer
Antonella

Anonymous said...

Will a stay at Freeman House be by invitation only? Because I would be one of the first to sign up for a weekend with Brin!!! My husband and I have bought a house to renovate (not an old one, just an ugly one!) and I could spend all day picking your brain about gardening and collecting and baking and fixing-up. Have a terrific time because it will only serve to inform everything else you do! God bless and protect you as you globe trot!

Mia said...

oh my gosh, i'd say you ARE a busy girl.. but it sounds like it will be awesome.

How exciting! Take a break and come back and tell us how it's going :)

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Best wishes for a very happy and productive summer! Twyla

Kristie @ Comfy Cozy said...

I want to come to Freeman House someday and do all the things you described!! It sounds so wonderful!!

We'll miss you while you are taking your break but will be excited to hear all that you've been up to when you check in!

Enjoy each and every moment!!

Larissa said...

Wow! I just recently found your blog - and I am so inspired by your ideas. My hubby and I are purchasing an old house built in 1898 so I will be pouring through your archives for inspiration until you return. Best of luck with all of your plans!

Anonymous said...

Hey! My question is are you bringing Millie on the cruise to room with us? :) Can't wait!

Eloise said...

Aw, man! I just discovered your wonderful blog, too.

Have a wonderful time these next few weeks and hurry back to report it here.

sheila from life @ #17 said...

Good Luck and Safe Travels, not just with your physical journeys but with the new roads at Freeman House as well :)

Anonymous said...

I stop by each day to read about what's going on in your life. Exciting or not you always send a message to many of us, it's hidden in your words, it's the best! I will still come by and read through the archives as someone mentioned. I have learned many lessons here, I am sure there is something I missed -- how exciting to know there will still be surprises here.
Be well, travel safely, God speed

Jenna

Vee said...

You sound happy even if you are a bit "keyed up." Very exciting plans, Brin! You're a go-getter for sure!

Peace to you and God's blessings until you return, which can't be too soon.

Seawashed said...

It is all so very exciting...Freeman House will be buzzing with activity this winter. Enjoy all of the preparing.

I do think your header would look good with that Freeman House sign picture, especially now that you are getting it all in order to open its doors!!!

Terri Steffes said...

Wow. I am gone a week and look what happens!

Boy, things are surely happenin' at Freeman House and my heart just sings for you! I think you will do a marvelous job at all of these!

Betty said...

Have a wonderful summer, Brin wherever it takes you. Wishing you the best..take care, be well!
Blessings to you..

Rosa said...

Enjoy your new adventures!
Like Lisa I would love to come down from the Great White North for a Freeman House adventure of my own! :)
I'll keep you in my prayers.

ancient one said...

You are one Blessed person to have all you have going on, and still able to blog and make all of us love you! I hope you have fun on all your travels.

I have an award for you at:

http://everlastingmercy.blogspot.com/2008/07/sharing-love.html

Come see..

cathleen said...

I am so excited and happy for you. You deserve the best because you are such a blessing to so many. I just have one problem. I miss you so much already!!!

ancient one said...

I'll keep checking in.. you go do what you have to do..we'll still be here...

Anonymous said...

I miss you!

Lori

Anonymous said...

Just letting you know that you are being thought about while you are gone from your blog. Hope you are getting just what you need.
Ruthie from California

Rosy Inspiration said...

I just found your blog and it's lovely to be able to wind down and read your posts. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Hey, sounds to me like you're pretty organised and ready, bags still packed with two of everything!!!

Linda Lou said...

Say it isn't so--I have read your blog for ages, but never posted, i think if you want to move on to other things, that is ultimately your choice, I wish you much success, you are incredible writer and have a wonderful point of view to share---my email address is ligpop@aol.com

You will be missed!

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