3 - Framing and Reframing
Every wall we frame and every room we finish brings us one step closer to welcoming people seeking rest, creativity, and renewal in this mountain home.
We are excited to be ready (at least in some places) for drywall, so we had it delivered just outside the garage. Mark worked really hard clearing out the garage and shop to get it ready to eventually serve as the art studio and retreat leaders' suite. While we are doing most of the work ourselves, we know that drywall mudding and taping is an art form, so we are hiring a friend to do that finish work.
When we built the home in 1998, I rough-plumbed a bathroom out in the shop but never finished it. Now, reimagining the shop as a guest room for retreat leaders with an ensuite bathroom has motivated me to finally complete it. I have been focusing mainly on framing the interior walls upstairs inside the house, but the leadership suite and bath are waiting patiently. More to come on that in future blogs.
I was complaining to Mark about how hard it is becoming to see things up close, and he graciously ordered me bifocal safety glasses. What a guy!
It is fascinating to watch myself age. Of course, it sucks at times, but I am also working to greet it with a certain amount of humor and curiosity.
An example of my maturing into higher expectations came in the form of a corner wall in the upstairs bathroom. I had measured and remeasured where it needed to go, but when it came time to build it, I second-guessed myself and pushed it back an inch and a half. I thought it would be good enough, but in my heart, I knew I would likely have to rebuild the wall with an additional 2x4 because of the impact that 1 1/2 inches made down the hall. I showed it to our drywall friend, wondering if he could hide my mistake, but it was clear what I had done would not work.
And so, I got out the trusty Sawzall (see photo), cut the 16-penny framing nails, pulled out what felt like a hundred additional nails and then went to work rebuilding the dang thing. Honestly, when I completed the job, I was quite proud of myself that the corner and wall wasn't just 'good enough', but actually pretty impressive in its newfound squareness and plumbness.
As we work away, I continue to try to find moments to reflect and truly enjoy myself like listening to the rain, taking deep breaths of the mountain air, or noticing the bent nails at my feet from redoing the wall.
The nails in this photo, scattered around my feet, are the remnants of the lesson above, and their shapes make me think of a choreographed dance.
For now, we'll keep making space, one layer at a time, for what's next.
We're so glad you're here.
Why are we renovating our original family home for creativity-based retreats instead of building something new?
We love this mountain home that we built nearly 30 years ago. It has nourished our family and friends for decades, and now we're enjoying the process of lovingly renovating it to serve the vision of Making Space Retreats. This home and property have history, story, and a carefully cultivated warmth that we're excited to share with others. You can read more of that story in previous blog posts.
What are Making Space Retreats?
Making Space Retreats are intimate, creativity-based retreats for reflection, reframing, and renewal, held in our mountain home surrounded by forest and room to breathe. Beginning in Spring 2027, we'll be welcoming women who are longing to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and rediscover their creativity.
Who are these creativity retreats for?
For women who have built full lives and who are ready for space to reflect with both structure and freedom to reconnect with curiosity and creative possibility.
What will Mountain Space be like when it's finished?
It will be magical! Can I say that!? It will be warm and inviting, with every detail carefully curated to nurture and care for those who come to retreat. Picture 18 acres of forest, hot tub, campfire, an art and movement studio, artistically created meals, rich conversation, and joyful rest. Mountain Space will also be available to retreat leaders who are looking for a beautiful, nature-based setting to host their own gatherings.
header.all-comments