At least that’s how the story began.
Last April, before May floods meandered their way over the Swannanoa banks, we headed to the Antique Tobacco Barn in Asheville NC, in search of a Gothic window. We explored aisles of primitive ladders, glass knobs, and bird egg blue cabinets until we spotted the distinctive curve peeking over nearby antique relics.
Or should I say curves? Turns out, there were two.
We asked to buy just one, but the seller wouldn’t budge⏤purchase the pair, or nothing at all.
A Gothic window isn’t an easy find, especially on our budget, so we paid the money and skedaddled back down the mountain.
We decided the now two windows could bookend the tiny house. One in front, perched over the porch, and the other, nestled in the back. Because we were nowhere ready for installation, (which begs the question why did we go shopping for them in April?), we wrapped the windows in beach towels and leaned them on my great-aunt’s bed frame in the garage.
Finally, on a bitter cold day in January, we introduced the windows to their forever home. Brian, aka, my Genius, devised a way to frame the window without having to cut curved pieces of wood, saving valuable time, and dare I say, frustration. *wink*
Brian installed the first Gothic window over the front porch. Around the same time, we needed to decide where to install the split unit for heating and air. While compact and uber-convenient, the interior part of the unit takes up a bit more space than expected, leaving us with only two choices: mount the unit over the antique mantle, or on the back wall.
Let’s just say the mantle won.
I couldn’t imagine having a split unit hovering over the vintage mantle, especially when two lovely alternatives are vying for that space. The second window was returned to the garage until further notice.
If this weekend warrior is learning anything during the building process, it’s to be flexible and to always have a Plan B. Notice I said learning, as in, the struggle is real.
Now, the Tiny House on the Hill sits with the Gothic window in place⏤a space designed just for her.
To have a tiny space to call our own is good for the soul. It doesn’t have to sit on a hill out back. It can be as simple as a cozy corner in our home, a closet where we create, or a place in our garden where we meet with God.
“You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me.”
Psalm 119:114 MSG
So, where’s your space⏤the place you go to create, rest, and recharge?
*Tiny subscribers, if you missed February’s Letter, you’ll want to check out the exclusive video of Brian installing the Gothic window.
Oh Cathy, it is really coming along! Love this little house : )
It really is. Next up is siding, and then we move inside. Hands in the air! 🙂
Thanks for the hint. I adore the way you share your stories with so much authenticity, and pass along a gem for your readers to ponder. Today I’d say the desk in my office is the quiet spot where I create, but the kitchen table is where I sit in my Abba’s presence.
Thank you for the kind words, Sandra. 🙂 I love the idea of your desk and kitchen table tag-teaming for God’s glory!
The window is so appropriate. Add a steeple and it will look like a tiny chapel.
What a sweet idea. I am praying that it will be a beacon of light on a hill. Thanks, Kathy!
“To have a tiny space to call our own is good for the soul.” Yes it is. Mine is my sunroom–starts out dark before sunrise and the light gradually comes in–just like beginning to read-unclear but truth is illuminated as I continue. Thanks for sharing your journey, Cathy.
Thank you, Marilyn, for joining me on the journey. Sunrooms are so nice because you can enjoy them year-round. Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful find. The front looks so great with this first treasure. I look foreward to seeing the other shine in its place too.
Since you asked, my sanctuary is my office. There’s one corner on my sofa where I go to for my quiet and refreshing time. However, when I counsel, teach, or mentor one or two guests in my office, I never sit in that spot.
Often I re-energize this office from time to time by reading prayers aloud from The Bondage Breaker. To do so is like opening the window to an invergorating breeze.
May your tiny house continue to grow into the answer to your prayers. Build on in victory!
I love this, Carolyn! Especially the part of reading the prayers aloud. Talk about transforming a space! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
LOVE the windows — and I didn’t realize we were so close to each other! I go to Asheville shopping every chance I get! We should meet for lunch or coffee sometime. 🙂
I guess I have a couple of places where I go to recharge — my recliner (never thought I would have my own “chair” – lol!) — I can sit there with my laptop and write away. I like to get inspiration walking down a tractor path that leads from our yard, through a pasture, to a small hill with a hay barn just up from the house, I take my phone to capture any neat pictures I see. The walk is nice and quiet– it’s one of my favorite places on earth and I get inspiration every time I’m there.
Thanks for sharing your tiny house journey with us!
I think we’re about an hour and a half away from Asheville. How far are you? Your inspiration path sounds downright dreamy, Connie. I’d love to see pictures!
Oh, your tiny house looks sublime in the blush of a sunset.
My true quiet space is an outdoor creek. My little fur buddy nestles alongside my hip as we nestle into a weathered hammock.
We all need a little space sometimes. Thank you for sharing yours with us 🙂
An outdoor creek, a little fur buddy, and a weathered hammock…all sound downright dreamy, Charla. Thank you for sharing and for your sweet words. 🙂
Love, love, love the window! Such a cute tiny house!
Thanks, Angie! She’s coming along. You’re getting snow, we’re getting rain. Once we get the siding on, the weather won’t matter. 🙂 Blessings…