Sorry to have been away for several days.   Vacation with family took precedence and then there was that pesky inconvenience called Tropical Storm Fay.

Thankfully my house is fine; my pups are fine.  My friends are fine.  That's all that matters.

So, back to blogging.

I'm in the midst of a bathroom remodeling project.  When last I saw it, my center hall/guest bathroom was completely ripped out to the studs in the walls and there was a rectangular hole in the floor where the bathroom will go.  (We're sinking the tub.) 

I've picked out the new tub, sink and toilet.  I know what I want for the flooring.  I haven't selected all the tile for the walls yet, but I know the general look.

Right now, my contractor is running the plumbing where it needs to go and doing what needs to be done with wiring, etc. 

The whole process got me thinking.  I know someone whose life right now is pretty much a train wreck.  The way he's put things together for himself doesn't work.  He doesn't function the way he needs to and things are looking pretty ragged and on the edge of falling apart.  Trying to address things piece-meal hasn't accomplished anything.  It's like trying to stop 10 different leaks in the roof with a single bucket. 

I feel for the man and want to help but sticking on band-aids won't do the trick.

He needs to renovate his life.  Take things down to the bare basics and work on issues from the inside out.  Sometimes, it takes a total deconstruction before the real rebuilding can happen. 

Sometimes, when you take that approach, the end result is better, stronger, more solid than ever before.

Hi. I am glad to hear that all is well after Tropical Storm Fay. I was actually reading Key of Sea while I was hearing about Fay heading toward the Keys, so I was thinking about you! I really enjoyed the book, so I am wondering what's next in the stories from the Keys?:)

I like your analogy about destruction before new construction. Looking forward to receiving the books and supporting literacy here in Brantford, ON Canada. I have added you as a friend on my blog will you do the same for me? www.menospirit.bravehost.com thanks from Donna:)

There's a great non-fiction book idea for you, Mary--the kind of thing that stays on the shelves forever, happily generating revenues. "Life Renovation." There could be a reality show in it for you...

Great blog Mary!!
As always I get great insight and deep thoughts from your blog.
Love the concept of fixing a life.
Take the leaky boat out of the water to fix rather than keep patching as the water pours in.
Brava!!!
Janet
Oh btw...Nipps blogged about this blog post, outstanding!:)