RENOVATION
‘Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different…’
C.S. LEWIS
A new friend recently called me ‘Superwoman’ over at the Renovating Italy facebook page.
Yet I don’t feel like this cartoon super-heroine, I feel tired, cranky and ready to burst into tears at the slightest thing. Emotional overload, hormones…who knows, lets just say I’ve been a ‘biatch’ to live with.
Renovating a house in the mountains of Italy is incredible and I totally love this life and my family but sometimes I just want to scream! This last week has been one of those times and when I am like this I stop writing, I start blaming, and wonder how on earth we are going to make this work.
It’s moments like these that my husbands sense of humor and persistence keeps us together. We love it here, I can’t imagine living anywhere else and have shaken off the doldrums and seen the rainbow.
Although at the moment we have no income (Sam is waiting for me to be a best seller) I’m sure we will work something out. So many ideas and it just takes thinking outside of that box, we’d love to start a project here in the Valley to share what we are learning. A way to give a taste of this dream we are living, to share our dream and create something for others.
Our house will be finished before the end of Winter, and we’d love to be able to buy another here in the borgata to create a place for friends, family and those interested in this lifestyle to stay and experience it first hand.
Another big dream but one I know we could achieve, my husband looks ten years younger, the kids are about to start school and learn a new language, they now have rabbits, chickens and a totally new outlook on life, and I am lit up by this valley every time I open the shutters in the morning to gaze over the mountains.
Anything is possible…
Our lounge room floor is completed, the heater made it’s way into the house suspended on a huge tree trunk over the shoulders of Sam and Claudio….it weighs a tonne. The kitchen and lounge walls have been re coated and we now have hand made shelves and a kitchen bench.
Things are starting to take shape, the house is becoming a home and it looks great.
Next week we have old friends from Australia coming to visit, and more this Saturday….I just can’t wait to see them all and share the dream. Tomorrow we are off to pick up some matresses so that we will all have somewhere to sleep.
The bedroom upstairs now has a wall for privacy with the plaster going up today (pics to follow) now I have a wall to put the antique wardrobe against freeing up some space in the room for bedside tables. We have plenty of things to keep us busy through Winter.
The valley is full of sunflowers, berries and people making hay while the sun shines….I now see where this saying comes from. Our chickens are laying eggs, the rabbits are soon to be making more rabbits and our tiny chicks are now running about in the stable.
In such a short time we have achieved so much, discovered ourselves and created even bigger dreams….hmmm maybe I am ‘Superwoman’ after all.
and the gang x
Hi Lisa, amazing reading, I’m transfixed … my wife is telling me off for spending too much time reading your updates and wonderful adventures. We too are embarking on our own adventure but unfortunately I’m not as handy as Sam…. Looking to arrive in March and find a rental and take it from there. Any suggested places for schools, amenties and great times we’d love to hear. Good luck with you reno’s although I’m not sure if I’m reading out of sequence so I am not up to date on your lates conquests…. hope to see you when we get there…. Auguri! Matt
Hi Matt, so funny and I can just imagine your wife hitting you with a fry pan. As for places etc narrow it down a bit, thing about climate and what it is you are looking for re lifestyle. For us it was having a simple country life in a place that was as authentic as possible. How old are your kids? I’m actually working on an E-book right now about how we turned our Dream into a Reality and much of it was in the change of mindset. Feel free to email us directly at admin (@) renovatingitaly dot com
ciao ciao for now
lisa
Cranky, ready to burst into tears….boy can I relate to that. I think all of us mothers feel that way when we get overworked and are still trying to be good wives and mothers. You definitely are a super-woman though. I am so impressed at the amazing work you guys are doing. Keep it up!!
Thanks Trisha you more than anyone I know could be called ‘Superwoman’, your stories are so insightful and help to change the way we all see the world. I know you also have your work cut out with family as well as work and I have no idea how you manage it all!! xxx
sending love and give yourself a big pat on the back xxx
Hi Lisa , I am in awe of what you are doing . Your husband is amazing , what a great worker , and you , well what can I say, I would of done more than scream LOL Keep going , you are nearly there and what a super life you are all going to have. xx
Oh I often do more than scream Anne, sometimes I totally loose the plot! Sam is amazing but don’t tell him I told you so! Life is changing daily and it’s a talent to just keep up with it all xx
You know you’ll have to get over for a visit!! x
Hey Lisa is the place big enough to take guests? Down the track? I’m just wondering as a possible income source? Pleased to hear the kids have made their start at school – hope it’s going well and they’re settling in. You sound happy. In amongst all the busyness, you sound happy. Hope that’s so. x
Hey Margaret, not really unless we move to another room. We have had friends staying a few days at a time and given them our room. I’d certainly like some way to have guests staying perhaps in the next house if it comes up for sale. Kids are going well at school and yes always busy but deciding to start organizing my time a little better. Hope all is well with you and yes if you come you will get our ‘Honeymoon Suite” we’d love to have you both xxx
Lisa – I think you are where you were born to be….and what about turning your “Blog Posts” into a Book? That everyone can read your “Renovating Italy” journey together!!
I love the feel of your new home, you guys have done so much…enjoy your dream xx
Now Sam is quoting you constantly…yes a Book! I am loving this house and the valley, the kids seem to be settling in well at school and we are getting ready for Winter xx
Meanwhile you are eating ice cream in Bondi!! Love the kite festival and your guardian angel xx
Fantastic Lisa! What sweeping changes and having that beautiful mountain air outside must help in the taxing moments. How cold is it at night? How far are you from Torino? One day I’m coming up, would love to meet you all and see the finished product. Is there camomile around? A cup of calming tea? Xxxcat
Hi Catherine, yes the air here is certainly fresh and it is glorious to breathe in deeply first thing in the morning. It is starting to get cool at night and some of the locals have fires going but we are tough Aussies so just put on a jumper! Sam has just gone to order the wood, and we are still waiting for the guy who is doing our windows and doors otherwise we are told to just wrap ‘glad wrap’ around them.
We aren’t far from Torino, about an hour so if you are up I’d love to catch up with you somehow., Just let me know a little in advance, Sam drinks Camomile so we could brew up a lovely cup of tea lol xxx
PS I tried to leave a comment over at the site above but it didn’t give a name/url option, just thought I’d let you know xx
Dear Lisa…. sounds like you really know you’re alive these days – and wouldn’t have it any other way. What else would you be doing? Would you trade it for life in Australia again? I know the answer already I think 😉 Take it easy on yourself. You are already inspiring the world with your courage and honesty and energy. Keep writing, keep opening those shutters and let Italy inspire you as she knows how to do so well. With love, jxx
Sorry sorry to take so long to get back to you Janine, it’s been mad here and kids started school this week. I certainly can’t imagine ever going back now, we just adore it here and life is good!
This Italy that you and I love so much has a firm hold on my heart now, I see how she keeps you so enthralled xxx
sending big hugs and kisses and wishing I could pop over for a coffee!
Lucky you for having Sam!!! He is a darling, and you are a SUPERWOMAN, even if you occasionally fall into the all-too-human trap of feeling down at times. I remember going through those blues during my renovation, when it all became just too much. I would be in tears and call my husband back in the US and he’d say, “Just remember that most people would love to be in your shoes.” Baci & buon corraggio. xxxx
I loved your story about Gino and his bridge!
We are going strong at the moment and now the kids are in school it’s so quiet during the day. We have some friends coming from Australia either today or tomorrow so busy cleaning up. Sam has decided that right now would be a great time to bring in all the rocks to make the frame and chimney for the heater in the lounge!
Yes many people would love to be in my shoes and funnily enough I literally only have two pairs….work boots and black sandals lol xxx
I’ve kind of been a stalker on your blog, not commenting much except for a few likes. Your life and what you are accomplishing is Aaamazing! I think your idea of buying a house in your borgata to create a place for those interested in your lifestyle is an idea excellante! It is so different than what the normal visitor gets to experience. We are traveling from Umbria up to Como and Lake Geneva after a 2 month stay near Orvieto and I often wonder….’what would happen if I just sort of showed up at Lisa’s!’ Brava!
I just realized that I am also a stalker on many blogs as well Denise. I usually leave a comment but sometimes just run out of oomph by the end of the day when I check the email.
I just know that people would love to get a little glimpse into this rustic life in the mountains, It is so far removed from the ideal of ‘Under that gorgeous Tuscan Sun’ and if you’re going to ‘just show up’ (in Australia it’s called the drop in!) just let us know a little in advance. You can just email me or send me a pm through facebook xxx
Might see you soon,
ciao lisa
xx
What wonderful photos and what a darling daughter!
You must have a really good camera.
She’s a darling when asleep my husband says…
and no only a little digital thing I keep in my pocket lol xx
I have enjoyed following the progress…I have to give you a lot of credit, to have the fortitude and vision to work together though this – BRAVO! Love all the pictures of your neighbors and family too!
I am just trying to count up the number of moves we’ve done since we met and it would be around 17 with 7 of those being full renovations. WOW that really is a lot considering we’ve been together for about 17 years lol xx
I usually blow my top about mid way through a reno and then we just get on and get it done, this house is the one I know I’m going to make a home base, it’s a keeper!. Although never say never with us lol x
Happy to hear you like the non renovation photos as well, I’m always a bit unsure about what to include, for a while I was only writing about renovations but I feel that we are totally renovating our entire life as well xx
ciao ciao lisa x
Lisa, despite a bit of a lull in your enthusiasm, you have achieved so much. I can’t wait to see the next lot of photos with the furniture in place, your writing desk set up and the fire glowing. Hang in there as you are living an amazing time and things will improve. Just keep opening tht window to the glorious mountains beyond and breathe deeply.
More a lull in my enthusiasm for my husband Casey, he drives me nuts sometimes. An explosive argument seems good for our relationship every now and then ,I’m like a volcano…placid till I erupt and then you better run like hell. Yesterday we spent the day driving about in a van through Torino picking up mattresses for guests who are coming to stay. We also visited a friend who has given us ancient baskets, an old wooden trough for the chickens, some kind of small wooden table with slots that is a total mystery, a little desk, a great farm style shoe rack, and our house is now full of treasures. We also got a bike for Carina and a remote control robot (the size of a toddler) for Luca from the man selling the mattresses. Life is never boring here, friends coming Sunday so have to go and get the house sorted! sending love to all the gang and a big kiss to Brett xxxx
PS When are you coming for a rustic stay in the mountains lol x
Stunning! I think your husband certainly deserved a superman cape for all the progress he has made since your arrival – you make a good pair!
Funnily enough that’s what he said Annette! Somehow we do make a good pair even though we are totally opposite in most things. xxx
Dearest Lisa – I wish I could hug you SO tight! I’ve had one of those weeks too where everything feels TOO MUCH!! I’m so glad you have your Sam and that the two of you are making your way through this scary, exhausting, overwhelming yet wonderful time. XOXO You’re troopers, all of you, and I’m SO hugely proud of you. You’ll make a way – I KNOW you will. 🙂 And I’m telling myself the same thing. It will be OK. We’ll figure this out. It will be worth it. XO Much, much love to you and wishes for courage and strength and ingenuity. 🙂
Hope your week has improved and sending you a big hug as well. We become more certain each day that this is the right move for us, so many new dreams. You and I will always come up shining because it’s what we do!
I am taking that as my mantra….courage strength and ingenuity xxx
just picking dandelion today and thought of you x
You are both “super” for creating this life and for all the work you both do! Just be sure that when things get overwhelming (and how could they NOT?), that you take a bit of time just for yourself. Then, refreshed, you can all tackle the projects again. The place looks wonderful!
Oh thanks for that Wynne, all good now. Time to regroup, and prepare for Winter, it’s already getting cold we will certainly have snow when you come. xx
Hang in there – you have made it this far and I dare say the worst is over – the unknowing. Now you know where you want to be and what you want to do – you are in your dream. Hugs to you Fxx
Oh yes all good now, I’m already thinking on the next big dream to have people come and see this for themselves. It’s starting to get cool and the leaves are falling, Winter is coming and we still haven’t heard from the guy doing the windows. It could be a cold Winter xxx
hugs back to you x