I recently received some photos that made me appreciate the humble ingenuity of youngsters.
John, the local lad who heroically carted away the decrepit trailer we inherited with the property has been doing incredible work turning it into a tiny home for him and his girlfriend.
When he answered my desperate kijiji ad back in early November, his plan was to convert it into either a utility trailer or a tiny home. I thought his girlfriend would kill him, and then come knocking on my door. I would not have blamed her. That trailer was a hot mess (possibly possessed) and the fact that he was even able to drag it away to his property was a miracle.
John has been busy. Here is the first photo I received via text in late November:
Two simple words accompanied the photo: Open Concept
That made Dave and I laugh and applaud his youthful efforts. I asked John to stay in touch and keep us posted on his progress.
The cynic in me never expected to hear from him again.
In May, I received these photos. No words. Just photos:
I couldn’t believe my eyes. OMG JOHN YOU’RE DOING IT!! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!! IT LOOKS INCREDIBLE!! was an abridged version of what I screamed in my responding text.
Thanks summed up his answer, but I suspect he allowed himself a small smile of pride.
John may be a guy of few words, but get ‘er done is certainly part of his vernacular.
A couple of days ago, I was gifted two more photos.
My response, chock full of OMGs and exclamation marks, ensured my exuberant emotion was understood. I asked his permission to share on this site, and wondered if I could interview him when their tiny home was completed. I’d be glad to, was John’s humble response.
My cup of awe runneth over with streams of marvel and respect. I will keep you posted on John’s progress and as I have never actually met him in person, I look forward to it when his project is complete.
As I sit and type this post, my gratitude for the interesting and ingenious people the good karma cabin has brought into our lives is reawakened. It is reminder that the many paths we follow or stumble down are full of unexpectedly pleasant surprises.
I wonder what would be an appropriate “new home” gift in this case…a framed photo of the original trailer? An inspiring quote about ingenuity and perseverance?
Maybe a cold beer and a soft pillow. John is going to need a good, long nap when all of this is over.
Well done, young lad. Well done.
Rumi dedicates his ecstatic Bionic Bubble Ballet to John and all others who turn junk into things of beauty.
My goodness. He is ambitious. All you can do is applaud that effort!
Wow, what an extra interesting post. Maybe the keys you saw in your pics after relinquishing the trailer to young John truly were there “in presumptive hope of future service”. They were a good omen. There IS something salvageable in everything. How nice that John has kept you informed. Thanks for sharing, Karen.
Funnily enough, I’ve been meaning to ask him if he kept the keys as a “keepsake”. It brightens my day when he sends an update- that poor old trailer being repurposed after being so neglected is a hopeful thing indeed.
How wonderful to see the new generation adapt to.the concept of the ” small house “. A wonderful story of what it really means to recycle / repurpose with an artistic flair and modest budget.
A lesson in living within our means and taking pride in our accomplishments!
Indeed – most likely all within a reasonable budget due to sweat equity and realistic expectations that distinguish between”need” vs “want”.