(97 votes, average: 4.69 out of 5)
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The fifth finalist in the Old House Blogger Contest comes from BlessthisDIYmess.com. They entered a post about solitude, fasting, poverty and obedience… in other words, the joys of being submerged in a home renovation. Elaine and Dylan are renovating a 1920s Pittsburgh home, “one do-it-yourself disaster at a time.”
In a post titled: Give Us This Day Our Daily Humble Pie Elaine examines her DIY-renovation lifestyle and notes: “We scare salesmen as we answer the door in our masks. We roll into Home Depot looking like alley cats, with plaster dust all over our butts, our hair, our everywhere. We have constant bedhead from showering at night, after long hours in DIY hell.”
BlessthisDIYmess in action
Elaine notes that The DIY Mess has seen better days. “According to one neighbor, just a few years ago it was ’something straight out of Animal House.’”
To read other entries, visit our post announcing the finalists. Use the ratings above to cast your vote for this entry by rating it, and feel free to leave a comment. Like this entry a lot? Share it by clicking below.
17 Responses to “The Fighting Friars of Home Renovation”
I love this post! If I do say, the world needs more writing like this. And I feel ok in saying, Elaine and Dylan deserve the gift card. thanks. jb agentsofmoxie.com
There’s nothing quite like ’submersing’ yourself in your work to the point that you disappear from the outside world. Would have loved to see the faces of visitors as they opened your door. DIY all the way or not at all. Right?
5 STARS!! 5 BIG STARS!! The courage, the endurance,….awe inspiring.
Elaine’s blog with Dylan’s photos began while the house was a “before”; everything you see on their blog has happened since August 2008; they’ve shown no fear of any project, and Dylan can make $$$ stretch like no one else. The $250 gift card would be well spent. Old House Web would open themselves to thousands of hits with Elaine writing for their blog; check out the number of hits on her blog.
We’re regular readers of this blog. It takes me back…but, thankfully, not all the way back! I love the mess they’re making, and I give the blog a 5. Go Vitone!
Elaine,
I love your writing…it reminds me of Erma Brombeck’s writing. I also am enjoying watching what you and Dylan have done with your old house…I’m very impressed as I can’t even hammer in a nail straight! Good luck!
They have done a great job. Love it
You would not scare me….I think we’d look alike! Wish I were young enough to do it again! Good luck in your efforts and blogging.
Great writing and project.
I like the master bathroom medicine cabinet yet am making this comment only because the Masters of Oldhouseweb.com have mandated such in an effort to garner witty comments. Likely they now have copyright on all of our witty notations. Damn you Oldhouseweb (dot com). Why must our collective feet (foot?) be always held to the fire of JavaScript pop-up error messages upbraiding us for failure to fill yet another data field?
Aha! Are those HARDWOOD floors? I want to watch over your shoulder when those things are on the schedule… I spent about 3 weeks doing an 15 x 15 entryway! The commercial sander is really worth it, but be sure to recess ALL the nails. Sandpaper for those isn’t cheap, and isn’t nail-proof either. All the best!
Loved the DIY Diva Explains how to cope blog. And, believe me, nothing is “too obvious” to mention to us beginners! You have my vote.
5 stars. Great job you two! Keep up the good work! I really enjoy Elaine’s writing.