Dear Diary,

Okay, once again we're back at square one.  Thankfully, God closed (slammed) the door on what I was sure was going to be The Scrap Inn.  Luckily, things did not progress as quickly as I wanted them to, and in the end we were saved from a BIG mistake. 

As I've said before God's timing is perfect.  Once again I feel like even though things did not go the way I thought they should, that they went just as they should have and we have gained more knowledge.  I thank God, that He saved us from what would have been a terrible mistake, and that He closed the door in a way that there is "no one to blame".

I shared with my sister that if this didn't work out I was going to be very disappointed.  Her response was - "with who?"  I had to think about that one - and realized that it would be wrong for me to be disappointed, because if it didn't work out it was as it should be.  I also believe God prepared me beforehand for the closed door.  I also thank Him, that it was obvious to both Bob and I that the door was closed!

What an awesome God I serve.  Now the search continues - with a renewed desire for God's leading.  

Dear Diary,

Paperwork is in the works!  Please keep praying. Happy New Year!

Dear Diary,

Yesterday, they were talking on the radio about dreams.  And how God wants to fulfil our dreams - because he's the one that places dreams within us.  They talked about the verse that says God will give you the desires of your heart, and how the desires of our heart are placed there by God.

I have to agree with that.  This all started with a dream that God placed in my heart, almost 1 year ago.  There been lots of up and downs along the way - but the desire / dream is still there.  Today the dream may take it's first major step.

We are trying to get a realistic idea of how much repairs and upgrades are going to cost on the house I believe to be The Scrap Inn.  The plan is to make an offer today.  For all to fall into place God is going to have to open doors, that some people would think impossible.  I believe they are possible, but only if God opens them.

Please pray that things go as they are suppose to.  That doors are opened and closed as God directs, and that we walk in obedience to Him.

Dear Diary,

The house met with Bob's approval.  We are going to pursue it - by getting some estimates done & then determining what to offer. 

This morning as I was praying about "The Scrap Inn"  I realized that it may take God moving some mountains for it to happen - but then I was reminded that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed we can move mountains.  And if this is The Scrap Inn - He will do just that.

Please continue to pray that God will lead and direct and give us wisdom and discernment as things progress.   

Dear Diary,

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted.  Mainly, because nothing has been happening.  The market for homes has kind of dried up - there just didn't seem to be anything out there, until Friday.

I looked at a home on Friday - I LOVE the location - the lot is the perfect size.  The house is 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths and is in pretty good shape. I think it would be the excellent Scrap Inn.  But as usual there are issues, which I won't go into.  But they are things that God will have to work out - if this is in deed The Scrap Inn.  I'm trying not to get too excited about the possibility - I hate disappointment. 

On Friday on my way to work I was reminded of God's timing - how it's ALWAYS perfect.  So my prayer continues to be that God will open and close doors as He sees fit.  That I won't run ahead of Him or lag behind.  And that I will rely on Him and His timing. 

Oh my God, He will not delay My refuge and strength always I will not fear, His promise is true My God will come through always, always Troubles surround me, chaos abounding My soul will rest in ... ...my God, He will not delay My refuge and strength always I will not fear, His promise is true My God will come through always, always I lift my eyes up, my help comes from ... http://www.klove.com/music/artists/kristian-stanfill/songs/always-lyrics.aspx  

Dear Diary,

No, I haven't given up.  There just doesn't seem to be anything out there right now.  I am watching and praying and being patient!

Hopefully, there will be some news soon!

Later,
Kathy

Dear Diary,

Off to see some houses today!  Maybe one of them is The Scrap Inn.

I'll keep you informed.

Later,
Kathy

Dear Diary,

Had something interesting happen to me yesterday.  I was driving (or attempting to) down the highway - it was more like a parking lot when my phone rang.  The man on the other end said, "so what's this Scrap Inn".  I asked him if he was on the same highway.  He said, he was right behind me.  (I have The Scrap Inn signs on my vehicle).  I told him what it was, he thought it sounded like a great idea and wanted to know where it was.  I had to tell him, I don't know yet...  Turns out his wife is a scrapper!  So who knows - a traffic jam - may have lead to a future guest at The Scrap Inn.

I'm planning on looking at some houses on Monday AM.  Hopefully, one of them may be the ONE!  We will see.

Later,
Kathy

Dear Diary,

I think I'm in the midst of a lesson on faith, trust and patience.  The search continues - but nothing promising out there right now. 

I did look at a few properties last week - but they just weren't IT!

Patience is a virtue - Right?

Hope to have some news soon!

Later,
Kathy

Dear Diary,

Still looking for "The Scrap Inn".  I know it's out there - just haven't found it yet.  Keep watching and waiting with me!  I'll let you know how the search progresses.

Later,
Kathy

Dear Diary,

Went house hunting today...

The first house we looked at had a room that would work for scrapping - but it is actually a sun porch - and it has no AC or heat - NOT an option here in Texas.  The other rooms were fine - but the house was very chopped up into multiple small rooms.  The area was okay - but not really what I am looking for.

House 2 - by the time we got close - we had already determined it was not the area for The Scrap Inn.  It was in the country - and quite isolated.  We decided it would be a waste of time to look at it at that point.  Sooooo on to house number 3.

I loved the house - it was built in the early 1900s - lots of charm and spacious rooms - tons of storage space - but not practical for The Scrap Inn.  One of the bedrooms was long and narrow.  It was barely wide enough for single beds - and would only have held 2.  The master bed rooms was a decent size.  The third bedroom was upstairs in what I'd call an "Attic" room.  It had the slanted ceilings and would have been very fun to decorate - BUT the bathroom did not have a shower - and because of the slanted ceilings it would not have been an option.  There were several LARGE rooms or combination rooms that would be great for the scrap room - but there were several rooms that would have been just wasted space - not that they couldn't have been decorated cutely - but heating and cooling unused space is kind of silly.  One of the larger rooms could have been converted into another bedroom - but not without a lot of work - and manipulation... Add to all this that it was in need of a new roof and the age of the house - it was added to our NO list! :(

The last house - was cute from the outside - and really nicely remodeled - had a room that would be great for the scraproom - beautiful wood flooring - new carpet paint, remodeled bathrooms and kitchen - just one catch...It had obvious foundation issues... not something you want to mess with in Texas.

Soooo, in many ways it was kind of a disappointing day - but yet once again we feel we gained a lot of knowledge that will assist in the future hunt.  The Realtor was very helpful and assured me that there is that special place "out there" and that he will continue to look!  

I continue to believe (with a reminder from my hubby) - that if this is God's will - He will make away - and will lead us to the right place at the right time... To some this may sound like foolishness - to those of us who know HIM - it's called faith.  

Dear Diary,

Well, the house hunt is back on!  I've been in touch with several realtors - and tonight we took a field trip just to check a place out on our own.  Never did find it - it was very last minute and we were totally unprepared.  We did find 3 of the 6 that were on our list - 1 of which is a NO.  The other 2 are possiblilities - and who knows about the other 3.  It was a fun trip & we really like the town! 

Hope to look at these and a few other possibilities soon!

I know The Scrap Inn is out there! 

Check in to the post below - I'd love to know your here and how you found me!

Later,
Kathy

Dear Diary,

The hunt has begun anew!

I decided I better start over as far as getting information on the properties on my "possibilities" list.  I sent 11 emails - asking about 12 properties, and asked for each of the realtors to let me know if they had anything else that might work in their area.  So, hopefully things will start picking up again.

Dear Diary,

Seems like everything has come to a standstill lately.  I have not been able to get much  help.  I have about 30 properties that I'm waiting on a response for.  I may just have to go back to contacting the listing agents myself. 


I am going to another Scrap Retreat next week - and hope to be able to go by and check out 2 on my way - so that might atleast be helpful. 

Thanks for your continued interest.  I haven't given up - just moving pretty slow right now!

Later,
Kathy

Dear Diary,

The search continues!  I have decided not to pursue this property.  I spoke with the city today.  It seems it was going to be a long (5 to 6 weeks (it's already been 3) process - along with a $250 fee to determine if they would rezone the house so it could be used for the Scrap Inn.  I feel this is another closed door.  I did find out that in order to not have to go through this process - we have to have a property in a commercial zone - I've asked the realtor to look for properties zoned commercial that fit my needs - but am not very hopeful there is anything in that town.  So we're moving on.  

The adventure continues!

Dear Diary,

Still waiting to hear from the city council, they need more paperwork, and a fee paid before I can get an answer.  I'm now waiting to see if the fee is a requirement, and needs to be paid before I can get a yes, regarding the use of the property.  If so, I know the search continues!  I am not convinced that this IS the ONE - so, I'm not willing to make a monetary commitment.  Hopefully, I should get a response on Monday to my request for more information regarding the fee.  This could be another closed door or maybe just another bump in the journey.   Either way, I know God has the Place already picked out, He knows where it is and in His time He will reveal it to me.  Just as I know that it was Him who said "You can do this", I know He is faithful and will provide the perfect place at the perfect time.

I did have a very productive day yesterday.  I attended the Great American Scrapbook convention.  I was able to meet 4 other "inn keepers" from Texas.  They were "Texas Friendly" and were very helpful in regard to answering some of my questions and offering me future help & support.  Their willingness to share with me was amazing, and they were a great source of information, that only someone who has "been there, done that" could know.  Much more important than the valuable source of information, they became friends. 

Thanks fellow inn keepers, you rock! 

Please send me an email if you would like to be added to my email newsletter, or if you'd like to know how you can receive a discount on "Your Scrappin' Getaway" at The Scrap Inn.

Later,
Kathy

Dear Diary,

I've been waiting very patiently all weekend to hear from the city council... Not sure how patient I will be once Monday comes.  I'm trying not to get ahead of the game - and making too many plans for this house.  I know that if this isn't the one - that the one that IS will be ever better.  That helps me to keep things in perspective.


Went garage saleing yesterday and got a few more treasures for The Scrap Inn.  I was able to get 3 oak dining room chairs.  I'm not sure if they will end up in the dinning room or the kitchen - but either place they will need new seat covers.  Most the other things I bought were for the kitchen, a mixing bowl, a baking dish that will be perfect for my hot bacon, spinach cheese dip, a 9 x 9 glass baking pan, a few Nick knacks for the mantel, a wicker mirror and 2 wicker framed pictures for the Shabby Chic bedroom, a coffee mug, some insulated mugs with lids, cloth napkins, a Welcome sign, a hand made wall hanging that says "enter as st ranges, leave as friends", an antique juicer, a sign that says "it doesn't get much better than this RELAX (for the lounge), lots of covered glass jars - for snacks or embellishments.  I think that's about it. 

I also, added to the sidebar - information on how to be added to my newsletter e-mail list.  If you'd like to be included - just send an email to scrappinpsycho@msn.com with a request to be added to the newsletter list.

Later,
Kathy

Dear Diary,

I think I may have found the place... I know you've heard that before.

I found a house that seems almost perfect for The Scrap Inn.  I have to write a letter to the city council to get permission to use the house for The Scrap Inn.  I'm working on putting that together - or should I say, I'm procrastinating about writing the letter.  I know that if it's the right place all the details will fall into place.  Here is a picture of the scrap room minus the carpet.  Its a great size!

 When I looked at it - I was excited about the size of this room for the scrapbook room - it's in the center of the house - has great outdoor lighting and did I mention lots of room.  My plan would be to remove the carpet and have a stained concrete floor.  There are also lots of outlets around the room - and the bookcase is removable (not sure if I will move it or not). It also has recessed lighting - which may need to be changed to tracked lighting - hard to tell in the day time.

It has 3 bedrooms & 2.5 baths, a dinning room, eat in kitchen area (with a chandelier ?), a laundry room, 2 car garage, nice yard - nice area, & ample parking.

Now for the almost part - I had wanted a "lounge area".  A small area where you can get away from the scraproom & relax & read a book, or watch TV or a movie.  There really isn't a room that would work for that.  I was thinking the laundry room - it is a good sized room with a window - but realized it has cabinets on 2 of the walls - and a sink with a cabinet.  Not real conducive to a cozy little area to escape to - so now the issue is:  am I willing to give that part of my dream up - or is there a way to make it work.  How important is it?

So the question of the week is:  How important is it to have a lounge area?    

Dear Diary,

Seems like things have slowed down - but I am pressing on.  I've made a few contacts that I hope will result in future guests, and made some more purchases - little things.

Tomorrow we have an appointment to see some more houses in a new area! 

Will update the results.

Later,
Kathy

Dear Diary,

Picked up a few things for The Scrap Inn at Garage Sales on Saturday. Maybe I can posts some pictures later. 


Sent some emails to listing agents in another small town.  Waiting for replies. 


Need to make some opportunities to get some business cards "out there"


Later,
Kathy