Our recent words about contentment inspired me to begin a series that celebrates ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness. But, it's not all about me - what have you done with what you have? I'd love to hear.
The bell jingled as I walked through the door of the saddle maker's shop. I breathed deeply; the air was infused with leather. At his workbench in the back of the store, he was busy putting new strings on a worn-out saddle. The tag hanging from the horn, I noticed, in scratch letters said, "Fix everything that's broke."
That's why I'd come, too.
I needed a piece of leather, one inch wide, about six feet long, and some lacing, too, to replace the frayed strap on the handbag I had. He nodded, paused his work on the saddle and lead me over to deep shelves that climbed the wall - all full of rolled-up leather.
This one.
He rolled it out across a deep, wide table; cut one strip wide, and the other one narrow. The wooden handles of his tools were worn; his hands were steady and sure.
The coiled leather he placed like a nest in my hands, and with it a scrap of paper for the cashier.
It read, "Leather pieces $10.00."
A reasonable price, I thought, to fix what's broke.
Do what you can with what you have.
Have you been looking for a tastefully designed, small house plan that lives large? You may just find what you've been seeking in the newly-released Shelter Collection - four small floor plans designed for gracious living in 900-1400 square feet, the first & second just recently released, the third, and fourth coming soon. Peruse the collection here.
