Friday, May 20, 2011

The Flood

As I sit here, I am not listening to the sounds of my children playing. I'm not even listening to the click of the keys. I am instead listening to the sounds of nearly a dozen industrial blowers, tasked with drying out my main level and basement. Yesterday morning, I came downstairs to hear the rush of gushing water. I rounded the corner into the kitchen, only to land in an inch or so of water, which was not only filling the kitchen but running into the basement as well. The basement, AKA my studio. Horror, shock, and regret immediately hit me.

Not two weeks ago I felt strongly that I needed to get all of my fabric into plastic bins. I immediately went to Target and purchased a bunch and dutifully brought them down to the basement. Then I got distracted by laundry, kids, pretty fabric, tv, and any other worthwhile and worthless endeavor. The bins are still sitting, empty and dry, while my fabric has taken a beating. Anything in a bin or covered drawer is fine. Anything sitting on a table or in my open storage is not. I have been able to salvage a lot, but my current in the works projects are ruined. Not only did color run, but some of the projects were done without pre-washing the fabric. Which means that if I did wash it, the blocks would all shrink to different sizes and would not be usable. To say that I am heartsick is an understatement. I knew I was getting a spiritual prompting two weeks ago. I ignored it. I thought I had more time. Big lesson learned for me: when the Spirit speaks, don't keep sitting.

Other than my personal loss, we're looking at major damage in our kitchen. The vinyl floor was ripped up yesterday, revealing a less than attractive wood floor underneath that is studded with Frankenstein-esque staples all throughout. The cabinets are soaked. The wall between the kitchen and living room is very wet. Hopefully the blowers will be able to dry us out to avoid mildew, but I think a lot of damage was already done. We are definitely getting a new floor. We might also be getting new cabinets. And if the wall is damaged, hello major kitchen remodel. There is a silver lining, people.

8 comments:

Brooke said...

OMG!!!! I don't usually resort to that, but I was completely in shock as I read your post and moved to tears - oh my!!!!!!! Girlfriend - can I share anything with you, send you anything??? I would be happy to help restore your studio in any way!!! Hope the kitchen remodel may indeed turn out to be a silver lining for you - hugs!!!

patty said...

I'm heavy hearted with you.

Jewel said...

Girl I am here for you be expecting a huge box from me. Let me know what you love most and I will see i fI have it in the shop or stash.

Jackie said...

Oh, that is horrible... I just feel sick for you... lots of hugs going your way!

Mama Pea said...

Jana, I am so sorry to hear about this!!! What happened? Did a pipe burst? This is one of my worst nightmares. How is your machine(s)? Did your machine make it okay? If I can help you resew WIPs or give anything of mine to you, please let me know. Let me know what you don't get from others and I will send it to you.

I do hope the kitchen remodel will turn out to be a silver lining and that insurance covers every penny of your loss.

A.J. Dub. (Amy) said...

I am so sorry! That stinks! Hopefully all will turn out well for you.

Anonymous said...

Jana my love! I am so sorry. I know those promptings and I too have had the experience of not following through. I feel so desperate for you. I haven't sent off the replacement sugar and spice yet and I will include more in with it. Let me know if you need anything else. xoxoxo

Johanna said...

Jana, I hope that not too much is damaged. I wish there is something I could say to make you feel better and I so wish I could just come over and help you.
If there is anything I could send you and anything you want me to do (other then me being there in person), please let me know.
Lots of hugs,
Johanna