Does a story instantly come to your mind? I can look at just about anything and come up with a story. It may not be the best story you’ve ever heard but I’ve never come up blank (yet). I do think the caffeine amount has to be just right, that may be the real key! I was writing a blip using the word prompt: Glimmer. When out spewed the start of a story. I quickly wrote two versions and ended up using the second version. This is my introduction into fiction, I have even more respect for real authors after trying a blip! (haha) – I may add to this story in the future… I admire real authors, planning is key, and there is no planning involved in this, just writing…

This is fiction… my name is Barbara, not Elaine and I don’t live on Nantucket, in fact, I’ve never been…

Well, here I am, Elaine Smart, I work from home creating fabulous websites for businesses. I love my work, but something is missing, or maybe I should say someone is missing. A significant other, someone to spend my life with. Why is a good man so hard to find? I’m not sure, but they’re relatively rare, like a three-headed giraffe in my opinion. 

I’m sitting at Sconset Beach, which is on Nantucket for those of you who don’t read Chick-Lit. I’ve had my head in the sand so to speak, catching the rays, hoping to up my body’s level of Vitamin D. Listening to the waves crashing and lapping the shore has always been a way to relieve my stress and worries. Just being outside feels good. It won’t be summer forever, so I need to take this time to really enjoy it.

Something very intriguing happened on my ride to Sconset (on my hot pink Townie Electra, with my brrrrrinnnnng briiiiinnnnng bell and leather seat). I ran into my next door neighbor and dear friend, Valerie. She spoke to Samantha Bligh, her parents, who are getting up in age, own the cute house across the street. Sam would like the house sold quickly, “as is”. Valerie asked me to let her know if I could think of someone who might be interested. She gave me a wink and smile as she turned to leave. Hmmm, what was that about? A hint? Was it a hint for me to purchase the Bligh’s home? I already have a home…

As I went through my day, I kept thinking about “the house” – I’ve always loved that house, so quaint and charming. Every single time I pass by that house I dream about what I would do, what color I would paint it, how I would finish the interior. I always thought if I could do anything I wanted in life, it would be to buy a cute house, fix it up and make it an inn. But what do I know in terms of running an inn, or fixing up a house to turn into an inn? The thought stayed with me, and the more I thought about it the more I wanted to pursue it. I have been tucking money away forever for “just in case”. Just in case WHAT, I have no idea, but I have money, and this is a dream, so maybe I should call and get more details? BUT, what if I fail? What if I can’t do this? 

About a week ago I had an *AHA* Moment, as Oprah would say. I felt like I was sliding into a rut. Doing the same thing day in and day out. Sure, I enjoy my work, but it’s work. I wasn’t getting out – I need to see people! So, how exactly am I supposed to meet my one day Significant Other? It hit me that only I can truly make myself happy, so I need to change something, but WHAT isn’t clear. Although it’s becoming more clear by the moment. 

I pedaled faster and faster, growing more excited with every mile that passed, once I reached home, I flew in and grabbed a note pad. Pros/Cons? This IS this how an adult would deal with this situation, right? 

P R O S

• a dream come true
• something I have always wanted to do
• the joy of starting something from nothing
• learning the art of inn keeping
• learning the art of renovating, or at least working with contractors
• socialization
• a chance to meet Mr. Right, sigh…
• my gut says YES

C O N S

• fear of the unknown
• what if I fail?
• what if no one comes?
• “AS IS”

I’m looking over this list trying to decide if it helped any? All I need is a glimmer of hope to make this dream a reality. I think I’m going to do something I have never done in my 41 years on this earth. I’m going to trust my gut. I’m not going to go for the “safe” version which is what I’ve done my entire life. I’m going for the gold!

But… something is nagging at me. I know what it is. “As is”. What if there are huge problems with this house? I do watch HGTV, I see what can happen, it makes me somewhat of an expert. There are always problems. It’s not going to be easy to find skilled workers, they can’t be cheap, and so many people need them for huge homes. How am I going to be able to compete to get a job done here and there? I quickly called Valerie to see if she had any details on why it was “as is”. She said “You know how people are these days, they want a new roof, new paint, floors, they want the bathroom remodeled and the kitchen completely stocked. They want a Sub Zero where the little Amana now is, and they want a 48” Wolf range where the 30” slide in gas range is. Samantha doesn’t have the time to deal with that. Structurally the house is sound. They had an inspection done on it, she gave me a copy, would you like it? Elaine, you couldn’t possibly be the one who’s interested, could you?” she said with a slight lilt in her voice, I could feel her smiling.

“Valerie, I’ve been mulling this over and I really think this would be a dream come true for me. I think I’m going to offer to buy the house and transform it into an inn. I know zoning wouldn’t be a problem, so I think this is my chance, do you think I’m crazy?”.

“Elaine, I don’t think you’re crazy one bit. What a relief it would be to have somewhere for my out of town guests to stay when they visit! I told you about the house being for sale for a reason, I am just thrilled that you picked up on it!“.

Well, I certainly didn’t have this planned for today! After quickly jotting down Samantha’s phone number (and after taking a few sips/slugs/gulps of my iced coffee for courage) I started to dial… my heart was beating out of my body. I’m pretty sure Valerie could hear it and she’s next door!

“Hello Samantha, my name is Elaine Smart, I live near your parents on Union Street…”

…the end for today…

This is what spurts out of my head and onto my fingertips as I type. It’s short, it’s quick and it’s fun. Try it! You don’t have to write a novel, just blips about every day things that others can relate to is a good place to start.

Have fun, and I hope you find your glimmer!

✍️ Until next time…