DIY

The evening news tonight reported that "Do It Yourself" is now the cool thing to do. So many people can't afford their contractors, gardeners, pool boys... so they're "doing it themselves." (roll of the eyes) A true DIYer does not turn to DIY out of necessity. I have a theory. A REAL DIYer has certain traits that are an inate desire that drives them to accomplishment. To get their hands dirty and be proud of their creativity, hard work, and ability to do something nice all by themselves. I mean, who could enjoy a garden if they didn't plant it and care for it??? And, that wall's color would NOT be as nice if you didn't paint it yourself! So, to be a DIYer, you really have to be born with that trait or raised in a home that nurtured it.

Well, I don't know much, but of Barbara Mandrell was country when country wasn't cool... then Ron and Sheron were DIYers when DIY wasn't cool...
Now, Mama and Dad didn't DIY just out for fiscal frugality- it wasn't because they had a choice with a contractor, gardener, or pool boy. They are the true, original DIYers. I mean, it started when they basically built their own house.

Here's why I know my theory about my parents as the original DIYers is true:
1. My dad has single handedly (except when we were helping him- or when he'd let us help him) re-roofed the house, re-carpeted the house, finished a basement, put in a pool, taken out a pool, re-tiled the floors, installed hardwood flooring, built and installed his own cabinets, crown molding, shelving, and porches, and built furniture for us- desks, lop-sided picnic tables (just one...), and maintained all appliances in the house...
2. 5 acres- 30 years, 2 riding lawnmowers... mom rides a mean lawnmower...
3. The only mechanic I've ever met is dad. Did anyone besides me and my brother have to learn how to change both a tire and their oil before getting a drivers licence?
4. Why hire a painter when mom can reach the ceiling on a stool?
5. Curtains? Easter outfits? Quilts? Answer: sewing machine.
6. Half the finished basement is storage for future craft projects...
7. Did anyone else have a tree house with the roof of a truck camper- 10 feet off the ground?
8. There were curtains in the treehouse...
9. Why order pizza when you can make your own?
10. What teenager's Saturday alarm wasn't a weedeater at 6 AM?
11. My parents are past 60, and they are spending the weekend tearing out the back porch, rebuilding it, and extending it. (an entire story off the ground...)
12. Best of all, Home Depot knows Dad by name (and if you ask Will, nothings better than a Saturday morning, riding in Papa's truck and shopping at the Home Depp-O.)

The first time I ever saw Dad let someone else do something to his house, I was 25 and they had to replace the HVAC system. And that poor installation guy. It's gotta be hard to work with a big man following you around and breathing down your neck.

Lesson Learned: If Mama and Daddy couldn't do it, then it wasn't important.
Oh, if I could've known then what I know now: man, my parents are cool!
And, they've taught me everything I know!
Now,Lord, help me pass these talents on to my kids.