The First Lesson

The First Lesson

May, 2017- Launching into the unknown. No plan, no materials, just YouTube, Tiny House blogs and a Tiny House book to go on. And many years of building on-ground structures. The first task was straightforward: pick up the trailer, obtained through Craigslist for $500 less than the going price (thank you Gemini). Had I ever driven with a trailer hitched to the vehicle? Not that I could remember. Did I know how to back a trailer up? In theory, but not in practice. Was I nervous? Yes. But also determined.

Rainy, back roads, no one home. It was fitting: a reminder that this project is mine to make happen. No one else is going to provide the umph to move it forward. Get ready, set, go, Melanie.

Cousin Jeff and Suzie helped me get the trailer situated and leveled.

It wasn’t hard, once I figured out how the hitch worked. No lights hooked up of course- I was clueless as to how that worked. So I put my trust in the universe to get me back to the farm without a mishap or interaction with the police. Done! Arrived! The last turn to the resting place and wham! I hit the wheel well against Russel’s truck fender. I lost focus, relaxed too much, feeling triumphant. Again, it was fitting: every damn thing about this project will require focus, every day, all day long.

And so the first mistake was made, with oh so many more to come, the first exercise in humility and forgiveness. One of the gifts I brought with me for this job was the willingness to fail, to do it wrong, to have to backtrack and do over. I knew there was not a chance in the world that I wouldn’t make multiple mistakes. I could beat myself up on a regular basis, or I could roll with it and find the humor. That dented fender and smashed in wheel well were the first opportunity to practice. I would have many more. And I promise there was swearing!

Along with the mistakes, there were successes. A level trailer is essential!