Casa Ugly Betty : A New Way of Approaching Progress

:: Transformation literally means going beyond your form. :: - Wayne Dyer

While on the one hand I wish to share this journey in the most authentic way possible, I realize that blogs are public spaces and being such, not all readers will be interested in my personal life.  As many of you are strangers to me, I am not all that keen on blabbering on by giving you too much information.  Well, okay, I do break boundaries just a little bit!

Pecca on the original kitchen floor.   Mosaico tiles now in the kitchen.

I am transforming and as News From A Broad is an artistic extension of myself, I am satisfied with the not knowing  what it will become.  However, like a winter solstice shadow, certain themes from my Stateside life have followed me to Mexico.  For as long as I can remember I have always felt most alive when I am balancing a creative life with one of service to others.  I keep waiting for a window to open but,  my Stateside myopia, where I believe that I am not doing enough to make room for art and service, needs a good spanking.  Today I offer you evidence of my progress.  Okay, I'm really the one that needs to see how far I've come but, if you can just give me a little seal fin clap I'll be most grateful!  Here we go!

Exterior Eastview

The exterior of the house is having a little facelift.  It is probably difficult to discern what is different and much improved in the photos.  The entire backyard was filled with vine overgrowth from a neighboring yard, taking over the electrical lines.  The avocado tree was on the verge of death so it was also removed. 

Exterior Westview

To build a studio and small tricked out cenote pool in the patio, the city required that my Casa Ugly Betty have her walls raised.  With each successive room addition the roof line was a jagged zigzag.  Now, I have a much better looking box!  Paint and concrete work have been in progress for a month.  Why?  Good question!

Left : Joan Paci : Larry Baker : Right

Meet the living area!  The image on the right is just before I moved into the house, July 2012.  The furnishings being shipped from Texas arrived in late August 2012.  Any number of people will tell you that they were afraid for me as this was a disaster of a casa, and I have to admit, it was a bit difficult at times to see the gem hiding in the hovel.  Notice the true colors of the baseboard tiles and the difference with the wood frame removed from around the passage.  Also, the beautiful arched door, centered on the wall, allows for light to pass through all the rooms.  Similar to the roof line the passageway heights shrunk as you reached the rear of the house.  That works for a Maya person but not for their giant cousins.  The lovely rocks removed to gain height and draw your eye upward are to be used in the pool design.

Living Room

The window and frame were totally rebuilt by Pepe, the same carpenter who restored the antique arched doors to amazing beauty.  Izaru, the painter used by Ellen and Jim Fields of Yucatan Living, scrapped every bit of paint off of the walls to reveal a delightful range of colors.  I found some of the walls a bit loud so he did a wash that revealed the layers of paint while softening the effect.  As work continues on the house the arrangement of furnishing from Austin and new purchases changes.  This is especially true in the kitchen.  It's taken me a bit of time to figure out how I move in this new space.

Casa Ugly Betty was originally a cantina.  Kitchen not required!

The original kitchen, not more than a sink and small counter, is now the laundry area and much needed storage space.  The entire kitchen was built by Manuel's crew.  The kitchen floor was uneven concrete.  G donated the leftover tiles from his castle.  To tie all the rooms together I bought used mosaico tiles that were dispersed throughout the area.  Near the bathroom in the laundry area is a carpet of mosaico tiles donated by Marc, writer of An Alaskan in Yucatan.  The perimeter of the living area has a variety of beautiful tiles used in a similar crazy quilt way. 

Kitchen being built. 

The kitchen window is the original fretted blocks with a screen to keep out mosquitoes.  It is not so great for keeping out street noise and grim.   Just yesterday I purchased the small interior doors that are used to create privacy between rooms.  These will be turned horizontally, functioning similarly to the transom windows above the doors, and can serve as hurricane shutters.  Can't wait!   

Small doors and windows for the kitchen.

The antique windows, when restored, will serve as the lower kitchen cabinet doors.  I like the open concept but living without a central a/c system, dust slithers through every opening.  Both of these projects and the installation of a minisplit a/c unit will begin in another few weeks.  I would strongly recommend having your home completed prior to moving in.  I seem to take 2-3 month breaks between the restoration projects.  

Antique arched doors before and after.  Good job Pepe!

The amount of concrete dust created during these projects is insane!  However, what really slows down the work is the workers schedules.  There is a bit of the rob Peter to pay Paul syndrome with some of the crews I've hired.  Being your own contractor is often not wise!  Thank goodness that I found Manuel early in the process. 

Bathroom Window

There are still a hundred little projects.  The patio remains a blank slate.  A pool of some type is an absolute necessity in this 24/7 humid climate.  Oh, and shade can't be lived without.  I love my little casa and sometimes I miss my first home in Austin, but overall this is an exciting adventure.  Shopping for treasures is a blast!  More to come, Amigos, more to come.

Create the life you want!
The Broad

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