DAYS 53- 58 | AUSTRALIND– Isaac’s brother Matt (“2 years older than Isaac”- aka. 1 yr. 8 mos.) & his beautiful Natalie (His future wife no doubt), closed on a new house some time ago. Both are incredibly thrifty, appreciative of art, and love nature. It was during one of Matt’s particularly thrifty inspirations, that he some how ended up with a bundle of _____ wood floor pieces (still trying to find out what type of exotic luxury wood this was). Someone else had bought too much and although weathered and aged (some may have felt it was unusable), now had this beautiful patina. Matt would certainly never admit it, though Natalie would know this best, it takes a special person to see past convention and see truth, beauty, and possibility. I have to admit, this is a quality the entire Gould Family shares in their own unique ways.

You can imagine that Isaac & Matt (being the closest in relative age) have had quite the competitive attitudes, so I have been told. Yet during the week that we (meaning various members of the Gould Family) spent in Australind laying and perfecting this floor, it was the most heart warming act to see all the brothers working in sync. The systems that developed, the roles (expertise even), and humor that became a part of the the project were so cool to see. Being the whimpiest member of the team, Natalie & myself worked together to choose pieces of wood with complimenting patinas. The wood’s “features” (Matt’s sophisticated term for their character), varied in size, and had beautiful color shifts of pink, steely-blue, grey, greenish-tan, and rusty-orange.

By day 3, the floor was rapidly coming together. It seemed the glue, nor the vast assortment of sizes that were pre-cut (missing cut lines was an absolute nightmare), could prevent the progress of this floor. By the end of the week, the floor only needed finishing pieces. What turned out to be wood from very humble origins, transformed into the most exotic, modern, understated, luxurious floor. It was absolutely stunning. I just had to share.

We were able to have a little celebration at their house the following week, complete with dinner, and family. It was humbling to see the beginnings of their house. It made me think fondly about our house before it burnt down. I had remembered watching my Older Brother, Dad, Uncle Dan, and My Grandpa lay our oak wood floor. I may have been too young, but I dont’t remember the experience or the camaraderie as fondly; it was cold, I couldn’t help, and yet was forced to spectate them do something I didn’t understand. To be honest, this experience wasn’t all that different. It was blazing hot, yet we all enjoyed the early morning trek in, sweating all day, and then the sunset drive home. The boys were sore, splinters, slightly grumpy, but still they worked together with speed and humor. I think I left that night full of good food, love, gratitude, and humbled spirit, envisioning what my family must have looked like.

What it felt like to see the men of the family create the foundation of a home. The future tiny paw prints of puppies to be house trained, the all out races and brawls for the TV remote, the quiet sun salutations (A dream of Isaac’s & Mine for sure), and the path that family would meet when they are welcomed into your home; this floor would become all of those things.

I got to say I think that is pretty cool.