Losing Everything–Starting Over with a Tiny House
Posted by Papa on Apr 5, 2012 in Building the Tiny House, Recent Posts, The Backstory | 14 comments
Almost four years ago, after the untimely demise of our start-up business, we came to a place of rebirth. Previously, we had moved closer to Mama’s family in Florida in order to get married and start our family. After purchasing and old wood framed two-bedroom home in a blue collar town, we embarked on an odyssey of home renovation and family building.
Through our efforts at reconstructing the house, we attained fantastic equity in the burgeoning real estate market. Costs were kept down by my scavenging the construction sites I worked on and my willingness to do all the work myself.
Before the real estate bubble burst, we transferred the equity in our home into the creation of our dream; a restaurant, where our years of experience in the industry could be put on display and we would become financially independent, at least that was the plan. 
We worked hard for 1 1/2 years to achieve success in the eyes of the community and critics alike, but financial success never came. Unbeknownst to us, we were riding the economic collapse of 2008. Friends and family 
came in to help with cash and volunteer hours (a million thanks). We threw in my inheritance from my Latvian grandmother. We gave it our all.
The short story is: we lost the home and business in the blackhole of economic reality. We took what jobs we could find and started saving as much as possible. Thoughts of moving to a more rural setting filled our heads and we started to make plans. Through purchasing Mortgage Free by Rob Roy, we came across the basic idea of finding the best land we could afford to purchase with cash, and then live in a temporary shelter while we built our larger home. Temporary or not, we knew that we wanted a decent quality of life from the structure. We were challenged. How could we do this quickly and with cash?
When I found tinyhouseblog.com, I was inspired by the ideas and immediately started designing our mobile mansion.
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I am glad to see your take on the whole thing. I have been inspired by what you guys have gone through and what you can make of your lives. Now it seems like the whole world is looking in on you. They don’t know you…..I do. I know what a hard worker you are, Papa. I am glad that you guys are getting recognition for going tiny because you guys are huge. We miss you. (Ate at the old restaurant with my Dad and Susan the other day…..I was thinking of you guys so HARD)
I for one am glad you all 4 found your way here. You guys are an inspiration.
Nice rebound folks. Best of luck going forward };o)
Peace along the way
Dennis the bus dweller N.Y.
I like the word rebound. Thanks for the comment, Dennis.
So wonderful to see what you are building, both for your family and in your family. I’ve always loved Mama’s spirit and miss her smile, but it’s inspiring to see what you are all doing for yourselves!
Just found your blog today and WOW! We have been riding the shame wave for the last 2 years after filing bankruptcy due to failed business debt which included losing both houses we’d had (we’re a mine and his family) due to a renter who trashed one and a failed foundation on another. We’ve been all cash since. We’re renting right now but our dream is to buy country ground and build as we can. I salute you for living in such close quarters with your kids as our 4 boys drive me crazy in our smallish rental!
I look forward to reading more about your journey and your tiny house.
Thank you, Melisa! Down with shame. So glad to know you have moved to cash only. So freeing! Best of luck on your rebound. Wishing you peace.
So many people have come to the point of losing homes, jobs, relationships; everything. That you have made the most of a bad situation and modified your lifestyle to suit the changing playing field shows your dedication to doing the right and important things, even if it feels like you’re stepping out of your comfort zone at the beginning.
It’s closing in on the time when most of us are going to have to make drastic changes in the way we live. I know my wife and I have and we love living with less stuff in a smaller place.
I wish you continuing luck in making smart steps in the right direction.
Good soil to you,
Larry Cooper
Hi Larry!
Thanks for your comment! We hope to ease the pain for others going through these struggles. It can ALL be an adventure with the right perspective.
Best to you,
Hari
I just found your blog/website after weeks of research tiny homes. My husband and I are in the process of foreclosure of our home. We completed bankruptcy earlier this year. We are looking into building a tiny home on our 3 acre rural property. We have 5 boys (four live at home) so we need to do this right. I am inspired by your story and thankful you are sharing your experiences. I am also so relieved to see that we are not alone in our journey and many have paved the way. Thank you and bless you and your family.
Hi Tami,
The whole thing is heartbreaking, but creating your own recovery plan is very empowering. I wish you the best! It gets easier. Thanks for sharing.
WOW! What an inspirational story of taking a difficult situation and turning it into something fantastic! Not only are you making great choices for your family, but you are leading by example for your kids! They will see hard work, dedication, and that “things” aren’t what make us happy!! I applaud you, and not just a “little”!
Thank you, Debbie! It’s so nice to read your encouraging words. Be well!
Hello. I have been fascinated for some time of the tiny house idea. I have actually lived in a 500 sq ft home years ago before I was married and children. I actually spent a year of college living in my VW bus. I now live with my 3 year old daughter. My wife divorced me two years ago and during that time my grandparents went into a nursing home. I now live in their very large home. Cash is non existent in my life including credit. I have been looking for a tiny house idea when I saw you and your family living in this small space. Wow I love it and I am inspired to keep searching for the possibility of finding atiny home and a small piece of land.
Thanks for all you are.