The G&G’s renovation keeps me busy, and so does house hunting. There is absolutely nothing affordable in Seagrove. One possibility is an apartment complex in the next county over, a twenty-mile commute that’ll cost me over double what I’m paying now. It’s that or one of Wade’s trailers. Though that option gets bonus points for location, it’s not what I want. They remind me of my transitory life with Mom—unstable, vulnerable in bad storms, and impermanent.

But problems are opportunities in disguise with the right attitude. Something will turn up.

Work at the G&G’s been going too well to get down about anything. Thanks to Marigold and Peter, we have new street-side signage—a gorgeous shamrock green Welcome to the G&G sign outdoors. We adorned it with lights and hints of pistachio, light orange, and pale yellow, which has become our color palette for the entire project. She’s painted similar welcome messages on the clean store windows and glass door. We refinished the concrete floor with funky, hand-painted tiles branching out from our new logo at the main door with hidden shamrocks for Maureen. My before-and-after Instagram posts brought people to see it in person.

They’ve also shown up to see our other standout upgrades, like:

The fishing rod and net display constructed from old pallets along the corner wall.

The updated, refreshed Canteen, now serving hot dogs, coffee, and fountain drinks (a big hit with the lunch crowd).

The wall of wood crates, painted to match our color palette, puzzled into an eclectic display of canned goods and non-perishable dinner options.

The snacks, candies, and car games aisle, complete with everything kids (and parents) need for a long trip.

The local section, featuring fruits, veggies, and farm products like honey and lavender soaps.

The everything-you-need aisles—must-haves from batteries to laundry detergent to medicines to paper towels, name brand and generic options. No one’s forced into five-dollar mac-n-cheese here.

The updated beverage department now sells craft beers along with name-brand ones, local wines, and every conceivable soda, fruit drink, iced tea, milk, and seltzer.

Wren’s witches corner, boasting Tarot cards, crystals, teas, sachets, and incense.

A book nook, curated by Wren and Christie, featuring their favorite mass market paperbacks.

Roy’s spot, offering antique fishing lures, hubcaps, and metal signs. It adds a unique, homey vibe.

Adhering to our three rules and letting our imaginations fly with the rest has been miraculous. The store is bright, cheery, clean, and family-friendly.