Debbie Travis' Facelift - Tales From The Set

Letter From Debbie

There is not much I don't know about teenage boys as I have two of my own, plus their friends lumbering around my house right now. But girls, I must admit, leave me baffled, even though I was brought up in a household of women. That's why this Facelift is one of my favorites.

When we first received the letter from the three Flam girls, I was immediately moved by their story. Their father had died a couple of years ago leaving their mother Karen to raise 13 year old Lauren, 17 year old Ali and Carly who is 21.

The girls had all made a creative effort over the last few months to cheer up their bungalow home. They had painted bright colors throughout the open plan house and as each area progressed the girls had become quite professional with a paint brush.

Their big problem was the basement. It was a horrendous jumble of old bookshelves, stacks and stacks of books, school projects, an old bar, rabbit cages and just about everything that gets dumped from the rest of the house. Added to the piles was also a lot of Dad's stuff. No one, including Mom, dared tackle this space and yet they badly needed the room as a place for them to all hang out and study.

Mom was sent off to visit her cousin out of town leaving us with just 3 days to empty, demolish and rebuild the basement. The results as you will see are spectacular and girlie. Although the actual job was an enormous challenge, nothing could compete with the constant chatter, screams of laughter and the never-ending stream of teenage friends that meandered in and out throughout the weekend.

To say mom was surprised, elated, shocked and verging on hysteria when she was led down the stairs to see the enchanting secret garden room is an understatement.

Love from
Debbie

Letter From Karen

Dear Debbie!

I'm overwhelmed by everything that has happened to my family over the past few days. It appears that all this started with an e-mail, so it's only right that I send one too. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making such a big difference in our lives. Your show has effected a change in our home that we just didn't have the strength to do on our own. We have overcome a lot over the past years and this feels like the last phase in our metamorphosis to becoming strong, independent women. I know it is just a room, but to us it means so much more.

We now have a warm delightful secret garden to enjoy, and, I get my room back! You captured our love of colour, and, I think, our zing (mostly theirs, my girls) and added a sense of calm to a room filled with some very negative memories.

I have a big smile on my face as I write this. You and your team deserve a medal for being willing to attack that pit. You truly had guts. The result is spectacular; it is a remarkable feeling to know that someone (a whole marvelous team, in fact) cared enough about us to do something so special for us. Thank you. We wish you and yours much success and happiness in all that you do.

Karen Flam