It never rains but it....

[hobgoblinn]

Um yeah. So, my landlord dropped by on Saturday. He's been trying to sell this house I live in (a 2 family) for about 6 months, ever since his wife died suddenly last fall. And he's often here working, moving stuff out of the garage and making repairs. But when I opened the door, I sensed he wasn't here for that reason.

He told me that I should not pay him any more rent as of now. He said, "I just don't have the money to keep this place, and I think the bank's going to get it soon. We're still negotiating, but it doesn't look good. So, keep your rent and start saving up in case you need to get a new place. You'll have at least 60 or 90 days when everything is final, but...."

I feel terrible for him, but I also feel terrible for us. This is a really cool place, in a good neighborhood, near Wee Hob's school, and I don't want to move again. I still haven't finished unpacking boxes from the last move in July. And Wee Hob has gone to different schools just about every year for the past 5. This is a good place for him, but I'm not sure I can afford to get another place in this school district.

And I'm also kind of confused. I'm probably not getting my deposit back, because he doesn't have it. I'm not sure why the bank wouldn't want a tenant in here paying them rent if they foreclose, just transferring my lease into their name instead of his. He's left the bottom of the house vacant, I assume on the advice of the realtor, so someone buying could move in if they chose (that, and, it's hard to get good tenants in the middle of freaking winter.)

So prayers or good thoughts would be appreciated, for Hob Landlord, and for us. I am up way too late because I just can't sleep, probably from delayed reaction to this bit of news.

In good news, "Through a Glass" is pretty close to done. Part 3 is to final beta, and I'm working on polishing the ending. I'm starting to feel low about it, though, because damn, it's good, but it's just too wordy. I want to go in and slash it, but I don't have the energy to spare just now. I read up to the end of part 4 (sans epilogue) to Wee Hob this weekend and -- Gah! I'd never tried reading my writing aloud. Apparently I should do more of it. Before inflicting it on the unwary world....

Still, it is completed. It has a shape, and I think it says something worth saying. That's something to be proud of, and I am.

okay, off to bed, to stare at the ceiling a while. night all.

Hob

Comments

[ladyforash.livejournal.com]

In some ways that doesn't make any sense...but at least he's honest and is giving you lots of time. Maybe you could personally talk to the bank or realtor and see what the chances are of you continuing on as a tenant? Is there anyway you could talk to the bank and maybe do an option of "rent to own?" Because a lot of times they'd rather do that then foreclose. Just a thought!

[clavally.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry this is happening to you. You deffinitely have my prayers!

I agree with Carolee, is there any way you could rent to own the place? I really wish there was something I could do to help.

*hugs*

[usedtobeljs]

All good thoughts for your housing challenge.

[antennapedia.livejournal.com]

Yow! Poor guy! And he's being sweet trying to take care of you, at least. Prepare to be flexible, and ride it out.

Moving is an overall pain.

[theblackmare.livejournal.com]

Oh dear. What a horrible situation for everyone concerned. Except the bank, of course. Banks always win because they wrote the rules for the games. Grr. I send Mssr Landlord good thoughts and my appreciation that he was honest with you, gave you as much notice as he could, and seems to be a genuinely decent human being, even if he did mishandle your deposit. You might actually ask him about that, just to be clear. It's possible that he does have it stuck in an account with your name on it as he's supposed to do, and just assumes that you know that and know you'll get it back at the end. Or I suppose he's applying it to the balance of your rent, or something. What a frightening and painful situation for all of you, and no surprise that you are unable to sleep. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, as always.

On the last item you mentioned, I find that I cannot truly proof or edit a piece of writing without reading it aloud. I have patient friends and a unlimited long distance, which helps. Speaking the language helps me keep the cadence and phrasing true to my voice; hearing it catches all those bits of inadvertent repetition, clumsy or missing transitions, incorrect antecedents, and so on.

On the other issue, the length of the story, I disagree. I would not have you cut it just to shorten it. There is some tightening to do, but "slashing" it seems rather harsh. I don't share your perception of excess, particularly given the number of characters, the fact that two of them go through significant personal changes, and the time span of the events. You are also allowed a certain amount of ornament in storytelling, words or passages that enhance the story by enriching the setting, the sense of the characters, or our understanding of their conflicts and changes. When this is well done, it greatly adds to the beauty and success of the story as a whole. Fan fic in general as tends to produce rather spare prose, often to a fault. It's hard enough getting your basic story told, much less doing complex set design and paintings for matte shots, so it's unsurprising that few people do more than what they must. But those additional bits can add to the reader's enjoyment and give a depth and resonance to the whole. Like adding a fourth voice when three is sufficient, and actually just a soprano could get it across in a basic way. So I ask you to be gentle with the piece, I don't think it's as wordy as you do. In the end it is yours alone, of course, I just want to say that I quite like it.

[gileswench.livejournal.com]

Sending good wishes to you, your family, and your landlord. I'm sorry you're all having to go through this.

[a2zmom.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry to hear about your housing troubles. As a few have already suggested, perhaps the bank could be spoken to. It seems to me that having your rent would be a plus.

I hope it works out. I can't imagine not being sure about ones housing situation is exactly restful.

[wide-rider.livejournal.com]

I was all prepped to leave a long and wordy comment, but others have already said what I would have, so... I'll just say you have my prayers and good thoughts that this works out well for all involved. *hugs*

[headrush100.livejournal.com]

Aw, Hob, I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope it can be worked out for the best, whatever happens. Much good thought and inclusion in prayers coming your way.

[katekat]

i'm so sorry lady - i don't know how banks work but it would seem that they would want to keep you as tenants... fingers and toes are crossed that things work out for you.