Build-n-Share Challenge #71 - The Hawthorne Project Part IVChallenge Deadline: Wednesday 21st June 2017You sit at your desk, happy in the knowledge that your last client, Matthew Glenn, is ecstatic with how you designed his eco-existence campground. Checking your diary you realise that today is the date that the Hawthorne Project is due to provide you with their new client.
You buzz through to Karl, and he opens your office door.
“Karl, the Hawthorne email hasn’t come through to the general email address has it?” You ask.
“No, I haven’t seen anything yet today. It’s still early though, I’m sure they’ll get in contact soon.” He replies.
“Yes, I’m sure you’re right, any chance of a coffee?” You ask cheekily.
“Of course!.”
“And make one for yourself, we can sit and chat, you cleared the schedule for Ms Hawthorne, so there’s not much else I can be getting on with.”
“That would be wonderful.” He leaves your office door open and you can hear him humming away to himself as he makes the drinks.
“So,” you say to him as he brings the mugs of steaming hot, frothy coffees back, “How are Grant and the kids?”
“Well, as you know, Grant got that job that he applied for over at FutureSim Labs, he is really enjoying his work there. Julia is being a wonderful nanny, the kids manners all seem to have improved since she took over, I mean, started helping out.” He coughs to try and hide his discomfort at his slip about his sister.
“I can imagine that Julia has got your kids well and truly under control, not that you and Grant weren’t doing an amazing job yourselves.”
He looks relieved that you overlooked his overshare.
“Persephone is doing great in senior school, she has a violin recital coming up this weekend, did you get the e-vite that Grant sent out?”
“I did, yes, and I responded, I wouldn’t miss it!”
“Christoff’s behaviour has improved so much, he isn’t lashing out at his sister's any more, I think Julia being around has shown him that girls need to be respected as well. His junior high teachers are impressed with the turn around as well. I think he’s going to follow in Grant’s footsteps, he is constantly whipping up concoctions on his science table, some of them are very useful, others, well, let’s just say it’s a good thing we have great ventilation.” He chuckles to himself and you can’t help but join in.
“And how is Hermione?”
“She’s a superstar, she’s walking now, potty training has accelerated since Julia, and we’re getting actual words, not just random babbles, her first words were “Det down”, while she was stood on the coffee table in the living room, I guess she knew what was going to be said.” More laughter ensues.”
The coffees finished, Karl remarks that he really should get back to his desk, there is some filing that he wants to get done.
He takes the mugs and you hear him washing them up before he sets them back in the cupboard. It’s amazing how much more included you feel with your office door open and you resolve to leave it that way, unless you have a client with you.
Your gaze turns back to your screen and you sit impatiently waiting for the email you are awaiting, it’s not like Lisa, over at the Project, to leave it this late.
Feeling restless you start surfing the internet, starting with the local news. “Hmmm, dog crosses road in Sunset Valley”, you think to yourself, meaning there is absolutely nothing interesting going on locally at all.
Your computer pings and you switch tabs, directly to your email. “At last!” You think to yourself as you see the sender's address lisa@hawthorneproject.com.
“So, so, sorry for the lateness of this email. Ms Hawthorne wanted to personally vet the next client. They have been approved and I have attached their application. On a personal note, are you going to the SV High recital at the weekend? Might see you there, my boy, Terence, is helping out with the lighting for the show! Look forward to meeting up for a coffee soon. Regards, Lisa.”
You type a hasty response, letting her know that you will see her there and that you were curious as to why Ms Hawthorne wanted to vet the client, as that was normally Lisa’s job. Still pondering on that you open the attached document.
“Hi. My name is Purdie Stafford, I recently moved to Sunset Valley to find work, but nothing seems to be panning out for me. I really don’t know what I will do if I don’t get a break soon. I’m sorry if I sound like a whining goat, but, really, I have had enough of this madness, I mean how hard can it be to find a waitressing job anyway?! I know Sunset Valley isn’t Starlight Shores, but seriously! Oh well, I probably won’t get selected for this, I really don’t know why I even bothered with the application, it’s not like I deserve a break or anything. Whatever, thanks for reading this, I guess, if anybody ever does.”
“Wow.” you think to yourself, that is one moody lady. You check out her application form, wondering her age. “65? Really?.” You wonder why a 65 year old woman is looking for work as a waitress.
Your PC pings again, the email notification pops up in the bottom left hand corner, the address comes up as Ms Hawthorne’s own. You minimize Purdie’s application form and open up the email.
“My dear, you may be wondering how this next client ended up finding it’s way through the system, it’s possible I have my technology people have set up filters to inform me of anyone that I know is in trouble.
You may feel that this is a little unfair on those who do not know me, but when you are in charge, you do have a little more say in things, as I am sure you are aware.
I knew Ms Stafford back when I was beautiful and a star, she was working in the wardrobe department and always made sure that I had the most wonderful creations to wear, she was a talented seamstress back in the day,
Now, I am unsure as to why she is in need of The Hawthorne Project, but she was always kind to me, so I wish to repay her in some way.
I don’t expect that she associates the Project with myself, I am sure she thinks I am long dead!
Please, do not make her aware of the link, you know that I do not like to be thought of as sentimental or soft.
Take care.
Elizabeth”
You can’t help but wonder at the softness of Ms Hawthorne’s tone, nothing like the austere lady you first met and she used her first name to sign off. “I think she is soft and sentimental, she just doesn't want anyone to know that side of her.”
“So, Purdie is a grumpy seamstress from Starlight Shores, I think we can work with that.” With that you open your explorer window and start googling art deco furniture.
The brief:
A 1 or 2 bedroom home, you have free reign on how the house is built, landscaped, laid out etc.
Must include: a computer, a vegetable garden, a chess table, an easel, at least one musical instrument, at least one piece of fitness equipment and a book case.
The budget must not exceed $30,000.
Sim challenge:
Create Purdy, a grumpy, creative elder whose other trait and aspiration is up to you.
Room challenge:
Create a studio area for Purdie to be creative, whether that is musical, artistic, or some other outlet. You have a budget of $15,000.