The Search...

It would be no exaggeration to say that our search led us to peek into possibilities (at different levels of depth, of course) from New Zealand to Alaska, to the most eastern point in the US, right down to houses a stones throw from us. We looked at towns where old friends are thriving, to communities where we didn't know a single soul. Planned communities and lots of land were appealing but alas, economically out of reach.

In the end, what we found was just outside our door.

Well, almost...7 miles to be exact in a favorite little town with some of things we love so much ~ water, a library, a cafe, a store, post office, farms ~ and all within walking distance. What we were looking for was under our noses the whole time.

Much like how we found this house years ago, the new house was discovered on a whim. Ten years ago our real estate agent handed us a piece of paper and said, 'you might want to just look at this one' (we had looked at many houses and were just  not finding the right fit ). Later, I said "Oh, that one." to my husband in an obvious tone of disapproval (I had seen it online many times and was not moved in the least). Still, the water was appealing...so we came, checked it out , used some imagination (skylights to open up the dark space, a garage for some storage) and we made it work,... for 10 years.

This new house? I had seen it online many times, it was dated, less bedrooms than we were looking for and frankly more than we wanted to spend. Then? The price went down... well now, it started it look a little more attractive at that point. I called our agent and asked whether there might be a room that could be used for a bedroom but not listed as one. Her answer?  Why yes it did.We scheduled an appointment (2 different ones in fact), used some of that imagination, saw how sound and well loved she had been, took a good look around at the location and that was it...and here we are...(in our old house...for now..)

Packing.

...and even unpacking with the "help" of some small hands...

One Week...

.

..and the shift begins.

We will not leave this space in a flash of motion but, rather, more like a slow dance with a slight twirl out the door. Boxes are being packed, then will be moved, emptied and brought back to be filled again...it will be a slow, thoughtful process. A long goodbye so much deserved for this space that has been so very good to us and where we grew... and were shaped... to become the family we are now. We won't be keeping it (2 mortgages on one income is not something our finances gave a nod to ;) but, we'll be readying this space to become available for another family's joy next spring. A long, sweet goodbye indeed.

A few surprised messages have come my way along the lines of , "moving? why!?"..."what about the water, the simplicity...etc."

My answer would simply be," it is time...". We're not moving for the space to store one more bookcase, or to stack more vintage dishes or even to no longer wait in line for the bathroom (although I will admit, that will be a definite bonus ;)....it's really about space to simply breathe....

It sort of looks a little like this ~ For instance, my view on a 16 year old sharing a room with his 10 year old brother? Potentially not much for fun either (or for their mama ;). Or, a 10 year old sharing  a room with his 2 younger sisters? They have done well, goodness knows they have...but it is time...time to breathe, create, dream a little more freely...Oh, I am sure I will wake to find a little boy sleeping on the floor of his sister's room many a morning but, as they get older a little breathing room is now in order...

Also? It's not simple anymore. During the last year or so, I found myself expending more energy trying to make this space work than actually enjoying being in it. That just didn't seem right. The balance was off. I tried downsizing the 'stuff'. That helped but, wasn't really the root of the problem. Organizing and processes? Indeed, that was and continues to be a point of growth ;) In the end, it was really about the space to Breathe and Be. When so much time is spent trying to keep clear one space that functions as 5 or more at once, then something has to give and I realized it was time. Time with my family, time to plan...time to breathe. So it was time.

Over the next week or so I will pop in and share some things ~ then? This space will begin anew, somewhere else, under a different name with some exciting (for us!) prospects...still, for now I'll enjoy this woodstove a bit and pack a few more boxes (hmmm,...maybe...).

Small joys...

t

this week?

pigtails to start ,easily.

my 8 year's old declaration "i really love my new sassy shoes"..i do too baby. although, i have to admit, i would fall flat on my face in heels...

packed boxes...(oh, did I mention?)

More on that next week...

Anything bringing you a bit of joy lately?

Of late...

 Last minute costumes...

Early morning snow....

Learning the ropes of trick or treats...(with, or without a costume...)