Thanks, Judith! That and I needed to shift my perspective on what I could afford and what my heart needed, and what home means to me anyway. It took a little transformation on my part and then the house and I could recognize each other. Hugs to you!
It is indeed a blessing from the universe. But to recognize it, I had to open myself up to new ways of thinking and seeing--and to leap off a pretty scary financial cliff. I think that's what these times are asking of us though, to find new ways of being our best selves by opening ourselves to transformation of the positive sort. It's hard and scary, but definitely worthwhile, seems to me. Blessings!
I’m doing a happy dance for you, Susan! You dreamed this into being & soon you’ll be creating & blossoming in the beautiful home you’ve held in your imagination since you were a child. Happy homecoming🌷
Thank you so much, Lee! As you know from your wise women work, sometimes we have to change our way of thinking and being to make our dreams come true, or to recognize those dreams in the flesh, since they don't always look exactly like we imagined. :)
I've watched you move from house to house to house ... making them beautiful in the process ... so many times it makes my head spin. That condo you thought would be your forever home never seemed to fit for me. And lo and behold, your true home was calling to you all the time. Even though you didn't want to make another move, you did. Who knew that meant you were moving closer to the home of your dreams. I'm so happy for you that you found it and greatly admire your courage in taking the risk to make it your own. I hope you have many joy-filled years there. I look forward to seeing the inside. The outside is enchanting ... just like you.
Bless you, Linda! So many moves, so much blood, sweat and tears, so much hoping this would be the one. And now that I am practicing not subconsciously accommodating others' needs and trusting my own, voila! There it is. It comes with a bonus guest space attached to the large garage that is awkwardly designed and quite odd, so I'm pondering how to use that to benefit both me and the arts community here. I'm listening for guidance there. And now I need to get back to packing! Blessings and a warm hug to you.
Susan, I had to read this post twice because I skipped to the end the first time wanting to know if you got the house, oh urban-rambler-raised kiddo!! So excited for you, and happy down to my bones that you allowed the Universe to weigh in on your house search. The bigger metaphor is not lost on me as I'm practicing the same connection with the Universe but for a different reason. Here's to a joyous move to YOUR real home.
Jeanne, Thank you! As I'm sure you know, trust is the hardest part of this listening-to-the-universe thing. I've had some very anxious moments in the past few very wild days, and I know I will have more of those (both anxious moments and wild days). But I really do feel like this is my place and the right move. So on I go into the fog.... Big hugs to you!
Yeah, the fog part. Not a fan. This past week I chose to let the Universe guide me as opposed to me pretending to be in control. It's hard to "do nothing" (aka letting go) but such a good practice in order to get outta my own way. A friend of mine said recently, "If there's something you can't fix, just step over it." It's my new mantra as I continue to let go of things while searching for MY gentle but powerful voice which then allows me to feel content and full of gratitude. Onward, girl!!!
I like your friend's way of putting it. The trick is knowing what we can change and what isn't ours to even try, that stuff we step over or walk around. Yes. Just step over it and find your own true voice and power! You are an inspiration. Hugs as we walk on, each in our own path and way.
Hah! We don't have fog here often, as you know from your years in Salida, Mary, but the metaphor is such a useful one. Your experience certainly shows that.
First, congratulations on coming into home. And I visited there many years ago when I moved back to the US from Italy. Unfortunately, stars didn’t align but it’s good to know they have for you. And beautifully written.
Thank you so much, Matthew. I feel very fortunate, and also like this has been a long and interesting journey to make it back to this house. Many blessings to you!
Love it! So glad you are following your heart and into the unknown fearlessly and courageously. Sometimes that leap puts us in such a wonderful place that the heart-stopping is worth it!
Reading this made me happy. How wonderful to be moving into your actual dream home and very soon too! How exciting! Congratulations and I can't wait to read more about it.
Nancy, I'm partly terrified and partly euphoric, the first because in less than two weeks I have to be packed and ready for the movers, and I am not even close. And what if I have too much stuff to fit in their truck? But then the euphoric part takes over and I remember what is at the end of the journey: home. And I relax. Still need to get on to the packing part!
Thank you so much, Linda S. It's been hard to let myself trust my heart, but oh, my, this feels so right. (Also so scary.) My heart is singing though, and that is what matters. Blessings to you!
I bought a dream home I couldn’t quite afford in NC, choosing to trust the Universe. Long story short, when I returned to the PNW to care for my mom, I was close to having to make a new plan to keep that house, or leave it. I don’t know what would have happened, but I had five years in my sweet dwelling, and I grew in so many ways because of it. Cheers to you. I look forward to watching you transform your new home, inside and out, as I know you will.
Gretchen, Your story is inspiring--that you could see that time as five years in that sweet place, a place where you grew, rather than regretting the leap. And it's also interesting how the timing worked: you needed to return to the Pacific Northwest to care for your mom just when you needed to make some difficult decisions about your NC house. Trust the universe, I remind myself. And you are illustrating that. Thank you! Blessings to you.
It looks absolutely perfect and I love Paonia. You must go to and then continue to frequent (if you haven't already) Paonia Books, the amazing, vibrant bookstore owned by my friend, Emily Sinclair. It's terrific!! Congratulations!!
Thanks much, Ann! I know Emily well, and in fact, I was her first event when she opened. She's amazing, and I look forward to contributing my mite to the Paonia literary and arts scene. Blessings!
Congratulations, Susan!! What a twist of the universe for you. That's an amazing story and June 18th will be a grand day indeed. You must, if you haven't already, find your way to Paonia Books -- an amazing bookstore and gathering space. It's owned by a friend of mine, Emily Sinclair. I love Paonia!! Hang in there on the move itself and happening settling once you have arrived in the place that has been waiting for your arrival all this time.
Thanks, Ann. I just had a lovely text exchange with Emily, and will be talking with her after I settle in. And now I have to get serious about packing and organizing!
Oh my heart is dancing with you!! I am thrilled to picture you a little bit house poor but a lot heart full! You can walk around downtown for nothing and if other things are out of reach now you can sit and look at the view or just feel the ambience of your heart’s home - and there’s always writing to pass the time of day! It’s magic the way the timing worked…!
In my 40s, I bought a small play farm that found me before I found it. It was a combination of my grandparents’ two farms and our family summer cabin all rolled into one. I was at peace there in the midst of a chapter of life that was very rocky and unpeaceful at the time. At the end of the six years I lived there I met Tim and we chose to change where we lived. But it had been enough to heal me.
Thank you, Kathryn! I love the image of your heart dancing. As for the financial part, I just hope I have enough to tend the house and fix what needs fixing. It's not for me I worry, it's for my stewardship of the house.
Your "play farm" sounds wonderful, and I am so glad you had your six years there. And also that you met Tim and now have a path together. Such a blessing. Big hugs to you.
Congratulations on your new home!!! It must have been waiting for you to have it!!!!!
Thanks, Judith! That and I needed to shift my perspective on what I could afford and what my heart needed, and what home means to me anyway. It took a little transformation on my part and then the house and I could recognize each other. Hugs to you!
Yay! Congratulations. Is this the Universe working in mysterious ways behind the scenes? Your story is inspiring.
It is indeed a blessing from the universe. But to recognize it, I had to open myself up to new ways of thinking and seeing--and to leap off a pretty scary financial cliff. I think that's what these times are asking of us though, to find new ways of being our best selves by opening ourselves to transformation of the positive sort. It's hard and scary, but definitely worthwhile, seems to me. Blessings!
I’m doing a happy dance for you, Susan! You dreamed this into being & soon you’ll be creating & blossoming in the beautiful home you’ve held in your imagination since you were a child. Happy homecoming🌷
Thank you so much, Lee! As you know from your wise women work, sometimes we have to change our way of thinking and being to make our dreams come true, or to recognize those dreams in the flesh, since they don't always look exactly like we imagined. :)
Yes🌺 Seems life calls us to be brave *and* flexible — like a tree with deep roots that can withstand strong winds.
Absolutely. :)
I've watched you move from house to house to house ... making them beautiful in the process ... so many times it makes my head spin. That condo you thought would be your forever home never seemed to fit for me. And lo and behold, your true home was calling to you all the time. Even though you didn't want to make another move, you did. Who knew that meant you were moving closer to the home of your dreams. I'm so happy for you that you found it and greatly admire your courage in taking the risk to make it your own. I hope you have many joy-filled years there. I look forward to seeing the inside. The outside is enchanting ... just like you.
Bless you, Linda! So many moves, so much blood, sweat and tears, so much hoping this would be the one. And now that I am practicing not subconsciously accommodating others' needs and trusting my own, voila! There it is. It comes with a bonus guest space attached to the large garage that is awkwardly designed and quite odd, so I'm pondering how to use that to benefit both me and the arts community here. I'm listening for guidance there. And now I need to get back to packing! Blessings and a warm hug to you.
Susan, I had to read this post twice because I skipped to the end the first time wanting to know if you got the house, oh urban-rambler-raised kiddo!! So excited for you, and happy down to my bones that you allowed the Universe to weigh in on your house search. The bigger metaphor is not lost on me as I'm practicing the same connection with the Universe but for a different reason. Here's to a joyous move to YOUR real home.
Jeanne, Thank you! As I'm sure you know, trust is the hardest part of this listening-to-the-universe thing. I've had some very anxious moments in the past few very wild days, and I know I will have more of those (both anxious moments and wild days). But I really do feel like this is my place and the right move. So on I go into the fog.... Big hugs to you!
Yeah, the fog part. Not a fan. This past week I chose to let the Universe guide me as opposed to me pretending to be in control. It's hard to "do nothing" (aka letting go) but such a good practice in order to get outta my own way. A friend of mine said recently, "If there's something you can't fix, just step over it." It's my new mantra as I continue to let go of things while searching for MY gentle but powerful voice which then allows me to feel content and full of gratitude. Onward, girl!!!
I like your friend's way of putting it. The trick is knowing what we can change and what isn't ours to even try, that stuff we step over or walk around. Yes. Just step over it and find your own true voice and power! You are an inspiration. Hugs as we walk on, each in our own path and way.
Onward through the fog has always served me well!
Hah! We don't have fog here often, as you know from your years in Salida, Mary, but the metaphor is such a useful one. Your experience certainly shows that.
Congratulations! I love the story of how this came to be.
Thank you, Christina! Big hugs to you and much light to your journey.
Wooooooooo... Hoooooooo! YES! Full of admiration for your gutsy move! Sending you the best love and new home energy!
Feeling the SQUEAL LIKE IN LEGALLY BLOND... "I DID IT!"
Jude, you are the best! Thank you for your enthusiasm and your heart and your support. I feel that love coming from you and I am reflecting it back.
First, congratulations on coming into home. And I visited there many years ago when I moved back to the US from Italy. Unfortunately, stars didn’t align but it’s good to know they have for you. And beautifully written.
Thank you so much, Matthew. I feel very fortunate, and also like this has been a long and interesting journey to make it back to this house. Many blessings to you!
Love it! So glad you are following your heart and into the unknown fearlessly and courageously. Sometimes that leap puts us in such a wonderful place that the heart-stopping is worth it!
Sue, That's a lovely way to think about: the heart-stopping leap is worth it because of the place it takes me. Yes! Blessings to you.
Hi Susan,
Reading this made me happy. How wonderful to be moving into your actual dream home and very soon too! How exciting! Congratulations and I can't wait to read more about it.
Nancy, I'm partly terrified and partly euphoric, the first because in less than two weeks I have to be packed and ready for the movers, and I am not even close. And what if I have too much stuff to fit in their truck? But then the euphoric part takes over and I remember what is at the end of the journey: home. And I relax. Still need to get on to the packing part!
I am so so so happy for you! I understand exactly where you are coming from and how important this is to soul! Trust and rejoice. All is well.
Thank you so much, Linda S. It's been hard to let myself trust my heart, but oh, my, this feels so right. (Also so scary.) My heart is singing though, and that is what matters. Blessings to you!
I love that you used this opportunity to prioritize YOU. Better late than never! Wishing you goodness in your new space!
Thanks, Jill. You are the best coach! I appreciate your reminder and your benediction, both. :)
I bought a dream home I couldn’t quite afford in NC, choosing to trust the Universe. Long story short, when I returned to the PNW to care for my mom, I was close to having to make a new plan to keep that house, or leave it. I don’t know what would have happened, but I had five years in my sweet dwelling, and I grew in so many ways because of it. Cheers to you. I look forward to watching you transform your new home, inside and out, as I know you will.
Gretchen, Your story is inspiring--that you could see that time as five years in that sweet place, a place where you grew, rather than regretting the leap. And it's also interesting how the timing worked: you needed to return to the Pacific Northwest to care for your mom just when you needed to make some difficult decisions about your NC house. Trust the universe, I remind myself. And you are illustrating that. Thank you! Blessings to you.
It looks absolutely perfect and I love Paonia. You must go to and then continue to frequent (if you haven't already) Paonia Books, the amazing, vibrant bookstore owned by my friend, Emily Sinclair. It's terrific!! Congratulations!!
Thanks much, Ann! I know Emily well, and in fact, I was her first event when she opened. She's amazing, and I look forward to contributing my mite to the Paonia literary and arts scene. Blessings!
Congratulations, Susan!! What a twist of the universe for you. That's an amazing story and June 18th will be a grand day indeed. You must, if you haven't already, find your way to Paonia Books -- an amazing bookstore and gathering space. It's owned by a friend of mine, Emily Sinclair. I love Paonia!! Hang in there on the move itself and happening settling once you have arrived in the place that has been waiting for your arrival all this time.
Thanks, Ann. I just had a lovely text exchange with Emily, and will be talking with her after I settle in. And now I have to get serious about packing and organizing!
Oh my heart is dancing with you!! I am thrilled to picture you a little bit house poor but a lot heart full! You can walk around downtown for nothing and if other things are out of reach now you can sit and look at the view or just feel the ambience of your heart’s home - and there’s always writing to pass the time of day! It’s magic the way the timing worked…!
In my 40s, I bought a small play farm that found me before I found it. It was a combination of my grandparents’ two farms and our family summer cabin all rolled into one. I was at peace there in the midst of a chapter of life that was very rocky and unpeaceful at the time. At the end of the six years I lived there I met Tim and we chose to change where we lived. But it had been enough to heal me.
Thank you, Kathryn! I love the image of your heart dancing. As for the financial part, I just hope I have enough to tend the house and fix what needs fixing. It's not for me I worry, it's for my stewardship of the house.
Your "play farm" sounds wonderful, and I am so glad you had your six years there. And also that you met Tim and now have a path together. Such a blessing. Big hugs to you.