movin’ right along.
I wonder if I will miss my dry, 1950ish Hallcraft ranch house, (which is undergoing modern updates and refinements as I type) when I live in a most likely moldy and wet, turn of the century in-need-of-restoration cottage in my new town. I wonder if my house will have a fireplace. I hope it does. As soon as this house sells, we are moving. Which if my gut is right, will be soon.
We put this little gem up on the market in about 2 weeks. After that we just manifest the perfect buyer, the one who will walk in here and notice the love, the stone, the bamboo, the tiles…will feel the vibes of life being born right there in the center of the living room, will sense that love was practiced here. And then say, "Hey, this house is like 50k less than any other in this neighborhood with the same comps! I’ll take it!" I hope it’s a family with A Little or 2. I hope they need a place under 300k because that is all they have and this place will give them the opportunity to live in a house in a neighborhood surrounded by parks and markets. I want to pass this gift on to someone else. Then move on.
When this home sells we going to meander of the pacific coast line and hang out here and there and be a family with nowhere to go but the ocean or the local taco stand. For a month there will be no job to go to. Our job will be to cleanse. And laugh. And play. And sleep under the stars once in a while, listening to the water and the moon do there thing against the sand. B and Mia will build eco-friendly sand castles with solar panels and Sula will cling to me as I wade her into the sea. We will collect little crabs. I will wash my hair in ocean and probably end up with a gnarly set of dread but I could care less.
When we are done we will have arrived here. Our new home. Like a magnet this subdued little city on the Pacific with Mt. Baker as it’s guardian has drawn me in. Outdoor theaters, farmers markets daily, some of the cleanest darn air around, and one of the greenest cities in the country, designated a Green Power Community. There is cooperative school there where they welcome homeschool children to come and participate in what they want/need. It’s a port town. It looks out to the San Juan Islands. A ferry service provides rides to ALASKA on a daily basis. It is between Vancouver and Seattle, an easy drive to both. It’s rainy and gray from November to April and then sunny and nice the rest of the time. I am in a perpetual state of squint here in the desert so I think my eyes and my wrinkles will love the break. Plus eventually, the winter will be a perfect excuse to travel back here…or perhaps South America. Or Greece. Or Africa.
This decision has lightened my heart. Eased my mind. As much as I try to see beauty everywhere, this particular area has not been set up to examplify natural beauty, it is a developers haven. We have always intended to raise our kids in a small city surrounded by pristine and grand nature, nature that is a stones throw away. We want to live in a place where it is not a fight to protect the earth , instead be in a tight community who lives to guard the beauty and quality of life. And Bellingham has it. Plus is has a bit of grit, grunge and funk…gotta have that, too.
I look forward to recording our journey, though not sure how often I will find free wi-fi on the road, but somehow I will mark in time this new turn on life. For the first time in a very long time I am excited. My nomad in me has awoken again and is trying to find the perfect shoes to take on this journey. To move is freedom. To finally find a home is bliss. Funny how I already feel at home somewhere I don’t even live.
Maybe I am not misplaced afterall.
I will miss the feeling that your energy is permeating this desert place, regardless of how infrequently I actually see you. However Journey! Travel! New Beginnings! I’m so excited for you. Embrace your bliss, mama.
Comment by Mani — June 13, 2007 @ 5:38 pm
Wow. I can’t wait to read about the next stage in your journey.
Comment by Beth — June 13, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
I’m sad for us here in the desert. But I understand the desire for some place else. And the some place that you have chosen is great. You’ll love it.
Comment by Karen — June 13, 2007 @ 7:24 pm
Can’t you manifest a buyer who wants to close after the end of July? I know it is selfish, horribly so - but I cannot even fathom being ready to say goodbye to you in less than two weeks, when I leave for Canada. Give me a month more and I can be ready, but saying goodbye to you now….my heart aches.
Comment by misplacedmama — June 13, 2007 @ 8:56 pm
I know exactly how you feel. Didn’t you choose your new town without ever visiting too? That is how it was with me and Eugene. I’m not there yet, but I am close- just a 2 hour drive. I hope you visit me along your way. You always have a place to stay with me.
Comment by leslie — June 14, 2007 @ 5:18 pm
traveling mercies to you.
the image of you and your family taking to time to go slowly and play and be is divine.
i loved what you wrote about those who hope will move into your home. rooms and walls carry energy don’t they. i have no doubt that whomever comes to occupy the space where you have lived will feel the love that has infused the space.
Comment by writermommy — June 14, 2007 @ 6:56 pm
I’ve read this entry three times. I well up every time. First, that you won’t be in this area any more. Because even though we have yet to meet face to face (bummer) it’s comforting to know that you are somewhere in this hot dry valley. And second, I am so happy for you and your family and your journey to come and that place looks amazing. I am longing to escape this area, so I am vicariously living through you at this point ; )
How exciting!
Comment by Heather — June 17, 2007 @ 4:42 am
We will miss you in this hot, dusty, sprawling place - and I will be a little jealous knowing you are somewhere better. Happy travels, safe journey, and I hope Bellingham benefits from your energy as much as you benefit from its. I’ll miss you.
Comment by Melinda — June 20, 2007 @ 5:32 am
I read all the comments wishing you well on your new journey and all I want to do is scream “Please don’t leave us!!!!’ How selfish of me.
I know this move is what’s best for you and your family, I just hate to lose you.
Love you much Mama!
Comment by Doulala — June 26, 2007 @ 6:04 am