beauty that moves

an artist's haven

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I dream about the possibility of one's artistic self in a place like this. I imagine it's like being given the key to an endless vault of clarity and inspiration. Lines, pattern, texture, color, shapes, light... heaven. So much beauty.

low crime neighborhood?

I would like to live in a town where the police wear khakis and the most pressing matter of business on a Saturday is hanging a banner announcing the new national park in town. 

Oh wait, we used to live here! Hmm... wondering why we left.

where i belong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went to Vermont, and now we are home. But tomorrow we are heading back.

Goodness, there is nothing like Vermont. I've been in love with these mountains, rivers and sapphire blue skies for twenty years. Vermont and I understand each other - my heart and soul are at home here in a way they've never been anywhere else.  

Have you ever felt this? Have you ever been truly in love with 'a place?'

i suppose now is a good time to tell you

Hi. It's me, can we have a little chat today?

I'd like to share a second bit of news.

Oh, people. Blogging is a funny thing isn't it? We share parts of ourselves here, with each other, with the world. We put certain things out there in a big way yet other things never see the light of day on our blogs. Mostly, I've felt pretty good about what I have shared here, and what I have chosen to keep private. I don't really have any regrets, including my choice to share so openly our family's plans to move out of the city and head two states north settling into Vermont.

Unfortunately, now I must tell you that we are not moving to Vermont. Our house has been taken off the market, we are not selling and we are not moving at this time. I know, crazy and upsetting on so many levels. Here is my current dilemma. I can't really go into the nitty gritty details of it all... well, I could... but I won't. To explain why everything fell apart would require me to share too many details and to do so in this very public space would be inappropriate. So, I'm choosing to say nothing. We are staying here, for now.  

We are disappointed of course. But in case you are wondering, we have not given up on the dream (so don't you dare give up on your own dreams if you were one of those sweet people who found inspiration in our journey). It is more alive than ever and we are forging ahead with a refreshed outlook and gained perspective. We did learn so much about ourselves and about others in this process. We learned about the unwise and idealistic mistake of putting all of our eggs in one basket. We learned (almost too late) about the importance (for us) of not giving up home ownership in favor of a rental in today's economic/real estate climate. We learned about friends and community having our backs, and affirming our choices by reminding us we made a wise decision. And on a personal note, I learned that it can be very helpful to have an attorney in residence. I appreciated the counsel when it came to deciding what one should or should not apply their signature to.

We learned that the best decisions we make are often the hardest.

I am going to continue posting my home tour series however, because that was kind of fun. I keep forgetting that I'm doing that, it's been awhile! I also am looking forward to resettling here on the blog, in my home, and in my town. I feel like I've had one foot out the door for so long that living life fully and presently has slipped from the top of my agenda. Time to restore balance there. It's also time to celebrate the urban homestead like never before. With our feet firmly planted in the present, we are choosing to bloom where we are planted.

Right here, right now.

Now, what does a girl have to do to get a few chickens in her city back yard? Did I say urban homesteading? Perhaps I should have said renegade homesteading. Maybe it'll be me and a tiny flock of chickens against town hall. Stranger things have happened...

veggie eye candy as a thank you

Your words were more amazing than I could have imagined or expected. The time you all took to share ideas; wishes; and support... I am eternally grateful. I also think it's pretty cool that your messages will forever remain in that special journal of mine as I print them and glue them inside.  Thank you. A world of thank yous isn't enough. Considering the thoughts that were shared in the comments of yesterday's post, and the direction I am already heading in, I feel like I am on the right track and it will hopefully make for happy passengers in the future (that is you!). If you didn't get a chance to chime in yesterday and would like to, please go right ahead! ;)

For today, some pretty pictures to make you smile. They were taken in October at the Brattleboro Farmers' Market. Such a fine and groovy market. I love the permanence (see in the photos) of most of the booths, made out of trees and branches and such... as if to say, "We are your farmers, and we aren't going anywhere." Such peace of mind.