Thursday, September 10, 2009

New Plans...

I'm getting ready to plant fall lettuces. But... not where you'd suspect.

I've found a little house. I'm moving in next week.

After taking a long, realistic look at my budget... and after realizing that I still feel, well, like I'm getting about on paper wings, I decided to take the most drastic step I've ever taken: do the logical, safe thing. Two weeks ago, I sat down and thought: now Brin, if you were a normal girl and not a recklessly fearless, head-in-the-clouds one, what would your next move be? Of course! It would be to get a stable job in a nice-sized town, rent a little house with a fenced yard for Millie, and, I don't know, get out and meet people. So I am. The cottage will have to wait; I'm simply drained of finances, energy and unwearied hope for now. For now.

I found a small house in an old neighborhood in the city where I work. The old place has hardwoods and a strange layout and lots of quirks, but I know its owners very well and am quite assured this will be a happy arrangement. In the front yard is a weathered, mossed-over, gnarled root oak tree that I love. The backyard is fairly... blank. An empty canvas. The house is dated, severely dated, and requires a LOT of love, but that only means I'll be up to some of my old tricks again (paint, flooring, lighting, decorating, planting, planning....) So what do you say? Are you up for another house that needs us?

Pictures of the interior to come. You'll see what I mean. For now, I'm off to dream of lettuce seeds and kitchen tile. It's raining here, after all, and Millie's snoring softly at my feet and my eyelids aren't propping themselves open as they should. .... .... ....

43 comments:

lala said...

Oh, I am so happy for you. This sounds like a perfect arrangement for you and Millie. Can;t wait to see the photos. As my grandma would say, I am so glad that you have found "a cup of joy".

Debbie in CA : ) said...

I'm new on board . . . sounds like I picked an exciting time to visit. I'll be back to see what's around the corner. I just love a cozy cottage in need of TLC. : D

p.s.
DARLING aprons!!!

Brenda said...

I love your adveturous spirit (as I am always a sensible girl). A new old house will be just the thing! I can't wait to see the projects (and I KNOW you need projects) :D

Mama said...

Brin, it sounds wonderful! I know you're going to have fun, fun, fun -- can't wait to see it!

Kathleen Grace said...

God has a way of making our dreams come true in ways we don't expect. I am so happy that you have found a place of your own, temporary or not I know you will put your heart into making it a home! Always go forward:>)

Tara said...

Sounds like a great plan! Can't wait to see what you do with the place.

Bev said...

Hooray for you!...of course I'm up for another house and another Brin adventure...do you realize how very good your eternal optimism is for the soul?...you are a treasure! Thanks for taking us along...can't wait to see the pictures!

Sami Jo said...

Wahooo! Can't wait to see the pics!! & a bare backyard sounds like it is whispering your name to come and make it beautiful!

Gracie G. said...

yay! sounds great! I can't wait to see how you end up fixing the place up. Old houses probably love you and dream that you will come live in them and make them beautiful homes again.

paisley penguin said...

That sounds wonderful! Good for you!

Cooking for One said...

So happy for you! Been following your story and felt so sad for you when your original dreams didn't come true. Just know there are always new dreams and a happily ever after, you just have to believe! Wishing you the very best!!

Sarah said...

You are so lucky to know the owners and that they will allow you to update the house! We're renting and it has turned into a nightmare instead of a blessing. It all depends on the owners though you know? I cannot wait to see what you do with the place!

Diane said...

Brin, this sounds very exciting! I can't wait to see what you do with this charming little cottage!

The Blogless Sister said...

I think that's a really good idea!

- What should we call the new place? Wisdom House perhaps? :-)

Shelley in SC said...

Oh, yay!! A new project . . . a new canvas. It will be such good therapy to begin again in this way!

Unknown said...

My heart is happy for you and that little house you will love and save. Sounds like a perfect Brin project and I'll be with you all the way! Can't wait to see it inside and out! How exciting!

Kelly said...

Yay! Can't wait to go along for the ride.

Rain said...

Can't wait to see how you transform another house into something special!

Life is 5 Minutes Long said...

Looking forward to new adventures!

Karen Deborah said...

OOOh I see my friend Debbie in CA found you, goodie you will like her. I think this is a great idea. You have been through a lot. The nice thing about renting is that often the owners will pay when you do the work and it's a mutually satisfying project. We did that in a big old house. We asked our landlords to never raise our rent while we lived there, and we would fix up their place. They paid for the things needed and they were very happy when we moved out.
I think considering how much you have gone through this is a good plan. Take it easy and enjoy the old house for a bit, you might end up liking it!

Jen said...

Good for you! I know you'll make life interesting no matter where you are.

Susan said...

Can't wait to see photos ... sounds like a lovely plan and I couldn't imagine how on earth you were going to be able to afford to build a brand new home (from one thrifty, frugal cash poor gal to another) ...

unless maybe you'd found yourself a "sugah" daddy or won a lottery. Wink.

Victoria said...

It sounds exciting! The cottage will come one day, I am sure of it!

Elenka said...

Wow, good luck to you. I miss the days when you were working on Freeman House. This should be fun!! Thanks for including us.

Prairie Girl Studio said...

smiling for you and millie ~
prairiegirl

Lisa said...

Sounds like a great new adventure. Can't wait to see what projects you have on the horizon!

Cathy said...

Wonderful! Brin, you are so very young! No matter what you do it will be a wonderful adventure! I can't wait to see your new "house of wisdom"

Love, Cathy

Harbor Hon said...

See ... you waited and God whispered. I know you'll make the little place YOUR special place for you and Millie. Just take it one step at a time and remember to breathe. Praying for you all the time. xxoo

Seawashed said...

Oh yes, I'm looking forward to a new place for you to transform into a cozy cottage that we all fall in love with...and to watch your garden grow again...yes, I'm excited and happy for you Brin.

Jennifer said...

Brin,I am so happy for you and can't wait to see the new place.I love the little pastel rug you made from tshirts thats great.Hugs,Jen

Seawashed said...

I can't find your email. I wanted to invite you to my private blog...I don't know if you ever visited me, Sea Cottage, but I just went private. You can send me your email at ksseacottage@gmail.com, if you'd like! Fairmaiden

Lallee said...

I'm ready for the move....anticipating your magic touch. You can turn sensible into sensational. Yes you can.
Hugs,
Lallee
PS You made me cut up tee shirts!
PSS My 'word verification' for this comment is 'molibut.' Now that is just begging for a definition, don't you think? LOL

Debi said...

Congratulations on your new venture! Can't wait to see house pictures and to follow your "fixing up" journey. Good luck!

jill said...

Oh sweetheart, sometimes doing the "logical, safe thing" is just the right thing to do! I'm very happy for you - no more commute and lots of projects to stir those nesting and creative instincts! Please keep us with you every step of the way!

Sometimes life is just a series of lulls between storms - cozy in and enjoy the lull - you need it and you deserve it! Make it a chapter in your life you'll fondly remember - I have a feeling it will lead to new friendships and experiences you can't even imagine right now.

Can't wait to see the pix!

Jillie said...

I love your spirit - don't ever change that, no matter what! And I'm so glad I found your website. At this time in my life (thanks to the BIG businesses that created this the awful economy) I am having to start over. Stripped of job, home, and finances I am having to pick up and move "back home." (Thank goodness for family!) So being able to tag along with you on your ventures has been inspiring and just what I needed. Although I'm speaking for myself, I'm sure many others out there that feel the encouragement and that possibilities are just around the corner!

Sandy @ The Scoop on Balance said...

Wish I had your freedom to pick up and go where you want to go. I shall move vicariously through you.

Sandy

Lulu said...

I am happy for you, i know you will make it into a cozy home..
cant wait for pics..

Anny said...

Congratulations and good luck :)

Sharon said...

We will continue to enjoy the adventure with you as you make this house your home. It is such a relief when you make a decision and it feels right. The indecision stage can be very draining but the peace comes when its the right decision.

Rosemary said...

You are inspiring girl! I can't wait to see the new place and what you do with it :)Sounds like a new adventure! Have fun with it!

shoegirl said...

Hooray! A new project :-) Can't wait to watch you work your magic!

Lori said...

What wonderful news ~ I cannot wait to see pictures of the new place!

AnNicole@Our Suburban Cottage said...

See now...I think your fearlessness is pretty darn amazing. I could use a little more of that trait and a little less "Oh crap, if I change brands of toothpaste my life could spiral out of control and fall off a cliff."

I can't wait to see the new house!