As most of you know, I'm moving...again! In the past three and a half years I have sold four homes. That's hard for even me to believe. Now all I have to do is find another home. I'll leave here early Tuesday morning with the dogs and drive to Louisville. On Wednesday at 10am I will see this home I have written a contract on for the first time. At 11am I'll do a walk-thru with an inspector to verify my choice. I have my fingers crossed all will go well. I'll complete a few other chores and return home on Friday. A very short trip but a necessary one.
Yesterday was a busy day for me. I met with my mover and showed him what he will move. He moved me from Louisville up north and was the only person I would call to move me again. I trust him and his company with my personal belongings. And he is completely accommodating. He will get me where I want to be when I want to be there. Wouldn't it great to move from this home to the next with no storage issues? He also brought me lots of boxes, packing paper and tape. That's one problem solved. I also spoke with son-in-law Brett who told me the closing on this home will probably occur sooner rather than later. It could happen within 2-3 weeks. WOW! I'd better get packing! And TR Baker's friend, Danielle, moved from Traverse City to Petoskey into the home they will share. TR Baker will move next weekend. Things are happening pretty fast here and my heart is beginning to ache with the sadness and happiness of the future.
When I decided to sell my home, I spoke with all three children and asked them about their Dad's ashes. (They have been a guest on the bookshelf in the den since I moved into this home.) There were some conflicting responses. I decided to divide the ashes so that each child could have a part of their Dad. HC Baker loved wooden boxes. Over the years he had come into possession of quite a few. When he died I gave each grandchild one of the boxes filled with a few of their grandfather's special belongings. I kept three of the boxes that were special to me because I had given all three to him over the years. Now I needed a day alone, certain I would not be disturbed, and I chose today.
I gathered all three boxes and the original box holding HC Baker and brought them into the kitchen. I also got four heavy duty zip-lock bags. Now all I had to do was cut open the original bag and divide the ashes. Oh my. It took me quite a while to make that cut. I had no idea what these ashes would be like and how I was going to divide them. I got a measuring cup. At first the ashes were hard like they had become solid again. (I'm sure there's a wonderful analogy there but it's not in me today.) I got a spoon and began to loosen them. Slowly I filled each bag until it appeared everyone had the same amount, and then I placed each bag in their box. Next I went to my box of very personal memories of our life together and began to select HC Baker "stuff". I choose things he had written (all of us always teased him about his handwriting - very easy to identify), articles he had saved he enjoyed reading and re-reading, and photos of him. I arranged three groups of things, each one specifically and lovingly selected for them. I added "their" stack to their box plus a photo of HC Baker and me and closed each box. Done. I had no idea this task would be so difficult.
I heard from a dear friend today who said to tell HC Baker he's got my back! Grateful...
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
I have lost my mind!!!!!! (Have I used this title before?)
Well, this time it's absolutely true! Without a doubt, I know it!
The people who bought my home placed an offer on it before they had even seen it. I thought that was the craziest thing I had ever heard. Why would anyone do that? Are they nuts? What kind of people are they?
Guess what? I have just done the same thing!!!! And I promised myself I was going to proceed with caution on my next home purchase. (I do have a reputation for impulse buying!) "Take your time and find the perfect home," said Jo Ann. Apparently Jo Ann wasn't listening.
Today my friend and my real estate friend were riding around "looking" and found what they have described to me as a home with my name written all over it! They looked at it, photographed it, sent the photos to me, and told me I had to make an offer...TODAY! It's being sold "as is" in an estate that needs to be settled. I listened to them and looked at the photos. WOW! It looks wonderful! The kitchen and master bath have been completely remodeled to perfection, and those are the most expensive rooms to re-do. I called my sister and told her to get in her car and go have a look. I told her the home was unoccupied and to pull in the driveway, get out and walk around. Look in the windows and tell me what you see. She called back and said it looks terrific. Her husband said so too. Great house they said.
So here I sit, waiting for a contract to be e-mailed to me. I'll need to print it, sign it, scan it (never done that before), and e-mail it back. Also need to scan a copy of a check as my deposit. Can this be happening to me? If HC Baker were buried in the ground, he would not be rolling over in his grave but jumping up through the dirt! He is, however, still in his box on a shelf in the den. Should I go and tell him what I've done? I sure could use his "smarts" right about now. He was always able to help me through these crazy situations I seemed to attract. He was the person who "fixed" my problems and made everything OK. (I'm sure there were MANY times all he wanted to do was strangle me.) Well, I'm on my own now and hope and pray I'm making the right decision. If it's meant to be, it will happen. I will then be able to cross the fourth goal off my list for 2014 - find a home in Louisville.
So here's my plan. I will get in my car on Sunday or Monday, drive to Louisville, look at this home with an inspector, decide if it's for me, then drive back on Thursday. I haven't told Nutty or Maggie yet, but they love a road trip! And they should be able to get a "wiff" of their possible new home don't you think?
Someone told me tonight they thought my life was so exciting. Is it or have I lost my mind?
xxoo
The people who bought my home placed an offer on it before they had even seen it. I thought that was the craziest thing I had ever heard. Why would anyone do that? Are they nuts? What kind of people are they?
Guess what? I have just done the same thing!!!! And I promised myself I was going to proceed with caution on my next home purchase. (I do have a reputation for impulse buying!) "Take your time and find the perfect home," said Jo Ann. Apparently Jo Ann wasn't listening.
Today my friend and my real estate friend were riding around "looking" and found what they have described to me as a home with my name written all over it! They looked at it, photographed it, sent the photos to me, and told me I had to make an offer...TODAY! It's being sold "as is" in an estate that needs to be settled. I listened to them and looked at the photos. WOW! It looks wonderful! The kitchen and master bath have been completely remodeled to perfection, and those are the most expensive rooms to re-do. I called my sister and told her to get in her car and go have a look. I told her the home was unoccupied and to pull in the driveway, get out and walk around. Look in the windows and tell me what you see. She called back and said it looks terrific. Her husband said so too. Great house they said.
So here I sit, waiting for a contract to be e-mailed to me. I'll need to print it, sign it, scan it (never done that before), and e-mail it back. Also need to scan a copy of a check as my deposit. Can this be happening to me? If HC Baker were buried in the ground, he would not be rolling over in his grave but jumping up through the dirt! He is, however, still in his box on a shelf in the den. Should I go and tell him what I've done? I sure could use his "smarts" right about now. He was always able to help me through these crazy situations I seemed to attract. He was the person who "fixed" my problems and made everything OK. (I'm sure there were MANY times all he wanted to do was strangle me.) Well, I'm on my own now and hope and pray I'm making the right decision. If it's meant to be, it will happen. I will then be able to cross the fourth goal off my list for 2014 - find a home in Louisville.
So here's my plan. I will get in my car on Sunday or Monday, drive to Louisville, look at this home with an inspector, decide if it's for me, then drive back on Thursday. I haven't told Nutty or Maggie yet, but they love a road trip! And they should be able to get a "wiff" of their possible new home don't you think?
Someone told me tonight they thought my life was so exciting. Is it or have I lost my mind?
xxoo
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Let me say this again!
It came to my attention this weekend that there are some people "out there" who believe I made a mistake moving to northern Michigan. I did NOT!!!! I have absolutely NO REGRETS! After I accidentally sold my Louisville home at the yard sale, I realized my life was different now. I was a widow in search of a new life. When you spend all your life in your own personal "rut", anything new presents new challenges, new thoughts, new wonders. I did look at possible homes in Louisville but felt I was not ready to make that kind of decision. Where could I go? I still had a home in northern Michigan and I loved my blue cottage. HC Baker and I had created wonderful memories there. AND I had grandchildren close by. G & G are my two youngest grandchildren and I had missed lots of their lives. This was my opportunity to catch up on those moments and I decided to take it! So, I stored my personal household belongings and headed north. These last three and a half years have been so special to me. I have witnessed G & G growing up to be delightful persons - full of energy, brains, personality and love. I have grown closer to Emily and Brett and seen the gifts they have to give their family and others. It has been a wonderful blessing to me. I'm so happy I came. I've made new memories and new friends. All of this helped me to transition into my new life as a widow. I have not been alone. I have been surrounded by family. And TR Baker came to live with me. We have both grown in our hearts to be better people. So...I did NOT make a mistake. I simply started a journey, a new chapter in my life.
Now, that being said, it's not all been perfect. There have been plenty of ups and downs. And I survived them all. Right now my plate is very full and there is a bit of a struggle happening in my heart. As I prepare to move, TR Baker has chosen to remain here. He loves it up north and has found a lovely lady and her family, lots of new friends, and he enjoys his work. I'm so happy for him and hope and pray his life continues to bloom. He will move to Petoskey (where he works) in the next few weeks and share a home with his new family. He and I have talked about this move and what he will take with him out of the home we have shared. I have decided I am not going to move anything I will not use. I'm tired of lugging around all this baggage I have! Plus TR Baker and I have continued to "house" all the things he chose of his father's. He will take all of that and begin to build his memories in his new home. His lady will move to their new home next weekend and once she is settled there, he will begin his move. I'm excited for both of them but realize his move from this home will be difficult for me. There's such comfort in not being alone, yet that's exactly what I'll be...again.
Alone. What a word. I have thought and thought and thought about that word. It's just a word. It doesn't have to describe a life. A life is what you make it. You can live your life alone OR you can fill your life with wonderful things! For me those wonderful things include my family. Jeeze Louise...they have stood by me and loved me through all of this (while some of them have had their own serious concerns). Another wonderful thing I have is my friends - the absolute best in the world! One dear friend is my Saturday night date. She calls me every Saturday night and we have a date on the phone. Most often, we surf the internet together deciding what we'll buy or sign up for, or telling each other what we figured out the previous week! And we laugh, usually at each other! My friends pray for me and I pray for them. We all support each other every way we can. Another wonderful thing in my life is my church, and I will be so happy to return to that community. I've missed my church and the wonderful body of believers who lift you up with their love and support.
So yes, I will be by myself, but I won't be alone. The Lord is ALWAYS with me. He keeps me grounded and focused. Whatever comes my way, He is there with me to see me through. And He will, of that I have no doubt. Trust and Obey...
My sermon for the day! Happy Sunday!
Now, that being said, it's not all been perfect. There have been plenty of ups and downs. And I survived them all. Right now my plate is very full and there is a bit of a struggle happening in my heart. As I prepare to move, TR Baker has chosen to remain here. He loves it up north and has found a lovely lady and her family, lots of new friends, and he enjoys his work. I'm so happy for him and hope and pray his life continues to bloom. He will move to Petoskey (where he works) in the next few weeks and share a home with his new family. He and I have talked about this move and what he will take with him out of the home we have shared. I have decided I am not going to move anything I will not use. I'm tired of lugging around all this baggage I have! Plus TR Baker and I have continued to "house" all the things he chose of his father's. He will take all of that and begin to build his memories in his new home. His lady will move to their new home next weekend and once she is settled there, he will begin his move. I'm excited for both of them but realize his move from this home will be difficult for me. There's such comfort in not being alone, yet that's exactly what I'll be...again.
Alone. What a word. I have thought and thought and thought about that word. It's just a word. It doesn't have to describe a life. A life is what you make it. You can live your life alone OR you can fill your life with wonderful things! For me those wonderful things include my family. Jeeze Louise...they have stood by me and loved me through all of this (while some of them have had their own serious concerns). Another wonderful thing I have is my friends - the absolute best in the world! One dear friend is my Saturday night date. She calls me every Saturday night and we have a date on the phone. Most often, we surf the internet together deciding what we'll buy or sign up for, or telling each other what we figured out the previous week! And we laugh, usually at each other! My friends pray for me and I pray for them. We all support each other every way we can. Another wonderful thing in my life is my church, and I will be so happy to return to that community. I've missed my church and the wonderful body of believers who lift you up with their love and support.
So yes, I will be by myself, but I won't be alone. The Lord is ALWAYS with me. He keeps me grounded and focused. Whatever comes my way, He is there with me to see me through. And He will, of that I have no doubt. Trust and Obey...
My sermon for the day! Happy Sunday!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Just when you thought you were doin' OK!
Soon to be four years ago, HC Baker died and my heart was broken into a million pieces. Quite honestly, I didn't think it would ever heal. Plenty of days it seems like yesterday and other days it seems like forever. I decided then, I would create an invisible shell that would surround my body to protect me from any future heartache. Then I went on about my business. I sold a couple of houses, made a significant move, sold another house, bought an old house, spent nine months renovating it, lived in it for three years and now I have sold it! Time to move again!
All during this time I hated that invisible shell. At first it became my friend because it seemed to be working. Bad things just seemed to bounce off me, or more accurately, I avoided bad things. I focused only on good things and the shell began to disappear. I found I was returning to some of my former self. I ventured out more, made new friends, saw some of the world, learned quite a few lessons, and gained a new comfort to my life. In the past year I decided to try a few new things, open myself up to a new beginning, see what else is out there. I used to be brave and wanted to be brave again. I wanted to give something...not sure what, but I just knew there were new experiences and renewed experiences waiting for me, looking for me. Thinking about it was exciting. Last fall I began to search for hidden opportunities. Nothing life-changing but within my comfort zone. I can do this now. The shell was gone. My heart said step out there, try this. You'll be safe.
Now here's where it gets interesting. You know that saying about men having two brains (not intending to offend anyone)? Well, last weekend I discovered I have two brains. I have the one in my head and the one in my heart. And I discovered they don't always blend their thoughts together. How is it my "head" brain sees so clearly and my "heart" brain wears rose-colored glasses? Or is it the reverse? Curious! After what I thought was a great deal of mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation, I had the rug pulled out from under me! Thought I was prepared, but obviously missed some very significant signals.
I've read quite a few of the "grieving" books out there and didn't finish any of them! They didn't sound like me and what I was experiencing. What I want is a rule book. How do you "play" this new life? How do you trust this new life? Where can you find this new life? I'm still new to this and did warn myself I could stumble and fall, but I had hope. Hope is a part of that "heart" brain thing.
So here's what I've decided. Right now, I have an incredibly full plate. The house has sold and will close in 30-45 days. After that, I have ten days to vacate. I have to get straight with the movers, get packed, find a new home for me and Nutty and Maggie, and get all the details of this home settled so I can make a new home and start again. I'm hoping to find the excitement in that!
And the shell is back!
All during this time I hated that invisible shell. At first it became my friend because it seemed to be working. Bad things just seemed to bounce off me, or more accurately, I avoided bad things. I focused only on good things and the shell began to disappear. I found I was returning to some of my former self. I ventured out more, made new friends, saw some of the world, learned quite a few lessons, and gained a new comfort to my life. In the past year I decided to try a few new things, open myself up to a new beginning, see what else is out there. I used to be brave and wanted to be brave again. I wanted to give something...not sure what, but I just knew there were new experiences and renewed experiences waiting for me, looking for me. Thinking about it was exciting. Last fall I began to search for hidden opportunities. Nothing life-changing but within my comfort zone. I can do this now. The shell was gone. My heart said step out there, try this. You'll be safe.
Now here's where it gets interesting. You know that saying about men having two brains (not intending to offend anyone)? Well, last weekend I discovered I have two brains. I have the one in my head and the one in my heart. And I discovered they don't always blend their thoughts together. How is it my "head" brain sees so clearly and my "heart" brain wears rose-colored glasses? Or is it the reverse? Curious! After what I thought was a great deal of mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation, I had the rug pulled out from under me! Thought I was prepared, but obviously missed some very significant signals.
I've read quite a few of the "grieving" books out there and didn't finish any of them! They didn't sound like me and what I was experiencing. What I want is a rule book. How do you "play" this new life? How do you trust this new life? Where can you find this new life? I'm still new to this and did warn myself I could stumble and fall, but I had hope. Hope is a part of that "heart" brain thing.
So here's what I've decided. Right now, I have an incredibly full plate. The house has sold and will close in 30-45 days. After that, I have ten days to vacate. I have to get straight with the movers, get packed, find a new home for me and Nutty and Maggie, and get all the details of this home settled so I can make a new home and start again. I'm hoping to find the excitement in that!
And the shell is back!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)