Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Black & White "ish" Wednesdays ~ Small House





I keep trying to tell myself that it's no big deal.
I mean, this place was always supposed to be temporary. A stop on the way to what was next...

Let's back up seven years. Because it was exactly seven years ago that we moved into this little rental house. We were hurting. We were in debt. We were closing doors...all sorts of doors. My husband and I had recently left behind work that we'd shared together for over two decades. We were becoming empty-nesters. And we were selling a house in a town that our kids had called home for their middle and high school years. Doors. Closing.

In fact, so many doors were closing, that we were not in any frame of mind to be looking for new doors. Seven years ago I could have told you very {very} clearly what I did not want my life to look like. But I couldn't have told you much about where I was headed or what I wanted from that proverbial next chapter.

As it turns out, this little house has given us a wonderful chapter. A rich, long, lovely chapter. The more I sort, clean out, gather and pack, the more I'm struck by how full and rich these years have been. There have been milestones celebrated here....two fiftieth birthdays, one college graduation, one wedding, the addition of a grand puppy and a thirtieth wedding anniversary. There have been holidays....when the house was full and the laughter was loud! There have been countless days and hours of crafting and chatting with some of my favorite people in the world. I started blogging from the safety of these walls. I picked up a camera again and began to walk and wander and climb... It is because of this house that I discovered my pond. My glorious Horn Pond.

"in this small house
worn from all the years
tells a thousand tales
hides forgotten tears
in this small house
we will reminisce
all the stories
inside the stone and brick"

So, I guess I should stop trying to tell myself that it's no big deal. Because here we are, seven years later. We are happy. Healthier than we've ever been. We are out of debt. And we're about to open a big-shiny-new-dreamed-of door. We've found a house to settle into. To call our own. And somewhere in between all the milestones and memories we've made in the small house, healing has taken place. Healing of the deep, soul-soothing variety.

I find that I am leaving here a very different person than when I arrived.

And that, my dear friends, is a huge deal.

"in this small house
made of brick and stone...
in this small house
together we have grown."
Michelle Featherstone


My Memory Art
{sorry for adding a not-so-black and white photo to this week's post...as we prepare to move, my time is kind of limited...so one or two posts a week is about all i can manage...also sorry for not getting around to visit and comment...this too will change once i'm settled!}
I'm also linking up with 
Song-ography 
and
Wednesdays Around the World 


18 comments:

  1. There´s no place like home. Good luck with your preparations.

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  2. Happy Moving! I know how hard it is to say goodbye to homes. I fear I will feel much the same you feel when we leave this home. It's my least favorite of all the houses we've lived in, but it's where most of my kids' childhoods have taken place so far. I recently heard the admonition that our possessions don't hold the memories - the memories are inside of us. Hugs

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  3. So glad the years in this home have been good and full of joy and memories!

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  4. such a lovely, heartfelt post!!! everything is necessary to lead you to right where you are today. it's where you are suppose to be!!! the next chapter is going to be awesome!!!!

    and you better not leave me a comment.....we had a talk, remember!!!!!

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  5. A wonderful tribute to this home you are leaving. May your time in your next house be doubly blessed.

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  6. This is wonderful...and boy could I relate. This is the first house we purchased without kids....they are grown and we are empty nesters too. It has been a blessing. For all of us. I hope your next house becomes A home quickly too!

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  7. What a wonderful new adventure awaits. Hoping your move is easy and you get settled in you new home quickly. Can't wait to see it.

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  8. What a beautiful post Adrienne... it's always sad saying goodbye to a space that contributed to so many beautiful memories. But just as this home was filled with joy and laughter and peace so it will be in your next home (for those things are inside YOU). I'm excited to see where you're headed, your new landscape... will the lake still be nearby?

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  9. Somehow I received this and am delighted to be connected in this small way to you, again. You had always been a blessing in my life. I hope you have a good move and that God blesses you even more in your new home. Where are you moving? Lory Demshar

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  10. I can so relate. I feel like where we are now is very much the place you are leaving behind. It's the stopover. But a long stopover. The trick for me has been finding the joy in this part of the journey. Thank you for encouraging that. Best wishes as you close a chapter and begin a new.

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  11. Oh, how exciting. It is often challenging to pick up the pieces of ones life and transport it somewhere else. Such a beautiful home. Don't apologize for the not so black and white photo. I love seeing the contrast between color and black and white. (and you know I always have colored shots among my black and white ones) Best wishes to you as you journey into your new chapter of life.

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  12. Here's to new doors, to new a new home, and a brand new chapter! Thanks for sharing at Song-graphy!

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  13. Lovely! Also very exciting that you are moving but I can understand your feelings. My Mum just put our family home up for sale, it isn't the current family home but it is where I grew up. It hit me, harder than I thought. So many memories within four walls.

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  14. Lovely post! I hope your new chapter is glorious!

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  15. Beautiful post and beautiful photo!

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  16. Sometimes, it's hard to leave the familiar, but you have some great adventures ahead of you!

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  17. What a beautiful post! Good luck with the move and many more memories to come!

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  18. Relocating to a new home can be the most stressful times in your life. Relocating to a new place equates to new neighbors, new job opportunities, and new possibilities. Think of it as a chance to leave it all behind and start afresh. Moving to a new place can be much more tolerable and less stressful with a little preparation.

    Doyle Hunt @ Real East Van

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