A long and winding road.
On Sunday afternoon Graham and I hopped into the car and headed up to Rice Lake, one of our favourite spots. It’s the place where Graham asked me to marry him, and where we spent the week after our wedding, which I suppose, technically was our honeymoon. Just because we didn’t fly somewhere tropical doesn’t mean we didn’t have a honeymoon, does it?
The original plan was for us to get started on our seasonal business work, but it was just too windy, and the lake was calling our name.
A stiff breeze was blowing across the water, and while I read the first two essays of a new book, giggling in the sunshine, perched on a bench atop the dock, Graham cast his line a few times before giving up. The fish simply weren’t biting. We turned around to head home.
As is our habit, we watched for homes that were for sale in the area. This pulled us down a few country back roads, where we discovered a great little family-owned greenhouse operation. I ogled the large vegetable garden that was raised up inside an old concrete foundation, the vegetables planted in orderly, weed-free rows (so unlike my own raggedy vegetable patch). We wandered around the greenhouse, taking mental note of the set-up of the place, the heating, ventilation, lighting, drip irrigation, et cetera. The zinnias were particularly stunning.
“I would totally support you if you wanted to do something like this,” Graham assured me.
“This is my dream,” I sighed.
We bought two coleus plants, thanked the owner and drove off, each of us left to our thoughts, minds adrift with the possibilities open to us down the road.
When we arrived home, we hopped online and started looking at listings on the MLS, just to get an idea of what price range the homes would be in the area we like. They were reasonable. Comparable to the price of our current home, in fact, but with space and land. Country homes within reach. Then we saw this.
It had a fireplace, loft space, pretty front porch, and a barn out back. And I was in love.
“You wanna go see it?” Graham asked.
“Yes!”
We rarely do anything spontaneous, so I leaped at the opportunity to do this together. We had never seen a house listed that we liked so much we wanted to see it in person, immediately. We raced out the door, hopped on the 401 and 40 minutes later, were parked on the curb in front of this charming place. With a 400′ deep lot, I could set up a greenhouse. The road was well traveled, so luring in customers wouldn’t be too difficult.
The problem is we’re just not in the position to buy, or sell a house right now.
“Maybe in a few years,” Graham assured me.
“I know. It’s just nice to imagine your life is different,” I said, my voice dripping with disappointment as I looked longingly out the car window at barns, homes and trees in silhouette against the fading evening sky.
“Then let’s make it different,” was his response.
That’s what I love about Graham…while I’m not one to patiently wait and plan, his ability to focus on a long-term goal is extraordinary. We complement one another that way.
So now we have a new plan, a new focus, something to strive for, together. The picture of our future is becoming clearer, and like what I’m seeing in my mind’s eye.
People seldom buy diamond watches just as pocket watches. They are more prone to be swiss army watches. There is high incidence of the breitling watches too.
Boo and I regularly house hunt. Not that we want to move (because we like our little home and our 20 acres) but because it is exciting to imagine all the new possibilities a new location and a new house brings with it.
I wish you luck on your dream journey, my friend.
May you end up in your own piece of paradise like I did.
Redneck Mommy’s last blog post..Vaseline (and Unicorns)
Ask and it is Given! Esther and Jerry Hicks say that all you have to do is ask the Universe for what you want and it’s yours. I got goosebumps from head to toe when I saw that house! I’m not joking. I’ve known lots of people who weren’t in the position to buy or sell a house at.the.time but they landed the house they wanted! Think about it. I don’t usually get goosebumps when I see a house, btw. That’s one SPECIAL HOUSE!! Best wishes, and hugs!
Traceytreasure’s last blog post..I’ve Got Nothing!
“It’s just nice to imagine your life is different. … Then let’s make it different.”
I really enjoyed this post, and these words are going to be my new mantra. You don’t mind if I tape them above my computer, do you?
PunditMom’s last blog post..Mothers of Intention — What Does Memorial Day Mean, by Becky, Deep Muck, Big Rake
We need something different in our lives and I envy the focus you and Graham have. You will have that “different”, I just know it.
motherbumper’s last blog post..some nerve
um, yeah, he’s a keeper!
You inspire me today.
blackbird’s last blog post..done
omg, i loved everything about this post!!!!!! it is so inspiring and really- it’s how we should think…. we should ACT, instead of putting things off for another day. this was awesome. he is awesome.
HUGS!
jennster’s last blog post..countdown to new york!!!
Awesome.
And a healthy balance between spontaneity and preparedness. It’s good. And as long as you hold onto it, it’ll happen.
But I know what it’s like to look at that sweet little house and think, ‘damn, what if…’
Best of luck with your dreams, Amy.
NotSoSage’s last blog post..Grace
I am totally Type A, my husband is laid back to the point of comatoseness. Like you said, it’s the yin and the yang… if we were both as compulsive as I am we would have killed each other by now.
Manager Mom’s last blog post..And Now, Politics With The MomFather
I can see why you fell in love – with the house and Graham.
mamatulip’s last blog post..Story of my life
That house is totally you.
Ainse’s last blog post..Rings.