I have been organizing the studio
here at the fixer upper, and it has been
necessary to let go of more belongings
which don’t fit in this smaller home.
Letting go endures as an important theme
for me, and today I have been thinking
about the prior home we designed and let go.
It was charming and elegant
with pretty architectural elements and so much peace.
It shone with abundant natural light,
making for great photos with no editing required.
I miss walking 8-10 miles daily with my sister here.
I miss kind neighbors who tolerated lots of
cars parked by teen fixtures at our place.
I even kind of miss the two years of emo band
practice in the basement almost every day after school.
Kind of.
Letting go has been healthy, though not easy.
I am so grateful to my family, all of whom made
sacrifices with the move.
I like the idea of a house becoming a cure.
I like the idea of letting go of a house as a cure more.
It certainly wasn’t a perfect house.
But it was where the boys became men.
Where I became a writer.
Where Bella Luna was in her prime.
Still struggling some days to let her go.
Our tale is enfolding,
It is a love story, not without drama,
with a more imperfect house.
And you and I both know how much
lovely exists in the imperfect!
I look forward to sharing more progress on the
cottage makeover and new art I am creating
soon and feel so grateful
to have you here.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Michele, this post calls could be one penned by me. It almost captures my own experience-—minus the walks with the Sis that I don’t have—-but I do know the pangs of letting go experience so well. And the reminiscing about a previous home that contained so many rich memories of two boys growing up…so many parties and wonderful memories of family holidays and bustling Life. Teenage mischief. (Oh boy did we have that) And the most precious memory of our beloved, family dog—our sweet, soulful Sierra in full bloom during those years, growing up with our boys. Oh how I still ache for that dog. Sigh. Yes, life is always evolving and we keep growing and learning how to let go don’t we? It’s such a process and I’ve appreciated the kinship we’ve shared these last years, experiencing so many similar growing pains across the miles…this post reminds me that I’m so happy to call you my friend.
your words and soul are so beautiful, friend. what comfort to be joined. xox
Beautiful post.
thanks so much. peace.
I am just perfectly content having read your words. Anxiously waiting to see your art. Art that comes from a soul such as yours is sure to be priceless Michele. A big hug coming your way…..
i'll take that hug and kiss your cheeks twice like the French. xox
Beautiful post Michele. Thanks for the reminder. Robin
thanks for reading, robin. xox
OMGoodness, such loveliness in every sense! Lovely home, lovely art, lovely words, lovely sentiment, lovely inspiration, lovely heart! (And precious dog💕) I thoroughly enjoyed every morsel of this post. Your blog is perfectly titled, because everything about it…every word and image…says hello lovely to any heart that reads and enjoys it! Thanks for sharing your gifts & talents & life with us, Michele! And I would love to own a piece (or two or more!) of your art one day!
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Thank you, Amy. I would be honored to have you become a collector of my art. You can always email me [email protected] photos of places where you think you’d like an abstract seascape painting or quote panel or ? , and we can brainstorm. xox
Thanks so much, Michele. We have spent quite a bit lately on necessities for the house, so it might be a little while before I could purchase one, but I’m definitely very interested. I will contact you once we get closer to where we are able to do that! Thanks so much! I love all the art I saw in your AZ home.
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🙂