One Month: Dream Realized

The view from my window

Since 1996, I've had this dream.  A dream to move to the Seattle area.  Even after a disastrous first visit (record snow fall kept me house bound for the entire week I visited), just that one day of touring the city and view of the mountains was enough to get bitten by the bug. Although life got in the way, compromises had to be made, others had to come first, still in the back of my mind, it was ever present.

Last year I made a decision.  With my son fully raised, it was finally a time where I could put myself first.  This decision was not without a lot of thought and planning.  See, I don't usually move quickly about big decisions, but when I finally do settle on one, it damn near impossible to stop me. It also took a lot of sacrifice, one of those being I temporarily had to abandon writing.  That included this blog and another I blog I have had for years.  After much sacrifice and an unbelievable amount of money, I finally stepped off the plane, into my new life, on April 1st. I let out a deep breath of relief.  It was like I had been unknowingly holding my breath for all these years.

The move was not complicated, but it wasn't without it's many challenges.  The hardest thing? Besides leaving my family and close friends, the most difficult aspect was basically divesting myself of 90% of my belongings.  Ever try to get rid of 45 years of accumulated memories and possessions?  The first phase was pretty easy.  There were so many things that needed to go naturally.  Things I had no attachment to and just cluttered up the place. The last phase was the hardest, letting go of well loved books, years of accumulated gardening stuff, costumes and prized collections. I had to assess what was really important to me. Suprisingly, that came down to very little.

I  moved to Lake Stevens WA with two suit cases, a laptop, and my cat, Phantom Bobaggins. A month later, that is still where I stand.  I have exactly 20, small boxes of things, a hope chest, one dresser, a sofa size painting, and a Victrola to ship eventually.  That's it!  Not much to represent the last 46 years of my life, but I'm okay with it.  Because I get to do something most people never get the chance to.  I have wiped the slate clean and am starting from scratch. I find it hard to articulate the feeling.  It's a bit like defying gravity. I never have felt so free.

As hard as this past year of preparation has been, finally getting to this point was like a giant weight had been lifted off my shoulders.  At 46, I am happier than I have ever been in my entire life.  It's ridiculous how much I smile now.  I was able to lease a little cottage by a gorgeous creek in the country. It's close enought to Seattle, to enjoy all it has to offer, but far enough away to gain some peace and quiet. The cottage has that alpine ski cabin feel and I perpetually feel like I'm on vacation.  I'm surround by these massive cedar trees and just down the road I have a spectacular view of the mountains.  I'm awestruck by the magical beauty of this place every single day. At any moment I expect to see gnomes and sprites. I have to constantly pinch myself and remind myself that no, dear, you are not merely dreaming, this is actually your home now.

I'm walking distance from my sister's place, which is a godsend. We spend most of our afternoons walking the insanely beautiful Centennial Trail.  I am enjoying getting to know the flora and the fauna around here, which far differs from the Southern United States. Many nights I sit by my creek, mediating, while being soothed by the babbling brook sound of water.  I spend weekends helping my brother in law farm and look forward to all that yummy, organic produce soon to come.  I'm getting quite the farmers tan, which amuses me, because I'm so fair skinned that I rarely tanned while living in the South. Who would have thought I would finally tan in Washington State of all places?

So many things about this state is a dream come true for me.  Clean eating is a breeze here.  My brother in law supplies me with fresh eggs, hormone free, free range, organic chicken meat, and fresh, salt water fish.  The guy just up the road from me sells organic beef, at a reasonable price. Local and sustainable living is just a way of life around here, so I feel right at home.

I have the exposure to different cultures, that I have been craving.  A new Asian friend has clued me into the most awesome of Asian markets, H-Mart, where I confess I must learn a little self restraint. I spend wayyyy too much money every time I go. There are so many ethnic stores around here, that I never have a problem finding the ingredients to make great exotic dishes.

Homemade spicy dukbokki with kimchi

 I have also discovered a really great Korean restaurant in Redmond.  The food was so good, that I couldn't stop eating it!

Stone Korean Restaurant

I am in thrift shop heaven! My sister and I have scoured the stores in the greater Seattle area and have found the most awesome of stuff.  I may end up completely furnishing my house with thrift store items. Like I said before, I came with only two suit cases full of clothing, but relying on my knowledge of the usual cool climate, I only packed long sleeve items.  Due to unseasonably warm weather this past week (we hit the low 80's this weekend), I had to go buy some summer clothing just to survive. I found so many great piece in the stores in Redmond, that I may never buy new again! I'm really excited about my new "used" summer wardrobe!

I guess this is all for now.  It's my birthday today.  I'm going to spend the day outdoors, soaking up that vitamin D and appeasing the earth mother in me.  Tonight my family has a small dinner planned for me.  I couldn't wish for a better birthday present, than to be right where I am, doing exactly what I am doing. Sometimes planning and taking a risk really pays off.  I know it's only been a month, but I think I got the windfall. Namaste.