Changes
The Pacific Northwest has been good to us. We migrated here from the south in 1983 and carved out a life for ourselves and our boys. In doing so, this wonderful, wild and beautiful country fostered a love of the outdoors in all of us, taught us about the grandeur and beauty of untouched land and much about a more simple way of life. We came here tired and heavy from years in a big city. We moved to a small coastal town in Oregon where the scent of the ocean was in every breath we took and the cry of seagulls replaced the roar of commuter traffic. Week-ends were spent walking the beach or driving up or down the coast – we could never decide which direction was the more beautiful. We had special little cafes and taverns we enjoyed with friends and others we kept just for ourselves. We could easily walk anywhere in town we wanted to go. It was a small town way of living.
After the boys graduated high school, we purchased a small farm about six miles inland where there was less wind and the temperature was more conducive to gardening. A collection of animals soon found a home with us and we built a barn, grew our own food, cut our wood for heat and gathered eggs from our hen house. I loved the end-of-season canning and freezing and our kitchen was lined with shelves of beautiful peaches, green beans, beets, jellies and relishes. Our freezer was packed to the brim with broccoli, corn and cauliflower and the shop held potatoes, onions and winter squash. The climate was so temperate that we were able to leave beets, carrots and leeks in the ground through the winter and come early spring and time to till again, we were still digging last year’s vegetables. The giant sunflower heads we harvested in fall made wonderful food for the birds all winter long.
I never tired of the self sufficiency that little piece of ground afforded us and the feeling of satisfaction in our simple existence was an intense pleasure to me. We had good friends, sons we loved and who loved us in return, clean air to breathe and beautiful trees protecting us from the rest of the world. It was always a little piece of heaven to me. And it was a lot of work.
Finally admitting that we wanted more free time, we ultimately decided to sell the farm and move closer to our sons. We felt we would enjoy the close proximity to the city and all that would afford us in the way of theatre, museums, restaurants, shopping and just random exploring, not to mention being able to spend more time together as a family. The move was a good one for us and the years we have spent here have been rewarding in ways we could not have anticipated. The blessings we have reaped were both unexpected and far-reaching, proving to me once again that our very best guide in life is simply to go with your own gut feelings – even if you can’t explain them.
We are choosing once again to listen to our spirits. We are leaving this wonderful country. It’s been a long and difficult decision on our part, but once again we know without a doubt it is time for change. This will be a big one for us as it entails leaving our sons, our daughter-in-law and soon-to-be two grandchildren and traveling thousands of miles to relocate. The move will happen sometime within the next six to eight months. I smile remembering the Seinfeld segment in which Elaine cast a critical eye upon every date to determine if he was ‘sponge-worthy’. We’ll be doing that with our accumulated stuff, only we’ll be asking if it’s ‘ship-worthy’. Both George and I are collectors, so this will occupy a good deal of our time in the upcoming months. We need to become lighter, both physically and mentally. We’ll be working toward that goal.
Our sons are happy for us and pleased at our decision. They feel it will be good for us. We remind one another frequently that we will only be a “plane ride away”. George and I will return for good visits during the hottest time of year in our new home and the kids will welcome a respite from the PNW rains at some point during the monsoon months. Things have a way of working out and I’ve always known the time would come when we would not all live in the same area. Still, it’s been a bit difficult for me. Just the knowledge that I won’t be able to climb into the car or jump on the ferry and be with them makes me miss them already. But all things in their time…and this is a time for changes.
to where are you moving? in the southern part of the country? wonder if could make a move like that. it’s not an easy decision to move. all the packing and deciding what’s worth keeping and what needs to go. take care,
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And you’re not going to tell us where you’re going?
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Well, I imagine that once you have left and then refound heaven a few times, subsequent departures become easier to trust. Are you off on adventure?
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I remember an entry you wrote not that long ago about embracing…change. And the excitement involved in new things, places. I get a feeling of both excitement and sadness in your words here. Excitement for a new adventure and sadness to be leaving your family. But as you said…only a plane ride away. I do hope our paths cross some day. You bless my life with your sweet spirit. Love,
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I hope you stay writing here as you go through all these changes. Good luck with the whole process-I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision but the way you talk about past moves make me think you’ll be just fine with this one. xoxo
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My goodness, isn’t life interesting? Spain perhaps? Latin America? My curiosity is humming though I admit I will miss you in an odd way, miss knowing you were down the road. I hope this change delights your spirit.
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yo are so wise. took me quite awhile to listen to my inner self. I heard once that humans are the only animals that don’t follow their instincts. I listen so much better now but still miss some. good luck in your life adventure.
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Where are you movig too?
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Oh, my, you are in for quite a change, and of course I wonder if you will moving back South, perhaps to FL where I live now? I came here to say how much I enjoy reading your kind notes; but once here, what a delight to find this wonderfully written entry that gives me a map to your life and times. Now I feel I know you well, tho I have just found you here. My best. I don’t think I could do
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what you are planning to, but I admire you for doing it. A big change will shake things up and the two of you will feel energized by this move, I’d imagine. And the children WILL be just a plane trip away, for sure.
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“Monsoon” says it’s some exotic far away place beyond the Pacific ocean. Hope you bring your computer and take your diary friends with you. Been nice getting to know you, patalija
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Dear patalija, hummm, you write so well, I am sending email ryn so you can let me know WHERE! hugs,
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Can feel the deep introspection and energies of change through your words. Glad you have such a good attitude about the sad parts of the changes you are making. Seems like the good of it will be worth it : ) You live life even better than you write it. I admire you. Thanks for writing about it all here. Life’s adventure is a good ‘un ; ) Hugs
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BTW Thanks for singing Happy Birthday to me the other day : ) And since I still don’t know the date of yours, a big Happy Birthday to you early or late. Hugs
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Happy Trails to you!
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I admire your spirit of adventure – our move was good for us in many ways. It taught us to roll with the punches, nothing is permanent and you can ALWAYS go home. For me, change is the only way to keep growing as a person. I hope you keep us all informed as to how your move goes. We wish you all the best!
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I had a dream the other night after reading your entry but being unable to leave a note — who knows why notes do not take at the moment. I dreampt of you on a big porch, with a swinging couch. There was a sweet smell in the air and neighbors passing by with short talks about the evening. I felt that all was well, patalija, you were coming home. Love,
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Terrific! Orlando, near there is my home. Ipso facto, Ollie, Lightbulb…those are names of others here who live an hour’s or so drive away.
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ryn: If you adopt me do I get to come on the adventure?
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your life sounds very rich indeed
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What’s her waterline? 😉
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With a boat the length of the waterline comes into the determination of hull speed. You have left so much info out I decided that I would imagine you sailing around the world on your new home. 🙂 I could have asked gross tonage but I imagine a nice little sloop for you. Perhaps a Cavalier Sailor… maybe 32foot. Cozy but sleek. 🙂
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People with attitudes like yours are happy wherever they go. God speed.
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This sounds like a wonderful new direction, though I personally can’t imagine leaving the PNW. Then again, I’m stuck in L.A. and love rain, which I never see. Misplaced, indeed 🙂 I wish you much luck and happiness 🙂 xxoo,
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I love changes and new adventures! Sounds like this will be wonderful for you. Thank you for your lovely, sweet note.
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!!!How did I miss this entry? I was going through Favs I’ve missed reading, opened your journal to tell you so, & then found an entry I hadn’t even read! And what an entry!! What a move! (‘but..but’ she said in a small voice-‘…you aren’t going to leave US are you?’) Good for you! DC & I think that someday we would want to live in Madrid or Sienna for 6 mos. at a stretch & home again.:)xoxox
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wow where are you going? Your life sounds great. I want the simple life too….
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