Sunday, March 03, 2013

Moving Along... New Chapter in Life...

After a dozen years of marriage, my husband and I began to take diverging pathways... different ways of aging, our counselor said. Our lifestyles, interests and needs are not as compatible as they were during our early years together.

A couple of months ago, we finally decided to end the marriage and go our own ways. This is not a sad thing; actually I think it will be good for each of us individually, and enable us to remain friends as well.

He will be staying in our home. I am moving, but not far away. I'm staying on San Juan Island, which I love and where I have good friends, including him. For the next few weeks, I'll be fixing up my new place, converting the living room to a studio and the dining room to a small living room. I should be all moved and settling in by mid-April.

For those of you who are interested, my new address is:
1785 Douglas Road #4
Friday Harbor, WA 98250,
new phone number: 360-370-7066

Since December, I have not done any beading at all. I just haven't had the energy or heart for it. Don't worry though, beads and I are still an item. Bead mojo will come back when I get into my new studio!  In the meantime I've been stitching like a mad woman on my hexie quilt. I'll post about it and show pictures soon. Below is one that shows the border treatment I'm using.


More move information + pictures of new digs

Sometimes, it takes making a decision to realize what I really want. Ever had that happen? Yep, I had been convinced that the mainland move was the right thing. But when the house deal watered out, I felt relief, major relief actually. Examining the feeling made it clear that I really did not want to leave my friends and the security I feel here on the island. Even though there were pros for the mainland, it now seemed I felt more inclined to stay where I am.

Funny how the see-saw of making an offer here and then one on the mainland finally showed me where my heart wants to be.

So, I took another look at the house I'd seen previously, and decided to go for it. Now, I own it. Done deal. I am staying on the island, moving during the next couple of weeks to a modular home in what seems like an amazingly friendly modular home park, located 3 miles out of town. Here are a couple of pictures.

My new home!
This huge, evergreen tree (don't know specific type yet) on the left is one of my favorite things about this home; it seems like "a special guardian". I have neighbors only on one side (and she happens to be a quilting friend!). Looking across the street from the dining room and living room, there is a wonderful view over open, pastoral land, and a little peek-a-boo view of salt water and the Olympic Mountains.


 

The large living room, as shown in this picture, was carpeted, and painted a rather dull brown. I've already replaced the carpet with wood flooring, painted the room a very pale rose, and installed ceiling lighting. This room will be my studio... my art, bead, and stitching haven!!!


The former dining room will be my cozy little living room; and what was the breakfast nook will be quite adequate as a dining room. Everything is currently getting a make-over... paint and new flooring! I couldn't live in a home with white carpets throughout... just not me.


The kitchen is roomy and light, thanks to the skylight. I've never had a dishwasher, and have always struggled with cramped, no-counter-space kitchens. This spacious kitchen is a huge change for the better. Whoo-hoo! It too is receiving a flooring make-over.

I look forward to being moved and settled... to a bit more serenity... to pursuing my art again. It is in sight!

56 comments:

  1. Blessings to both of you as you go your own ways. I have been there and it is not easy... even when you end up friends. I love your work and you are right the muse will return for you and your beads! Love the quilt!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Marian, for your upbeat comment!

      Delete
  2. Wow what an exciting time for you, sad the relationship is moving to a different phase, but exciting new path and opportunities for you, both personally and professionally. I wish you well

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't quite gotten around to thinking of it as "exciting" yet... hope that will happen. Thanks for the well-wishes.

      Delete
  3. I am absolutely THRILLED for you, dear friend, and for Robert, too ... I've a feeling that many good things are on both of your horizons and all these changes will evolve into a better sense of well-being for each of you. I love that expression, "...different ways of aging," which can be so true even for non-married relationships like good friends, or siblings.

    I can't wait to see the Robinesque redo, the claiming of YOU on new territory! And let me reiterate ~ I am at the ready for helping with packing, schlepping, hefting, etcetcetc, should you wish to have some extra hands!! How about a *work party* with the FH gals??? YAY!!

    All my best to you, dear Robin. It won't be long now before you & all those beady wonders of yours will be settled down in your new nest, and you'll be beading & stitching up a brand new direction in life. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a super, wonderful friend you are to offer to be in a work party! Thank you! Actually, what I'd really, really like is some assistance with my plants... fertilize, prune... Any day you're free is good, whether or not I'm moved in. Big hugs!

      Did you get my email from a couple of days ago? Did you just LOVE the sunshine today!!!

      Delete
    2. Just discovered your reply as I was searching for your new phone number. More than happy to assist with plants whenever is convenient. Feeding those rhodies now would be highly beneficial for your upcoming visual enjoyment of bloom-age ;>]]

      Delete
  4. Kelly Wilbur9:30 PM

    Wishing you both the best and looking forward to seeing the hexies in person

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kelly ;>}

      You WILL see the hexies in person one day soon. I'll bring the top into Fabrics Plus when it's finished.

      Delete
  5. Even good change is stressful. I'm wishing you the best as you embrace it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice to hear from you, Bobbi! Yep, stressful, but I'm actually doing fairly well with it.

      Delete
  6. I'm glad you have been able to put these changes into a positive light. I hope nothing but the best for you. It will be fun personalizing your new home and making it yours. Lots of love.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love back to you, Lisa... Making the place "mine" will take a while, but will be fun.

      Delete
  7. Robin,

    That must have been a difficult decision for both of you! But it sounds like you're making the right decision. *Hugs.* Here's to new beginnings and all the wonderful, interesting, unexpected things they bring.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the hugs! It was difficult and came after 2 years of marriage counseling to try to patch things up. But we're both calm about it, and still friends.

      Delete
  8. Ann Severine1:38 PM

    When I got a divorce it was a load off my shoulders to have made a decision. You are lucky that you will remain friends. Of course there is this transition period to go through. I predict that going your own way will be very empowering, as if you need that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ann... I was a load off both our shoulders to do this. Empowering is good, more is better ;>}

      Delete
  9. I'm happy for you that you are going to be near your friends, and live in a place you love. AND that you are making it a priority to remain friends. Change can be difficult, but it sounds like you've weathered the worst of it, and it's becoming more calm, peaceful and hopeful.
    A new chapter in life... I like the sound of that. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I like the sound of "having already weathered the worst of it"... Thanks!

      Delete
  10. wishing you all the best in this new chapter...there's something about sewing that is therapeutic and soothing. The quilt will be another beautiful heirloom with much thought and reflection and hope stitched into it. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, indeed, working on the hexie quilt is such a soothing thing for me!

      Delete
  11. I bet your hexie quilt won't be finished before you move into your new home. It will be a symbol of the new layer of comfort you are going to build for yourself, with your own colours, shapes and needs. Wishing you a good move.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love your thought that the hexie quilt will be a new layer of comfort! Nope, certainly not even close to being finished, as I will be hand quilting it.... (crazy?)

      Delete
  12. I have a blue hexagonal wall hanging in my hall. Made during such a time of transition, it reminds me as I come and go that this is where I have chosen to be. Best wishes as you furnish your new nest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! How nice you have your hexie quilt hanging where you can see it every day. A hallway is a good place for it, where it doesn't fade from direct sun light.

      Delete
  13. Sometimes there seems so much to get done. If I am really busy i always smile as i remember a friend telling me if you were canoeing on a lake and surrounded by sharks you can only hit them one at a time. Good luck hitting the sharks one at at a time and moving to a better place :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hit one at a time... I like that! Thanks!

      Delete
  14. Keep your head up and your mind on your beads and you will find yourself slipping right into place again.
    Blessings! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the beads are a carrot hanging from a pole in front of my nose ;>}

      Delete
  15. Dear Robin, good to hear from you. You sound rather positive. That's good. The cats-to-be haven't changed this week, because I was very busy this week. But the tails are almost finished. Thanks for the address. Lies

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Am positive! Helps to have support from friends like you ;>}

      Delete
  16. Oh Robin..... change is always at least a little stressful and difficult even if we know in our hearts its the right thing to do. Remember life is too short to be even a little unhappy. I wish you the best and I'm sure that in the months to come things will turn out for the better even thou they may not seem so at the time (I have been through a VERY hurtful separation myself. But came out shining on the other side.) You know all of us wish you the best. Take care....and looking forward to seeing more of your wonderful work. Beautiful grandmother's flower garden quilt!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear Susan! It's good to know you came out shining on the other side... me too, I hope!

      Delete
  17. Sounds like lots of energy, channelled positively, now that the decision has been taken. All the best to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sabine... It's good to have the major decisions and paperwork behind us now.

      Delete
  18. Anonymous8:31 PM

    it so sad for me ..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Who are you?

      I'm sorry it's sad for you...

      Delete
  19. Good luck in the next phase of your life. Being friends really does work out. I am good friends with both of my vexes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Vexes"... LOL, that's really cute! I'm calling him my "wasband."

      Delete
  20. Robin, I wish you all the best in this next chapter of your life. Your new home looks absolutely perfect for you and I look forward to seeing and reading about your new adventures there. Sending love and big hugs....allie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Allie, and hugs back to you... xo

      Delete
  21. I'm so happy for you Robin! I wish you all the very best, and endless creativity!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Endless creativity... Ooooooh, I like that!

      Delete
  22. Robin you are a strong woman!
    I am excited for you.
    Love Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, Brenda... by the time I move all my blankety-blank stuff, I will be strong, LOL...

      Delete
  23. Sending hugs to you, Robin, as you go through this transition. Wishing only the best for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks... the wishes and hugs keep me in a good space about this!

      Delete
  24. WOW, this is such a nice looking place and I am happy that you can stay on your island. Here is to the next exciting chapter of your life.

    Beadily yours,
    Susan Feldkamp

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too, Susan. I almost didn't... almost took a house on the mainland, but now am very happy about the decision to stay here!

      Delete
  25. Anonymous8:07 PM

    You're just around the corner from us! :) Glad to hear you're happily moving into your new life. All the best to you, Robin. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Susan! Where are you?

      Delete
  26. One door closes and a window opens!! It seems that you have been having a lot to handle and it will be good for both of you- here is hoping anyway!!! HUGS!! I know that finding a spot just for you will be a wonderful experience for you and your muse will return. So glad that you are able to stay on your beloved island and that you have wonderful community and friends close by to help you on your new adventure, goodness knows you have helped all of them and so many others on their various paths through your artwork and your wonderful words!! you are an amazing friend and I know that many are very ready and willing to see you settled in your new robin's Nest!! Big Hugs!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes, indeed... my new "robin's nest"... I love that! Thanks and big hugs back to you.

      Delete
  27. Your new home looks lovely. I can't wait to see it when you're settled. May it be full of joy always.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I wish I knew you lived in Friday Harbor! I was there in February and would have loved to have had a chance to meet you. I love your book Heart to Hands. I am a knitter but this is one of the most inspiring books on creativity that I have read. Best wishes for the new direction in your life. Maybe we will get to meet some day but know that your work is inspiring in more ways than you could have imagined!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a lovely comment! Made my day to hear from you.... If you ever return to Friday Harbor, give me a jingle... I'm in the phone book... Thank you!

      Delete

Thanks you for joining the discussion on this post today!