It’s the first house in weeks that has caught your eye. Timeless brick, attractive landscaping, and oh man, those hardwood floors. You click through each photo, waiting for the “but.” The catch. The compromise. But there is none.
It’s even better in person. You’re not supposed to fall in love — not yet, not yet — but how can you resist that sunny window seat in the attic dormer? Or the inviting front porch where you can unwind in the evenings? Or the fenced, shaded yard where your dog can roam and your future children can play?
It’s what you’ve been waiting for. The “quickening” sensation in your chest that your realtor described. A sense of rightness. Of possibility. You spend several days walking the nearby streets, poking into local businesses and getting a feel for the neighborhood. No, you’re not supposed to fall in love yet, but something is blooming inside you. Your lips flower into a smile.
It’s a whirlwind process. Offer, counter offer, contract, loan, inspection, negotiation, closing. Less than 30 days after you first set foot on the property, someone hands you the keys.
It’s so surreal.
It’s yours.
It’s over a hundred years old, but brand new to you. You can barely take it all in. There’s so much space. So much to learn. Cast iron radiators, plaster walls, knob and tube wiring. You have no idea what you’re doing, but that’s what makes this an adventure. Even the dog has to discover all the sunny spots anew.
It’s a blank canvas. An eternal work-in-progress. You both want so badly for it to be just right, right away. But perfect doesn’t exist, and even good enough doesn’t happen overnight. Take a breath, take a break. Take it one day at a time. If you just keep going, you’ll get to where you want to be eventually, probably without even realizing it. (There’s a writing metaphor in that, by the way.)
It’s dripping onto the baseboards when you’re painting a room. Then fixing a leaky valve in the basement. Breaking the blinds when you’re cleaning a window. Then finding a cool new light fixture for the dining room. Hitting brick when you’re trying to hang a picture. Then hosting a dinner party for some wonderful friends, and realizing that this — jokes, drinks, warmth, love — is what it’s all about.
It might not be guaranteed, but it’s more than a maybe.
It might not be forever, but it’s a future.
It’s a dream come true, and a dream unfolding.
It’s a mix of hopes, expectations, and the unknown.
It’s the next chapter in your most treasured story.
It’s time to turn the page.
8 responses to “Home (part 5)”
You sound so happy, and that makes me happy FOR you! Congratulations on your lovely new home. Wishing you so much joy as this new chapter unfolds. May all the memories you make there be beautiful! :)
Thanks so much, Shari! <3
This was my favorite in the series, but it was a close call.
Aww, thanks, CJ!
Congrats again, Kristan!! And your home both looks and sounds lovely! I can’t wait to see pics of grumblepup in all his new favorite spots. :)
Thank you, Alice!
I love this post! It’s gorgeous, and I couldn’t help but smile while reading about what it felt like to think “this might be it.” I’m so happy and excited for you! :D
Thank you! :)