There will be no garden this year. My chickens are gone. Cooking is hardly happening because I don’t want to make a huge mess in the kitchen. My design wall is down. My knitting is put away. My yarn is stuffed into a closet and I can hardly get to it. The loom is folded up and stuck in a corner so I cannot weave. The sewing machines are still set up but yesterday when the realtors toured, our realtor left me a message that they were “overwhelmed” by all the quilting stuff in the basement.
I feel like I should sit and twiddle my thumbs to keep from messing up anything.
Chad moves back home tomorrow. Vince leaves on Sunday to go back to Texas. Chaos abounds.
Vince is supposed to look at some tiny little houses next week to maybe buy because we can’t find anything to rent. I love this stove! I love these floors and the window. The houses are less than half the size we need. But, they look clean and Vince has to have some place to live! The housing situation is so frustrating and this move wouldn’t be nearly as hard as it’s been had the housing situation been different.
And then I turn on the TV. I hear of flooding in several states, including my home state of Louisiana. I hear of farmers who fear their land will be ruined. I’m reminded of the tornadoes across Alabama. I realize we are so blessed. My guess is there are any number of people across this country, or other lands for that matter, would be to have problems as small as I face.
Vince has a great job. Chad graduates from college tonight. My parents are healthy. Our house will sell soon and we’ll get on with life as we knew it. I get to stay home and do what I want all day (well . . once the house sells). My life runs so smoothly 99.9% of the time that when there are a few glitches, it’s easy for me to forget that things are still fine; that everything will work out and in just a few months, we’ll look back on this time and laugh.
Yesterday as I sat down to fold clothes, I noticed the storm clouds moving in. As with weather, also in life . . storms come and storms go. When I looked out the window, my first thought was not . . Oh, a storm is coming! My first thought was . . What a beautiful scene! So many shades of blue and green!
The storms of life sometimes cause much heartache and damage and even with those, we move on. Those affected by the floods and tornadoes will rebuild their lives. Things will never be the same — better for some, worse for others . . but life goes on. Often in our individual lives, there’s lots of rumbling and complaining (thunder) and sometimes a few sparks between family members (lightning) and the rains come. The rain cleanses everything and the world looks cleaner once the rains have come and gone. Grass and flowers with the moisture rain provides.
Maybe I’ve needed this little storm in my life to remind me how great my life/circumstances really are. I’m not saying I’ve completely quit whining and complaining about not being able to find a house but I am looking at it differently and today, I’ve decided to be excited about what God has in store for us. I’ve always believed everything happens for a reason but sometimes in the midst of a rough spot, I forget. I try to take over and make things work the way I think they should work. There’s a house in TX for us or . . maybe not. We don’t always understand why things happen the way they happen but what we have to understand is there’s a reason . . a reason we may never know.
My thinking today is that if we buy a house similar to the one we have now, I’m not going to go in and paint or re-do the kitchen but if we bought something smaller and older and in need of updating, I might have some fun with painting and sprucing up. Vince understands that there has to be a quilting room, even if it has to be constructed separately outside.
I will be happy with whatever comes our way and I will make the best of it.
Patsy Seay says
I read something the other day and I’ve thought about it daily – “Behind the clouds the sun is still shining.” It’s so true, and I know I don’t always remember that, but I think from now on I will.
Congratulations to Chad on his graduation tonight, and may he always have sunshine in his life. : )
pdudgeon says
LOL you should write the realtor back and let them know that it’s because of “all the quilting stuff in the basement” that you are keeping your sanity thru this whole procedure!.
Keryn says
I have had quilters walk into my workroom and say ‘I don’t know how you can work with all this “stuff” around’. Hello?? That “stuff” is what I work with; can’t create without it!
I’ve been saying lately that I would live in a small, unremarkable house, if I could build the workshop of my dreams right behind it. Maybe you are meant to purpose -build your workspace so you have somethat that truly suits you. Now that would be fun.
Judy D in WA says
Very well said Judy. You will find something soon, I just know it. You will have to put a little note up in your quilting room explaining that it is a work room, not a play room. 😉
I like that stove! Even the color.
Congratulations to Chad. I bet you and Vince are just giddy with pride. 🙂
cityquilter grace says
as i used to tell my daughter when she was growing up, facing unbelievable peer pressure, there are always people worse off than we are. just today i saw a girl leaving a shelter, backpack, pillow and blanket under her arm. i was there once, but i’ve never forgotten and i hope i never do. it is far too easy to whine about the little pebbles in our lives when so many have huge mountains. i’m guilty far too often, but i know how blessed i am and it appears you do also. this too shall pass….
mimi says
Judy, Congratulations to Chad, and you and your Husband, on his College Graduation! Alot of families would give anything to have a good guy like him!!!! I’m praying that you’ll find a house that will work. (Our last 2 houses sold BECAUSE I had all that STUFF in my basement and all over the house. The ladies were both Quilters-ha! Best to you! MImi
mereth says
Oh it makes me angry, that ‘no clutter’ demand. As if people won’t buy a house they love because of your possessions, which will be gone when you move anyway. And when the clutter is part of a business that pays for things like the education Chad received(congrats to him) it makes no sense to dismantle everything and sit twiddling your thumbs. Realtors have their own special little world where everything is bare surfaces and boring expanses containing nothing, but I don’t want to live there!
Suzanne says
Wonderful post, Judy! I have a necklace my family gave that says “Stay Calm and Carry on!” . Good reminder for all of us!
Melinda says
Sounds like you have a good attitude. I firmly believe it will all work out.
Looking forward to meeting you after the move. I have a friend with chickens, I’ll try to remember to bring eggs for a house warming gift.
Lynne in Hawaii says
I enjoy your ‘positive metal attitude”. It is difficult to not whine occasionally but you tend to see the good in things more often than the negatives. That is why we love you!
Debbie says
I enjoyed your post today. Many times I get caught up in the storm and forget to look for the beauty. Things do have a way of working out better than we can even imagine if we can just let go and enjoy the ride.
Sibyl Scott says
Judy you are so right, if we didn’t have a few storms in our lives, we would never know how good we have things. Congrats to Chad on school. The stove in that home, I used to have one like that, and loved it. I had picked it up at a garage sale, and it lasted til my son messed up my oven trying to help me. Both of those houses look wonderful. They have character. I know ya’ll will find something even if you have to build then you would get what you want. Take care.
Sibyl
patchkat ~ Susan in TX says
Well said, Judy. There is a reason for everything. And a time for everything. And God DOES provide. There is so much to be thankful for and sometimes we all overlook the blessings. Who knows, maybe something perfect will open up in the near future….or maybe you’ll find a little house on a little acreage and be able to build on and make an ideal home.
It will all be okay. Keeping y’all in prayer. I wish Vince would call us when he gets back in town. We’d love to meet him for dinner.
Shirley Bartee says
I also enjoyed your post today. I always try to find the positive in crazy situations. Don’t put up another thing. Maybe a quilter wil look at the house and see how well it works for you. Shirley
comfortquilts.blogspot.com
tammy says
today as i drove past the house i lived in with my great grandparents i noticed a for sale sign on it. i had to stop. i spoke briefly with the gal that lives there, as i have known her for a while since our kids are the same age. she’s moving to kentucky to be near family. my heart wanted to buy the house, but that just isn’t practical, yet it tugged at me that it was for sale again. i guess it’s lucky that she told me there was already a contract on it, so i really can’t sit and feel sorry for myself.
and just another note, on my refrigerator i have a cut out of an old Stone Soup comic strip. the young person is talking to her mother about a girl at school who started missing days because the van she and her mother were living in had a flat tire and the young person says to her mom “compared to them we are rich, aren’t we?”. mom says “billionaires”. it’s so true.
Gwen TX says
It’s hard for me to believe that people are never interested in a house that looks like real people live there. I understand too much clutter and personal things on display, but erasing everything is beyond me. Hang in there. I hope it goes quickly and well. I know that will present the bigger problem of where to take your things, but that too will have an answer.
Trish says
I am laughing a little. I was looking at houses online. The house said it was “Realtor owned”. So I was curious. WOW… all kinds of Clutter and knick knacks in the pictures!!! Definitely NOT a “clutter Free” showing!!! I am happy for your realization. Breathe deep, Breathe again. It will all work out how it is supposed to!
Hugs, Trish
Lisa Neal says
A message needs to be sent to the realtor, that you clean up the quilt things, as soon as he/she sells the house. That’ll fix them. Your deserve to keep yourself busy as your house is on the market.
Sandy says
You have a good attitude, Judy and I firmly believe when God closes a door he opens a window. I am sure you are going to find a house you will really enjoy and like you said, if it isn’t exactly what you want, you can have fun remodeling or painting to make it home.
I found myself complaining this week that it was too hot and humid in IL and then remembered what people are going thru in devastating areas like Alabama and the Branson area with the flooding. We were there for 10 days when all the rain was going on and I feel sorry for those who have lost alot of their possessions. It really made me think I have nothing to complain about!
Congratulations to Chad on his college graduation. I think our children are our life’s biggest accomplishment and it is so satisfying to see they are doing well and happy.
One more thing……(as if this isn’t long enough, lol) that realtor should realize no one lives in a sterile, no cluttered house. Hey…we live!! Maybe he doesn’t have a spouse or kids. Your house looked great to me. Now to start working on mine………*sigh*
Jan O in St Louis says
Hang in there Judy! I love your positive attitude, and I’m sure something will work out soon for you.
About the quilty stuff in the basement – too bad the realtors don’t get it; they need to make prospective buyers understand that it’s your home office, it’s where you work and how you make your living.
Speaking of quilty stuff – There’s a quilt in that beautiful photo. A palette of blues & greens in the blocks, with black sashing to give it that luminous quality your photo has…. And, you can play in EQ without messing up the house!
Congrats to Chad and kudos to you & Vince for raising such a great kid!
All the best, ~Jan
Linda in NE says
I like your attitude. Your house WILL sell. You WILL find a place to live in TX. Maybe not quite your dream home, but you never know. The one with 3 bedrooms & two baths might be doable. Put your longarm in the living room if one of the bedrooms isn’t big enough. Put a sitting/TV room in one of the bedrooms. Sometimes thinking outside the box can solve problems, especially in a temporary situation. And, don’t worry about the “overwhelmed” realtors. They are obviously not quilters, who would love to see how your sewing/quilting area is set up, cluttered or not. 🙂
Donna says
You’re right Judy, one day you will look at this time and laugh. I hope that day comes soon for you. Until then tell the realtor to get over it! You have a full life because of your family and your quilting ‘stuff’. She/he should be so lucky!!!
Sterile is for hospitals and Doctors’ offices. I like lived in houses.
Hang in there! this too shall pass!
Peggy says
What a nice post Judy. I would say that the realestate agents that complained….and it might have just been one…needs a hobby. Yours is not only a hobby, but your Doctor, your way of making a living, and an outlet for you to communicate with all of us that understand you are normal.
You are blessed with much including the ability to see the bright side of life when everything seems to be raining down on you.
I am so proud of Chad. I hope he finds a job in his field and has a wonderful life.
sammi says
Amen!
Perry says
Congratulations to Chad! Wonderful post Judy and a very positive one. I agree with all of it. Whatever is supposed to be will!
Marilyn says
Nicely said! I have one of those wire bound quotations thingys and one of the quotes says, “A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.” Hugh Downs from a 2nd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Hey, it’s YOUR basement not theirs until they buy it. Just sayin’.
Mel Meister says
You know.. tell the Realtor to knock off the comments. You can’t just put your life on hold entirely. You did a magnificent job of fixing up the rest of the house. You need a place for yourself during all this.
Congratulations to Chad!
Linda H says
Good post, Judy. Hang in there. It’s like clearing off the design wall so we can put up a fresh new design. What will it be like this time? Whatever, it will be a good one.
Happy Room Diana says
Judy you have such a good attitude to this move. When I look at pictures of your house I wonder what you do with all the rooms, you could fit my whole home in one room! BUT I do have a big workroom [ by English standards] so just think of the important things.. BIG HAPPY ROOM.
ps. A smaller house needs less cleaning!
Many many congratulations to Chad.. I was so proud when my adopted son graduated from his nursing degree in gown and mortarboard!
Shirley Albertson Owens (sao) says
Your post was a great morale booster – I have to remind myself OFTEN not to wait for the storm to pass, but instead, to learn to dance in the rain.
Congrats to Chad!
sao in Midlothian, VA
Sherry says
The comment about the realtors being overwhelmed with you quilty stuff hit home with me a few years back when we purchased a new home and ours was on the market. It was a pain to keep it “showroom clean” because my daughter and her 10 and 12 year old daughters and I all live together. Because prospective buyers can’t seem to look past personal things like photos sitting on mantles and craft stuff that you use and my quilting things, our realtor suggested that we pretty much make the house look boring and uninviting (in my opinion) and rent one of those storage cubicles and put as much furniture and most of my fabrics and quilting frames and anything we didn’t need on a daily basis in storage. It was also a bonus because that stuff was already packed to move into the new home when it was ready. It did make a difference in the house and we started getting offers right after that. Just a suggestion.
Doe in Mi says
Love how your thinking!
Kari in UT says
I like your reminder, I too forget that we are not alone and that there are others worse off. The realtors can be too demanding, just make a sign saying ‘Pardon the mess, this is a workroom’, people understand.
Cindy Kuipers says
Judy, I enjoyed your comments about the storms in our lives. I have a son with physical, visual and learning disabilities. Sometimes I grumble, but I do feel lucky that he is able to do what he does. And, he is mostly happy!
I bet a quilter would appreciate your quilting space!
Maybe you could pull out some of your yarn for a few projects and keep it in a basket to work on until you sell the house. However, I do agree with a previous comment that you shouldn’t have to put all your stuff out of sight. Personally, I would look at the area and think about what I could put there if what the seller has isn’t what I wanted or liked.
Belinda says
I like the first house a lot. Love the floors and window in the second one too. Doesn’t much matter if you don’t have a quilting space though, does it? I use an extra bedroom, and most of the time it’s a total disaster. I have to periodically clean it up when we are expecting guests.
Congratulations to your graduate. I remember those days.
And for some reason, I’m liking storms now. Not the kind that cause havoc and destruction, but the kind that boom and rain pours down. Feels all clean and fresh when it’s over. Maybe kinda like life. When a bad spell is over, you feel so much relief. And I doubt any of us are thankful enough for our blessings. I know I’m not.