..we had a plan

If you have been around for a bit, follow me on instagram or know me personally then you know that last fall we (the husband and I) made a big life change.  Today I want to sort of catch you up on that, share something from my heart and encourage you to be thankful for whatever situation you are in.

Its no secret that this little town I live in is not for me.  It never was and never will be, but I'm the type of person that can make do and so it is what it is.  This is the place we came when my mom remarried and we moved up from Southern California when I was 13.  I only stayed 4 short years before skipping out as quickly as possible to go to college away from here.  However, it was still always home.  Seven years later I found myself back here with my boyfriend I met while living away and we started a life.  I opened a salon, made a couple good friends, got hitched, found new hobbies, grew closer to my parents and so much more!  But I'm a creature of change and for a good two years I have needed & wanted out.

Towards the end of last summer we knew we wanted to move and were so close, but then my husband dropped a bombshell of an idea on me.  His brilliant plan? To sell ALL of our belongings, live in a vintage airstream on my parents property and move by our anniversary, a six month plan.  I've mentioned before that I ugly cried profusely,  but in the end took it like a champ.  So with keeping just my studio, our cars, a tv and 4 boxes of personal possessions, we set this plan in motion- our goal: to save and live a simple life.

I won't lie, its hard.  So far is actually been one of the most emotionally draining experiences to date.  I love my parents very very much, but sometimes I wonder if this situation will ruin that.  Seriously.  Living with your parents as an adult, as they age is an experience that is very hard to explain (mom don't get upset that I'm being honest here!). I feel the burden of being the last kid to move away from them for good and am sad about that. I miss the small luxuries, like alone time and my own bed.  My studio is out in my parents remodeled garage and I have more space than before, but lets face it- its a garage.  I have figured out how to make the best of it and even set up a mini-living room in here- seriously Hulu, Netflix & Pandora, thank you.

What I wanted to share with you is a little bit about the unexpected.  While my studio isn't ideal, its what I have and I've been accomplishing more than I thought I could here.  I have made bigger partnerships, plans and achievements from this situation and this space I make work than any pretty little studio could have given me.  When I look in front of me and see my little shipping center or inventory, glance to the left at my books and inspiration and then to the right a big garage door- it makes me appreciate every thing I'veever had or any thing I will ever obtain.  In keeping with honesty- I still get extremely upset when all I want is a house or question this plan when it seems like too much, but today we met our goal (financially) 4 weeks earlier than expectyed and I realize how worth it, it all was.  Yesterday one of my headbands was featured in Seventeen magazine, today my shop was featured on the Elle Magazine Spain blog.  Its amazing and I get to see it all happening as I sip on some tea my mom made while wearing slippers that are a must on cold concrete floors.  I saw these accomplishments of mine from the comforts of a garage you guys- nothing more nothing less.

Sure it may sound silly when you think that some great start ups started in a garage, amazing bands have practiced in them and some people turn them into craft spaces.  That part isn't my point, instead its to share that when a not so ideal situation is placed in front of you, to make the best of it will be more challenging and rewarding then anything else.

In a few weeks we will be moving to Portland to start all over and I mean completely over, we don't have furniture, appliances.. anything!  I'm anxious to start exploring a new city and make new connections in a place where I feel I belong just a bit better.  Our plan changed a little and we will rent for a year or so until we pick a neighborhood to buy a home, we applied for a place this week and its just one step closer to seeing this goal through!

With the power of being connected online we see other peoples lives all day long and its hard not to wish the things we see them doing, were things we could do too.  Just don't forget that we all have private lives and struggles we don't always share, really who wants to see the bad stuff?  When life hands you lemons..

Sure I don't want to be here, but here is where some amazing things have happened.  I know I won't ever do this again and for that I'm thankful.  But for the learning experience that has taught me to be patient, humble and optimistic- I will always be grateful.  When we move away I know this will always be home and thats the best part.

25 comments:

  1. This was so inspirational to read!! Thank you thank you!
    xo
    T

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  2. You know I think that was a pep talk I really needed to hear, thank you. Good luck with the move :)
    Gemma

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  3. I know how you are feeling, having been in the same situation this last year. Living back at home with my mum, after spending a year away and in my first ever apartment that I had all to myself, has been challenging beyond belief. I haven't quite made the most of it, but you have inspired me with your story. Congrats on the impending move, I hope Portland is all you hope for (I've never heard a bad thing about the place)!

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    1. The one thing I had to keep telling myself this entire time was that it will be worth it. Once you start believing yourself everything is almost not a big deal!

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  4. Ohmygoodness! I'm seriously so so jealous. I want my family to do this so badly. I'd just love love to sell EVERYTHING and start new in some other state. even country. Someday I will. Just maybe not with my family. xx

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    1. It was hard to do at first, then when we had our yard sale I wanted to get rid of more- so much that after yard sale we donated tons! When all we had were very few belongings it become clear that they were just things!

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  5. What an inspiring story! I went back after uni for a few years and now live in a place where I am not into or inspired by. The other side of the blog, Sam, lived at home for a year between houses and think she nearly killed the folks! We love them, but there is a point at which you have to make your own way! Enjoy Portland!

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  6. I am so happy and excited for you! My husband goes to Portland all the time for work...I should tag along some time and we can meet for drinks :).

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  7. Really loved this post Heather. Thanks for sharing such a personal experience with us. I hope Portland treats you well. I hear it's a pretty great place. ;] And if you ever feel like venturing back down to SoCal, well, you have my number. xo JA

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    1. Its always scary to hit publish, but thanks for stopping by & leaving some love! I need to visit down there for sure and I promise to hit you up friend xo

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  8. Love this!! Hunter & I lived in his parents' basement for 9 months last year... By far the most challenging time we've had in almost 5 years of marriage. But you're right that's worth it once you're done. I love your attitude & completely understand how you're feeling :) Glad the end is near!!

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    1. So good to hear of others that have done this. I think at this point the only way to feel is hopeful, nothing else will do any good! Thanks for the encouragement xo

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  9. Portland is awesome. You'll love it!
    I'll have been here for two years come June. Definitely one of my better decisions. :)

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    1. I don't know if we will end up there forever, but trying it out will be fun!

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  10. You are amazing! Soon you will look back and know that the hardest part is behind you. I love hearing stories that are less than perfect. Most of us don't have the perfectly styled home,husband, office space, clothes...any of it! Good luck on the next part of your life, you will appreciate it so much more now that you have worked so hard, and you are SO talented...best of luck to you!

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    1. I love to be encouraged by those that do have pretty houses, cute outfits and what seems like a fabulous life- but when I think about the fact that they are real people with real issues, thats the most comforting part!

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  11. I love Portland! I grew up there :) I think it's a great lesson/challenge to have to look around at what you have right now and where you want to be and figure out how to make do until you get there! Today I rearranged my whole house so I could do a photo shoot because I don't have a studio. It was all a little jimmy rigged but the best things in life are :) Good luck!!! Em

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  12. We sometimes don't realize we have everything we need right in front of us. Very inspirational! Good luck with the move

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  13. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Even though your story is totally different from mine, reading it made me feel like crying - not bc I felt sad, but bc I felt connected. Our experiences are different, almost opposite in fact, but our feelings through hardship are somehow the same. Thanks again for sharing and rocking my world just now. I bet Portland will be awesome! xo

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  14. I've been reading your blog for a while but I'm finally commenting for the first time now. I moved to Portland in June and this city has been better than I ever could have hoped. I feel like I need to pass on the love Portland has shown me! So even though you don't know me at all, if you need a hand getting settled, feel free to reach out.

    Good luck!!

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  15. Thanks for sharing! Very inspirational to hear you making the best of your space, even if it's not ideal! And Portland is AWESOME!

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  16. What an amazing way to start a life change! I appreciate your honesty. We need a bit more of that around the internet. Can't wait to hear about the next part of your adventure!

    LC from theworldofellesee

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  17. have fun on your new adventure . . . you will always, always land on your feet. xoxo :)

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