Two weeks ago I had an epiphany. A BIG one. Driving home from dinner with my girlfriends in San Antonio, I realized I’d been trying to make a square peg fit in a round hole. For the last year I’ve been trying to find another home in the Texas Hill Country where the neighbors weren’t a mile away. Living here was my dream with James, and we got to live that dream. I’ve made friends I’ll cherish forever, but living here no longer works for me.
Would you believe, the day after my epiphany, I found a house in San Antonio; one I wouldn’t have to teardown, seriously gut or build from the ground up?
This week I put an offer down on that house, and after some back and forth negotiation, it was accepted. It’s not mine, yet, so I’m trying not to get too excited, but from the moment I saw it online, I knew it had my name on it.
There’s so much about this house I love. It’s in an older, gated community with big established trees. I thought I knew every nook and cranny of this city, but somehow, this one escaped me. It has great bones and an open concept similar to what I wanted to build. The dining room opens to a soaring cathedral ceiling in the living room, and three sides of the house opens to an outdoor courtyard.
I’ve been putting all of my furniture and paint color ideas into a folder on my computer called “New Home.” It’s way more detailed and organized than any Pinterest page. This is the first house that will be all mine; no compromises about style and design. This afternoon I purchased something–I’ve had my eye on for sometime–that’s going to be the focal point in the living room.
Everyone may be surprised by my decision because I’ve been saying there’s no way I’d ever move back to the seventh largest city in the United States. LOL! Never say never… It’s not like I haven’t been looking here for the last year because I have. Several times a month I’d drive through different parts of town, look at homes online and speak with realtors, but nothing appealed to me. I’m thinking this epiphany is more than just changing my mind.
For starters my support system–since high school–is in the city, not to mention my church. As a matter of fact, my ah-ha moment dinner was with girlfriends from church. On the drive home that night, it was like God–and James and mother, my guardian angels—were trying to tell me something: They know what’s best for me. If so, it’s taken me a long time to get their message, but it feels right.
69 Comments
I’m so happy for you!!! I can’t wait to see it and what you will do to make it beautiful.
Saundra, I’m happy you’ve back to Texas. Hope to see you soon, Brenda
Hurray!!!! Congrats!!!
Yay! Thank you, sweet lady! xoxox
So happy for you. All the best of luck getting moved and settled. I know first hand what a big chore that is.
Carol, I’m mentally making notes about what I need to do. It’s a big job, but I’m looking forward to it. xoxo, Brenda
Wonderful! We almost bought in Alamo Heights a perfect cottage with a perfect garden. Children convinced us not to and now we have a perfect home near them!
It sounds like it worked out well for everyone. That’s what counts! xoxo, Brenda
Good for you!!! X
Hope your recovery is speeding along! xoxox
Good for you! L
Hi Stranger! Thank you! Hope you’re doing fantabulous!
That is wonderful. Congratulations. The ho.e.looks beautiful and I am sure it will be your little sanctuary.
Hi Janet, My homes are my sanctuary, and I’m looking forward to turning this into what I need. Thank you! Brenda
Congratulations! Sounds like it’s the perfect place for you. What a blessing. xo
Jen, I’m happy with my choice and looking forward to making it mine! xoxox, B
I’ve never *chosen* all that before: especially not on my own.
That must be an amazing feeling!
I hope it all works out, so that the place is yours.
Hi Susan! It is amazing! I have things in storage I haven’t seen in almost 10 years and have mixed emotions about unpacking it all. Some will fit; some things won’t and some will be painful and melancholy. Then there will be the things that make me smile and laugh! I’m looking forward to them all. xoxo, Brenda
So happy for you, Brenda!
Thank you, my friend! I’m pretty happy as well. xoxox, Brenda
Buying a house of one’s own brings up every sort of emotion possible. I felt so jumbled. In the end it was incredibly liberating.
Best of luck. I hope it comes through and is everything you wanted
Pia, I’m already having some of those liberating feelings. It’s especially great to know I’m moving on with my life as a single woman and looking forward to what life brings me. Thanks for the encouragement, Brenda
So happy for you! Congratulations! Sounds fabulous! Enjoy!! Thankful you found your nest!
Hi Beckye!! I’m thankful as well and so excited. I’m already making my to-do list. xoxo, Brenda
So happy for you! Congratulations! Enjoy!!
What great news! I’m thrilled for you, Brenda. I know you’ve been struggling to find the ‘right fit’ for you. Apparently, your guardian angels were on the job with you and directed you where you needed to go. I know you will make it as fabulous as you are. Can’t wait to see the transition.
xoxob
Barbara, Thank you, sweet friend. Wish our Las Vegas group were here to sit on the floor with me and drink champaign and brainstorm what might look best in each room. That would be fun! We should probably include our chauffeur… He never ran out of ideas and things to say. xoxo, Brenda
Sweet!
YES! xoxox
Congratulations, Brenda!
Thank you, sweet friend! I’m excited!
Super excited for you. What part of town is it in?
Kaye, I’ll have to answer that offline… I’m excited as well. xoxox
Yay, you! What a great feeling this must be. Congratulations!
Roxanne, The last five and a half years have been the first time since I was 18 that I haven’t been part of a couple. It’s a new and exhilarating feeling, that’s for sure. Thank you! Brenda
Oh Brenda, this is such wonderful news! Congratulations on your decision and finding a new home! I’m very happy and excited for you and cannot wait to see what you do with your new space. Sending you much love, Essie xxxx
Thank you, Essie! Wish we were new house shopping together in Paris… Wish I could afford to be new house shopping in Paris. LOL! xoxo, Brenda
Brenda, how exciting. I love how it just happened, someday that is what we are going to do. I am looking forward to seeing the before and after photos. Happy for you!!!
Sherry, Just when you don’t expect it… That special place and new way of life might present itself. It’s exciting, for sure! Thank you, Brenda
Your epiphany is the best story. Happy for you and your perfect house !! With that folder you’re already in a relationship with your new home. Even if it ends being another home.
You’ve ARRIVED, exactly where you needed to be. In joy.
Garden & Be Well, XOT
Tara, I’m happy you appreciate the epiphany because that really is the best part of my journey… so far. I wish you lived nearby. This house is built around a concrete courtyard and a hokey Spanish fountain… Some people might call it exotic, but in San Antonio, they’re everywhere. I want to jackhammer all of that up, landscape around the house and make a little oasis to have al fresco dinners outside. Wish you were here to drop by and advise me. xoxo, Brenda
Aren’t epiphanies great? That smack in the forehead that is clarity at last! Unstuckness! Have a wonderful time filling your new home with all things you.
Clarity at last!!! LOL! Oh, Holly! That’s the perfect way to interpret it. Thank you! Brenda
Great – being in the country when your are alone is depressing regardless of the surroundings and when you do have plans that require travel one tends to blow it off. Handing with your peeps keeps you engaged and feeling vital. Good decision.
Yes, m’am, Miss Leslye! You can’t imagine how many times–most of them–I had an invitation I passed on because I was in the middle of nowhere. I hope to finally have some great girlfriend times and hope to see you!
Happy nesting Brenda! It sounds wonderful, and very present-oriented. I’m delighted for you.
Margaret, Of course, you would pickup on the “present-oriented.” You’re so right, and it feels wonderful. My Little House was healing but didn’t allow me to seize life in the here and now, and I’m more than ready! Thank you, Brenda
Congratulations Brenda. From the looks of the photo, you are going to love it!
Janice
Hi Janice, Thank you! I think I’ll enjoy it as well. I would never have thought of painting a wall navy blue, but we’ll see if I keep it. Brenda
LOVE! Great bones indeed! Wish I could peek at that file on your computer — going now to Pinterest to follow you. (That sounds creepy. Sorry.)
Hi Mithra, Wish I had you nearly to go treasure hunting with. This fall I’m going to Round Top/Marberger Farm, looking for some pieces like a long, rustic dining table and an old French settee. Taking my truck and lots of rope. … BTW, not creepy at all! LOL! My computer file is much more specific than what’s on Pinterest. I like to add precious with common. We’ll see how I do! Brenda
So thrilled for you, Brenda! Looking forward to watching the transformation of your new dream home.
Hi Susan, Thank you! Dreams change and grow, so I’m ready for anything! I may surprise myself. xoxox, Brenda
So excited for you! Congratulations!
Thank you, Diane! I appreciate your well wishes. Will keep you posted, Brenda
Congratulations Brenda! I am so happy for you and can’t wait to see photos!
Hi sweet friend!! Thank you! I’m happy as well. Wish you lived nearby. You could come join me for a glass of something fun. I hope you’re well and happy. Love, Brenda
All sounds perfect, like a good fit. Congrats.
Thank you, Cathy! I think it’s a good fit and a smart move. It’s time to create this next chapter in my life. xoxox, Brenda
Great to have new spaces, yea!! Good for you!Let me know if you need window treatments! I’m the drapery queen and I live in The Hill Country! Melody Rea
BTW your blog keeps me going!
Hi Melody, Thanks for letting me know you’re nearby and that’s what you do! I have lots of windows. For the most part, I haven’t thought about what to do with them. I’m happy you like my blog. Please stop by and let me hear from you again. Brenda
Congrats Brenda! Isn’t weird how when we let go of a preconceived want…suddenly we discover just what we actually need. And boy do we want it. I refused to look at my house because it wasn’t brand new. I walked in the door, saw two story windows and big trees and bought it. Know your spirit soared. Hugs
Hi Kona!! That’s so true about preconceived “wants… ” When I let go of them, they all just dropped off my radar. No one’s more surprised than I am. xoxox, Brenda
Well how much fun would that be! I have a website, but it’s in need of updates, especially for window treatments. But I do have some new lines I’ve just acquired last market in Dallas that have some seriously sweet fabrics that are sewn into these lovely drapery panels that can be purchased and I do have marvelous installers with great hardware to select from, shutters and shades to boot!
Fee goes like this, I have a 1.5 hour minimum on first meeting at $100. an hr. to dream, discuss the space and measure. And after that I usually send you a quote and we go from there. I’m in town and need about a weeks notice to come out. Oh, prerequisite to us working together, to have fun! I am a 25 plus year designer and would love to help!
Hi Melody, Thanks for the info. At this stage, I’m still thinking big picture, so drapes… if I even do drapes… will be down the road. Thanks! Brenda
I am so happy for you Brenda! It looks beautiful! I can’t wait to see more pictures. I wish we lived closer 🙁
Elaine! I’d have you here in a heartbeat if I could! xoxox, Brenda
Oh Brenda! This is lovely news! Such a beautiful post. Your words inspire a balance in life. The space you have shared with us is amazing! I hope you share more as you add your personal touches and blessings.
w/ L
Hi Lynnet, Thank you! A balance in life… That’s exactly what I’m looking for. Kind of ironic I’m leaving a small town to seek balance in the middle of a giant city, but I think I’ll find it. Today I waved at the cutest little dog staring back at me through my new neighbor’s window. Already I like it there. Tomorrow I close on the house and get the keys! I’ll keep you posted. xoxo, Brenda