Crying seems to be inevitable in the early days of a move. You’re tired. You’re emotional. You’re feeling raw. You’re relieved to be settled yet you feel entirely unsettled, upended. The familiarity of your things clashes with the unfamiliarity of a new place. It’s the biggest purchase of your life and you have only spent a few hours walking through empty rooms. This house that you filled a truckload of paperwork for and dreamed about is now an overwhelming reality.
It’s your home, but it doesn’t feel like home. It will, but not yet.
We’ve been doing all of the usual moving-in things. Having a washer & dryer delivered, opening boxes, putting things away, and then moving them a second and third time until it feels like they might be in the right place. A steady stream of tradesmen has been coming through to give us estimates on new windows, install the internet, assess the roof, fix some plumbing, and service the oil tank. We’ve been cleaning and cutting shelf liners and filling bags and bags of twisted shrink wrap, balls of packing tape, and empty water bottles and packaging from the latest quick dinner.
I felt so fragile and drained that I practically wept through an entire movie that usually wouldn’t draw a tear. I cried when I spilled a box of macaroni and most of it went under the heating element. A quick and easy non-take-out dinner turned into something that felt hard and more than I could handle at that moment.
There have been quiet moments of delight as I put my charcoals and paints into the drawers of the antique hardware cabinet, watch the morning sun creep across the dining room, and unearth the slipcovers I made for the wing chairs. Sinking into a familiar bed with linen sheets and a fluffy duvet was heavenly. Watching the boys settle into their own rooms, so thankful to have their own space after sharing a room most of the summer. Having Sebastian running through the halls, sniffing around the yard, and curling up at our feet brings a small hint of home. Bits and pieces of the past few days feel really good and foreshadow the great things in store.
If the memories of your last move haven’t faded, yet, you know exactly how our last few days have gone. It’s been a whirlwind. So sweet at times and hard at others. But, hard is relative and this hard will fade until, one day, working around the house feels easy and fun. It will all soon feel like ours – familiar, inviting, and a place we walk in after a trip and drop our suitcases on the floor with a sigh. It’s good to be home. It just takes some time to get there.
Just as I’m overwhelmed about unpacking, pulling down wallpaper, scrubbing walls, and starting on projects and painting, I am overwhelmed with what to share and write about here on the blog. When there are literally hundreds of things to write about, where do I start?
Just as with unpacking, we’ll take it one thing at a time.
This is what life will be for a while. One thing at a time. Bins and boxes. Tools and chargers. Things are placed and displaced. Making things new while also making do. Getting organized while also managing the upheaval.
It’s all a part of the settling, unsettling process of moving in.
God bless you all.
I know exactly how you feel! It takes me months to feel somewhat settled. You will be fine! Enjoy!
Glad your in your new home. Getting settled in is all consuming! A little bit at a time, and you will be settled before you know it! Enjoy the process!
I love that you’re intentional with letting the moving and “homing” process take the time it needs to take. Great emotional awareness… I’m inspired by how you guys are staying present in both the meaning and the mess!! Lovely post!
AMEN ! Take care of yourself and your family and practice patience with everything ???
You will work your magic, and it will be beautiful!
Be thankful you have a home, look around your all healthy. Take it one box at a time.Then start in on Decor. My word.Here from Nantucket Island. Stress kills,slow down!
Just wondered if any if your new neighbors have brought you a casserole yet ? That should help you feel good and more settled to at least know who you are living near. I have always cultivated my neighbors but in the times we ate living in that is not always the case. I have a friend who has lived in the same house for over 30 yrs and does not know her neighbors because she has always been away working and has no children. Times have changed. But you have a church group that will help you feel more at home. Much luck and take it slow.
You have made it very homey already. Hop Maryland prices for the various services haven’t been a shock.
Now 2 years in my new smaller home and still tweaking until it feels right. Congratulations on your new home! This isn’t your first rodeo and you will have a good time making it your own for you and your family.
Ahh you are truly in the thick of it! Our youngest is closing on his first house with his GF later this week… at age 23. They won’t take possession for a couple weeks but this will be their lives on a limited budget with limited time. I feel for them and you!
I haven’t moved in over 30 years, but have helped my daughter move a few years ago and then my son and his wife. It’s an upheaval of your life, stuffed into boxes and stacked. Wishing you patience & endurance!
All the little snippets you’ve shown are looking beautiful! Is the green staying? I hope so, it is lovely!! I know your home will be a place of peace, full of the love of Jesus! Take your time and enjoy the journey ?
I know how overwhelming this all might seem to you. I would like to suggest that you take your time. Remember you have a broken foot, we are not all of us as young as we once were, you and your family all have to adjust to everything new.
Just put you stuff away in your room so you can function easily….dont worry about painting, stripping wall paper yet. Just get in and start to settle…get a feel of the place…try to rest and enjoy the process.
I know your blog is important to keep going, but you know everyone cares for you and want this to go well….sure we are all hungry to see what you are going to do ….maybe you post a tidbit for the day most of the week for a bit. Or one or two posts a week.. just introduce us to the house for now….we will be happy to go with you each step of the way
Sorry so long a post but you really seem so stressed…i can relate…had to close down my home overseas and return full time back home.
Peace kiddo
Praying for you – that the overwhelming moments lessen quickly.
Oh honey, take deep breathes!! This will be an eventful part of the move as you know. Look at the beauty that you left in your last house….Rome wasn’t built in a day.. You know all of this. Pray often and if people offer to help, let them, even if it’s not quite what you had in mind, the companionsip will help. Hang in there
I’m with you-I like the living room the best! You have come so far and you can keep going since it’s a process to figure it all out! I am excited for you with a new kitchen to design! Love that your dog is with you again! ?
It looks like a beautiful house! Moving is always so stressful, but you are absolutely right; take it one day at a time.
Oh how I remember! From Ohio to Arizona and talk about a change! Lush green to desert where every. single. plant. has. thorns. Now 3 years later, I find something and say “why was I compelled to haul this across the country?”?
One thing at a time, take breaks, ask for help.
We moved into our current house 40 years ago and it was so traumatic that I said they would have to carry me out in a box for my next move. I do remember how awful it felt having everything out of place. I know that you will be able to turn it into a lovely welcoming unique home before our very eyes. Best of luck!
You are SO busy yet you took the time to talk to us. Thank you. Looking forward to seeing you do your magic on this house. I know we will all be amazed and inspired.
How do you eat an elephant? One bit at a time! It may seem overwhelming, but you’ve got this girl & we are all pulling for you! You took us along on the journey when you moved to MN & can’t wait to see how you make this new place your home. Take it easy, breathe, & let your creative juices start to flow. I can’t wait to see what happens when you you gut your kitchen. I know it will be fabulous!
We just moved from Texas to Massachusetts. I know exactly how you are feeling as I’ve had my fair share of meltdowns. I’m still working on getting organized and into some sort of routine. Remember to take care of yourself.
Rock on girl!! This is what you do! You got this!
Marion—I hope all of you feel settled into your new home very soon and that your creative expertise will make your house feel like YOU.
We moved two years ago and thank you for saying that you cried. The I overwhelmingly reality of good, unfamiliar, and opportunities is a lot to handle. I reorganized my entire kitchen three times before I could make sense of someone else’s cabinet choices. Your statement of step by step, box by box, reminded me of the book “Bird by Bird.”
thanks so much for the reality. Praying God will bring a spirit of peace and contentment even in the disarray
We’ve lived in 6 states over the last 25 years, so I have been there. The hardest was our 1945 Pittsburgh home. It had wallpaper in EVERY room along with 1970’s carpet and kitchen. NOTHING looked like our style, but we had to move in. I remember the roller coaster of emotions very well. Make sure you take time to recharge in between rolling up those sleeves. You got this!
Find a peaceful restaurant and eat your dinners out several times a week. Not having to cook Anything or Clean Up is a great stress reliever.
I really loved this post, with the honest photos (love the drill on the antique chest). We all know you will soon be posting photos of beautifully decorated rooms and we will be inspired and grateful for that. But honestly, this is what I needed today. While I turn to you for decorating inspiration, what you show today is that a part of decorating/homebuilding involves taking things apart, and feeling taken apart. Any of us who have moved related completely to the human things you chose to share. I particularly appreciated the line about familiar things clashing with unfamiliar spaces. Spilling the macaroni was a moment to share; how many times has a leading decorator thought to let their followers know of such a moment? What a gift that will be when next I have a spill that is beyond what I think I can clean up–whether while moving or not! Have courage, know that we appreciate each step of the journey you choose to share with us.
I too love the honest words and photos of this post. It may be my favorite one yet, and I have been a reader for many years. Rest, and thank you for truth!
Looks like lots of fun projects are coming our way!!!! Are the cats going to be joining you?
There is a good reason why “moving” is in the top 10 of major stressors! The physical act of moving is one of the reasons my husband and I are dragging our feet about going through the process. My husband said if he could wiggle his nose (ala Samantha the witch) and find all of furniture and boxes moved magically into a new home he would certainly be on board for that. Since we aren’t getting any younger…I reminded him that it isn’t going to be any easier next year or the year after…sometimes the only way “out” is “through”. Note to self: Just do it!
I remembered when almost 30 years ago when we moved into an old wreck of a house on a hot, hot day in August…I wanted to climb on board the moving van and head off anywhere they were going…anywhere but where we had landed.
Ah, the ability of the human spirit to thrive and survive…
A Washington Post food writer wrote about being overwhelmed and quoted Aldous Huxley’s “Island” as her calming mantra:
It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them…
So I say to you: lightly child, lightly.
Just lovely!
Wise words.
It’s a tough job moving from one home to another. You’ve had it doubly hard being a nomad for sometime in between. Add in your foot and in my mind you’ve been a trooper, you husband and sons too. Yes, we’re all excited to see what’s going to happen to your new home but it takes time. How about bringing us up to date every 3-5 days on your progress. I think I can speak for many when I say we’re here for the long haul.
We had four moves in five years after we sold our farm so I know exactly how you feel. I spent the first two moves with all of my studio stored in the garages. The third move was much better since we were there two years, had a full basement and a perfect room for my studio. The first three were temporary moves and rented houses while we tried to decide where we wanted to be. We finally bought our current house. We have been very happy for the five years but are beginning to get a bit of wanderlust so we shall see.
Comments of moving 30 or 40 years ago, astound me. We’ve moved 10 times in last 49 years. The older we got, the harder the move. Our last move 5 years ago was difficult. Still at times this house does not feel like Home. I’ve tried hard to make it feel like Ours. Reading and understanding your comments will help me. Be grateful you have children to involve in school & church activities. You will make connections there.
Oh, sweet girl, you have gone through a lot in the last six months. I’m glad you brought some of your furniture as those spots already look cozy and comforting. It is overwhelming now, but you were excited to have a home you could redo in your style, and I know the inspiration and energy will come to make it your own. Take it slow, if you can, and be good to yourself. We all love you!
One sweet day at a time….
Praying for you right now.
Take all the time you need. Relax and just feel into the new spaces. Hug all your family members (furry ones too!) and ask for help where needed. Give yourself permission to just cry, stare at spaces deep in thought, and send up prayers of thankfulness. We’ll be praying for you all too and know that you will be excitedly inspired soon enough.
Just another part of the season that you are in right now. One step at a time. It has been a super big year for you and your family. Filled with ups downs and in-between. I am praying for your whole family. Take care of yourself take big breathes it will come together.
If I lived close by I would bring/send over a covered dish so you all wouldn’t have to cook!! —- it can be so overwhelming, we just moved 4 months ago… not quiet cozy and home feeling yet but getting there, and thankful for all the blessings that came with the move! ? Blessings ?
If it helps at all, I really loved reading that older past last week about redoing the pie safe. I know those posts are available on your blog but for me anyway, I’d love to see you take a break and repost some old things.
When events of this last move (775 miles) unsettled me at night I would mentally walk through every room of our former home until I fell asleep. I understand the hills & valleys.
After a few military moves following a week of house hunting or less, I feel your pain! As you know though, it all smooths out in the end as the important bits bubble to the topa and you’re able to prioritize. It’s so human to want it all done at once so we can get on with lfe but, well, settling is part of life; the part that needs to be attended to at the moment. God lives in these moments. Honor them and cherish the time.
all the good to you and yours
always inspiring
thank you
I felt your pain and anguish while reading your blog. Brought back memories when we moved into the cottage we are living in now. God Bless you for all you are going through right now. He knows your style. He knows that this will take to make it your home. By placing it all in His hands, it somehow lightens our load and gives us His peace. We all love the gift He has give you and can’t wait to see what you both do to make this house your home for you and your family. What great memories are in store. Love and Hugs
Having moved 14 times in my 54 years of marriage, I feel your pain. Be gentle with yourself…crying is healthy! Let those tears of fatigue and overwhelm flow. Tomorrow is a new day…you’ve got this. BTW, I love your honesty and willingness to share even when life doesn’t look easy and perfect.
You will become used to it…after 31 moves, doesn’t bother me…my husband used to say…look she will have it finished in three days…I love it starting over…just becomes a pattern…the stressful part will be deciding on windows etc…
I am praying for your, health, energy, strength, and most important, rest! Instead of taking on one more box….Rest, “before” your “spent”. Remember to use your last bit of energy for things like meal preparations and must do’s. You have always been such an organized multitasker it must be hard for you to slow down. With so much on your plate, multitasking will turn into exhaustion in a heart beat. Take care so you can enjoy “many” moments of your journey.
Marian, I just stopped and prayed for you and asked the Lord to overwhelm you with His joy and peace rather than being overwhelmed with your move, boxes and everything that you would like to do in your new home. I continue to pray for Jeff and your boys, too.
Your heart is full with everything you plan on doing and this can sure give you some anxious times. Just go a day at a time!
It won’t be long before you have a few of your rooms looking great! We are all along with you on your journey with your lovely new home. You are wanting to redo your kitchen and we are looking forward to your new plans.
In the meantime, just give yourself some time. And take some time to just rest! You are kept in our thoughts and prayers, Marian! The Lord knows all about you and what you are going through! You are loved! And, we thank God for the special gal you are to us. May God continue to bless you all and make you a blessing to everyone you meet! He has placed you all here because this is exactly where you are meant to be!
We moved two weeks ago and I’m familiar with all those same feelings. The daunting list of projects, the unexpected discoveries (squirrels nesting in a dormer 😐 ) and the parade of service people in and out are enough to bring easy tears. But I know this new home for us as new empty nesters is exactly where we’re supposed to be. And I know you, Marian, will bring your vision and talent to your new place. We can’t wait to see what you do!
Wow Marion, Good luck with your unpacking and thank you for taking us with you!
Marian, you are understandably exhausted. The boxes don’t have to be unpacked in a day. One thing I’ve learned in my 60’s is that the work will ALWAYS be there, but you need to take care of yourself first. Give yourself some grace and permission to rest when you’re tired, even if you’re tired a lot more than usual. Sometimes just doing absolutely nothing at all is just what we need. To-do lists are much easier to deal with when your body and mind are rested. Be as kind to yourself as you would be to anyone else. We, your readers, will still be here to happily take this new home journey with you even if you don’t post every day. We’re all here cheering you on and, above all else, wishing you and your family health and happiness on your new adventure!
God bless!
All will be well. Wish you the best.
Oh Marion, such stuff and such we must go through! I too am just behind you with the house on the market and downsizing ( much more than you as we’re retiring), It’s a lot, IT”S A LOT! I’m exhausted and overwhelmed but I know someday things will be different. Thank you for sharing your personal life, it really is important to hear there is light at the end of this tunnel! (I’m the one who sent you the Swedish book at your MN address, glad you enjoyed it and it’s part of your library!) Hang in there, we’re all waiting to see your magic in the new home!
I completely sympathize. We moved into our house 11 months ago, and started a kitchen remodel 3 weeks ago. All the boxes, all the “stuff”, repacking things that I just unpacked! and all the dust and disorder that it seems like we just moved through. Not knowing where anything is. It is a process, and the dust and disorder will just be that. It will all be orderly soon. One day at a time. Doing the little things that are manageable in that moment that move us toward our end goal of it feeling like home. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen. Amazing how something like spilled macaroni can put us over the edge, but it can, so easily. That is when we know we need to give ourselves grace.
Moving is sooo hard…I feel your pain..but super excited to see your vision in this new house which will soon be your cozy home!
Oh! I envy you crying, & being IN! I’m moving, am a single older woman & my movers haven’t been great. Disorganized, inconsistent, it’s stressing me out even more. It’s so bad, I may have to breach the sale. I’m supposed to be out Wed & not sure it’s possible. Your placements look great! Warm & inviting. Your description of getting in your bed made me envious as I am in a rumpled, unmade bed, w dregs of blankets etc that aren’t my norm, nor are fresh. Congratulations! AND I hope I’m there (in mine) Thurs pm AND that I rest for a week & watch Hallmark & eat grilled cheese. Love love love seeing the photos! I pray I get out & get the $ & can relax.
Welcome to Maryland!! We have a great flag, don’t we? Many many years ago I used to watch this show on HGTV called Room by Room. It was a great decorating show. But you too can apply that same thinking (as you well know, I’m sure) to unpacking each room (by room) of your house. One of my daughters just bought her first house and it is a bit of fixer inside. It’s a small house but nevertheless it overwhelms me just cleaning it now that the demo work is all done. I keep reminding myself that she is half my age and I used to have that same energy back in the day. So enjoy unpacking and think of everything you’ve already accomplished, like selling and packing your former home (that in and of itself is huge) and finding a great house and just surviving settlement!! Those settlement costs in Maryland are sick aren’t they?? Room by Room and day by day and it will slowly but surely get done! Congratulations!!
First, and foremost ~ take care of yourself and then your family. Painting and de-wallpapering should be WAY down on your list of priorities right now.
You do NOT have to do everything all at once!
Breathe…
Be gentle with yourself…
Hugs ~
Moving is just awful. Although you’ve got your stuff in the house you aren’t done moving yet. Nobody tells you this. But you most definitely have figured it out! Maybe making one room (the bedroom?) as much like home as you can will give you a recharge place? Accept all offered help. Find out what gives you the best feeling and do that kind of thing first. Maybe doing a little shopping will help clear your mind of all the chaos? It does for me.
I hope this stage passes quickly! Pay for help if it will help!
Marian,
I completely understand. After losing my husband of 48 years last year, my family bought me a cottage to live out my days. I love it. Still, moving in December and then jumping on a plane to visit my oldest son would have unraveled me if it had not been for family helping me the day of the move and insisting on getting the beds made and pictures hung before my flight. It meant that I came home to a tidy space, even though I had a lot to do to organize things.
I know you will get through this, and your new home will begin to look like you and your family. Get plenty of rest.
Karen B.
22 years ago my husband’s new job prompted a move that brought our family to a house in my parents’ neighborhood. We shared many meals and happy times, as well as doctor appointments, cancer treatment and finally Covid. My parents are gone now, but we never regretted moving to be near. It was a blessing for three generations. May you grow to love your new home and community, and continue to support each other in your loving family.
Marion, you will get there and we’re all excited about the journey; what you will do and how the house will be transformed into your own. I live in Minnesota and as excited as I was for you to move to Rochester; I’m so excited about this move and all the renovations that will take place a la Marion. Hang in there — the world is your decorating oyster. I’m also excited that you are close to family — so important. Breath and enjoy. We love you.
Just think of the journey of making it your home and your taste and the fun you will have! Our last move we bought from a friend and he let us start moving boxes into his big pole barn so when we moved it was just furniture to put in place so then I just brought in 1 or 2 boxes at a time made it less messy! Glad you found your home!
You are being prayed for. You are vulnerable and real. Thank you for posting what must have been emotional and difficult. Bless you all throughout this settling phase!
What is the old saying that the three most stressful events in a persons life is a death, divorce and moving so all you are experiencing is normal while life right now may feel anything but. While I am excited to see all you do in the coming months and years making this house your own, right now for the present I know its stressful and even overwhelming. You have a double whammy with both a new house and Jeff’s new job at the same time. We built our house 30 years ago and my husand and I have talked about maybe in a few years moving to a over 55 development near us. However, I have big reservations because I am not sure how I could handle waking up in a new place and leaving the house I have called home for so many years.
Yep… Been there and have vivid memories of boxes as far as I could see… no one to help me… crying …. called my sister and
screamed “I HATE THIS HOUSE”….
Firsr thing to do, as Mom used to tell me is get your bed set up… When you’re exhausted, at least there’s a place to stop and sleep at some point. Pretty soon, as the boxes emptied out and I could walk through a path cut into the pile, the fear, anticipation, and confusion started to fade just a little.
Strangely enough, I’m thinking of doing it all over again. Let the hand of the Lord guide you… also remember it’s like eating an elephant… one bite at a time. Best wishes. Stay strong. Rest. Even if just a little.
You are a great organizer, and it will all get unpacked in time., Thank you for taking some of your precious time to post on your blog. taking minutes away from things that need to be done. You are so generous to share your new home with us in this busy period of your life. God bless.
I want to thank you for posting today. I had to call 9-1-1 tonight because my husband who has dementia slipped out of the house and was nowhere to be found. Thankfully he was located but the stress and emotional toll lingered. We settled in for the night and I clicked on your website and was so grateful you posted. Thank you for being honest, thank you for sharing your journey with this house. I cannot wait to see all that you do.
Good Morning, Eventide, Night or just plain old, “Good-night Nurse!”-you pick-or not- overwhelmed seems like a bit of an underwhelming word to explain the upheaval of a move. I think so, anyway. You are SO fortunate to be able to cry and let others, too, if that is what is needed! Golly, gosh and gee-I mean fortunate! It does actually help control some of the stress hormones that get “perked up” during times of stress-even if it is good stress. And beyond that true physical fun fact is the ability to let yourself and others DO that. I find that a loving, non-ego-centered and truly helpful attribute! Try having a spouse who takes your “stuff” and makes it all about them and then instead of comforting you, gets bothered and may raise their voice and miss the opportunity to get closer! Yikes, huh? You are seasoned in this-but you are just a tiny bit older-no offense,lol-but that also means the kids are too, so they will take this move differently than the last one. They may run around and work off their stress-cry-whatever they need to do. However, they are old enough to help more with what you need them to do! Ha, gotcha, Kiddo’s. And one day you all will walk through the door and something will feel different. Then, as you already know, what you voiced, is that you all will have that moment when a good sigh leaves our lips and either audibly or not, the idea of, “It is GOOD to be Home,” will waft from your core and all will be well. Pace yourself-you all will be more than fine. It is a wonderful opportunity-you and hubby know that and you have said the same to the “riddles’- so onwards and upwards! Once more into the breech. Open Sesame-this too shall pass- a ruling stone gathers no-wait a minute- I fell into a vat of cliche’s! Kidding with you! Please, for goodness sake, do not make yourself “have” to be perfect! One is already not going to hit that mark-just by the thought of it, wise people know that is a recipe for heartache. You both seem wise. Take a break, put your feet up, have a glass of Southern sweet tea-throw in some mint and at night, have some chamomile-lavender hot tea with local honey, get into a comfortable bath, slip in between clean sheets, listen to the sound of your family, all around you, breathing in the night. Heavenly. I know that one for sure. Good night 🙂 Terri
Thank you, Marian, for all your wise words of a moving experience. Lord willing, 3 of my adult daughters and I will be moving into our first home 10/7 after renting for over 13 1/2 years since our move from MI to TX. My husband went on to glory Jan 2019, so buying a house all on my own seemed daunting even though the pull to put down roots here has been a desire at the same time. I think I will cry when we receive the keys. God has taught me to be patient, to trust Him in His timing, and to simply be content. Thank you for being real, encouraging, and a great teacher in making a house a home and haven!
I want to give you such a big hug right now, darling. The way God has made you, as a beautiful creator, will turn this place into a piece of art that you and your family create. We have moved several times, and I am one of those weird ones who loves to move, because it’s a new canvas to enjoy… One of the most powerful things I have found is that it just gives me an opportunity, once again, to rely on Christ for my every move; to be aware that he is with me, and me, and for me! I’m so excited to watch this caterpillar turn into a butterfly!
Congratulations on your new home. I know you will make it your own. Enjoy the journey! If we are lucky your journey will be shared to us.?
I know this is overwhelming for you but I’m so excited to watch you transform your HOME. I love your style. God bless you and your family. This to shall pass.
Thanks for sharing your vulnerabilities with us. You always seem so strong and unstoppable, it’s good to be reminded that it isn’t always so, and that you have your moments, just like the rest of us. Every room is screaming for your touch and improvements. You have blog content for a very long time! Looking forward to see how you make it truly your own. All the best in this next phase.
It’s very difficult to move & adjust!!! I’ve moved several times but the last was without my husband. My children have been troopers about finding items I needed (& wanted)! I feel for you & I think it does help to cry a little! Sending hugs to you since I can’t be there in person!!
Oh, Marian, I feel for you. Ditto pretty much everyone else posted. Moving is one of life’s top stressors; also, a new job. As a pastor’s wife at a new church, Jeff’s new job is also kind of a new job for you, too. Physical problems add to that stress. So many things that have affected this change in your life, and crying from the build-up is a natural reaction.
I’ve been in a situation since January that has really slowed down (at times, halted) any work that I want to do on our house that we moved into 2022. I understand the frustration. However, pushing yourself when you’d be better off resting, and then “paying for it” for several days afterwards, isn’t the most efficient use of time, nor the healthiest. But, I keep doing it anyway! May we both truly listen to God, make Him our first priority, rest, let others help, and have patience and peace during this “slow” season.
Love the new house! Plenty of good things about it, even in its “as-is” state. I hardly ever post a comment, but will continue to be a faithful reader, whenever you get around to posting a short up-date. Phil. 4:4-7
Thank you for this post. I’m sitting here crying too. Moving is so overwhelming. No one in their 70’s should move, I’m just sayin’. I didn’t realize how much harder it would be now vs our last move 9 years ago. My husband and I moved into a smaller home in July and are still unpacking boxes and trying to make everything fit. My only goal at this point is to be unpacked by Thanksgiving! One day at a time! Love your blog and your books, so inspiring.
I needed this reminder. We’ve been in our new house for almost five months and it’s bigger than the previous and a lot has happened since that has delayed the projects like painting, etc. still not
100% unpacked either. I am trying to enjoy it though it’s hard. Definitely understand the tears at the drop of a hat! Can’t wait to see how you leave your mark!
We moved 4 months ago to a smaller house. We left a lot of furniture behind knowing this house was so different. It’s taking some time to make it ours.
We moved across the country 4 months ago and I still feel unsettled. I’m still trying to find some big furniture pieces and I don’t feel I can hang pictures, etc. until I get those. It feels like a motel. I get the crying and feelings.
I can feel your anguish in your post. Change is hard; moving is hard, especially at first. Then add in a new job, new schools, new church, new neighborhood, new doctors & professionals to find, making new friends, uncertainty in the world anymore and still dealing with recovery from your broken foot and it is overwhelming. It’s good you’re back closer to family, have your pets back home with you and know that unpacking your things that make this house feel like home. With each room that you paint and redecorate or remodel, it will slowly become your home and we’ll all enjoy the transformation. I’m also facing a lot of uncertainty and scary changes in my life at this time, so I can relate. Prayers and taking it one day at a time and trusting that my timing is also God’s timing. You are blessed to have such a strong family unit. Prayers for you and your family.
Oh I so get the tears. Being an artistic creative soul although wonderful can add an extra burden at times like this. So much swirling in your head! Only God can speak to your heart where you need it. I tell you just the fact of unpacking brings me joy! You are nesting!!! Anddd my word! What awesome antique stores you have!!! Let the tears come as giggles will soon follow. You are home!!!
We moved into our new home two months ago. Just yesterday we finally tackled the garage which was where all the “stuff” that had been in storage while we rented for a year was jumbled together. It’s definitely overwhelming, but I keep reminding myself, “Little by little, the bird builds his nest.”
Be gentle with yourself, Marian. Take breaks, enjoy the moment!
It’s so much fun packing up and getting ready… when I walked into our new home and kitchen 5 years ago.. or I should say tried to.. I came undone. It had been one year of getting ready, storage, and a move from MN to Colorado.. I was completely remiss in thinking there was more to do.. it started with one box at a time.. and it started to come together. As I read your post I felt a familiar knot in my stomach.. and felt your emotions.. up and down and all around. You will make it Marian.. take time to smell the roses and please take care .. I know you love the process.. get some rest, and continue getting out with your hubby, momma, self.. blessings. ?
Marian you get more done in one day than some get done in one week!
Can’t wait to see what you do in your kitchen, as I’m finally about to do something here. I’ve been dragging my feet for 8 years with a 40” range that can’t be repaired. Running up and down basement steps to the other stove has finally made me say “it’s really time!”
I’ve been following you since back in the beginning and am just amazed! Love your decorating, creativity, writing and the whole shebang! Your artwork- oh my!
I can imagine that you’re very tired after all these months of vagabonding and moving with a hurt foot!
Everything can seem monumental when you’re tired! But know how much you inspire us with your everyday activities. Even when your dragging you’re lapping most of us!