One of the biggest decisions we have to make before we depart for the open sea is whether to sell or to rent our home. We have talked into the wee hours of the night about the pros and cons, about what this house means to us, about how the finances will be different if we rent versus sell.
Until now, I have been holding on to the idea of coming back to our home. There is a peaceful energy here, a sense that it was built with love. We are only the second owners, and the first were homesteaders who built the house themselves in the 1950's (this makes it a VERY old house in Anchorage, Alaska). 3001 Brookside Drive is the place where we raised our babies, where they first nursed, crawled, laughed and slept. It is our first home.
There is a cliche that keeps popping into my head as I ruminate about this - "Home is where the heart is." More and more, I think I believe it. When I go deeper (as my yoga instructor would say), I realize that my attachment to this place is more connected to the environment, to the view, the energy, the natural setting, to the memories that are connected to the physical house, not really the house itself.
I woke up one day last week feeling somehow released of the sadness connected to leaving this house forever. Feeling lighter and happy about selling the house and being more totally free while living a life of salt air and adventure.
So watch out, Anchorage friends. If/when we return from our travels, we will most likely be penniless AND homeless and looking for couches on which to crash.
One big decision made. Hundreds more to go. Now time to PURGE, pack, clean, paint, and do all that is necessary to extract 10 years' worth of living from a home.
I know how you must feel. You understand my great connection to my home in Chatham, a connection I didn't seem to have with my Connecticut home or my Farmington home (although now I miss both). You have experienced many wonderful times at 3001 Brookside; it will be hard to find a similarly wonderful location at a price you might be able to afford later. But maybe you'll stay for a decade back on the East coast, another beautiful location in the USA, returning to AK for vacations in Seldovia. ?? Many unknowns. Where would you like to see your children go to high school, maybe it would be nice to live near your mom and dad and sister - you've never done that since you've been married. Many possibilities. (signed, mom)
ReplyDeleteOne more comment concerning "Home is where the heart is": this old cliche could be turned around to say "one's heart is where the home is." I truly believe that a house becomes a home, almost a living thing itself, imbued with the spirit of the people and animals who have lived there. It is important, symbolically and spiritually. It is not just boards and plaster.
ReplyDeleteMom
Hey,
ReplyDeleteJust bought the Columbia from the Krolls. My 1964 Cal 30 needs a new engine and some serious work. The Yanmar on Gotta Go sold me.
You will have to give me some pointer on sailing her this summer. The Cal was a great starter boat and easy to sail, but the Columbia seems to be a little different beast.
See you on the docks,
Mark Janes
Hi Mark,
ReplyDeleteFind me on facebook, or email jengordonconsulting@gmail.com, we LOVE Gotta Go and would be happy to chat with you about her.
--Jen