Books by the old Leather Chair

  • Snow In The Summer
  • My Bible
  • The Power of Silence
  • What Comes Next and to Like It
  • Encore Provence
  • A Year in Provence

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Reduced

She places this sign on the city home tomorrow. In the early morning the moving company is bringing the rest of her belongings to the country. Excited that finally the country cottage will be a complete home. Just think she can sleep in her own bed tomorrow night.

She picked up this sign early morning. Errands were finished and drove back to the country, her mind was going over part of her past and it seemed like she was watching a film.

During her marriage there were 5 homes and also pieces of property sold. She was instrumental in these. One sale resulted from this 23 year old young mother putting a sign in the window
that said "for sale". She wanted so to return to Tennessee. Her husband said with a smile if you can sell this home we will go. Now this home was in a rural Michigan area and not much traffic. Guess what? In two weeks an elderly couple stopped to view the home and paid cash for it. They had just sold their home as part of property where additional interstate was needed.

The results of that sale made it possible to return to her birthplace in Tennessee.

There came a time that she struck out on her own. During those years she built 6 homes and sold part of property she had acquired. Her homes have been in local papers and one in Southern Living. She seems to have a natural talent - or whatever you call it - for using her same old furnishings over and over and planting her gardens. A number of times the remark was made to her that she should have her real estate license.

When her youngest was about 8 she would travel to the state college to qualify for a license.
The winding dark country road and her little one sitting in the back doing homework - bothered her. So she did not continue and she has never had a regret.
So when she looks at this sign it really does not bother her. "much" It is a sign of the times, it has nothing to do with her and she needs to move on with her life. This is a first - so she has a good track record. If she does say so herself!!! She made this decision and knew the consequences.
Downside is this home represents her retirement or whatever you want to call it. But she does not need much or want anything.

Yes, she does want something. To garden, sit and read the stack of books by her chair, walk in the woods with Miss Callie and look forward to the calls and visits from her children and grandchildren. Also to continue trying to take some good images and age gracefully!!

9 comments:

Marcie said...

Ernestine, I loved reading this post and getting to know a little more of your life story. I'm sorry your asking price has been reduced, but maybe that little sign will be just the thing to bring in the right buyer!

warm regards,
Aisling

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Aisling thank you. I have continued editing this post. The thoughts come so quickly and if I do not type I may lose them. With all my errors - I know people can figure out what I am trying to say.
Oh, it is cold today.

MsGraysea said...

Wistful and beautiful, Ernestine. I will think of you as you make the journey to post the sign tomorrow, but more importantly, to have the rest of your things with you at Wood Haven. How nice. May the sale come quickly now.

Tabor said...

You are smart and healthy by being in the moment and realizing that you are happy with your decision regardless of the economic cost. I, like you, have aged enough to realize I need and want so little except inner peace and to be able to see those I love often.

Beverly said...

I enjoyed the trip down memory lane...I could just see you putting a sign in the window, and making it happen. I also understood the feeling of knowing when something is not "right" for you and your little one (at that time) Keep telling your story.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Marcia, Tabor and Beverly - thank you for your kind comments and encouragment. It helps more then you will ever know. Your friendship is valued.

Elsa Louise said...

Ernestine, your blog is one of my regular visiting spots, as I make my way around the Internet. Your observations are always a delight. I’ve never commented but was moved to do so with your present post, as you’ve been on my mind with the real estate discussions prevalent in both the media and within one’s own personal sphere.

While this decision to reduce has no doubt been a difficult one for you to come by, the market continues to be tough all over the country. Prices have sought an equilibrium point and, yes, more people are once again entering the market, yet loan funding can be challenging to obtain, even for well-qualified buyers.

Certainly, dividing your time between the two homes must be a bit of a trial, no? When your city home is sold, however, you will then be able to truly settle into your beauteous Woodhaven villa! Your decision is a sound one.

I admire your bravery for knowing what you wanted at this point in your life and building your country house so you could achieve your dream. Would that a buyer should come now for the city house with all Godspeed.

Jan Lundy said...

Love your soulful ponderings and learning a bit about your history with homes, gardens and mores. It sounds like you are so ready to be where you are with grace and ease. Rocking, reading, loving all...Yes, may a quick sale come...

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Ella, thank you for your first time to comments. Please do so again. I love the interaction with those who are joining me on this journey.
Jan, thank you - as always.