By Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter
And so it goes, Rob and I have moved into our new home, but this time, we are rooting ourselves into this small lake town called Gordonville, in Sherwood Shores, on the banks of Lake Texoma, Texas.
A mature home, really. Built in 1962, this little cabin gives us the slice of lakeview we yearned for, the peace that pacifies (so quiet here) and a spread of land — six lots with our 1,217-square-foot perfectly-for-us laid out house with two bedrooms, two baths, tiny but robust kitchen, porch and garage (aka, gym); 450-square-foot Morgan building well suited for my office and entertainment center (CareerTrend and I Want To Write For You headquarters and TreeTop lounge) and more. Rob even has a man cave perched just outside the garage that currently houses an eclectic mix of a writing desk, and other paraphernalia we have yet to repurpose or toss or fully organize.
Languorous ivy crawls up our fence outlining property populated by lumbering oak trees, punctuated with a decorative pond and providing ample space for birds and cats and our dog to romp and play, sniff and explore.
For us, the journey to get here should never be forgotten.
We wrote about our decision and ultimate transition from Kansas City to North Texas HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE, as well as our initial months/year and last three years living here, HERE, HERE and HERE.
Most recently, in January 2014, we returned from a big trip to Key West, FL, only to be facing a bigger decision–whether to stay, or go, to determine whether to buy or to rent for another year, or move to another city, state or location altogether.
We stepped off the cliff and started house hunting. Rob and I had talked in detail and researched in depth about what our needs and wants were, so finding the right home was not a matter of laborious house hunting and dozens of tours. Within a week or so, we had identified the right property, and had made an offer.
However, as quickly as we found the right home, the process almost immediately stalled, resuming to a slow drip. The next four months turned into a nail-biting, emotionally exhausting and rigorous experience, navigating through the labyrinth of lending hoops and requirements.
The learning curve was wrought with the unique aspects of buying a home in rural, lakeside America where traditional, urban rules and requirements often don’t mesh with the eclectic, non-conforming and unregulated wild west of this township. What we thought would be a 30-45 day process stretched into four months. From mid-January to mid-April, we (mostly) managed emotions, persisted through paperwork, emails and phone calls and prayed for acceptance of whatever outcome occurred. (This longer than anticipated and weary-making process may ring familiar with many of my job seeking and careerist readers engaged in–or having undergone–career transition!)
Upon the news that this little house was officially going to be ours, I actually wept for a moment; and the intense joy I felt when sharing the news with my husband was palpable.
Within a week leading to our move, this little happy fellow (which Rob aptly named Jolly Roger) a stray Yorkie that had been abandoned in a local RV park adopted us, enhancing the transition.
Our new home has a great lake view.
We also dig our inside view.
The Morgan building was a huge value-add and houses my office separate from the main house. It is a perfect place to get focused and in the flow of writing.
We awaken daily to this new beauty and calm, and already can tell, whatever challenges are ahead, we are more equipped to handle them. Whatever bears are in the forest, we can fend off, and whatever droughts may present themselves, figuratively or literally, we have the willpower to endure.
And, simply walking through our back gate and down a wooded path, we are minutes from this beach.
Last night, we undressed the stress of the day (hat tip to my friend, Marianna Paulson, owner of Auntie Stress for introducing me to that phrase) by firing up the grill, carving up NY strip steaks and enjoying a cocktail, all while the dog and cats lay about, relishing the warm, calming temperatures. Here are a few photos from our event.
While Rob may not be smiling on the outside, he was grinning inwardly, and overall was just happy to be at home.
Nick was inspecting the new, (yet to be named) mermaid on the porch.
And this morning, the exploring continued …
Roger wondered what interesting booty was in these flower pots.
Bella and Roger, a rare side-by-side moment, and right before Roger decided to fully immerse himself in our little pond.
Followed by appropriate Sunday rest. What interesting little positions Roger gets himself into.
~~~
In my recent blog for Glassdoor, I wrote about ‘never giving up’ and other keys to achieve a happy career. I might add, find a place, if you can, where you can blend the ideas of both a happy career and a happy life.
That’s what Rob and I are striving to do!
Welcome Home, Jacqui, Rob, Bella and Roger!
It’s so wonderful to read about your new sense of place, which includes the satisfaction of working (and learning) hard to achieve your dream.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful part of the world with us. You’ve opened the window and permitted us to drink in your surroundings along the shores of Lake Texoma. Ahh, how refreshing to be able to “undress your stress” (I appreciate the nod! ♥) on, beside and in this beautiful body of water.
You have shown, by example, how you have systematically created a lifestyle that works for you by ensuring that you schedule time to do the things you love – the things that restore you. You have also made it a priority to make your working and living spaces a source of inspiration. Big Auntie Stress points to you!
I love that you’ve opened your hearts and your home to another furry friend. 🙂
The bond between a human and a rescued animal is a strong one.
I learned something new, too! A Morgan Building – what a great use of the space. When you need some distance from your work to gain a new perspective, you can close the door and enjoy the view from your house.
May you have many wondrous years together – all of you! *Clink*
Warmly,
Marianna
Good afternoon, Marianna!
What a warm ‘welcome’! Apt notation regarding working ‘and’ learning hard to achieve one’s dream. Thank you for always making me think a bit deeper with your insights 🙂
“Things that restore us” (yes) — love the word, ‘restore’ and all the implications in our physical and emotional (and intellectual) selves. And, I’m a proud student of Auntie Stress’s affirming remarks!
Your sharing your feelings about bonding with a rescued animal means a lot, since I know you have rescued your babies and created meaningful relationships with them. And as a bonus, I will share with you that we actually have adopted 3 fur babies in the past year. We have 2 kitties– one (Bella) was abandoned by a neighbor; and the 2nd (Nicky) must have been ‘dumped’ nearby, because he showed up on our porch one day, a baby that was skinny and hungry.
Of course, Roger is our newest acquisition, and hopefully, our last (I never dreamed of having more than 1 pet!), but it helps that cats are pretty darn independent. And, well, that they are all so darn lovable 🙂
I adore how you described the value of our Morgan building; indeed, to get perspective, ‘close the door and enjoy the view from the house.’ Am finding this to be SO true!!
Many thanks again for celebrating with Rob and me (and our 3 kiddos). We appreciate you more than you know! *Clink*!
Jacqui
My mistake – shhh, don’t tell Nick – we don’t want an out-of-joint tail! 🙂
Love it, Marianna! Mum’s the word 🙂
Jacqui,
Thank you for walking us through the process you went through to get to where you are. As you described, the road to getting from where we are to where we want to go, is not a straight line but rather a path with many twists and turns.
The silver lining in having had to go through obstacles to get what you wanted, not only makes you stronger [for future subsequent difficult storms], but makes you appreciate even more what you have and what you achieved.
Your words express your increased resilience and happiness [ < resulting from gratitude and practicing good happiness building habits like good self care, maintaining strong connections etc.] ! Both you and Rob are such inspiring role models both in terms of running a business, career management and work-life balance.
I love all the pictures and the new additions to your family. Your home and area is so lovely and fitting for the creative writing required for both resume writing and your expanded writing business.
Wishing you and Rob much health, happiness and success in your new home,
Warmly,
Dorlee
Hello Dorlee!
You paint a great visual regarding the twisty/turny path we all must navigate to move through change–particularly change of any substance and meaning.
Interesting that you mention the silver lining, as Rob and I were just speaking to the topic of ‘there will always be storms’ earlier today; so, I agree, exercising our resilience muscle helps keep it strong for future difficulties and challenges.
What I really was struck by in your comment was your saying that my ‘words express increased resilience and happiness,’ and then how you described how that came to be. Thank you for helping me further be aware of the processes. While I agree that I am aspiring to practice those good habits, sometimes in the thick of things, I forget that, even under duress, habits are kicking in 🙂
It also is a great help to intentionally and habitually surround ourselves with supportive, encouraging and motivating people — like you! I’m ever grateful for your friendship on- and offline!
Rob and I are so appreciative of your specific and encouraging remarks about our new home, and that you gave a hat tip not only to our main resume/career business but also to our new creative writing gig.
Thank you, as always, Dorlee!
Warmly,
Jacqui
Hello Jacqui,
Thank you for opening up your home, life and heart to us.
I feel like I’m right there on your porch chatting with you and Rob, sipping some sweet tea and watching the kiddos frolic with joy and curiosity.
As Nick peers up at the mermaid, you ask: “Any ideas for a mermaid name? I’m still pondering.”. I answer: “Given she’s in Texas, how about Little Miss Sea? ;)”. You reply: “Little Miss Sea, it is.”.
I realize our convo was really via Twitter, but darn, don’t I wish I was actually there with you!
Through your post I can feel how you’ve created a home where work, relaxation and “expressions of tenderness gush out without any sensation of awkwardness and without any dread of ridicule” (those words in quotes are from Frederick W. Robertson) and that your “home is where the heart is” (words from Pliny).
Here’s to you, Rob, your kiddos and your new abode.
Much love,
Jackie Yun
Good morning, Jackie,
The image of you joining us on our porch, sipping sweet tea and collectively watching the fur babies frolic is so delightful! What a wonderful time we would have.
I felt the same way about our Twitter conversation, and as we deepen our connections over time, I yearn for a ‘live’ visit. “Little Miss Sea” is a resonating and sweet name – your suggestion compelled me to Google the name, enriching the Texas tie-in.
And wow, what a powerful and emotive way to close your comment. Frederick W. Robertson’s words have me reading and re-reading; and Pliny’s quote is always a heart-warmer.
Thank you so much for always being so personal and clarifying in your robust comments, Jackie!
Much love back to you!
PS: Little Miss Sea sends you mermaid wishes and starfish kisses! xoxo
Jacqui
Jacqui,
What a beautiful, thought-provoking description of your journey to your new home. Your words helped me imagine every step as if I were right beside the two of you. I love the rural imagery you painted for me and the photos you shared.
It’s an important point you make — finding a place that allows for the perfect blend of a happy career and happy life. You are an amazing writer. Reading this added several more layers of awe to my view of you!
XO Samantha
Samantha,
I’m so happy you found the ‘view’ from this post pleasing! Rural imagery is something that has always appealed to me (and which I was surrounded by growing up), so I am now very lucky to be living the life of my dreams now, as I enter a new phase in my adult life.
The way we can continue to add layers to our friendship through our written communications is quite fulfilling. Thank you so much for easily sharing your valued friendship with me; your energy and enthusiasm do not go unnoticed or unappreciated, Samantha!
Warmly,
Jacqui
Jacqui, even without the pictures I would be able to see what your new digs look like, thanks to your descriptive words. I understand the thoughts and emotions you went through during the waiting time, as we had some similar experiences. The lending process is never easy when you’re self-employed.
I loved reading your story and relating to much of it, even though we found our places of peace in different locations and at different stages of our lives. It’s also interesting that, just as Roger found you shortly before your move, our dog, Silk, was “gifted” to us a few months before we signed the contract to build our South Carolina home. These are certainly not coincidences.
I hope you will continue to be very happy in your new home, and I look forward to hearing more of your adventures. We really cannot separate our personal lives from our work lives, because whatever happens in each one impacts the other to a great degree.
Mary
Hello Mary,
I certainly am intrigued that we both ‘acquired’ new fur babies shortly before we embarked on moving into our ‘dream homes!’ And particularly interesting since we both express our mothering through these 4-legged creatures vs. having had our own kids.
I agree! These adoptions certainly are not coincidences; I believe they were gifts from a higher power.
As well, thank you for reinforcing that separating our personal from our work lives really is not do-able. Over the last few years, I’ve really come to appreciate and embrace that fact, which compels the ‘drive’ to (best as I can) BLEND the two lifestyles!
Looking forward to continue sharing our life-change and new lifestyle journeys with one another, Mary!
Thank you so much for taking time to comment here.
Warmly,
Jacqui