Jul 22, 2023·edited Jul 22, 2023Liked by Sonya Lea
"Whatever isn't given away is lost forever." You and Richard should come visit us in Crestone. Drop me a line if you'll be down this way, and I'll tell you all about it.
Also, that line about having what you need is pure hunter-gatherer. When whatever you need is in the world around you, you don't need to carry much.
Hi Chris! We've been following your home building in Crestone, and would love to visit one day. We're inspired by the van life like you and others enjoyed and that might be up for us next too. But first, just setting out to see what happens. Love to you & Anya.
I just moved into the first house I’ve lived in since 2006 with a man who I will probably marry. For the first time in my life, at 55 years old, I am setting down roots. After 30+ years of moving from one apartment to another, I’ve arrived at the place I’ve been yearning for. We’re buying furniture and planting gardens and trees. We’re feeding the neighborhood squirrels and birds. We’re collecting orange and black flicker feathers from our backyard wondering if the bird was a meal for some being. We’re writing a book about my partner’s extraordinary life path. We’re setting up home inside and out and I am both marveling at finally getting the opportunity to settle down, to stop and rest for awhile, and the fact that because of a very large inheritance that will be coming in the next 6 months, I will have more financial freedom than I’ve ever had. Despite always wanting a home and a person to settle into, I find myself still wondering what it is I really want for my life. Living with an autoimmune disease that seems to be getting a bit worse over the past few years also has me wondering. I am physically and emotionally exhausted and my spirit wants me to get quiet and listen. And in finding that quiet place, I arrive at the same questions, again and again. What is home? And where can I find it?
As always, I am grateful for your writing and your willingness to go out on a limb in your life and to share that with us. Inspired by you, I’m conjuring up a long dormant writing practice.
Leah, so great to hear about all the wonderful things happening for you. I'm grateful for the financial freedom coming your way, that's a beautiful thing for an artist. You're asking some big questions about want, home, and where we find versions of home. (Everything you wrote sounds like a great essay, btw, and you're just the kind of thoughtful presence to write it.) I'm so glad to hear you're going back to your words. I hope I get to sit and hear them one day soon.
Our attachment to 'things' is interesting to contemplate. Any clutter or excess in my home seems to be mostly associated to time issues: looking for convenience, so buying a different version of something; not enough time to rummage through things and get rid of/give away what I don't need anymore. I will create some space in my life to think more deeply about the themes you have introduced here!
I remember times with young people in the house, and how sentimental I would get about their "firsts." I have one box in the storage closet of their Peter Rabbit china and all these special things that are saved for grandchildren, if we should have any. The 'need' part can be so interrogated over time. Thanks for commenting. Grateful for your writerly friendship.
What a blessing to be able to wander, Sonya! May your and Richard’s journey be void of stones in the road, and filled with overflowing beauty and the bliss of discovery. Happy trails, my friend…our door is always open.
"Whatever isn't given away is lost forever." You and Richard should come visit us in Crestone. Drop me a line if you'll be down this way, and I'll tell you all about it.
Also, that line about having what you need is pure hunter-gatherer. When whatever you need is in the world around you, you don't need to carry much.
Hi Chris! We've been following your home building in Crestone, and would love to visit one day. We're inspired by the van life like you and others enjoyed and that might be up for us next too. But first, just setting out to see what happens. Love to you & Anya.
I just moved into the first house I’ve lived in since 2006 with a man who I will probably marry. For the first time in my life, at 55 years old, I am setting down roots. After 30+ years of moving from one apartment to another, I’ve arrived at the place I’ve been yearning for. We’re buying furniture and planting gardens and trees. We’re feeding the neighborhood squirrels and birds. We’re collecting orange and black flicker feathers from our backyard wondering if the bird was a meal for some being. We’re writing a book about my partner’s extraordinary life path. We’re setting up home inside and out and I am both marveling at finally getting the opportunity to settle down, to stop and rest for awhile, and the fact that because of a very large inheritance that will be coming in the next 6 months, I will have more financial freedom than I’ve ever had. Despite always wanting a home and a person to settle into, I find myself still wondering what it is I really want for my life. Living with an autoimmune disease that seems to be getting a bit worse over the past few years also has me wondering. I am physically and emotionally exhausted and my spirit wants me to get quiet and listen. And in finding that quiet place, I arrive at the same questions, again and again. What is home? And where can I find it?
As always, I am grateful for your writing and your willingness to go out on a limb in your life and to share that with us. Inspired by you, I’m conjuring up a long dormant writing practice.
Looking forward to reading more soon.
Blessings to you and yours as you launch!
Leah, so great to hear about all the wonderful things happening for you. I'm grateful for the financial freedom coming your way, that's a beautiful thing for an artist. You're asking some big questions about want, home, and where we find versions of home. (Everything you wrote sounds like a great essay, btw, and you're just the kind of thoughtful presence to write it.) I'm so glad to hear you're going back to your words. I hope I get to sit and hear them one day soon.
Yours,
Sonya
Our attachment to 'things' is interesting to contemplate. Any clutter or excess in my home seems to be mostly associated to time issues: looking for convenience, so buying a different version of something; not enough time to rummage through things and get rid of/give away what I don't need anymore. I will create some space in my life to think more deeply about the themes you have introduced here!
I remember times with young people in the house, and how sentimental I would get about their "firsts." I have one box in the storage closet of their Peter Rabbit china and all these special things that are saved for grandchildren, if we should have any. The 'need' part can be so interrogated over time. Thanks for commenting. Grateful for your writerly friendship.
What a blessing to be able to wander, Sonya! May your and Richard’s journey be void of stones in the road, and filled with overflowing beauty and the bliss of discovery. Happy trails, my friend…our door is always open.
Thanks so much, Esther! I'll be in touch, perhaps coming closer to you after we return, and maybe a coffee and writing sesh?
Here for you. Safe travels!