Jemma's Tales
Trading Spaces
April 30, 2015
As we visit one another in our supportive networks of cozy kitchen tables, nestled desks,
chippy furniture, silver, and Boho styles there are many of us who are,
or have been in the last year, trading spaces.
I have listened to you, gleaned tips from you, and now it seems it is my turn.
My husband and I are trading spaces, we are leaving the fences of suburbia behind.
Those comforting dividers that keep us all neatly lined up in a row.
Those familiar white picket, brown or iron structures which whisper,
this is my space and that is yours.
This perfectly defined space which is familiar, comfortable, it is what I am accustomed to.
It is home.
We are trading the spaces of suburbia for a little more space, not too far from home.
A few acres in Rockwall County Texas, where the bobcats and coyotes roam.
As though I am living in an ambiguous position these days,
The place where one says-is it this way or that-
I liken it to the scene in the Wizard of Oz, where the scarecrow places his arms
across his chest, and points his fingers in opposite directions to the Emerald City,
not really certain which way is which..
One word-Confusing.
We are in the process of working with an architect and builder to design our "retirement," home.
A melding of a couple of plans into one, with sensible square footage, reigning in the size.
In our area most builders today lean towards designs that are -BIG-
We are not chasing big or snazzy-
Our number one goal is to save dollars on utilities, taxes, water, insurance, you know what I mean.
A comfortable and cozy one story home for us.
While this lengthy process takes place we will be giving the apartment scene a try.
I am learning so much about Architectural Styles, Texas, Spanish , French Country, Shed homes,
Dutch, English Cottage, so many sub categories, so many pretties.
So many designs to choose from, and most renderings are always very charming even
when they aren't my cup of tea.
Just a week ago my friend Sheri, from Red Rose Alley asked what our dream home might look like.
Would your dream home have a front porch, a nook for reading, a niche for art?
Would your dream location be on a lake or along an ocean inlet?
Another friend, Melanie over at Comfy House raised another question - city, suburbs or country?
When it comes down to it, it becomes quite complicated, too many choices, too much wondering,
time management, money management...
Especially when those wretched doubts begin to prance in ones head.
We are moving tomorrow, into an apartment while our new home is being built, I will
look forward to sharing my on the other side of fifty view point with you and the journey
of building a new home.
While at the same time reaching out to you for design and decorating tips and coping with the
anxiety of building.
So if something pops into your head email me!
photos from Dream Home Source
Trading Spaces, many of us have embarked on this journey.
Did you trade your space for another, what is your story?
xoxo
chippy furniture, silver, and Boho styles there are many of us who are,
or have been in the last year, trading spaces.
I have listened to you, gleaned tips from you, and now it seems it is my turn.
My husband and I are trading spaces, we are leaving the fences of suburbia behind.
Those comforting dividers that keep us all neatly lined up in a row.
Those familiar white picket, brown or iron structures which whisper,
this is my space and that is yours.
This perfectly defined space which is familiar, comfortable, it is what I am accustomed to.
It is home.
We are trading the spaces of suburbia for a little more space, not too far from home.
A few acres in Rockwall County Texas, where the bobcats and coyotes roam.
This is our home site,
imagining all of the possibilities
and at the same time feeling, well....
imagining all of the possibilities
and at the same time feeling, well....
As though I am living in an ambiguous position these days,
The place where one says-is it this way or that-
I liken it to the scene in the Wizard of Oz, where the scarecrow places his arms
across his chest, and points his fingers in opposite directions to the Emerald City,
not really certain which way is which..
One word-Confusing.
We are in the process of working with an architect and builder to design our "retirement," home.
A melding of a couple of plans into one, with sensible square footage, reigning in the size.
In our area most builders today lean towards designs that are -BIG-
We are not chasing big or snazzy-
Our number one goal is to save dollars on utilities, taxes, water, insurance, you know what I mean.
A comfortable and cozy one story home for us.
While this lengthy process takes place we will be giving the apartment scene a try.
I am learning so much about Architectural Styles, Texas, Spanish , French Country, Shed homes,
Dutch, English Cottage, so many sub categories, so many pretties.
when they aren't my cup of tea.
Just a week ago my friend Sheri, from Red Rose Alley asked what our dream home might look like.
Would your dream home have a front porch, a nook for reading, a niche for art?
Another friend, Melanie over at Comfy House raised another question - city, suburbs or country?
When it comes down to it, it becomes quite complicated, too many choices, too much wondering,
time management, money management...
Especially when those wretched doubts begin to prance in ones head.
look forward to sharing my on the other side of fifty view point with you and the journey
of building a new home.
While at the same time reaching out to you for design and decorating tips and coping with the
anxiety of building.
So if something pops into your head email me!
Trading Spaces, many of us have embarked on this journey.
Did you trade your space for another, what is your story?
xoxo
Wow Jemma,
ReplyDeleteThat certainly is exciting news! I can understand the uncertainty and confusion. But still, the possibilities seem exciting! Cant wait to watch it all unfold! Very happy for you too!
xo
Linda
Linda,
DeleteYou are a great friend and I appreciate the enthusiasm and support!
Thank you:)
xo
How exciting to be building a new home, yet sad to be leaving your current one. And then having the strangeness of living in an apartment. I will be thinking of you as you move and get settled in. I know that's a lot of work. Blessings to you, my friend!
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
DeleteSo many mixed feelings and yes, the apartment living is going to be odd and we are on the 3rd floor!
I feel a leg workout, already!
Thanks so much.
Oh Jemma, that is such exciting news! I think you will like a comfortable one-story home. It's easy to clean, and me and husband can just get up and go on the weekends. A dear blog friend told me one time that she'd take cozy and small over bigger and better any time. There are so many choices as you said, but I know you and your husband will make it a home you will both love. I'm off to e-mail you now. This is great news.
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
Sheri,
DeleteIsn't there a saying "that love grows best in small houses,with fewer walls to separate?"
I just know it will all work out and thank you for your email, I appreciate the input and suggestions.
Love,
Jemma
Hello Jemma, I am so happy and excited for you! My hubby and I are also talking about downsizing into a smaller home.. I will take some ideas and tips from you..I hope everything goes smoothly.. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteEileen,
DeleteThank you so much! I am sure I will be blogging about it (probably too much) I'll be sharing do's and don'ts from what I learn through the process.
as long as you have a pretty door for your wreaths! :)
ReplyDeleteDeb,
DeleteVery positive and true! Lol:)
This is SO exciting!! Apartment living doesn't excite me at all, but having your own home built is a chance in a lifetime. I hope things go well for you. I already live in a bungalow, and if it was just my husband and I we'd be quite happy. With both our kids still living with us, it's a bit of a squeeze. My dream home would be in the northern country close to woods, water (lake, pond or creek) and the Canadian Shield (rocks). It would have a sewing room for me, and an outdoor workshop for my husband. I would have a reading nook big enough for a bookcase, chair and sidetable. Windows would have a view ... curtains optional. My in-laws once had a house built, and my MIL asked for a small closet in the dining room where she could hang her many tablecloths from a rod. I always thought that was a clever idea. You are going to have such fun with this once your nerves settle down ;)
ReplyDeleteWendy
Wendy,
DeleteI love the design that you have in mind for your dream home and also your great attitude.
I think you have hit the nail on the end that when my nerves settle down, it will all make more sense and I'll be able to imagine all of the possibilities.
Thank you for your support,
Jemma
Wow! Such happy and exciting new, my friend! Change is a good thing, a healthy thing, a human thing! I can't wait to see what style of architecture you finally chose, and trust me, I went through all your wondering and pondering and worrying, for over 8 years - that's how long it took to build our home, with my husband being the contractor! For us, it depended on when we had funds, and so everything was done in stages, rather long stages, but, in the end, it turned out pretty nice.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your new house; before long, it will be home.
xoxo
Poppy
Poppy,
DeleteThank you for sharing the trials and tribulations of building a home. I can barely imagine an 8 year process and all of the worry that went with it, because that is how it feels as of now. I am sure I will settle down some as time goes on. I am going to focus on the fact that change is a good thing!
xo
Jemma
I went thru an examination of how we live, what spaces we used & what spaces were wasted while we were contemplating building. Even though we ended up buying resale, I knew exactly what I was looking for. Kitchen/family/eating combo? Or seperate spaces? How many bedrooms/baths? Flex space to share extra bed/work out area/TV? Office area? Porch? a Deck? Think how you live & what's a must! The extra attention to our lifestyle has really paid off! Good luck with the new project. Remember baby steps....
ReplyDeleteLaura,
DeleteBaby steps, excellent reminder, combined with critically examining the space we need now and in the future when adult children and grands visit. "Flex," space how creative is that!
Thank you, my friend:)
You have so much going on right now - I know and understand - I just hope you can look at it as an adventure to a new life - of course there is pain leaving the old one - but excitement lies ahead. Kelly moves tomorrow. Well the plans for the new home all look beautiful - I couldn't pick!
ReplyDeleteSandie,
DeleteThank you for your friendship and support, I know you have had many changes in your life as well, and I am wishing you the best too!
Wow Jemma I didn't expect to read this but I'm excited for you! We built two homes and remodeled this one so I know the concerns that come along with it. One thing I learned is to be careful about the contractor you choose. It doesn't hurt to follow up with references to make sure the contractor is reliable and doesn't tend to start adding extra charges for things. If you need to make changes after you start construction that results in an upcharge get it in writing. Money is always the root for arguments. I guess this means your home has sold? The new property looks like it's out in the country. It's going to be beautiful! Moving into an apartment will be a new adventure. Take care during this transition.
ReplyDeleteLiz,
DeleteThank you very much for these tips, that is amazing that you have built twice and remodeled as well. I just bet you have some tales to share. Thank you for these tips you left today, I am sure I will be reaching out to many times.
Omg goodness Jemma! How did you manage to keep this a secret so long?! I would have been blabbering about it non stop lol! This is soooooo exciting I can't stand it! I would give anything to build my own house! Ok, so can I come up with anymore exclamation points?! Lol
ReplyDeleteEvery house you pictured is beautiful, I know what you mean about confusing, but what a great thing to be confused about :)
We moved a couple of times in the last three years, and it's definitely NOT fun, but oh my, what you're doing is totally different and it's going to be awesome!
xxx
p.s. I got two notifications that you signed up for my blog updates. Did you inadvertently do it twice,or did mad Mimi mess up?
Doreen,
DeleteI have been in denial-sort of stick your head in the sand approach! Well, I hope it turns out to be a positive experience and I'll do my best to keep a good attitude with your assistance as well as these other lovely ladies!
Ok, one of these moves was to your cabin-and it is gorgeous!
xx
Jemma
Congratulations on chasing that dream, Jemma. My only advice to you during this transitional time is to live every moment and simplify whenever possible. After living in our house of over 20 years, we moved into our current transitional house Dec of 2012. It was our plan to see our kids through college and move on to our dream seaside cottage as soon as possible, maybe within a year. The plan was extended a tad when our children were accepted into the university of their dreams, but we're delighted for them. Both graduate this year, and suddenly a wedding gets thrown into the mix too. teehee
ReplyDeleteWhat I've learned through it all is to decorate, garden, and LIVE EVERY BIT OF THIS LIFE NOW.
Best wishes, friend.
xoxo
Marcia,
DeleteI am going to embed this saying into my way of living life-you are so correct, too much time can be spent "waiting," until we get to the next spot and then we will begin to live and do...the time is now, isn't it? Thank you for sharing your thoughts, experiences and your dreams with me-dear friend.
xoxo
Jemma
Jemma, you must have so many emotions churning around in your head and heart right now. Home is so very personal to a woman. I know it will all come clear eventually but it sounds as if this is not going to be a quick thing so I think Marcia's advice above is wise. Don't stop living until you move into a brand new finished house. Keep on doing the things you love.
ReplyDeleteAnd rest some. You probably need it after packing and moving and saying goodbye.
Love to you, Jemma,
Dewena
Dewena,
DeleteIt isn't going to be quick and it may be longer than we think and just imagine all the living I must do and embrace while planning. I am going to live diligently and mindful and embrace the blessings of each day. Thank you dear Dewena,
With love,
Jemma
Jemma I can't wait to join you on your journey!!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for you!
Thank you Linda, I hope to make the very most of the process!
DeleteJemma, How exciting and what fun it will be planning your new home. Enjoy it all! Joan-My Cookie Clinic
ReplyDeleteJoan,
DeleteThanks so much and thank you for your visit too!
Jemma
I have lived in my home for almost 46 years and don't know if I could ever leave it or not. It's exciting to think about a new home but I'm sure it's also a little nerve wracking. I know you'll handle it with grace.
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
Judy
Judy,
DeleteSuch a blessing and joy to be able to live in ones home for their entire adult life.
Thank you for visiting and your positive wishes.
Jemma
How exciting for you Jemma! I will be where you are in a few years and I am already thinking about my "new" dream home. Not sure where or when but I find myself thinking how this or that would look great in it! It will be fun to follow along with you through it all!
ReplyDeleteOh my, such exciting news! Must feel wonderful looking forward to your new adventure and all the planning:) Wishing you all the best as you begin your new journey! Following you now via bloglovin:) Happy week!~hugs, Poppy
ReplyDeleteWhat exciting news, Jemma! So many choices, so many decisions but I'm sure you'll end up with the home of your dreams! I haven't been through any of this. I'll be following and learning as you go through it all!.
ReplyDeleteI'm completely shocked, Jemma, but so excited for you :)
ReplyDeleteI think if I was building a new home, I would go with vintage house plans. I'm sure the builders would have fun with that LOL
Whatever you choose, I hope you find great joy :)
xoxo,
rue