Regardless of how cute I find my house, at the moment, it is another box with four walls to design. In twelve years, I moved my “home” six times, not to mention numerous office spaces and other remodeling projects. Personal items got absorbed and left behind in each building as they sold furnished repeatedly. I assured myself that things were material, and I wasn’t, so no big deal. I ignored the weight of the memories those collected items represented. Once discarded, it was assumed I could easily replace them. Material things, yes, the memories were abandoned, leaving me a bit hollow. The buildings I occupied were no longer homes or spaces of much meaning. They were the new project, the next deal. The word “home” lost nearly all meaning.
The magic of the farm was partly the unpacking of my heart. My safe place. Surrounded by the love of the farm family. It was home.
Like a squirrel burying chestnuts, I started to collect a few treasured items that stayed packed away. Dusty, musty children’s books. Black and white photos of people and places I don’t know a thing about. Rocks that caught my eye on long quiet walks in the woods filled with thought. Hearty milk glass in every unique shape or pattern I could find.
I stopped putting love into buildings. Decorating them was just my job, staging an investment for sale. I did find pride in new projects. Ultimately, I was leaving my fingerprints on someone else’s predetermined space. There was no need to make it personal. It was never going to be mine long-term, just temporary. Every four walls was just another file folder filled with building specs and color swatches. A project that I happened to sleep in. A box with no heartbeat.
The barn, the animals I placed there, stole my heart and ran away with it. They reminded me that life was more than a project. Its simplicity slowed me down and filled me with love and light for life. It filled my cup. I am blessed to have cared for the souls that gifted me so much.
That brings me back to my current house. My four walls now display my treasure trove of items that collectively make up “me”. I am making changes to this space, which feels good, making it my own. This house could quickly become home. My heart hasn’t unpacked yet.
~ Amy King
Amy King
I fill in wherever needed. Flexible, light-hearted, and hardworking have served me well within this organization. I like to tackle life head-on. I share tricks that work for me along the way, including cleaning your dishwasher filter or how to stay positive in such a hostile world. I reveal my passion for cooking, cleaning, laundry, and living. I love to journal and document my adventures with my team, so I am glad you are here to enjoy our stories. Know that life can be challenging; I see you and am here to support you. I love to encourage others to become a better version of themself every day.
Comments
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Alicia Raposo
This is a beautiful description of part your journey.
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Jennifer Kerford
This is the beginning of the rest of your life, a perfect opportunity to ‘reset’ and ‘re evaluate’, discover what truly makes YOU happy.
Tyler seems to be a godsend to you, I can’t believe the pace he’s cracking on!!
Thankyou for taking us along on your journey, it’s wonderful to see xx -
Kelly Lopez
Have to admit, I shed some tears at this. Probably combined of happy and sad tears. I smile thinking about the farm and watching the joy it brought to you and all of us! That joy and light gets to live in all of our hearts! I know it can take time to “settle in” some where new and you are doing wonderfully! The time to unpack your heart may take awhile and that’s ok! Just know you aren’t alone… we are all virtually holding your hand as you do it!
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Lora Kimmett
Love it all!
The job descriptions of the animals is the best thing I’ve read in years!
Well written with flair and humour, I enjoyed it so much I read them all twice!!!!
Thanks Amy!! -
Diane Schafer
Thank you for this. I feel we have been unsettled the past 4 years after 20 years in one location. I haven’t unpacked those memories yet. Maybe it’s time to make wherever we land a home!
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Bridget Walsh
Having moved to another country and only being able to take clothes, a few books, and ship minimal personal items I can absolutely empathise with this! There are things I used to have that I wish I had here with me. I miss being able to look at them and specific memories they’d bring forth for me. Some things are still at my parents and when I ask them to send them to me they tell me to just get something similar over here since it’d be cheaper. The problem is, yes I can replace them cheaper than shipping them, but the replacements won’t have the memories or the same meanings to me as the ones I’ve had for years.
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Denise M Leavens
Amy,
This is the time! The farm awoke in you the Amy who needed to be rooted and start blooming! It’s now almost a month since you wrote this post and we see you coming into your own every single day. It’s so wonderful and inspiring. Inspiring, what you do so well, honey!Blessings upon you and Edgar, Ida, Walter, Shady and that big lug, Leroy!
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Amy King
I finished all my construction projects before I hit the anniversary of moving in. Now to get a few more things organized, building a new me, and get ready to sprout. I was in a rut, and my best friend instantly knew it and showed up for me in every way I could ask for. I am so excited for the year ahead.
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Janet Gates
Reading this is both heartbreaking and encouraging. Time to consider this new box your home. Your animals are settled in. You are sprouting this glorious new chapter completely different from the last. This time it’s your choices and your decisions. Enjoy each and every one. Thank you for letting us sprout with you!!