I have been busy moving house. We have moved back to our small but lovely flat and it SUCH a nice feeling to be home.
We enjoyed living in the big house above the shop and having lots of space and big bedrooms each but it became a bit of a struggle. It was costing me too much to rent it and with Ffion off at uni and Euan away half the week at his Dads, I was rattling around in that big old house on my own too much AND I was becoming more and more frustrated at not being able to nest in it the way I wanted with it being rented.
To move from a big house back to a small flat I needed a mahoosive clear out so for the last few weeks I've been doing some serious cleaning, sorting, packing and ebaying. I have assessed my attachment to every single object that I own in the world and let go of soooooooo much (I can't go in Oxfam right now as everything in there was mine) and I feel so much lighter and brighter!
It's a fresh start.
I am unbelievably happy to be home. Everything feels right. I feel safe and comfortable. Everything has a place. It's easy to live in. It's cosy and warm. In hindsight it feels like we've just been camping in someone else's house and now we are properly HOME and we can relax. Ahhhh :)
The cats are happy too. Tomsk waits by the cupboard that I USED to keep his food in, even though it's now in a different place! They know where all the warm spots are...
...where the sunbeams fall.
So I'm nesting. Finding places for all the special and sweet things that I have collected over the years. These are Natasha Newton's painted Stones.
Cleo Mussi mosaic hands.
Jane Muir Snowbirds.
My print from Kyoto sits nicely above the fireplace.
I'm happy to have my old computer desk back too. I've been sitting here today learning how to use Lightroom (photo software) so I thought I'd experiment with some pictures of my new home and share them on the blog.
I had been craving a comfortable light filled house full of plants and wood, with places for my special crafty things, a colourful kitchen for cooking and sharing, a space for my yoga. I've been craving a place to call my own again.
I thought I needed to buy a new house to have that because coming back to the flat would've been going backwards BUT I have learned (hooray) that bigger is not necessarily better and going backwards is the new going forwards!
10 comments:
It looks lovely Hannah, as though you've been there for ages! Good to be in a nice space x
I'm so glad you are happy in your new old home! It looks beautiful and calm. Great that the cats have settled too.
I am getting divorced and instead of craving a big house like I have now, I am looking for somewhere that I can afford to run. That I can enjoy without worrying about the huge bills. The clear out has started, but I know more needs to go. I wish you lots of happiness in your new / old cosy home. It looks lovely. x
That's exactly it Charlotte. I am secure here cos I can afford it on my own. Good luck with the clear out. Its good for the soul and I hope you enjoy your new cosy life x
What a beautiful space Hannah, no wonder everyone's happy to be back there. Gorgeous light and use of natural woods too. you have a great eye for artefacts and details. Long may it feel like home. C x
Such an intensely beautiful eye you have for designing, arranging and organizing! We're still in the midst of our "mahoosive clear out" as you so perfectly expressed it. I'm such a voracious collector of oddities, ephemera and items with creative "potential" that I buried myself in ambiguous anxieties in our giant old apartment. Plus, 16 years there with less and less time for addressing the matter...it became emotionally disastrous. This move forced us to do just what you stated: Go through each item and say our goodbyes. Even to some things that had real emotional resonance. But they're still just...things. They are NOT the emotion. Our new house is all WOOD (some tile) floors, tons of LIGHT and endless sunbeams for Katinka! And it's quiet, except for my drumset in the basement. Our creative kindling is already igniting. Can't wait to see what is ignited in you from your change (return?) of perspective. Thanks for sharing!
Ah Beau. It's gonna be soooo good for you. Sounds like you have a job on your hands though. Absolutely good for the soul. You're right, they are just things. They are not the emotions, they are not the memories. Nice to keep SOME for the triggers. I was thinking I might buy a 'treasure chest' like a special old suitcase or a wooden box to put all the special flat things in...letters, photos etc. I like the sound of your new house. I can't wait to see it (one day for real maybe perhaps) but for now on Instagram no doubt!! I loved writing this postbecause all the FB comments and the comments here on the blog have been like having everyone come round for a visit and leave their good vibes. A virtual housewarming party!
So glad you are happy in your new 'old' flat. It looks very homely. xxx
Hello! It's nice to be back home and to be sure that you are at the right place, at "your" place. You are lucky to have found (again) your nest - what can be better than feeling safe and quiet, and cozy, and inspired, and happy between the walls where you live? Where everything is close to your heart and gives you strength and energy...
I wish you a happy new beginning and many exciting moments, Hannah!
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