We moved into this house with a big beautiful tree out front that blooms beautifully in the spring in 2009, and on February 20th we will pick up our last boxes and look around its empty rooms.
Moving out of this house will be very sad for me and for all of us.
I went through many emotions with the process of selling this house. The preparation of getting the house in ready mode and finally having the lock box on our door realizing that soon strangers will walk through our door and visualize themselves living in my house.
In this house came many lessons through out the years.
I became to know that I love hosting parties. We threw so many celebrations and hosted many birthday parties and Christmas toasts and Thanksgiving dinners and even no-reason-sit-down dinners; just an excuse to bring out my fancy plates and golden cutlery. I really loved to set my table and watch the beauty of a gorgeous table setting come to life.
Sitting by the table with my children and their better halves gave me so much happiness and joy; I could always rewind happily in my mind. This was the house that built me.
In this house the children came and went, back and forth through their transformation in life. From grade school to College to University to moving out to having relationships and then coming back and then moving out again.
It taught us strength and growth and unity and love and togetherness; no mater what.
Tears, screams, laughter , joy, the barking of Mr. Tyberious and LouLou, excitement, and silence; the walls have heard it all.
In my house I welcome those with good intentions; some I have no choice but to welcome, some I welcome with open arms. In this house I love to fill it with good food and loud music. I love to hear laughter and children’s little footsteps running amuck.
I love my deck where I took all my photoshoots for the gram and I love my kitchen where Papa and I cook a lot.
I love my study where many times such as now, I’m writing as the music fills the house.
I love my living room with the large Bay windows where Mr. Tyberious monitors everyone passes by and lets them know he’s watching them; day and night, night and day and in between that.
During the past few years with Covid lock downs, I’ve been in and out working remotely prior to retirement. This house didn’t make me depressed because I loved it. It was the situation that made me feel isolated. The not being able to go back to work and be with anyone or go anywhere. Not this house.
So as I begin to pack our things and go from one room to the next, I replay all the moments I’ve had in this house that built me.
The happy moments and the sad ones. The stressful times when you think the problems will never stop, but you know you will conquer them, it just takes time. The pins and needles when your grown children takes their first trip out of the country and you’re scared to death they’ll never come back, but of course they do!
The moments when you’re alone on the deck watching the stars late at night as you enjoy the late summer’s breeze.
Or the times when you’re dancing around the house with the music blasting as Mr. Tyberious excitedly prancing along with you.
The days are slipping by in this house…
Since September 2021 we’ve been searching for houses and it has been tiring and an emotional rollercoaster ride for me. The market was starting to rise up in price and bidding wars was just beginning, but not quite up there as they are currently. Currently it is insane!
Let me tell you a story:
Beach House Port Hope
I fell in love with this quaint house instantly because it backed onto the beach! Those who know me, yes, it was definitely ME! It had 3 small bedrooms, a good size main floor, the kitchen was small, the basement nil and scary and the house was in need of renovations asap; top to bottom. I didn’t care because we could renovate it, I really loved the area and the beach is in my backyard, let’s do this!
Submitted the offer on the offer date, lets say there were many offers and I aggressively made the highest offer.
The seller stated that they wanted the house to ‘go to the right people” as quoted by their agent! I was floored and so what did I do? I cried. Okay so I’m crying now as I write this.
I was devastated. Okay still crying.
Can you read between the lines?
What am I saying here? What did they imply here? Did they know what we looked like? Were they watching us from afar? Did they read my surname and decided right from there? Please note I am married to a Guyanese man, so I have a Guyanese surname.
Outcome: They went for the lower offer.
I cried.
The End of that story.
My daughter: “It’s okay mommy, something better will come along, this house wasn’t meant for you.”
So here’s another story:
Hill Top House Port Hope
A beautiful 2 bedroom home, with a narrow kitchen that you can’t even fit my dining room table in. Nice basement. A gorgeous backyard with a view of Lake Ontario and lots of matured trees. The frontage is also beautiful. Lots of privacy. Lots of acreage. Been on the market for awhile, they refused last offer.
I made an offer.
Their agent went back and told last offer “hey we have a current offer would you like to make your last offer stronger?”
I made an aggressive offer better than theirs…
Outcome: They went with lower offer even though mine was higher, because their move in date was 2 weeks earlier.
I cried all over again.
Can you imagine the frustration and the actual fear that was building up in my core system? I was actually scared to even bid on another house. This is really ridiculous and insane. I was so angry and beside myself.
The Lake House – Prince Edward County
The blue house did not obstruct the view of the shimmering lake with the swans swimming oh so beautifully in the winter wonderland.
I ran towards it, not caring to go inside the house but floated towards the water, calling out to me. I was in awe as Papa knew I was instantly in love. The echoes of my laughter filled the stillness of the blizzard that day. It was freezing and I stood there mesmerized by the beauty of the lake as thick snowflakes covered my hair.
Eventually, I wandered inside the blue house and was greeted by two beautiful cats. One orange, one grey with beautiful eyes. They followed me as I visited their house. Purring against my legs I looked out at the lake through the walkout basement sliding doors and I knew this was the one.
I made the offer and held my breath for a couple of days and waited for the call.
Outcome: Owner of a Lake house in Prince Edward County, it came with a Pontoon and paddle boat and kayak.
My Daughter: “See mommy! See!!”
I cried some more.
Though this house is not lavish in square footage, it backs onto the waterfront and it is exactly that; a Lake house, and I feel blessed to have found it.
We have plans to renovate as we see fit and who knows what the future holds, but for now, the Lake house is where you shall find me. The peace and solitude I’ve always sought.
We are sizing down into our next chapter and I feel at peace here the moment I stepped out of the car and onto the property.
I could see us now, enjoying our cup of coffee every morning by the lake, watching the sunrise and the sunset.
So as you can see it was so emotional for me and unbelievable. I really woke up and I was sad and mad and scared all at the same time. This process I will never forget! The racism I cannot prove but there hidden and lingering in the shadows…
As for now, we’re moving out Feb 20th and into my daughter’s condo downtown and then moving into the Lake house March 15th.
I’m so excited to explore Prince Edward County and cannot believe we are going to be living in wine country filled with awesome scenery, delicious foodie places, beaches minutes away, farmers markets… I can go on and on!
In totality I have lost 6 bidding wars, but those 2 aforementioned (which I fought for and was beyond my budget)
I will never forget..
Until next time.
Thanks for coming by.
Onto our next chapter, our journey begins.
Stay safe always and take care. Xoxo
12 thoughts on “The house that built me – A Journal Entry – February 2022”
Congrats on the humble LAKE-HOUSE abode – my beautiful Tess!! I imagine I will be welcome with open arms 😁 Its been incredible to follow along with you guys – it’s really something special you have created here 🤎
Although it’s been heartbreaking with the underling micro aggression of racist treatment, you have won in the end! I can’t wait to join you at one, or all of the wineries 🥂🍾
Xo, Rhondaaaaaaaa & Ali ✨
Hello my beautiful Rhondaaaa, lol! and most certainly you and Ali are of course welcome anytime at the Lake House, god it sounds so nice to say that! I am so excited to share our slice of heaven and am looking forward to get our hands on this property and make it our own. With all that has happened I am grateful for the silver lining for sure! Thanks lovely, for coming by. Here’s to many visits to wine country soon enough! Stay safe, xoxo.
Oh T! What a stressful time but I can’t wait to see you in all your greatness in your new home!!! I’m so sorry for the stress and trauma of those bidding wars. Good luck as you finish your last memories in your home and pack up ! Xoxoxoxo Shelley
Hello my darling Shells!! Thanks for your kind words and I’m so full of emotions from packing but also so excited for what’s to come moving forward into our lake house. I can’t wait for you to visit! Thanks for coming by, take care and stay safe. Xoxo
I can’t wait for the first bbq by the Lake to celebrate your new journey. I understand the bitter sweet feeling of your house hunting but let’s focus on creating more happy memories! I don’t want to cuss on your page 🤬
Yes Winsome I totally agree, I cannot wait for you to come for a bbq and enjoy the lake house with me too! It has been an emotional trek, but am feeling blessed to have found this gem of a spot by the lake. LOL at keeping it cool on here. Thanks for your support, my friend. Take care and stay safe. Xoxo
Oh T! I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to see you in all your fancy dresses at your new home.
I hate that you experienced so much stress and trauma during the bidding wars.
Xoxoxoxo Shell
Lol yes Shells, the upper balcony has such an amazing view of the lake and already have plans!! LOL and thanks so much for all your support, love you sweetie xoxo
My pretty lady/jerkface… what can I say reading your story I could hear your voice and feel both your anticipation as you and papa wait Ed to hear the outcome of each house. While the lake house is soon going to be your new home your spirit will always be filled with love laughter abd joy. Congratulations on this second new chapter and I still miss your face . New beginnings and new waters
Hi my schuppidy friend lol, I so miss our pet names for each other at work!! I could still see us now sitting right along each other, God those were the days, eh! Yes am so excited for this adventure and can’t wait for you to trek to the PEC and visit me. Thanks my love for coming by, take care! Xoxo
Wow
Congrats im sure the house will welcome you and papa , great times to come as you settle in the area is FABULOUS , ( my hone town is Smithfield dont blink you will miss it for sure) Interested to hear how the retired phase is for you and wishing praying many happy days ahead ‘sweetie’ Miss you and our chats and hope we all can connect soon ( i visit that area each year) keep writing and be safe and healthy
Ron
Hi my darling friend! Thank you for always continuing to support me here on my blog, totally appreciating you as always!! We are very excited and once we settle in, you are of course welcome to visit, so excited for that day Ron!! Thank you for your kind and encouraging words as usual. Take care and be safe! Xoxo