The Perils of Going To The Library!

The Tuesday Slice of Life is hosted by Ruth and Stacey at Two Writing Teachers.  Come see what others share from the slices of their lives!  Come visit!

      Near my school is a Denver library branch, and I’ve started the habit of placing books on hold, then when I’m notified I go to pick them up.  A week ago last Friday I stopped in to pick up an audio book, got back in the car, and thought I’d drive around the neighborhood.  Remember, I have been thinking of moving, especially to be closer ‘into’ the city, to be near my daughter and family and nearer to my work.  

       However, I’ve not been in a hurry, slowly cleaning things out, looking at next year perhaps.  I’ve been in this same house for 34 years.  When one knows a place so long, it has become an intimate relationship.  I know what part of the upper hall squeaks when walked upon and I know which drainpipe tends to slip out of its connection after some bad weather.  I know which sink drains slowly.  I see my children’s ghosts everywhere in memories of their growing up. I see my husband and I sitting at our built-in booth.  And, I know that if I sit on the front porch very quietly, I will often have one of my neighbor sparrows come sit with me. 

I know.

       But on this day, I drove around this new neighborhood, and half a block (HALF A BLOCK)  down from the library is this place for sale.  It is two blocks from a town center with multiple restaurants, including a great bagel place, groceries and a divine spice shop.  It is two miles from my work.  It has a park a block away, and green space right outside the gate.  It is 15 blocks from my granddaughter’s pre-school.

       So, I bought it.  It’s been 9 days, right?  I am crazy and sad and excited all at the same time.  I hope that all the paperwork and loan stuff goes okay.  I think it will, yet I feel rather pragmatic about it.  If it’s a go, it is.  Or, I’ll look again.

       But, I love the place, had the inspection today and took time again to really look and imagine my things in these rooms.   It was fun and scary all over again.  My mother taught me through the way she lived her life how to be resilient in the face of challenge.  I believe I can do this, and it will be a good move.

         Here are a few photos of views out some windows.  You know I love the out of doors; these views are important to me.

out one window in what would be my bedroom

out what might be an office-an ancient cottonwood

a second view by the cottonwood, into more lawn

       Here’s to change!  Every year I write this quote at the beginning of my writer's notebook and follow it as much as I am able:  Let's just muddle through today.  That's what I say.  We can't take care of tomorrow until it gets here.  Elizabeth George in With No One As Witness.