First of all, hi! I’ve missed you all!
I’ve been trying to write but it’s been sporadic not having internet service yet and traveling and moving. So much has happened it’s a little hard to find a place to start but I guess I’ll just jump backwards.
So you all know that our house was for sale. We were selling our dream house…with 6 years of love and labor put into it. We had a fair amount of showings but the right buyer never materialized. We started to wonder if God was telling us to keep it. Then suddenly, three weeks ago, we got an offer on our house from a potential buyer who had looked at the property several times. He was in the middle of a divorce, and with small children around Boo’s age, it was the perfect house because it was turn key. Turn key meaning: we were offering the house furnished: furniture, silverware, artwork etc. Even our pet fish: Penelope and Smokey. (it’s the first time our realtor Lori said she had a family pet listed in house inventory….and by name too….value: priceless of course) Anyway, we agreed to the price as long as the buyer could close by June 2. That was a super short closing and fell within the contingency period which made everyone a little nervous.
Everything seemed to be going okay but then a few days before closing the buyer got hung up on some aspects of our solar lease. I remember Brett being on his cell phone mouthing to me “the deal’s dead” and I just felt like crying. Feeling helpless with everything out of control, all Brett and I could do was sit back and have faith that everything would work out. We prayed and prayed for guidance on what to do…..and packed up our trailer planning to move cross country June 1st. I had sold my car to a friend only days early and we had purchased a 16 foot box trailer to pull to the east coast. We decided that the only belongings we would take were what would fit into that trailer: mostly books, photos, bikes, clothing and art supplies.
After the trailer was packed up last Saturday, we decided not to stay the last night in our home, we would stay with my in-laws across town. It was a way to just make a clean break. It’s always hard to walk away from something knowing it will be the last time. As Brett pulled away with our belongings, I stayed behind to mop and clean and make sure everything was just right for the new owner. I always like to leave things better than I found them. It was dark and I made sure everything was perfect, I organized the keys and instructions on the counter, fed Penelope and Smokey, and walked out the front door for the last time.
*****
We left Palm Desert the next morning, June 1st. We drove to the Hoover Dam and stayed in Williams, AZ for the night. The next day, June 2nd my birthday, somewhere in the middle of the Grand Canyon, we learned that the house would close for sure. Let me tell you….it is NOT easy to sign documents from the Grand Canyon. There is not a lot of cell reception at Horseshoe Bend. BUT we did manage to get everything finished and at exactly 5pm, somewhere in the middle of nowhere, we got a call from our agent that:
We had OFFICIALLY CLOSED.
I’ve never felt so much gratitude and excitement all at the same time.
*****
We traveled over over 2,800 miles over 7 days. We didn’t even really have the route planned out by day but everything just kept falling into place. Even surviving a tornado. (I still can’t believe that happened.) We made our way up to Lindsborg, Kansas and found the old farmhouse that my grandfather had grown up in. We found it with a small paper map he had drawn and a few old photos. I can’t believe we found it. No one was home but we wandered around a little:
We visited two presidential libraries, the Gateway Arch and stayed with my Aunt Sharon and Uncle Steve in Nashville for a night too. And then yesterday we woke up early and Boo announced “It’s North Carolina Day!” and we finally made our way to North Carolina. Almost 8 years to the day that we left North Carolina years ago to head to California.
*****
We pulled in last night to the Hemlock Inn just in time for dinner. This was what we drove up to:
So I’m sure you want to know where we are living. We are staying in a small cottage on the property called the Woody Cottage. We are going from 3,500+ square feet to just about 900 square feet. It’s definitely an adjustment but as a family of three do we really need more than 900 square feet? Plus I can use the inn dining room for writing late at night if I need to (that’s where I am right now) so we won’t need an office addition to the cottage anytime soon.
We are excited to decorate the cottage. Boo got to see her room for the first time and she was ready to start right away:
We had our first breakfast at the inn this morning and met a nice couple from Georgia. We introduced ourselves to a new cook, George, and he said I could help him make biscuits one morning if I woke up early enough. As we talked in the dining room after breakfast, Boo had so much fun helping in the kitchen, especially learning to run the large dishwasher and she laughed hysterically each time Mort opened it and it would fog up his glasses.
After breakfast we ate lunch in town with innkeepers Mort, Lainey and their son Steven and his wife Sara who are getting ready to leave for Germany in a few months. Then we walked around Bryson City….it’s the cutest little town. I love the original buildings and signs that steep visits in history:
Early afternoon we went to a nearby town to buy paint and Brett stocked up on a few bales of pine needles because he was itching to do some landscaping. (just wait until you hear about what we are doing in the morning….definitely a first for us) Next on his list is clearing this awesome “bat cave” that runs from the cottage to the shuffleboard court / dining room area for Boo to sneak up to the inn…especially any poison ivy:
Then we stopped by the river to skip a few rocks. I just can’t believe that we get to live in this place:
There will definitely be an adjustment period. We aren’t used to the rainforest-like climate yet (it was 100% humidity yesterday and we just moved from a place that only gets rain about once a year.) We are living in a tiny cottage with 1/20th of what we owned before, and we still own way too much because we are trying to find places to put everything. It’s definitely an adjustment only owning one car right now but we are making it work (I am seriously mulling a moped purchase.) I wouldn’t trade this for the world. It’s amazing and scary all wrapped into a new life. The past few weeks have been a roller coaster but through it all I have never been more certain that God has strategically led us down this path. How else would everything fall into perfect place the way it did?
Oh and all the rumors that are flying too. Some that we are buying the inn. Others that I must be sick again and that’s why we are pursing something so out of the ordinary. I’d love to clear a few of those up. First, I got a perfect bill of health from my oncologist before leaving California. Second, we are moving to the Hemlock Inn so that I can spend more time writing and have the opportunity to experience inn life. It’s an opportunity to meet people from all over while living in a quaint, beautiful little mountain town. It’s a huge leap of faith and boy are we realizing that we’ve really lept. And of course we are nervous, but as long as we have family and friends and food and a roof over our heads what else do we really need? We are so blessed that Mort and Lainey of the Hemlock Inn have also taken a leap of faith and agreed to let us live on the property for a year. Today Boo disappeared and I found her hanging out in Mort and Lainey’s bedroom. The innkeepers are going to have to set “Boo hours” or they are going to be in for very little personal time….but what a great opportunity for Boo to live in a such a place that she can do that. I have to pinch myself even now.
Ok, now it’s late, and I’m the only one awake on the property I think. I might even have to shut down the inn tonight but I can’t wait to share this journey with you. I hope many of you will come visit us because that is what this is all about….meeting amazing people from all over and hearing the stories they have to tell. Come sit in a rocking chair and enjoy the view. Or maybe I’ll challenge you to a game of shuffleboard. It’s a special place. And as always, most of all, thank you, thank you for reading my story. For taking the precious time of your day to read these words. God bless!
P.S. If you are new to the blog and want to read the backstory this post sums up how everything came about. Or this post on how I found the inn last summer after years and years of wondering if it was still around and my childhood history at the inn.
I love this! Your family’s journey over the past few years is just so inspiring! Watching you grow in your faith…watching you take a HUGE leap and begin living a new dream…just awesome! Thank you so much for continuing to share your journey with us. I can’t wait to read more!
PS: Your new home is incredible. I keep telling my husband that doing something like this is on my ‘to do’ list as well!
I love your story. Good luck,
Xoxox
Kat
So glad to hear u made it there okay. Cant wait to come meet you! The Hemlock is definitely on our list of places to visit.
Sending you a hug Ash ❤️
I love the amazing leap of faith, the fact that the innkeepers name is Lainey (same as my daughter) and that you have the insane courage to go from the big city, to the serious backwoods!! Good luck on your journey and thank you for taking us with you! When we come down to Florida, I would love to stop by the Hemlock Inn to soak up some magic 🙂
I love that you have arrived…and are loving it so much. The Hemlock Inn is a very special place. My husband and I have stayed there almost every year of our marriage. We’ve been married 26 years. I hope to meet you one day. For now, I look forward to sharing your journey through your written word.
Love your story and find myself wishing I could just sell everything since remodeling has brought so much stress to our family but we need an income and and health insurance .
Thank YOU for writing your story. From our little little town in Australia it’s exciting to follow your leap of faith.
Glad to hear you arrived safely… and of course what an amazing leap of faith. I can’t wait to hear of all your new adventures and takes on life. Blessings to you!
Ashley, this is my first time to leave a comment.
It’s so good to know you’ll made it to your destination, safely. Thank God for HIS protection over you.
I always enjoy reading your posts. Thank you, for taking the time to share your writing with your readers. It feels like I’m reading a book, AND, I can’t wait to read the next page, and the next page, and the next, etc. It’s like reading a book that I just can’t put down, and don’t want it to end. (Those type of books are rare.)
Your writing always makes me laugh, cry, and most importantly, makes me stop and reflect. I enjoy how you have shared about: your faith (thank you!), your daily “ordinary” experiences (priceless), your crafting (a BIG plus), your father’s story, your cancer experience, and the sweet stories about your daughter (what a gift!).
AND…now…what an interesting new experience for you to share with us!
I look forward to reading the next pages…of your writing.
Hope they leave the light on for you.
The Hemlock Inn is blessed to have you as their guests!
ENJOY!
God Bless!
Wow, glad to hear you made it! Can’t wait to watch your adventure unfold. We all need a little Mayberry in our life! Welcome back to the east coast.
Hi Ashley,
Can’t wait to follow your journey at The Hemlock Inn. You’re such an inspiration.
Mandy x
So glad you were able to make a stop through Lindsborg. As a lifelong Kansan, I have a couple friends who live in Lindsborg. I hope your time here was enjoyable. I am glad you made it through the tornado.
Looking forward to following your new journey,
Lindsay in Topeka KS
Good luck! Sounds so exciting!!
Loving the story, we have a similar LEAP story!!1 Can’t wait to come visit!!!! I could pinch myself.
We’re wrapping up our 1 year here in Australia. Moving back to Dallas in 3 weeks. It goes by so, so fast. Enjoy your year! I put money that it’ll last longer. 😉
Welcome to the mountains! I am excited for your family as you enter this new chapter. I live nearby and would love to drive over and experience all that you have so beautifully described. I am going to call the inn to get the details on a day visit after you have had time to get settled. I would love to sit around the dinner table for a meal, play a game of shuffle board and just soak in all the goodness. Your family will be a wonderful addition to “these parts”.
My best to the three of you(and Diesel) as you start this chapter of your lives. I know God will bless your lives at the Hemlock Inn. I look forward to all you’ll share with us over the coming year!
Love, hugs, and smiles from MN
Truly so nice to read your story, all the best and thanks for sharing!
Maureen
Oh, Ashley! I am so happy you, Brett and Boo, Diesel too! have arrived safely. Your story is like a fairytale for me. The good parts and the bad parts as well. We have a lot in common. I’m just a bit(no, a lot!) more chicken I’m afraid but it’s wonderful to see you experiencing this move to the Hemlock Inn. I know you will be happy here, you would be happy anywhere. Can’t wait for you to share this part of your life with us. xoxo
I think what y’all are doing is amazing! It takes faith to step out and sell everything and move across the country. I’m excited to follow along on your journey at the Hemlock! Many Blessings!
I am so excited for you and your family. What a rewarding experience. You have great faith and I just know it will pull you through this time of adjustment as well as moving forward. I live in Greenville, SC and hope to visit this summer….you are not too far. Besides–I need to meet the person who inspired my “Choose Joy” tiny tattoo inside my wrist. Looking forward to reading about your time at the inn!
This is so dorky…but we are actually coming to the Hemlock in late July. And we are coming because of your recommendation (but before you announced you were moving there. I’m not a stalker I promise!) Maybe we will meet next month.
Me and hubby live in Charlotte by the North Lake Mall. We moved from Georgia about 7 years ago to be around the grandkids.
We will be making a trip to the Inn in the future and hope to get a chance to meet you and your family.
Take care and enjoy the change.
Barb
Ashley I am so happy for you and your family. I just think it’s incredible that someone is actually living their dream, discarding possessions and taking that leap. Many people want to do something like this but don’t have the guts including me. I think it is the greatest experience for you all and Boo especially. I have the Hemlock Inn on my wish list of some place to go this summer or fall. I love your blog, honesty and zest for life!
I love this so much – it made me all teary. The leap of faith, the courage to do something like this – amazing! And, the scenery – oh my goodness!!! How I’d love to come visit!! Gorgeous!
Boo is helping Mort and Lainey get ready for that new grandbaby this fall. It’s all good.
Seriously, Ashley, thanks for taking us along on your journey!
Ashley,
I am thrilled for you all! And excited to read more about your journey and the year to come!
God bless you!
Christie
Hello Ashley. I am your adventure of France, in Eure-et-Loir. I use a translator, I know only some words of English. You made the good choice, the life is short, and it is necessary to live its dreams when we are young, bravo et amitiés ! Sylvie
Ashley, I am so inspired by your story and bravery to take such a big leap.
I admire you so much. I hope one day our paths cross and we meet. I would love to make a trip to the Hemlock and chat with you & everyone there. Ya never know 🙂
love it love it. thank you for taking us along on your family’s journey.
So good to hear you all arrived safe and sound. Can’t wait to read all the adventures you will have.