Living The Good Life
Lots of exciting things are going on in my life right now.
A few months ago, I decided I wanted to move from a house to a patio apartment. There is so much upkeep with a house, not to mention a big yard. I didn’t want to have to worry about upkeep and maintenance.
I have a large privacy-fenced patio where I garden in containers. Which is the main reason I chose this place to move to.
It’s been less than two months, and it’s amazing how much I have gotten done out there. It is like a second living space, more square footage, a place for me to design and have fun.
Also I’m living in less space and loving it. Less space means less cleaning. It means being more judicious with your furnishings and decor. It meant downsizing stuff I really didn’t need or want.
I am lucky enough to have been featured in a national magazine with my former little rental house last month, and this month I’m in another. And while that is a home I’m no longer living in, the magazine features spur me on to see if I can be just as successful with this place.
So life is good. I have my two dogs and they have a yard, albeit a patio yard, with a bit of dirt along the sides. I have someone else to take care of any repairs that should arise. I worry about less bills.
I’m spreading my wings yet again. And flying into a whole new way of living. With less chores and more fun. I’m thriving and blooming where I’ve been planted, and who can ask for more than that?
My motto in life is to always stop and smell the flowers. And pause while doing so to admire all of nature around me.
Brenda, since moving you have seemed so much happier. I love your patio garden so much. I am finally back home but still running each day working on getting Mom settled. This will end one of these days and I'll be back to working on my little space!
hugs, Linda
You just amaze me Brenda…I love to read of the happiness that you are feeling..I would trade my big yard for your private patio any day..and if I could have it look as wonderful as you have..heaven..
How funny I came over to see what you were up to and saw your gorgeous patio container garden. I just did a post today on growing zucchini in containers.
Your patio looks like it's really thriving and lovely! I just did a post yesterday on my blog (www.sweetjourneyhome) about Summer porch days. I have about a 10 x 10' covered porch and I'm trying to grow a few herbs there along with ferns and flowers. Being covered, it doesn't quite get enough sunshine but I'm enjoying it. Have a great day!
oops…supposed to be: http://www.sweetjourneyhome.com
Hi Brenda, I am loving your patio garden. Everything looks like it is thriving and so green. Lots less work is always nice too. Life is about making changes as nothing stays the same forever. My hubby and I are approaching a time when we will be making some big life changes too. Looking forward to the next chapter!!
Loved your Country Sampler feature.
XO
Can't wait to see what you have done with your kitchen. Love the patio! Two magazines??? WOW!
O, I had no idea you moved….no matter where you live, it is always so colorful, happy, warm and beautiful…always full of charm.
I love your container gardening…I am wanting to do this, too. I'm not sure you knew we sold our big ole house of 40 years and moved into our son's pool house. It's not a whole lot smaller than our olden house..2200 sq feet..2 bedrooms, 1 bath, a nice large closet and dressing room…awesome kitchen and dining…we just love it so much…and no more worries about yard, bills, the whole 9 yards…so this is how we have approached retirement and old age.
I'll be back in the morning to link to your party…:)
xo bj
The patio looks great, Brenda. And the beauty of container gardening is that you can move them around!
I got the Country Sampler magazine the other day and saw your wonderful article. It's fun to show it and say "I know her"! Can't wait to see your newly decorated kitchen.
Well, you certainly have succeeded in a big way in creating a grand garden! And the wagon with the gazing balls is so whimsical and fun! Beautiful, Brenda, but the real beauty is the happiness your new home has brought you! The contest sounds like my "about" page! Hmmm…maybe I should enter!
I'm sending you a huge cyber high five Brenda! I can't begin to express how happy this post makes me! You are rockin' it and taking no prisoners.
The yard looks beautiful!
Brenda, I found the Country Sampler at the store the other day, and your magazine spread looks great. I can't wait to see the kitchen reveal. It seems that your new home has made your life much sweeter, as well as easier. Good for you.
Hi Brenda, This isn't an entry but wanted to say how much I loved this post and seeing a peek at your patio garden. It looks so nice.
Nancy
Brenda,
I am so glad to hear that things are good for you!! I worried for you for a long time but now I may not have to worry as much for you!! LOL!!
I will be looking for these magazines to see your articles!! How exciting and congrats!! i am back to work after vacation so i have not had much time to visit…
We are planning for retirement and i was thinking of doing such a post and now i am inspired to do so!!
Hugs,
Debbie
What an upbeat, positive post!! I am pleased to read how great this move has turned out for you. I am looking forward to seeing what you have done with your kitchen space. Your container garden is beautiful.
Brenda, you sound so happy with your new home and new life!! Your patio garden is just darling and thriving beautifully–you make me want to go out and brighten up our back patio…
Hi Brenda, thanks for providing this great offer!
You're very welcome, Mary.
Just from your writings, it seems like you are happier and more content in your new little home that you have been in a long time. I'm really glad for you. Your patio area with all the plants and flowers is so pretty. Do the dogs enjoy running around out there? Do you think they miss having a yard space? Or, do you take them on daily walks?
Was wondering the same thing about the dogs. Mine get 2 walks a day even though we live on 5 acres.
Your patio is so pretty and lush. I like container gardening. You can move the pots into different groupings or to a better position if the first wasn't suitable for the plant. And it's nice for the pups to have an enclosed spot to relax and play in.
You have such a knack with color and arranging things. I loved your Texas house, your little house you just left, and your apartment is so cute. It can be a hassle getting a new place set up but once you are finished, you can really enjoy it. I know that dishwasher is driving you nuts so I hope you soon find a solution for it.
The dishwasher solution has been applied. And at the end of the week, I should be ready for the whole kitchen reveal I think.
I think you are doing a pretty good job of reinventing yourself, my friend. xo Laura
I think we both are, Laura!
It seems that every time I head on over here I'm greeted by something new and exciting, and of course, always colourful and today is now exception: when did you get the new favicon, my friend?!! It's adorable, as is your container garden, very creative, indeed! I can feel how much happier you are in your smaller, more practical space, which is looking lovely! Yes, you are finally having fun, sharing it and inspiring us along the way!
Happy Monday!
Poppy
I got the favicon off some graphics I purchased on Etsy. Just cropped it out of another.
Gosh! I love your patio/garden and I hope you win the $10,000!
Is that what it says? Oh, I didn't know!
The initials on your new LG washer/dryer stand for "Life's Good". Which sums up your new life perfectly! And I'm so glad for you, Brenda! Hoping your happiness and contentment grow with each passing day…
I think you're right about that LG, Gayle!
I could feel you content and happiness since you moved to your new home. I am so happy for you Brenda, may you peach and contentment continue to grow. Oh, and yes, having someone else do the "maintenance" is a good thing. Have a joyous day, see you later for the party.
Yes, my anxiety has gone way down and I do feel a real sense of contentment.
So glad to hear that your life is finally going in a good direction. I think having someone else fix things for you will be a huge asset to living in your new place! If I was a single woman, I would feel more secure knowing I could just call someone and they have the responsibility (and pocketbook) not me!
It is a great relief, Kelly! Because I never knew when they were giving me a good price or not!