Landsflicka

view from the back deck

The hardest part of moving to a different home is getting used to the sounds.
Instead of coyotes howling in the ravine, I hear trains blasting through the night. Rather than peaceful afternoon silence, there are children playing in the street and lawn mowers. Even our apartment has noises - creaky floors and whirring ceiling fans. It kind of reminds me of the Big House in Norton. All it needs is a Persian rug.
It is different.
But I am slowly falling in love with it. I am learning how to accept change.
Charlie's classes have started up so I spend most of my days job-searching, cooking and making daily trips to the library. Looking for work is tough - there are not many jobs here. Every once in a while I start stressing out about money even though I know I shouldn't. I'm learning to trust in God's provision.
The Carnegie Library is a lifesaver. I usually grab a travel book and settle down in an over-sized armchair. I find all the castles in England that are for sale and decide which one I would buy. Sometimes a village comes with the package, other times farmland. The castles that have ivy all over the walls are my favorite.
One day, on my way home from the library I stop by a promising book mart. There are quaint signs out front and lovely window displays; opening the heavy wooden door sets off a silver bell. Everything about it is delightful..... until I realize that their entire inventory consists of paperback romance novels. Disgusting.... I need to start my own bookstore and sell wholesome literature!
By evening time Charlie and I are both tired. Dinners usually consist of homemade artisan bread, and chicken soup. Or hamburgers. There's no shortage of food in our pantry so there's a lot of decision making that goes into each meal. We plop onto the floral couch with our food and talk about our separate days - what was good and who we ran into.
Last week Charlie bought Trivial Pursuit at the thrift store for a quarter. I think some of the cards are missing, but we don't mind. We'll stay up till midnight - my love and I - reading trivia questions by lamplight.
Life is good. It is hard sometimes, but Charlie and I are figuring it out by the grace of God.
We are loving, laughing and leaning into God's promise: