Such a great, well-written post. What you're saying here resonates deeply. The more psychological and emotional elements. Also, the practical ones. Particularly the idea that, no matter where you go, it's expensive in the US. Unless you're willing to live in, say, Toledo, you're pretty much paying money that requires really good income or a lot of savings.
I can't tell you how much your comment meant to me when I read it. Thank you isn't enough but that's all I can say. And I know you understand exactly where I come from and that makes it even more special.
While this may be true... it's not where I'd like to end up. I love the part of your story where the desire for the west coast came alive. You inspire me every time you share. Thank you.
Haha, I haven't hit winter here, yet. And probably will not. I love it, but not quite the right place to reside. I am gettin ga taste of the honeymoon phase as you referred to in your latest article. :)
I guess I am the oddball who goes by the mantra, “Bloom where you are planted!” Born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, and I still love it here. At 66 years old, I think that I have artfully aged here. I have had the privilege of being able to travel extensively throughout our beautiful country and outside the U.S., but nothing brings me more joy than coming home here. And NOWHERE can you find more gorgeous sunsets than 5 minutes away from my front door on the shore of spectacular Lake Michigan. I guess it’s all in what we’re looking for in our own lives, and I have found joy, love, and peace, even after the death of the my son, here. And I don’t think I even found it, it’s always been here. And I found you here, Patti!
Can’t wait to read more about your adventures!! You truly have a Gypsy heart❤️
'Bloom where you are planted' hung on the family refrigerator through all the moves for years. That being said my mother and father moved nine times in 30 years. When my dad moved our family out of Michigan my mother lost her solid ground. She hated the move to Florida. Each time they moved she tried to get comfortable. Nothing was "like the house in Michigan" she used to say.
My grandmother moved I don't know how many times and traveled the all over US by Greyhound bus, she only stopped to visit her six kids and their grandchildren. She was my hero (one of them).
I come by my sojourner personality by nature and nurture.
You were born and raised in Muskegon. I totally understand how and why you call that home. Your lifetime, friends, and family (were) and are there. They were and are sources of comfort for you.
When I find my happy place I'll just know it. It's happened before. As mentioned in the article, work dictated my moving around for 40 years. Today I have the beautiful choice and opportunity to choose... and this my beautiful friend is a blessing for me.
Give Dolly a special hug, a kiss, hold the fort down until I get home... see you soon!! XXOO❤️
Can’t wait to learn what you ultimately decide to do. I love following along. There is no perfect place. But I think you will find a place where you love your life.
I've been to Truckee several times over the years - it is a special place - and wildfires are a valid concern. But every area has it's problems - earthquakes in San Francisco, hurricanes in Florida and on the east coast, floods in the midwest.
I've been through many of the calamities in past experiences living all over the country. It was a big step not totally freaking out from the Gold Ranch fire. Tornados are another. You're right everywhere has something or other. The key is the good outweighing the bad. I'm headed to Grass Valley next, so still in wildfire part of the country, but oh the beauty, activities and community in this part of the country speak volumes for the good.
Love Truckee (along with that whole corner of the world!)
Location does matter, a lot. My husband and I went through similar conversations 18 months ago and we landed on this: "There is no perfect place, but many great options." Ultimately, we decided to buy our retirement home in the "fun" area of Indiana so that we are still close to friends and family.
I'm so glad you can relate to location meaning a lot. It does to me. Family and friends mean the world to me, but they can't make an area tolerable if iit, well, just isn't.
I was so lucky. My parents instilled that mindset "don't worry about us, we'll find you, or we'll come and visit wherever you are, just be happy..." which enabled me to reach out and explore... and that mindset gave me the courage to "try" if things didn't work, or if I was unhappy. I kinda lost that until my husband encouraged me to do the same, in finding the right place.
I think you can be happy anywhere, but I agree some places make your heart sing more than others. I enjoy living in a small town in Ohio where i feel safe & loved. I look forward each year to traveling or vacationing in other places to fill my adventuresome spirit. Your trip sounds wonderful.
Thanks, Jan. I must disagree about being happy anywhere. There is 'thriving' and 'surviving.' At 66 I want to thrive, survival was during the working years and yes, I was able to afford to make it work because I was able to take copious amounts of time off to travel.
In this stage of my life I prefer to find the roots where I wakeup and don't have that nagging urge to be elsewhere. I've felt both in my life, and thriving is the key for aging artistically and gracefully, that means being content right where I am.
Oh yes, I understand your point. I hope you find just the right place. You definitely have to do what is right for you. I’ll be 78 next week & I’ve never felt more alive — actually thriving — with so many ways to help others, to explore new things & places. Each day I wake up happy & content — blessed. ❤️
And this makes my heart sing for you!! I love reading your articles, and can tell you are happy from the sense of humor and POV you write from. I always look forward to your work. I don't know how you do it, but you make Ohio seem like a fun place. And since I live in Michigan, it'll be an easy drive to come to explore!
We lived in Truckee for 8 years in our 50's and early 60's. Truly a wonderful, welcoming, outdoor paradise but a distinct division between locals and "flatlanders" who come up from the Bay Area on weekends and holidays. Every season there is outdoor enjoyment time! The only exception is late Spring of "mud season" - between the powdery snow on a blue sky winter day and the return of new life in the spring comes the spring melt to mud! If you're still there as you read this, spend a leisurely morning over coffee at Wild Cherry's and take in the local gossip and befriend a local to unlock the local hiking spots and quiet get aways with nature. Enjoy!
I'll do it! Thank you for the tip. (I'm in the process of looking for off-the-beaten-path hikes right at this veery moment.)
I remember mud season from coming up here when I lived in Reno.
I know about that distinct division between the weekend warriors and locals, but that's really a part of living in any vacation destination location. I learned long ago how to sidestep this most of the time, from years gravitating to these areas due to my career.
It was so wonderful to read about our time together. We continue to connect in the most serendipitous and spontaneous ways and it is always a joy.
When I was in my early 20s, I took a trip not unlike what you are doing now. I drove out West from St. Louis to look for jobs after I graduated from college to and found a place to live that resonated with me. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I ended up in Ashland, Oregon, promptly lost my job due to the private school closing and worked odd jobs for a while. Then I found a job as a sign language interpreter which became my lifelong career. I also met my husband at the school where I got the job and we will celebrate our 41st wedding anniversary this Wednesday August 20th.
It takes courage to do what you are doing-to spread your wings and explore to figure out where you want to land. But I believe it is totally worth it. I wish you the best on your adventure.
Reconnecting with you was (and is) a highlight of this trip. You are a wealth of information and a joy to connect with. (And I finally got to meet your husband, which was wonderful.) Also, you have the most interesting friends, and that is part of my fascination with you. You are a true light worker.
I love your story and can't wait to read your book.
This trip was all about building courage and getting out of my comfort zone to find the next happy place to relocate when we are both retired. Much of it is ruling out, but that's all part of it. There is good and not so good most everywhere. I see this (all) as an adventure, and I think this is what makes my heart soar.
You are such a Romantic! Nice read. Love, your Husband
Carl you’re a keeper!!!
Thanks Alice
He is!
You are the best husband, ever. Love, me
Such a great, well-written post. What you're saying here resonates deeply. The more psychological and emotional elements. Also, the practical ones. Particularly the idea that, no matter where you go, it's expensive in the US. Unless you're willing to live in, say, Toledo, you're pretty much paying money that requires really good income or a lot of savings.
I can't tell you how much your comment meant to me when I read it. Thank you isn't enough but that's all I can say. And I know you understand exactly where I come from and that makes it even more special.
I lived in Toledo for 40 years, it is a good place to be from.
It's one of the last bastions of affordability these days!
While this may be true... it's not where I'd like to end up. I love the part of your story where the desire for the west coast came alive. You inspire me every time you share. Thank you.
I love Truckee! I am with you on the fires though, not sure I would want to live there for that reason, but i love to vacation there, in the summer!
Haha, I haven't hit winter here, yet. And probably will not. I love it, but not quite the right place to reside. I am gettin ga taste of the honeymoon phase as you referred to in your latest article. :)
I guess I am the oddball who goes by the mantra, “Bloom where you are planted!” Born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, and I still love it here. At 66 years old, I think that I have artfully aged here. I have had the privilege of being able to travel extensively throughout our beautiful country and outside the U.S., but nothing brings me more joy than coming home here. And NOWHERE can you find more gorgeous sunsets than 5 minutes away from my front door on the shore of spectacular Lake Michigan. I guess it’s all in what we’re looking for in our own lives, and I have found joy, love, and peace, even after the death of the my son, here. And I don’t think I even found it, it’s always been here. And I found you here, Patti!
Can’t wait to read more about your adventures!! You truly have a Gypsy heart❤️
Sending love from me and Dolly!
'Bloom where you are planted' hung on the family refrigerator through all the moves for years. That being said my mother and father moved nine times in 30 years. When my dad moved our family out of Michigan my mother lost her solid ground. She hated the move to Florida. Each time they moved she tried to get comfortable. Nothing was "like the house in Michigan" she used to say.
My grandmother moved I don't know how many times and traveled the all over US by Greyhound bus, she only stopped to visit her six kids and their grandchildren. She was my hero (one of them).
I come by my sojourner personality by nature and nurture.
You were born and raised in Muskegon. I totally understand how and why you call that home. Your lifetime, friends, and family (were) and are there. They were and are sources of comfort for you.
When I find my happy place I'll just know it. It's happened before. As mentioned in the article, work dictated my moving around for 40 years. Today I have the beautiful choice and opportunity to choose... and this my beautiful friend is a blessing for me.
Give Dolly a special hug, a kiss, hold the fort down until I get home... see you soon!! XXOO❤️
Can’t wait, Mrs. Patti Petersen!😘
Can’t wait to learn what you ultimately decide to do. I love following along. There is no perfect place. But I think you will find a place where you love your life.
I hope you're right! It's fun exploring and learning. I'm gaining courage, self-confidence and my zest for life back, big blessings for sure.
I've been to Truckee several times over the years - it is a special place - and wildfires are a valid concern. But every area has it's problems - earthquakes in San Francisco, hurricanes in Florida and on the east coast, floods in the midwest.
I've been through many of the calamities in past experiences living all over the country. It was a big step not totally freaking out from the Gold Ranch fire. Tornados are another. You're right everywhere has something or other. The key is the good outweighing the bad. I'm headed to Grass Valley next, so still in wildfire part of the country, but oh the beauty, activities and community in this part of the country speak volumes for the good.
Love Truckee (along with that whole corner of the world!)
Location does matter, a lot. My husband and I went through similar conversations 18 months ago and we landed on this: "There is no perfect place, but many great options." Ultimately, we decided to buy our retirement home in the "fun" area of Indiana so that we are still close to friends and family.
I'm so glad you can relate to location meaning a lot. It does to me. Family and friends mean the world to me, but they can't make an area tolerable if iit, well, just isn't.
I was so lucky. My parents instilled that mindset "don't worry about us, we'll find you, or we'll come and visit wherever you are, just be happy..." which enabled me to reach out and explore... and that mindset gave me the courage to "try" if things didn't work, or if I was unhappy. I kinda lost that until my husband encouraged me to do the same, in finding the right place.
I think you can be happy anywhere, but I agree some places make your heart sing more than others. I enjoy living in a small town in Ohio where i feel safe & loved. I look forward each year to traveling or vacationing in other places to fill my adventuresome spirit. Your trip sounds wonderful.
Thanks, Jan. I must disagree about being happy anywhere. There is 'thriving' and 'surviving.' At 66 I want to thrive, survival was during the working years and yes, I was able to afford to make it work because I was able to take copious amounts of time off to travel.
In this stage of my life I prefer to find the roots where I wakeup and don't have that nagging urge to be elsewhere. I've felt both in my life, and thriving is the key for aging artistically and gracefully, that means being content right where I am.
Oh yes, I understand your point. I hope you find just the right place. You definitely have to do what is right for you. I’ll be 78 next week & I’ve never felt more alive — actually thriving — with so many ways to help others, to explore new things & places. Each day I wake up happy & content — blessed. ❤️
And this makes my heart sing for you!! I love reading your articles, and can tell you are happy from the sense of humor and POV you write from. I always look forward to your work. I don't know how you do it, but you make Ohio seem like a fun place. And since I live in Michigan, it'll be an easy drive to come to explore!
You make me chuckle. I think there’s a picture of a sleeping cow on our city sign. Jk 😂 You’re aging beautifully…
❤️ Thank you... I'll look for that sleeping cow sign. :)
We lived in Truckee for 8 years in our 50's and early 60's. Truly a wonderful, welcoming, outdoor paradise but a distinct division between locals and "flatlanders" who come up from the Bay Area on weekends and holidays. Every season there is outdoor enjoyment time! The only exception is late Spring of "mud season" - between the powdery snow on a blue sky winter day and the return of new life in the spring comes the spring melt to mud! If you're still there as you read this, spend a leisurely morning over coffee at Wild Cherry's and take in the local gossip and befriend a local to unlock the local hiking spots and quiet get aways with nature. Enjoy!
I'll do it! Thank you for the tip. (I'm in the process of looking for off-the-beaten-path hikes right at this veery moment.)
I remember mud season from coming up here when I lived in Reno.
I know about that distinct division between the weekend warriors and locals, but that's really a part of living in any vacation destination location. I learned long ago how to sidestep this most of the time, from years gravitating to these areas due to my career.
P.S. I hope I get a chance to meet your husband someday.
You will. Maybe sooner than later. :)
It was so wonderful to read about our time together. We continue to connect in the most serendipitous and spontaneous ways and it is always a joy.
When I was in my early 20s, I took a trip not unlike what you are doing now. I drove out West from St. Louis to look for jobs after I graduated from college to and found a place to live that resonated with me. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I ended up in Ashland, Oregon, promptly lost my job due to the private school closing and worked odd jobs for a while. Then I found a job as a sign language interpreter which became my lifelong career. I also met my husband at the school where I got the job and we will celebrate our 41st wedding anniversary this Wednesday August 20th.
It takes courage to do what you are doing-to spread your wings and explore to figure out where you want to land. But I believe it is totally worth it. I wish you the best on your adventure.
Reconnecting with you was (and is) a highlight of this trip. You are a wealth of information and a joy to connect with. (And I finally got to meet your husband, which was wonderful.) Also, you have the most interesting friends, and that is part of my fascination with you. You are a true light worker.
I love your story and can't wait to read your book.
This trip was all about building courage and getting out of my comfort zone to find the next happy place to relocate when we are both retired. Much of it is ruling out, but that's all part of it. There is good and not so good most everywhere. I see this (all) as an adventure, and I think this is what makes my heart soar.