I’ve always been in love with stories. Books, literature, little worlds that I could become a part of just by turning a page. I remember being so enthralled with the Little House books, reading all about how Laura Ingalls Wilder went from young pioneer girl to pioneer woman. It made me yearn to branch out, to become a pioneer in life and in my heart.
I distinctly remember longing for my own lovely white handkerchief to gently fold around a piece of bread to serve as my lunch, and wishing that a cup of sugar was as rare and beautiful now as it was when Laura Ingalls was a child. All those things simple yet precious, unlike life in the suburbs where what had once been thought beautiful, had become mundane. Dwelling on the simple and beautiful sparked a fire inside me.
I also became mesmerized by country, prairie living. Growing up in the Arizona desert meant that I spent my summers either in a swimming pool or indoors, because 120+ degree heat does not make for outdoor exploring. Even when the weather wasn’t too hot, the exploring wasn’t my kind — rocks and snakes and scorpions and dust didn’t seem to excite me the way tales of the country did.
As far as I can remember myself (when did you first meet yourself?), I have been a person that thinks differently than most…a go against the grain type of girl. A pioneer of the heart. But I sometimes wonder if all those pioneer books planted a seed of adventure and squashed fears of the unknown, inside me, more than I was made that way? Either way, it is a part of me now. I have always wanted my own homestead, thrilled at the blessings of daily tasks that would make a family whole.
I long for that homestead, still, and I’m not afraid to wander until I find it.
***
This year we’ve slowly seen doors closing here in Chicago-land, and doors opening elsewhere. We’ve felt the call to pack up this family and head out to another adventure. Not Prairie, like Laura Ingalls did, but Low Country. She west, me east.
Our family has been through so many trials and tribulations this year, we’ve found our hearts longing for a place we could go to heal. Somewhere that could give us a respite, a time to rebuild.
At least that is how the searching started.
Now that we’ve found our destination, we’ve realized it’s not that this place is a place to heal (even though it is) or that it’s a place we can rest (even though we can), but it’s that we discovered that this new place is actually Home.
For the first time in my life, I went to a completely new city in the South, new culture, new everything, and felt like I had finally come Home.
In just two short weeks, we’ll be packing up this family and heading to our new home in Charleston, South Carolina. We couldn’t be more excited!
The great thing about going where you feel God is calling you, is that it gives you peace to get through the hard bumps and bruises along the way. We will all miss our friends here dearly. Thankfully we know that just as the internet has brought us long distance best friends, it will also keep our Chicago-land friends close to our hearts, no matter where we may wander.
I hope you’ll join me as I learn the ways of southerners, discover all the lovely they’ve been keeping to themselves all this time, and build our homestead among the rivers, marsh, ocean and forests of Charleston. We’ll need your positive thoughts and prayers as we transition these three special needs boys to a whole new place and routine.
I’m sure we’ll have stories of adventure and trials and fun and everything else. But first, meet my new front porch:
It looks like the sort of place that can shape a woman’s soul, no?
We are beyond blessed to live in this lovely house in the low country, many prayers have been answered and much research rewarded. We can’t wait to get there and make this house our Home.
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That is so wonderful! I, too, am longing for the country from here in suburban New Jersey : / I miss trees!
And what a beautiful, beautiful house!!!
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I can't begin to tell you how very happy I am for you.
To be able to heal. How I wish that I too, could have such an opportunity.
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Charleston is wonderful and we could join you in a few years. Enjoy your front porch. I love mine.
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Wowsers! It's gorgeous. You'll just love South Carolina. As a current resident of Carolinas (north for me), I can say they are a great place to live. The weather is phenomenal, the hospitality top-notch, and the food is to die for. Congratulations on the big news!
-Abby
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So happy for you. I know the peace of following God's will, there is nothing else like it. Best wishes!
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I'm so! excited for you, babe. And that house is BEAUTIFUL.
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That front porch looks lovely.
I'm almost a bit jealous. I guess I'll live vicariously through you :)
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Oh, sweet friend. I'm so glad it's working out for you! What a beautiful place to call home!
Will miss year dearly… :(
xoxo.
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Hopefully we are right behind you! XOXO
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Good luck and many happy years ahead of you as you embark on your new adventure! (I'm kinda jealous.)
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is it inappropriate to have porch envy?? I think NOT!! Best wishes on your move back to the warmth just in time for winter;)
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I can't believe it, still. But you are moving to a dream land. I know there is good things ahead for you.
Steph
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it looks beautiful! My parents live in SC and it's gorgeous. There is something magical about Charleston. Definitely the place of great stories. Enjoy!
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Welcome to the state!! Charleston is one of my most favorite places to go … I love running around the battery. And that house looks like it's probably right there. Unbelievably gorgeous!
I am glad you guys have a peace about it and that the doors opened just right for you.
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I am so excited for you. Really, really excited! South Carolina holds a large piece of my heart and I found something there when we lived there that I had longed for for so long. It's where my first baby was born and I left there kicking and screaming and begging to stay. I hope you find even more peace there. Your house is beautiful! It's a classic Charleston home!
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It's so dreamy. I can picture sitting on the porch, sitting mojitos smelling the salt air. I'm so happy for you.
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That's beautiful! I know what you mean about searching for that homestead (and I loved the Little House on the Prairie books…). Best of luck to you :)
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That is so exciting! I'm so happy that you've been blessed so richly in this time for your family! :)
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OH MY GOD your house is so AWESOME! Oh I dream of a porch like that. SERIOUSLY! We're “country” and I never want to leave it. I'm so happy for you and excited to see what this change brings in your life.
Nell
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What a beautiful house, and post! Good luck.
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That is absolutely beautiful! Congrats and good luck on your move.
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What a gorgeous porch! Have a safe, smooth move. I look forward to hearing more about your new digs.
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oh I'm so happy for you! We are going through some similar times… although we are still very uncertain.
Praying for you all the way.
oh and your new front porch is absolutely lovely!
britt
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Best of luck to you and your family! My Mason will totally miss your fantastic boys, and their glowing smiles. Your new home is simply beautiful!!
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LOVE. Is that not the BEST feeling? When you go somewhere and it just FEELS like home to you? I wish you only good things on your new adventure!
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Hi Nikkie, the boys are going to miss Mason so much, it's hard to do
this when all these sweet boys have just finally begun to settle into
having best friends and buddies and will understand “missing”.
Thanks for your kind words, the boys love to do video chat anytime! :)
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Thanks girl, it's funny because I never realized anywhere could feel
that way. Amazing!
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I hear ya Britt, we have been uncertain for MONTHS, so to some it
feels like this is a sudden announcement, but in fact we've had it
hanging around as an “option” for what seems like forever.
I am praying for you and that beautiful family too!
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Thanks, I am too — you never know *who* you'll be when you go to a
new culture. It's a time to reinvent yourself sortof, as YOU, but
better.
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Get that girl's weekend on the calendar…that sounds like the perfect
day!
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We thought we weren't going to be able to live in a “low country”
style home like this, it's just too beautiful. I can't tell you
enough what a miracle it is! All the perfect circumstances fell into
place.
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Thanks neighbor! :) I look forward to seeing what the social media
scene is like in Charleston.
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You're so right, it's magical. Hard to describe without just saying
“Go there, you'll see.”
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You as well, thank goodness this blog isn't going anywhere. :)
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I had food there last weekend that was practically a spiritual
experience. Not kidding.
Thanks :)
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Will you be reaching the end of your patience with the weather too?
I'm so cold this morning and I can't find my slippers.
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You will, friend. You WILL. I know you understand this: so many
years of a very very hard time, you begin to feel like it's never
going to change. I know life won't be perfect, but this move is a big
positive change that I never thought could happen.
Hang in there xoxo
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Oh your store is so lovely it's almost unbearable! Where have you
been all my life?
I think 1 or 20 things would be perfect in my new house. :)
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Wishing you nothing but love, and luck on your new adventure in life. I know you will be a success wherever your feet land girl :) By the way, I tagged you on my blog : http://notjustanylisa.blogspot.com/2009/10/i-wa...
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Oh, A. I'm so excited for you, for fresh starts and beautiful scenery. You know, I've never been to South Carolina. *cough*
Miss you already.
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What a beautiful new home! Sometimes big changes are just what we need. Sounds like this one will be perfect for you guys.
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Lovely, and life changing. I'm excited for your new road ahead. I, too, often dream of moving to my own homestead (and not one that's 5 houses down from the in-laws), but I think my husband's roots are planted too deeply here, in the deep south.
I hope you'll keep us updated on the process of making this your home. With such a lovely exterior, I can't wait to see what lies inside!
Front porches really ARE the best EVER.
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Awesome post! I hope your hearts flourish there. I looooove Charleston, and your front porch looks amazing!
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Praying and declaring that the Lord will speak in your new home – on the lovely porch, in the rooms, in the yard. What a beautiful place. Yes, nowhere is more perfect than the place where He calls you
I left Chicagoland to follow His voice, and I have never regretted a moment!
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My husband has always wanted to pack up and move. For a porch like that, I could probably be convinced. Congratulations.
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I cannot believe THAT is your front porch! I'm totally going to drink sweet tea there one day.
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Consider this an infinite invitation, woman. In fact, I need someone
to come teach me how to make sweet tea. Just an FYI.
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OH WOW. Congratulations! This is super exciting news. :) I'm thrilled for you and the fam.
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Awesome news! We live about 2 hrs away in GA! I'm sure family is sad…
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Oh they are coming too, no worry about that! :)
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It is sooooo beautiful! I think I'm jealous. ;-)
I lived in the hills of Kentucky for 7 years, and now that I'm back “home” in Texas I've realized KY was my real home and I long for it!
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I know how healing and fun a new place can be. So sad you're leaving but praying for many blessings for your family in exciting Charleston!
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I will totally follow you guys on here so we can hook them up to chat and be silly. Best of luck on your new venture, that's a killer porch!! And thanks so much for sharing your boys and all their awesomeness, even for this short time! Send some warmth when you get down there….please :)
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oh wow…i'm so jealous. i simply adore charleston. you are going to love living there!
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I can't believe you are moving to this beautiful home. As much as I am happy for you, It is sad to see you go. I will have to tag along with Steph if and when she goes to visit. I have never been to the Carolinas. New beginnings are so exciting!
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Oh, how beautiful! Congratulations on your new adventure!
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OMG, I seriously want to cry I am so happy for you! The house looks AMAZING!!! You will be closer, too! And even closer once we move back to NC! Yippee!!! Congratulations, honey!!! Miss you!
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That's a gorgeous Home. I share your heart in wanting to be that pioneer woman. I read books like “Love Comes Softly” and I drink it in. Oh to be able to live the simple life! To have few things to care for and cherish and plenty of time to sit with the Lord and His Word in the evenings, without excuse, by the fireplace.
I hope you enjoy your new home and I look forward to seeing pictures of the inside of that beautiful dwelling place! :)
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Wow – I am so happy for you and your family. Sometimes things just happen and you know where you need to be even if it doesn't make sense. What a beautiful home – I can't wait to hear more.
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i am happy for you. it sounds lovely. (and LOOKS lovely.) wishing you peace and lots of love there!
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I am so beyond excited for you. Your happiness means the world to me. Go give that soul a rest and a much needed change… love you!
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Ohhhh I want to come and have some tea on that front porch with you!
Best wishes for the move, dear.
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I'm so happy for you and your family. It's beautiful, truly.
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Good luck to you and your family with this move. We moved farther South this year too and it's a wonderfully welcoming place. I'll pray the transition goes well and you find the healing you desire in your new home.
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Moving is such an adventure, especially when you move to the other side of the country. I am excited to see where this takes you, and how your family changes with it.
Have safe travels as you go!!
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Such a home at the end of a road of such words.
And then the front door will open… and the words of whole new beautiful chapters will begin!
We anticipate!
God winnows your path, my friend…
All's grace,
Ann
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Hey Arianne! Your new home is BEAUTIFUL!!! So excited for y'all…oh, how I love the south!! :) There's nothing like the Carolinas…especially in the fall. VERY jealous you're getting outta here just in the nick of time! Good luck with the move and enjoy some sweet tea on that front porch for me!
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I've had a hard time trying to express just how happy I am for all of you and yet how sad I am to see you go my love….
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We will miss our Chicagoland posse so…
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We love driving through Kentucky on our way to SC :) So different all along that path…
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Thanks girlie, we covet your prayers!
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You are family, Rhonda, and as such are welcome ANY TIME. I can see you fitting in quite well in SC! We will miss you dearly too. xoxo
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Thank you, everyone being so happy for us has been such a fun surprise! Makes us even more excited for this adventure.
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Oh thank you so so so much. Your words are perfect!
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The inside is even more beautiful, I can't wait to share it!
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It's actually a GORGEOUS drive, I know you'd love it. Much better than sitting in a merge lane for 2 hours…
Please come visit. PLEASE.
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That's exactly it — to have “less” brings so much more. When it's a choice, I think it's blessed all the more.
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Oh how you always find the perfect words. Winnow, the word alone gives me chills, but imaging He chose ME to winnow? Amazing.
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Oh you have me even MORE excited! I hadn't thought about the fall, I had only thought about the winter we're escaping here. ;-)
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I know. ::sniff:: I'll need to call Miss E to make sure she doesn't forget me…
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arianne
i heard through nikki cooper that your family is moving. i am happy to hear that this move sounds like a big healthy step in the right direction for you. i wish you the best of times in your new home in ths south, its looks simply breath taking.
of course, i shared the news with reuben. we are very sad to see such a young friendship change shape this way. i hope this can be a great pen pal experience for reuben and your boys! i would love for them to keep in touch. you have our address in the school directory… if youre comfortable wed love your new info. also, i have a blog that is brand new that i kicked off as a way to keep in touch with our wide spread family and friends. you can send your email address and i can send you a link if your interested in peaking in in us that way.
best wishes, enjoy your journey.
carrie coslov
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Do I say you are so brave or simply admire your faith? Either way, I wish you the best and look forward to reading about your new life down south. I'm glad you healed in the Chicago area and are ready to move on. Best to you and yours!
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I had no idea that you were moving…Guess that is what happens when you go MIA for a month or so. Congrats on the move and what an absolutely gorgeous house!! Hubby and I love South Carolina and it is at the top of our list for places we would like to move. Maybe I'll have to visit!!! Happy moving and I can't wait to see and hear about the move.
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Prayers for your move and transition. It looks absolutely wonderful.
May you be sustained during this time.
So great.
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I don't know that I've ever commented on your blog but I follow you on Twitter. I saw a recent tweet that mentioned you are moving to SC and I came over here to find out if you'll be moving into my neck of the woods – and you are! I'm 2 hrs north of Charleston! I know that may sound like a distance, but I'd totally love to meet you when you get settled in. (I'm totally sounding like a stalker now, I'm sorry!) but I just wanted to say congrats on the move and welcome to the Palmetto State. I'm a transplant too (from PA) and I just LOVE IT here!
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I just read your blog for 20 minutes, trying to find where you are relocating to. WOWOWOW! What a culture shock. I feel that EXACT way whenever I visit SC. I am serious. I would live there in a HEARTBEAT if my husband would ever consider leaving Philly, which he won't, so I'm here for good. But I am SO VERY HAPPY FOR YOU!
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