Hi it’s been a minute hasn’t it? Yes, I did have a posting era the other week. Sorry about that.
Life has been happening big and small and everything in between. How about for you?
Pink coneflower from our garden here in Virginia.
There are many changes happening for us.
I guess the biggest news is that we are trying to move our life in a new direction. As we age, and I might add we don’t feel we are doing so gracefully. We realize we can not continue to maintain the lifestyle that we have loved and enjoyed for many years. We are working towards a lighter, less work and warmer weather lifestyle. It is all very complicated, and somewhat difficult to move in a new direction and because other people are involved and to maintain everyone’s privacy there are just some details I will not share. I’m sure you all understand that.
We purchased our retirement home way back in 2008 and so much has changed in that time, in our lives and in the world and in that community that we purchased. At this time we have a direction (moving to Florida) that we are working towards. However, also keeping in mind as life is so unpredictable, we may adjust our plans accordingly. However, what won’t change is the knowledge that we will not be staying here in the place we currently call home with all our hearts. We do not have a specific timeline, as there are many factors involved.
Moving forward I ask myself to keep in mind that everything I do must be in alignment with the new lifestyle we have set for our future. It isn’t easy.
I am making changes with my art business too and those changes are reflected in my social media posts. I hope you will continue to follow along and enjoy what I share.
I have been learning how to make video’s and editing, isn’t easy and it is very time consuming. It’s challenging to say the least. Mostly scaryI might as I have made the leap to appear before the camera, something I have resisted doing in the past. I am trying to come out of my shell a bit.
Later this morning I am starting an on-line class with a group of artists, learning how to use video – or as Instagram calls them reels. I do not like the reels that most people post, they are fast moving and loud and I think people act stupid and behave poorly. But not all are like that. Instagram is where I make most of my business contacts and in order to stay on top of the trends I must find a way to live in that world, while maintaining what I call true me. Not one to care about numbers, but about people and making meaningful connections and keeping my integrity. It’s all so much. Sigh.
I’ve made and will continue to make some changes here on this website. I’ve added a page on what we plan for now, to be our future home in Florida. My new tag line is living a creative life from farm life to flip flops.
I plan to share the journey as our lives take on a new chapter, downsizing isn’t easy you know?
Frangi pani (or Plumeria) in our Florida garden. Are you familiar with this plant? In Hawaii – they make leis with them. This was the first plant I set forth to grow upon purchasing our home in Florida.
We recently returned from a trip to Florida it was anything but easy. I talk about that a bit in this latest vlog.
Grap a cup and join me for a bit of chatting and arting at my kitchen table.
Sending you sunshine and peace,
Kim
I hope that you will consider joining my joy letters, below.
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Red Dirt Farm and Studio 
Similar problem. Where shall we move? We have a little place in Maine but we aren’t sure of living there full time and as we age…too many choice. Each has its good and bad. We’ve been thinking about this for years and still don’t have the answer. It’s a big step but at least you’re taking it👍🏻
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Hi Penny – good to hear from you. So glad to know that we aren’t the only one struggling with where to go. I swear we change our mind 10 times in one day. I love the photos you share of your place in Maine – so very beautiful, but I could not handle the winter cold. The warm weather is a driver in our decision – seems ridiculous for that to take priority but it does. This past winter here in Virginia did us in. Too many days without power and too much clean up from storm damage. I am not used to being in a neighborhood. The hood is most certainly not ready for my kind of crazy either! Hugs to you – let me know when you figure it all out. xo Kim
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Transitioning to a new life can be sad and stressful, especially when it’s driven by the inability to do the things you used to do; I’ve experienced it. Under a different persona, I followed your blog in the the past and always enjoyed your posts—all the pics of your slice of heaven and of your artwork. I look forward to following you on your journey to your new life. I think you would love Florida. 💕
July
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Hello July – Thank you for being here and sharing your kindness. It is a scary transition time, and I admit, I don’t do change very well. I’m trying to embrace all kinds of newness, though. And like you, thinking of starting over with a new persona. Cheers! Here is to new beginnings. Best, Kim
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If you do start over, please let me know…your posts are always so interesting.
Yes, here’s to new beginnings. 🥂😊
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Will do, and thank you.
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😊💕
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I love your new tag line, your joyful morning video, and your courage in stepping out of your comfort zone and getting real. I have to laugh, too. In my upcoming newsletter I’m sharing a blog post about the magenta plumeria blooms in my side yard. Lovely to be on the same wave length, my friend.
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good morning Judith – thanks for visiting. I am for sure stepping out of my comfort zone and trying all kinds of new things – good or bad – wee! I’m feeling that tag line right now my flip flops are calling me. Funny how we seem to often be on the same wave length – joyful day my friend. xo Kim
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Hello my friend. I know you have mixed feelings about a change-Someday we will be making that decision too. I LOVE your art-I always have, and that’s something that you can take with you and even that will change and grow…I have always wished we cold meet in person. I have subscribed to your YouTube channel. Good luck to you and Hubby.
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Hello dear friend, thank you for being here. I too wish we could someday meet in person. It might happen, you never know. Perhaps with less responsibility we will be able to travel? Leaving this place that holds our hearts is no easy task. Sometimes it just catches in my throat and I can’t even. Thank you again for being here. Kim
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It is good to see your post Kim and you spilled the beans you would be posting last week so here you are. 🙂 I am surprised to see you are considering leaving Red Dirt Farm but I know you wrote about and I believe showed us pictures of your place in Florida in the past (some plants too if I recall) and it was very nice. This is a big decision and I, like you, am not good with change. It is part of growing older I guess. I wish you lots of luck in this new venture and please keep on posting.
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Linda – I sure do appreciate your taking time to leave your kind words. Moving away from a place you love with all your heart is very very hard. This is home. Knowing that we need to make a move, not wanting to move are two very different things. I’m trying to be positive and remind myself of things to look forward to – like less work. Big hugs, Kim
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The memories alone are what make it difficult and such a beautiful home and gardens too Kim – I can see why you’d be conflicted. A plus is you will enjoy more creative/me time – so that is one way of looking at it as well.
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