Todd and I have both lived full lives. By the time we met each other in 2008 a clear desire to finally put down roots had already begun to grow. I had moved 17 times in the 25 years before that meeting and his whole way of being felt like home to me. In fact, when Todd asked me to move in with him because I needed a place to live, I said, "Ok. But if I move in, I am not moving out!" I remember feeling surprised as the words came out of mouth and instead of running away he just smiled.
We've lived in Underhill Center Vermont for these past 12 years and have grown to love the town, its people, the many brooks, the mountain that rises up behind it. We especially love our "nearby" trails, as Todd calls them, a maze of trails cut by neighbors that weave their way all the way to the state forest land. Most days in the winter and summer you could find us out there, finding beauty and solace. Living here is a huge privilege, one I give thanks for every day. In the fall of 2019, I shared at a women's circle that I was looking for a house or piece of land where I could feel more deeply at ease. Our house was lovely, but it was set right in the middle of our small village and a tiny lot. It was often noisy with cars and trucks passing and it's location on the corner made it feel like we lived in a fish bowl.
One of the circle members mentioned that her nephew might be willing to sell his parcel of the family land. "That small piece with the meadow???" I asked. "Yes" she said. "I've paused on top of that meadow many times to give thanks. I love that little piece of land," I replied, too excited at the possibility to think it might actually happen. But a year later it is happening, despite our concern over the cost of new construction and the many headaches that arise. It's happening because of the people who've appeared to lead us through the process. This house is literally being built on top of warm relationships and kindness.
This part of our blog is just to chronicle the steps and missteps a long the way for those interested!
