In the spring (just short of our first anniversary in our new place) our landlord dropped the bombshell that he was putting our house up for sale. After the initial shock and depression (we liked where we lived and were not looking forward to having to move for a third time in one year), we began to get excited about the possibility of actually being able to buy a house of our own (thanks to low interest rates) and finally break free of the whims of landlords. It turns out that looking for a house is all consuming (hence the neglect of this blog –and my other writing). We looked seriously at over thirty houses, put unsuccessful offers on five, and just when we were losing optomism… we found the perfect house. At first we thought it was more than we could afford, and with so much competition for houses in our neighbourhood and so many unsuccessful tries at other houses, we didn’t think it would be possible for us to get the house we liked more than all the others. But somehow circumstances, the planets, karma…everything aligned, and here we are in our wonderful new house!
We’re in the middle of the city, but here is the view from my bedroom window:
Perhaps other buyers were scared off by the closeness of the neighbouring ravine (our old landlord said we’d made a mistake buying a house so close to a “jungle”). Of course, we love it!
Here is the my first haiku written at the new house:
yellow autumn leaves
light a glowing pathway
through rain darkened trees
Tags: haiku, nature in the city, new house
November 9, 2009 at 1:47 pm |
Congratulations! The view is lovely, and I share your love of the jungle! We moved to a rural setting five years ago, and I have never regretted it. Enjoy your new home. I look forward to reading more of your writings.
November 9, 2009 at 3:26 pm |
Thanks, Yousei! I always thought I would live in a rural area and that the city would be only a temporary stop, but as more years pass, it’s looking more and more permanent. Juxtaposed with all the concrete, cars and people, the bits of nature and wildness seem even more amazing (and vulnerable).
I enjoyed my look into your blog, btw, and look forward to reading more once the dust of unpacking etc. settles.
Jacquie
November 9, 2009 at 4:02 pm |
Congratulations! It’s such a beautiful city, glad you were able to stay in and not have to settle for the ‘burbs (like me). I love what you wrote about the bits of nature. I’m more drawn to them when I’m in the city, amazed how the tiny ecosystems exist at their own pace within areas of busy human activity.
November 9, 2009 at 4:40 pm |
A haiku for you
Real Estate market
opens door to new delights
private ownership
November 9, 2009 at 5:55 pm |
Congrats, Jacquie! Your view is lovely and I know how much you will appreciate it.
November 9, 2009 at 6:04 pm |
Thanks, all!
Ellen, I enjoyed checking out your blog, then followed a link and… over an hour later, came up for air, wondering where the time had gone (the dangers of the Internet)!
November 9, 2009 at 6:09 pm |
Mom (Rochelle), the term “private ownership” makes me feel uncomfortably like a capitalist, but I must admit, even standing at the kitchen sink doing dishes feels somehow better, knowing it’s my house (at least while I can keep up the payments!).
November 9, 2009 at 6:27 pm |
And what was the house thinking, all that time it was on the market? Was it worried about who its next “owner” might be? Was it waiting too for a suitable family to move in, one that would appreciate the ravine wilderness? I am sure that both of you will get along well and build a great life together.
Congratulations! Jean-Pierre
November 9, 2009 at 6:50 pm |
Perhaps the house (and the trees?) conspired to keep other, less appreciative buyers away and to keep us from buying any other house. There were so many reasons we shouldn’t have been able to buy this house, it really does seem to have been some kind of “house karma” at work.
November 9, 2009 at 8:54 pm |
Can’t wait to visit…
November 10, 2009 at 12:52 am |
looks like you’ve found the perfect place!
November 10, 2009 at 9:45 am |
Hooray, Jacquie! All the worry was worth it — what a beautiful view!
~kc
November 10, 2009 at 9:51 pm |
It looks gorgeous… congratulations!!
November 10, 2009 at 11:56 pm |
Thanks everyone! Lots of juncos, chickadees and bush tits close to the house today. I’m keeping a book for nature observations instead of a guest book (anyone who visits is welcome to jot some notes).
