small modern living blog - try a new place

Once upon a time in St. Paul, Minnesota, a young girl dreamed of the spaces that would occupy her home and her heart. I drifted around Summit Avenue revisiting the haunts of F. Scott Fitzgerald and imagined how his precious Zelda would have greeted onlookers, hurried and caught in each measured step. My eyes fixated on the old carriage house that belonged to James J. Hill - perhaps a small abode is more my style (and budget) as a social worker. My heart knew it was time to leave St. Paul and explore new lands.

I moved West of the Mississippi, to a strange land called Minneapolis. An East Metro resident had no need to venture across the river, so my knowledge of the city was minimal. I secured a studio apartment behind Sweeny Todd’s Salon in Uptown and lived there for several formative years. I received my masters degree and began my career in hospital ICU social work. I told everyone who listened “I am never leaving Minneapolis!” The city made an impression on me in ways I could not imagine erasing.

A yellow Volkswagen Vanagon pulled in front of Sweeney Todd’s Salon one fine spring day - My hesitation turned into pure excitement! “You didn’t tell me it was a cool van,” I exclaimed as I hoisted myself on the passenger seat. My husband smiled and this started our camper van years.

The glamour of the 1920’s Great Gatsby era once lured me to the streets of Summit-University. This time, a yellow van and an incredible man lured me back to my home town. We lived together in our small modern home in St Paul (built and designed by my husband), for five years. I continued to repeat my declaration to anyone who would listen “I am never living in the suburbs.”

Now, I find myself living in suburbia on a private road, surrounded by a pond and wetland. Instead of walking down Selby Avenue, I listen to the calls of trumpeter swans and try to catch a glimpse of their mighty presence. We are fixing up a 1970’s home to a Scandanavian modern style. We still have our city home but rent it out. Our summers are spent in the Wisconsin Northlands, managing our tiny house rental business.

I wish I could tell that young girl dreaming of nights at the Comadore to continue to be brave. Try a new place. Open your heart to the possibility of a new experience. As I glance at my nightstand, a book with off-grid inspirations is awaiting - a far cry from the large Victorian home I always associated my happiness with. Again, I close my eyes to see what dreams will come.

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