Last week, when we initially shared that we lost our cabin in a fire, I mentioned we didn’t have any answers. And while we still don’t have answers to many of your most asked questions about the fire, I thought I would walk you through the thought process of the question that has been running through our minds–What’s next?! What now?Â
The reality of the situation is the cabin renovation filled our editorial calendar for at least the next 6 months. In addition to being a huge part of our family, and a special place in our hearts, it was also our job. I usually don’t like to talk about that aspect of it, because the spaces we dwell in are so much more than just our job, but it’s also just how it is. Over the past 2 weeks, we have thought a lot about what we are going to do, can do, want to do.
We still don’t know for sure, but so many of you have requested being taken along for this ride, so here’s what we have explored:
Rebuilding
We have been asked by thousands, “Won’t you rebuild?” And the answer isn’t as cut and dry as we thought it would be. I’ll say, we’re leaning and hoping toward a YES. Unfortunately, it depends a lot on how things shake out with insurance. There’s multiple adjustors working on it, and we had great insurance, but the full renovation wasn’t updated with our insurance yet since we weren’t completely finished. Which we’re hoping won’t hit us too hard.
The other thoughts we’ve had are, if we rebuild, do we want the same exact thing? Would that be too painful? What would we change? We’ve decided if we do rebuild, we’d love to work with an architect to reimagine some things–we’ve got our eyes on Katie Hackworth, because she’s amazing and has been a huge inspiration to me for years. There’s so much to think about, and everything is currently covered by 3 feet of snow, so the insurance said they will likely not have an answer to us for a few months.
In the meantime, we’re trying to decide what to do to keep ourselves busy. Namely:
A Flip house?
We’ve admittedly always wanted to do a flip house. Not to become flippers, but just to try it at least once! It just never felt like the right time–but maybe now is. Something fast that would get our creative juices flowing again and also we wouldn’t have to be incredibly attached to–it’s strangely difficult for me to think about pouring my heart into another home, but maybe a flip house would satisfy our love for improving spaces and our need to work. We also like the idea of finding ways to improve a home on a smaller budget.
Finding A “Forever house”?
I need to apologize for something. A few weeks ago, before the cabin burned down, I wrote a post about how we were starting to hunt for our “forever house.” That particular one didn’t pan out, but we are still looking for other good contenders. However, in our search, and especially after the tragic fire, I realized that very few things are forever. We never know what is going to happen with family, jobs, location, needs, the unexpected–I feel sorry for putting a label on the next home we have been looking for before we even met it.
Since removing the pressure of the “forever” label, we have opened our eyes to other possibilities. What if we lived somewhere completely different for a few years? Moved across the country? Don’t get me wrong, we love where we live. And we love being close to friends and family. But, our minds are more open to looking for a house we feel drawn to, rather than finding a permanent place to ground ourselves for-ev-ver! Besides, we love giving life to new houses too much to say for sure that whatever one we buy next will be our last.
We have some big decisions to make soon. And what used to feel like a lot of heaviness, now feels like endless possibilities. We’re open to whatever comes next. We’re ready for it.
It’s funny how our attitudes toward “forever” evolve over time. I’m so sorry for your loss, but the possibilities ahead for you are exciting. I’ve followed you over the years as a result of work (I’m in marketing for http://www.DIYDecorStore.com) and enjoy all your posts. If you do decide to do a flip and want to partner in some way, please let me know.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with the fire. Your comment about the pressure of finding a forever-home really hit “home” – so to speak – with me. My husband and I have been trying to plot our next move with our own home journey.
We currently live in our first home together. We love our neighborhood and location to friends, family and work. We have been slowly updating things in the home since we moved in 5 years ago (thank you for your inspiration along the way with that process too!). We have come to a point in the renovation process where we are trying to decide if this feels like our “forever” or “for now” home. Meaning, just how much money are we looking to invest in to this home. Do we want spend more to do things exactly the way we want them or do we want to do things at a lower price point that will sell the home with some equity? — How do we make our poorly laid out kitchen one we can love? Can we afford to knock down some walls? Do we have enough space to raise a family here? Which projects will give us the most bang for our buck? — It can feel really overwhelming at times, especially since I am a penny pincher. But the way you shared the perspective you gained through this terrible time in your lives really spoke to me.
Instead of putting so much energy in to trying to figure everything out and make it perfect NOW or for FOREVER, which can leave me feeling paralyzed at times, it is best to enjoy the journey and savor the moments. Allowing myself to let go of that pressure to plan the forever. Thank you for that message I needed to hear today. I look forward to seeing you slay whatever adventure you take on next!
We love you guys! We’ll tune in wherever you go or whatever you’re up to, whenever you can show up. We are following you for you. Not the things. We love YOU! Hugs with every phase of life.
Love all your ideas!!! And the right one will work out on its own!! I just bought a new construction home and if you need a canva and I have small budget my house is yours!!!!!!
Have y’all ever thought about doing a post on the ins & outs of how you do your IG & blog photos? What you use from settings (all the ins & outs) and how to edit etc… would be heavenly!