tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post4946696992559561929..comments2024-03-25T18:05:03.493-07:00Comments on Dewena's Window: Part 3, FloridaDewenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07330797553600987145noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-68002880953084682062018-07-10T13:15:40.727-07:002018-07-10T13:15:40.727-07:00Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
I have...Thank you so much for sharing this with us.<br />I have enjoyed the writing the wonderful photographs, but do agree with you, everyone should feel at home when at home …<br /><br />God bless<br /><br />All the best JanLowcarb team memberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07961199165290289611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-20220831693083820032018-07-06T04:49:10.225-07:002018-07-06T04:49:10.225-07:00Thank you for returning the visit dear Dewena. Ma...Thank you for returning the visit dear Dewena. Made me very happy to see your name pop up and to read your kind words of understanding. I am reading through this post again and I can relate at so many levels. I keep hoping to find a "cottage" but it's practically impossible in South Florida, and we can't leave here due to my husband's work. We thought we had found a nice farm land property earlier this year but it wasn't meant to be. Our daughter and son in law live in Central Florida and I enjoy visiting there. I can hear myself think when I do errands there. I read how you struggled with traffic. I started to struggle with it a few years back, but no one takes me too seriously because I'm in my 50's. This line is it... "I was neither abused or oppressed but my spirit was dented." Dented.<br />I have so much catching up to do on your page.<br />Be right back with coffee. ;)<br />xoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-8763852878387215502018-07-05T20:45:12.205-07:002018-07-05T20:45:12.205-07:005000 square feet? Yikes! I'm glad I know the e...5000 square feet? Yikes! I'm glad I know the end of the story, that you are back in your beloved TN, but I still can't wait to read the next post. Thank you for sharing this with your whole heart, Dewena.Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11474198992341706776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-34175411390591003022018-07-05T13:38:07.701-07:002018-07-05T13:38:07.701-07:00Sigh... "everyone should feel at home at home...Sigh... "everyone should feel at home at home." Promise to show you my pictures of Home when I get there. There's only one for me now.<br />I've missed visiting, dear Dewena. Enjoying catching up today.<br />xoxoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-61189986260840828472018-07-02T21:40:02.965-07:002018-07-02T21:40:02.965-07:00Your storytelling is so good, that even though I h...Your storytelling is so good, that even though I haven't "known" you very long, I get the picture pretty well, I think! Also, to live in such a house would be a nightmare for me. One of my daughters lived in a house even bigger, also pretty new, but that was with a family of six! As much as I loved to visit her, I couldn't help feeling how completely UNcozy it was, in spite of the huge heating bill in the winter (it wasn't in Florida).<br /><br />My own house I have always felt was barn-like, but it only has 8-ft ceilings, so it isn't really. I never loved my house so well as when I came back to it from India where I had stayed contentedly with my daughter for seven weeks in a quite different home and environment. I was surprised and so happy when I walked in the door to feel that my house was really a lovely house and it was welcoming me.<br /><br />While you were living there, of course you were trying to be thankful and content, and couldn't write about the unresolved struggle, but now, thank God, you don't have to learn to live with it all, to live in a place that feels like living in the grand ballroom of a hotel, with the hotel's kitchen.<br /><br />The whole experience must have made you appreciate more than ever coming back HOME to a place that holds you just right in so many ways.GretchenJoannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13641677400029070452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-47824847716499275372018-07-02T19:28:08.810-07:002018-07-02T19:28:08.810-07:00I'm felt blessed to read the last 3 parts of y...I'm felt blessed to read the last 3 parts of your journey. I can only imagine what it's been like for you since I know I would feel the same if I was no longer in my home...I'm happy to know even thought the road has been difficult it seems you journey does end well...Waiting for the next part!Cathy @ My 1929 Charmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05152030881064923919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-58535819145639860092018-07-01T19:39:55.048-07:002018-07-01T19:39:55.048-07:00Dear Dewena, perhaps it was meant to be a grand ad...Dear Dewena, perhaps it was meant to be a grand adventure, eh? You're happy now and that's what counts. Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07701035005375401061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-54126348385759358562018-07-01T12:55:45.692-07:002018-07-01T12:55:45.692-07:00Just as the sunshine state saturates its land with...Just as the sunshine state saturates its land with comfortable temps, so do its houses (or any house, for that matter) need to feel warm, in a cozy way, to their inhabitants, otherwise what's the point of all those cool, state of the art features, if one can't truly 'chill' in their own, personal space?<br /><br />I believe that maybe, just maybe, you and RH were meant to make that move to that spacious and extravagant Florida abode, in order for you to finally arrive at your adorable forever home, in your beloved Tennessee, surrounded by your large and loving family. It was a necessary means to a destined end, which makes you appreciate your present residence so much more.<br /><br />I'm certain that these days, when you soar from room to room, any tears are ones of joy, as you whisper words of thanks to God, for a home you can enjoy.<br /><br />Poppy<br />xoxo<br /><br />Poppyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08980323586402386609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-46239609399880882802018-07-01T11:35:20.089-07:002018-07-01T11:35:20.089-07:00Hello,
I do understand. I loved your TN home, I co...Hello,<br />I do understand. I loved your TN home, I could feel the Home Sweet Home swell from it. It was felt right from the computer, I am not kidding. <br />I do understand what you are sharing, I am happy you are sharing this with us.<br />I am looking forward to the rest of the story.<br />Carla<br />Carla from The Riverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12107829617899979937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-54055818791003421662018-07-01T07:40:48.598-07:002018-07-01T07:40:48.598-07:00YES, everyone should not only feel safe at home, t...YES, everyone should not only feel safe at home, they should love where they are. I saw the pics of your TN home and I have to say where you stayed was not the same. I love to visit places like this but it is not me! Not sure that even my things around me would make it mine. I loved the house that you pictured that you said you were looking for. BEAUTIFUL..loving that style. Sorry that your time in the BIG HOUSE was so hard on you. Can't wait to see where you ended up. Hang in there.Pamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10211965720334593365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-35511285753952914992018-07-01T05:03:41.862-07:002018-07-01T05:03:41.862-07:00Good Morning Dewena,
Oh you have captured and shar...Good Morning Dewena,<br />Oh you have captured and shared your feelings so vividly. I felt them, I felt the trap you felt you were in. These writings nailed the absence of feelings of today, where too often people buy the house and it is never truly a home. It saddens me to know that you went through all of this anguish and yet who or what could truly dampen this vivacious, colorful, warm, honest, loving and beautiful spirit of yours. Certainly not a house! I am so looking forward to the next chapter...So glad that this story has such a happy ending.<br /><br />JemmaJemma@athomewithjemmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01137225389791605398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-48647455857332727452018-06-30T18:09:05.704-07:002018-06-30T18:09:05.704-07:00Dewena, this post was no surprise to me. Back then...Dewena, this post was no surprise to me. Back then I knew and felt that you were sad and lost in your new enviroment. I know I would have felt the very same. I am so happy that you made it back to your Tennessee where you could feel at home and happy once again. I look forward to the next installment.Brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14608230037537421761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-34581862902962684962018-06-30T13:31:04.952-07:002018-06-30T13:31:04.952-07:00Oh, dear Dewena...I am so glad you're writing ...Oh, dear Dewena...I am so glad you're writing this story. I have a feeling this will be very healing for you. I knew immediately when I saw the picture of that huge, modern house, that it wasn't for you. That is not you at all. And then when you wrote about rarely leaving the couch and TV, never driving anywhere (especially since St Augustine was only 30 minutes away!), being afraid of that big stove, RH not around, not being able to hear him, etc., etc....I could feel your depression coming right out of my screen. (Just for the record, I wouldn't have been happy there either - that house may be beautiful for some, but it's so not me either.) <br /><br />We have lived in this house for 28 years and while I'm pretty content here and love my house, there's also a lot of things I don't like - mostly, having neighbors literally on top of us on all sides. There is no privacy at all. I feel like I'm in a fishbowl with people looking in when I'm outside. I would love to live in a little house with a ton of land and neighbors far away where I could barely see their house. Or not at all. Looking forward to hearing about you moving back to TN. xoxoMelaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08659968511488397366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-53889206146141808652018-06-30T12:15:55.610-07:002018-06-30T12:15:55.610-07:00Dewena, that house was certainly not your style, w...Dewena, that house was certainly not your style, whatsoever! I can see why you were so very unhappy. And then to have your hubby gone so much and not there even when he was there because he was so tired. You were both fishes out of water. I'm so glad you are back in your home state. Tennessee is such a beautiful place in such a different way as Florida. The four seasons, the forests, the hills, so much more you!<br /><br />I would not be happy in that big, beautiful house either. I would feel like a fish out of water there, too. I much prefer your idea of home over those fancy modern houses!Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01391750532176282121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-58724342662220324222018-06-29T21:34:22.328-07:002018-06-29T21:34:22.328-07:00This is so touching that you have shared this jour...This is so touching that you have shared this journey with us. Sometimes what we think is going to be a great fit for our soul is not. Trust me I have been where you have and can understand completely. Houses are everywhere and come in all sizes and prices but a home is unique to you. You have to walk in your house and feel you are home within your heart. Your journey has certainly taken some tough turns but you have pulled yourself up and followed your heart. So happy you are home again. Hugs to you my friend. Thank you for sharing your story with us.<br />xoxo<br />KrisJunkchiccottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13312068546640480844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-37483986991389288992018-06-29T20:26:02.193-07:002018-06-29T20:26:02.193-07:00Dewena, it's a lovely home, but not you. I agr...Dewena, it's a lovely home, but not you. I agree with Doreen, completely. I remember your beautiful Tennessee home and how charming it was, full of red accents and your colorful kitchen with its black and white floor was a showstopper...warm, cozy and full of personality. I am so glad that you are back home in another fabulous house that you love, but I am so sorry that you went through such a sad period in Florida. I am sure that was not easy at all. I'm so happy you're all smiles now... Kim https://www.blogger.com/profile/15445291034631735026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-43755656940391832242018-06-29T19:33:50.905-07:002018-06-29T19:33:50.905-07:00I can say it now. I couldn't then because I wa...I can say it now. I couldn't then because I was afraid it might just come true. but now it's over like a strange and depressed dream. <br />it was then that I literally feared for your life there. it's as if you were a little boat cut loose and floating on high and frightening waves. all alone. and no one who really understood. I worried about RH trying to keep up physically. he is such a trojan! I doubt he would ever give in until he collapsed. and what kind of life is that?<br />and I worried about you both marooned alone in a beautiful mistake. <br />those houses have their own beauty for many I'm sure. but for those of us who revere the words cozy and small and even intimate... the sound of great echoes and our own footsteps are frightening and soul taking. <br />if all that Brazilian Cherry is real wood and I'm sure it probably is... then it comes from an endangered rain forest. and that makes me sad. I hope I'm wrong. you know. ever the protector of precious trees. <br />but one thing that's not wrong is that you and RH have found each other again. you can live your lives in the sweet mountains surrounding your beautiful little home in Tennessee now. just as it should be.<br />God bless you darling sister mine. God bless you. xo<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-88369017518804938152018-06-29T19:18:14.459-07:002018-06-29T19:18:14.459-07:00This piece just tugs at my heart, Dewena. I'm ...This piece just tugs at my heart, Dewena. I'm glad I know your happy ending, but still, your descriptions of what home is -- and what it isn't -- are spot on. The little cottages in Florida look so charming. But, is it wrong that I'm glad you didn't find one, because it means you're back home? Looking forward to reading the next part of your story.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09147413132595250490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-2176544641959861102018-06-29T18:28:23.447-07:002018-06-29T18:28:23.447-07:00Your words touch my heart. I'd have been a fi...Your words touch my heart. I'd have been a fish out of water myself and totally understand your feelings. The miracle is that you're back "home" with the consolation that your real home is still in your lovely family. Life is full of twists and turns and it's a true blessing when we can be where we want to be in our final years. Besides being in a quiet secluded place, for me it's perfect when neighbors aren't in sight - near, but not up close. To walk outside in your nightie if you choose is beyond wonderful! God bless you always. I'm so happy things have worked out for you after that big bump in the road!!Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14367791485727217874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-63966168813082393042018-06-29T18:27:01.557-07:002018-06-29T18:27:01.557-07:00A square peg in a round hole...it just wasn’t you....A square peg in a round hole...it just wasn’t you. When I see that beautiful house I know right away that it would never do for you. It didn’t have your soul. No wonder you moved. Peggyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16610347687911147219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-28325747178564870762018-06-29T17:25:18.744-07:002018-06-29T17:25:18.744-07:00Dewena, there’s absolutely NOTHING about that hous...Dewena, there’s absolutely NOTHING about that house that fits you. In fact, I’ll go as far to say that that house would only fit someone who is more interested in a house rather than a home. Yes, on paper it sounds wonderful, but it’s soulless. While I like the professional appliances (unlike you I must have a gas stove), the rest of the kitchen is dark and boring with zero personality. Certainly not suited for someone like you who would prefer to design a kitchen with freestanding furniture than cabinets. <br /><br />One thing that stood out to me was when you said you never went upstairs to see the other bedrooms. My jaw almost dropped when I read that, as I can’t imagine living in a house and not exploring every nook and cranny, but I think it’s because you didn’t care. Your heart just wasn’t in it.<br /><br />It’s a shame RH was away so much. I can’t imagine how bored and lonely it must have been for you, especially since you didn’t drive anywhere. I was under the impression he wasn’t going to work as much in Florida, but boy was I wrong! Six days a week and nearly twelve hours a day is too much for anyone, much less someone who is well into their retirement years, but RH sounds like a man who MUST work. And you sound like a woman who lives for her family, so yes, it makes perfect sense you were unhappy.<br /><br />I hope you share the events and happenings that led up to your leaving Florida, and what those conversations with RH were like. Would he have been perfectly happy to stay there, or was he happy to leave too? <br /><br /><br />xxx<br /><br />Guess what we bought today? Paper shades! Screw the neighbors I say! <br /><br /><br />Doreen@foxdenrdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09418636999038800443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4025769640802524983.post-86902143367714578622018-06-29T12:22:42.836-07:002018-06-29T12:22:42.836-07:00I felt my eyes welling up with tears as I read thi...I felt my eyes welling up with tears as I read this. Clearly the luxurious you had were artificial when it came to your heart and soul. And you conveyed this without sounding negative, just your feeling like a fish out of water. <br /><br />I know this story has a good ending, but I'm still rereading every word slowly. I know what it feels like to float through rooms and spaces that I thought would eventually replace pieces of my heart, but the truth is---you can go home again.<br /><br />Jane xxxBlondie's Journalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.com