Back in the old days, when my parents moved to the Northwest (our East Coast relatives thought they’d never see us again) my mother and father purchased a large relic of a house with a fabulous unobstructed view: 180° looking east. From our dining room table I recall watching the boats in Portage Bay below and gazing at the far-off Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier. When both parents died, I longed to live in that house but for many reasons we chose to stay where we are today, a neighborhood where I knew everyone and was near Lake Washington, yet not on it. But we don’t have a view! I’ve wondered: when would I be content living without a view? But it seemed I never would. As you can tell from my many photographs, whenever I catch sight of the mountains I snap a pic to take home with me.
Last week, our pruner, who’s worked for my extended family many years and now the new owners of my parents’ house, called and asked for my email address. He was sitting on my parents’ old balcony and he wanted to send me a photo. He told me the people below my parents’ home were building two humongous houses. I thought: no, I didn’t want to see their view obliterated. Yet, when his e-mail arrived and I opened his photo, an enormous burden was lifted. I was suddenly filled with contentment for our home, even without a spectacular view. I felt sorry for the present owners of my parents’ home, but I’d made the right choice! Right now, if we lived there, I’d be heartbroken, as I’m sure the owners are. I thought of the Amish, how they are instructed to be content instead of trying to imitate the “world”.
Have you ever had an experience like that in your life? When all things worked for good? Help me celebrate my improved attitude by leaving a comment and entering to win this Amish-made tea towel from Lancaster County and a copy of either Pennsylvania Patchwork or Leaving Lancaster.
Please leave an e-mail address so I can locate you! Last day to enter is Saturday, August 17, 2013, midnight. Only those in the U.S.A. are eligible. Winner has one week to respond.
Hurray and congratulations to Lora, winner of last week’s giveaway: the Amish-made potholder and a copy of either Pennsylvania Patchwork or Leaving Lancaster.
I would love to live somewhere near the ocean or river.
TAMMY HUDSON
HUBTIVOLI1@YAHOO.COM
Love growing up in Pa, moved away for a few years, but, happy to have returned.
melissaseiders@yahoo.com