(one of) My secrets behind the secret

     Who watched Oprah this past Wednesday?! Oh. my. gosh. I am so totally working on developing my power of positive thinking, the law of attraction and all that good karma stuff. In a word, FAITH.
Remember "The Secret"? Did you see the movie, or read the book? If you missed Oprah, it was about just that...it was called "the Secret behind the Secret", and it focused especially on the power of list making, and inspiration boards (putting things in writing or verbalizing them reinforces your ideas and desires basically.) Kind of a Dr. Phil, "You've got to name it to claim it" attitude.You know, thoughts become things.
    Anyhoo, I decided to take the leap, to bear my soul and share with you one of my (many) desires for my life. (besides owning the cutest  cupcakery slash home accessories boutique in the free world, writing lifestyle books about living a charmed life on a shoestring, and being on the Oprah show myself...)

    See it up above? And there again, from up in the sky?
    Um, ya. It's a fabulous old Victorian that's for sale people! Pure heaven, that's what that is. (Can you picture it at Christmas time?!) It's perfectly located, just outside of my favorite spot, Portland, Oregon...and it's just outside of my budget. (although it has been reduced just recently!)

    The house is so charming, so quaint. Sure, it needs some "Foofifying" here and there, but all in all, it's in amazingly great shape. Oh, but that's now why I want it. Oh no. I want it for this...

*sigh* Picture this spectacular old barn, all rustic and romantic (why yes, I do it see it that way) with a new wooden floor, a prep kitchen and restrooms added, with oodles and toodles of twinkle lights at night...to be used as the most wonderful event venue for weddings, meetings, family reunions, Tumbleweed Cotillions...you name it.(too bad all my kids will already be married!) The guy with the massive property behind this gem has some kind of rodeo racing business, and I can see him needing to throw some big awards shindigs in this wonderful barn....My mind reels at the endless possibilities. Really, it does. The barn is enormous inside, and it has a huge upper loft area (That's where the band would be!)
    I'd live in the oh, so charming house, with three porches no less! (I would decorate these babies for sure!)

...and the clawfoot tub I've always dreamed of in the bathroom...

*sigh* Built in 1900, it's only ever had 2 owners, and the history is so very romantic all in itself. It has 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. I could use one bedroom for when the future grandbabies come over to stay, and 1 for brides to use as a changing room when they are renting the property for their weddings. (see? I have it all planned out)

The pictures don't do it any justice, because the property...the property (over 6 acres!) is to-die-for as well..I just can't say it enough. It's beautiful...Oh! Did I mention it was getting a new roof last fall when we looked at it?.... it's all located on a huge corner lot with a great space for parking on opposite side of the barn...) and plenty of room for outdoor events in summertime as well (have ya been to Portland in the summer? So many flowers!)

There's a gazebo (of course) and 2 more outbuildings...the bride-to-be pointed out that one could be used as a cigar bar for events (can ya picture that?!)
    Then, there are two large (I mean ginormous) old garage type buildings. One could house all the table rounds and wooden folding chairs for events. (mmm hmmm,you're thinking it too, right? You're thinking, " It's like it was meant for this"...)I'd have a multitude of cutwork tablecloths and fabulous color coordinated fabric napkins for renting out, along with wonderful candelabras and votive candle holders. The other old garage has been redone inside with a nice long counter and a sink...so beyond perfect for me to teach classes in (cupcakes...furniture painting...crafting...)

and it has a charming bathroom too!

Now do you see just how perfect this is for me? When I am not running a Cotillion or an event, I will be found sitting in a sunny upstairs bedroom window (think Jo from little women here...) with my computer, and my pups, writing books on creating a charmed life on a shoestring, or posting on my blog.
   Oh, my I almost forgot to share, and then I'll quit, I promise...out on the back of the property, it has the original 3 seater outhouse, people!

Now, that's history. So cool.
As if this isn't all too perfect for me, I was given another sign..there is a Christmas tree lot across the street (you can see parts of it from the arial photo above)...named..are you ready for this? Tracy's Christmas Tree farm. Now, does that give you goosebumps?! (I am going to overlook the fact that they spell Tracey differently than I do. That's just a technicality)

*huge sigh*
Ya, so that's one of my secret dreams...now, I'd love to hear yours!

Comments

[Carla]

Oh, Tracey, I can just "read" the excitement you have about this lovely property. It's ashame I live clear across the country, or I'd be booking events (my sons' weddings?????) there for sure!

Keep your eye on the prize, as they say. Here's to the power of positive thinking and putting the "The Secret" philosophy to work for you!

Carla in Delaware

[Kelly]

What a wonderful house and it's got your name written all over it....I was in Portland back in 2003...love the town...went to Powells bookstore..the best ever you could spend a whole day there...keep your postive thoughts..it will come true..
Kelly

[Vanessa]

Oh....my....goodness! That place is incredible! Wow! After you buy it I want to come visit!

My dream is a big, old two-story farmhouse. That's why your dream is so exciting for me. I want a wrap-around porch, clawfoot tub, a few acres for my kiddos to roam....

*Sigh*

[Colleen]

I have the same exact dream! Whenever I see a real estate listing that says "outbuildings", I get so excited. The only difference is that my dream farmhouse/barn would be in the Pennsylvania countryside, surrounded by Amish farms.

That place is just plain beautiful. And scarily perfect for you. I think you should start a "Support A Cottage Industry" donation fund to raise money to buy the house. I would donate, if you promised that I could stay there for a couple of nights a year when I visit my in-laws in Yakima!

[Patsy]

hmmm, I was just going to suggest what Colleen said. Let's see, it every reader sends $10 each...............Oh, somehow I know you will be able to acheive this dream sooner than you think! I think it is wonderful that you just "put it out there". One has to have a dream before anything can be realized! Thanks for sharing yours.

[Dawn]

OMGoodness!!! Tracey! This. is. so. YOU! You could have so many different ways to generate income here!!! Too bad you can't get a business loan, being that you would have how many businesses coming from this precious property, and the fact that you are a woman, aren't they good about that? My girlfriend Dawn who has her own soap business started in her garage and now has a million dollar company got a small business loan! (www.clearlyfunsoap.com) Explore your options till you have no more, Tracey. It's the people who scratch, claw and try and try again who achieve their dreams and if anyone can....you can...from one of your biggest cheerleaders, xxoo, Dawn

[Dawn]

OMGoodness Tracy!! This. is. so. you!!! Look at how much income you could generate by owning this property!!! Can you get a small business loan, my girlfriend Dawn received one she started her soap business in her garage and now has a million dollar business! (www.clearlyfunsoap.com) Try Tracey, it's the people who don't give up who achieve their dreams!!! Explore your options, OK??? From one of your biggest fans and cheerleaders, xxoo, Dawn

[Cheryl]

I love how excited you are!!! Follow your dreams, Honey!!! I too have an elaborate fantasy about living in an antique house filled with wonderful antique furniture and vintage lovelies...and running a business out of my wonderful fantasy house! My hubby retires from the Navy very soon and we might just be able to make that fantasy a reality...he's the most amazing, supportive man in the whole wide world! In the meantime, I'll send positive thoughts that you'll be living your most perfect life very soon.

[Michelle]

What a Beautiful Dream to Reality in progress for sure for sure.
I'm pretty sure this gem of Portland is waiting for you Tracey, who knows maybe you'll celebrate future Christenings....
I've been Searching for a gem like that myself with buildings around to house my
existing boutique and live and decorate the main house.Right now we live in a 68 years old Retro kind of house ,It's my husbands parternal home,since the early 60's.
Just like in the movie ( Field of Dreams)
If you build it(DREAM IT)they (IT)will come.

[Dawn]

Can you tell I'm a psycho!! I commented twice on this post....I'm just excited...xxoo, Dawn

[Mrs. Jones]

Oh, wow! I just love that place! I saw the show, too, and I ran out yesterday and bought the book, A New Earth. I'm going to have my kiddos make inspiration boards too. I hope you get that house some day!

[tinam61]

I think you should check with the small business administration and see what kind of business loans are available. Being a woman (minority), I think that would open up more funding for you. Do some homework Tracy - there must be a way - this looks just perfect for you!

I feel like I'm mostly living my dream at this point in my life, but I need a new dream as changes will come in the next few years. Just not sure what that dream is at this point! I'm thinking the lake? the mountains? or even the ocean? could play an important part!

Dreams are important as is positive thinking. I often get teased about my rose colored glasses LOL, but I believe in the power of positive thinking!

tina

[Kim]

Um, honey, why don't you do it? There are business loans for this kind of thing. The hardest part is that first step. Once you take that, the momentum will start & it will happen. You've said that this is going to be YOUR year. I'd say that you might have found the way to make that happen.

[Erin]

Find a way, Tracey! I can feel how excited you are... and I'm excited for you! Follow your dream!
I'm not sure what my dream is... taking care of my little ones is my top priority right now (though not always my dream!). When they're older... that will be my time!

[linda mccorkle]

Don't you love houses that speak to you and have a history? I think you've already taken a huge step by putting it out there that this is your dream.

[Barb]

This is SO.YOU. You could definitely make this work. I hope this dream comes true for you.

[Dee]

I am a fairly new reader of your blog, and I absolutely love it! I have read all the archived entries and visit your blog daily. The property in this entry is gorgeous - my first thought when I saw it was it screams bed and breakfast!! Are there enough bedrooms for that? lol

[Theresa]

Tracey, I agree with Dawn and others, you MUST find a way to finance your dream. I actually felt like I was walking along side you during your tour. It's not only your "secret" it's your "destiny". If I lived in Portland, that house would be my dream too! Absolutely gorgeous and I know you could make your visions become reality. I can here the desire in your voice through blogland ;) GO FOR IT!

Theresa

[suzanne]

sigh....and a very long Southern "ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh"......put in writing what steps you need to take to do this, and then work on them one by one......prayer is the first one, and we can ALL help with that one....what's the second step? Cheering you on from TX...!!! Go, girl, go...it's fabulous!
By the way, I don't know much about the Secret, but I do know that my Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills and can do this for YOU!!! ;)

[Lynda]

That is so beautiful! My dream has always been to live on a farm in a big rambling old farmhouse with lots and lots of trees, a barn for my hobbies where I can make as much mess as I want and room for a HUGE flower garden. If you can dream it, you can achieve it! ~ Lynda

[Janet]

I don't know what to say that hasn't been said, but Go For It! You will be a success at anything you set your mind to, I just feel it!
Janet

[Vanessa]

Tracey, wished I had watched her on wednesday. I did on Tuesday and Monday, and yesterday, but not wed. Pooh!
Saturday I got back from Portland,and Tacouma, after being there for three weeks. I love your dream, you could so, do it! My heart has been heavy, because I have so many dreams inside of me, it is so frustrating! If it were not for money, nothing could stop me,Ha Ha! Your house is perfect, and it is yellow, the one in my dreams is also yellow! Go to the small business administration and see if you could get a loan!
While in Portland, my daughter and I were looking for a place for her wedding, she kind of thought the "Old Church" but when we looked around it, it was sort of depressing, the outside is beautiful, but the inside, bummer, to say the least! Your house and barn would be PERFECT for the wedding. Dreams are wonderful, without them where would be? But I want some reality, right?! As above,My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and nothing is impossible for Him, Keeping the faith someday.... Vanessa

[Gayla]

I cannot begin to encourage you enough. I think our dreams are our only true reason for getting up every day (other than being God's children, of course.) I think we don't I think this place looks so utterly fabulous that it makes me want it for you with all my heart and I don't even know you... I think they might take less if you offered it flat out... I think that barn is to die for... I think you'd need a handy man for sure!!!!! but oh, Tracey... what charm and what class that place has....

[Mockingbird Hill]

Erma Bombeck said "It takes a lot of courage to show your dremas to someone else". You have taken that first step...now follow your heart! As I read this, my heart began to beat faster as you revealed each new idea.

Positive thinking is an incredible thing...now, release it and let it come back to you. I will add you to my inspiration board...can't hurt, right?? ;)

Cassie

[sherscreativeexpressions]

Wow, looks and sounds perfect for you. When you are not renting out the property for functions, you could always run a little bed and breakfast thingy with "Make it Special Presentations" and "Cookie and Cupcake Decorating" retreats. Scrapbooking retreats are held all the time, why not your speciality classes?

Best wishes with your dreams/goals!

Blessings,

Sher

[Connie]

I totally admire your vision and your dream. Make it become a reality! You've already done the hard part. God has blessed you with so many talents and a vision to put those talents to good use. It would be a shame to stop there. Follow your heart- put it back in God's hands...and watch it unfold in faith. So many windows have been opened to you over the past year when the door closed on your marriage. Your life is a gift to so many people by the way you bless others. So thankful you continue to share that gift. In the words of the famous Nike promotion... "JUST DO IT".

[Jill]

My goodness, that sounds so very perfect for you! When I think of it I'll help you visualise yourself living there running a successful business. I really do believe we need to write out our dreams, and picture them coming to pass. Put a picture of the house on your bathroom mirror and in your car. Ponder it, daydream it, believe it, pray and remind God about it. Hooray for you!

[jennifer gordon]

Nothing short of beautiful!!!!! I so hope all of your dreams come true! You deserve all of them and more!

Smiles,
Jennifer

[Teresa ~ French Poppy]

Get it Tracey, it's waiting there just for you, it can happen!!!

Teresa
xo

[Sue]

Love, love, love your ideas. You simply must find a way. You know what they say, at the end of your life you regret the things that you don't try, not the things that you do. I would so like to invest in something like that...

[Joyce]

Oh dear Tracey!! You are such a "kindred spirit".... I loved the show, love The Secret, have known for years it all works, and I am so excited for you! How wonderful!! You do have these great pictures up on your inspiration board, right? you KNOW you simply must do this! It is meant to be I tell you! I can hear the Angels and the "universe" saying "come on, how many more hints do we need to send?" LOL, Please don't think I am nuts, I am just excited for you, and you are one of the most talented ladies I have ever met, and I just know you can make this work! So, you get on it, you make calls, you meet people, you start talking, and you go after your dream~ It will all fall into place, I know it will.... And, I have had a dream to live in Oregon for years and years now, even had my eye on a very cute Victorian home a while ago. so, hmmm... you never know, you do this, and perhaps I will be visiting you in person one day! :-)

[Sherry]

Dear sweet lady - if you build it they will come. Go. Now. You need to sell your lovely home and get out of Dodge and **truly** begin a new life for yourself. Do it.

hugs,
sherry aka haus frau

[melissa @ the inspired room]

Yes, another kindred spirit! Not that I am about to go steal your property, although I could if I wanted to being close by and all, but just in the energy you put into dreaming of the possibilities! Now you just need to go forth and make them happen.

xo
Melissa

[heartartz]

Oh Tracey!!!
Absolutely FABULOUS!!!
I love it...
Walt Disney said "If you can dream it, you can do it."
He started Disneyland with a dream and look at it now. So dream BIG!!!
Work toward that dream..it and so much more will come true.
Go here for more Walt Disney dream quotes.
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/walt_disney.html
All so true.
Good luck & Love
Gail
PS I'll come visit. How about "Bliss Weekends" for all your blog groupies and artsy friends.

[heartartz]

Oh Oh one more gem.
Walt disney added to his quote "If you can dream it, you can do it."
....."Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse."
I guess for you it is a dream and a cupcake!!!

[Joyce]

Don't mean to be a pest, but just had to come back here and share this with you: You will remember Cheryl Richardson from the Oprah show the other day? Well, she has a spot on her site, where it says: click here for a touch of grace, and when you click you can receive a "Divine message", anyway, I saved it to visit each day, and here's what the one I chose today was: "Dance~ When we ask for guidance, take action, and put our faith in an outcome we can't see, we've begun to dance with grace" And somehow, I just had a feeling I was supposed to share this with you.... :-)

[Neph]

Wow, I love this property! I have never been to Portland, but all your wonderful posts are making me love it! Follow your dream! I think your ideas are wonderful!

And just imagine all the wonderful posts you could share with us "foofifying" this great place on your wonderful blog! Thanks for sharing your dream with us!

[arlene]

Oh heavens girl, take this to your local banker and get a business loan. You go girl!

[Adrienne]

Dear Tracey - A couple of days I wrote a comment suggesting that you should move to Portland since you love it much and your girls are here. I don't know what happened but it went away, never to appear! I meant to get back and try again but didn't do it. Imagine my amazement when I began to read your post today.

Go for it, friend. I'm in the Portland area and we NEED you up here. It would be much-loved place for a lot of people. Did you ever hear about or see the Queen Anne Mansion in NE Portland - called 'House of A Million Lights' at Christmas time. If not I'll tell you more about it sometime. It was fabulous. They were right in the city so limited with what they could do. We paid every year to go see it - just for the chance to walk in the magic of the place.

You can do this. We are all pulling for you. And some of us are praying for this to happen for you. It's so YOU! You would be right in my neighborhood. I would help with anything I can if you want friends to do anything to help you get settled in.

Please keep us posted. I'm excited to watch what happens.
~Adrienne~

[Katy]

I bought my first house after having SO MANY people---from my friends, banker, home inspectors, and even parents---doubted my ability to do so for financial, practical, and other reasons (what does a SINGLE 25 year old woman need a house for?) I listened to their (un)constructive criticism, went over my finances, budgeted, and really searched, searched, searched! I found a special program for first time homebuyers in my area that covered the closing costs. I suggest you look into special tax breaks and other incentives for people buying historic homes. Also, I think there are other programs that aid people who are turning historic homes into a business venture for themselves. There are ways to accomplish this goal. Just think creatively! By the way, that house is SO BEAUTIFUL!

[cindy ~ My Romantic Home]

Wow, Wow, Wow!!!! I LOVE your dream! I'm going to be wishing good thoughts for you! You're in Nevada...go drop a some quarters in those slot machines...close your eyes and WISH!!! I know it will work! That place is just meant to be yours! I once won $40,000 and I knew I was going to win it. I even went as far as telling everyone I knew that I was going to win it. They were all shocked when I did! I really believe in positive thinking!

It's so weird...I had an appointment at a law office this morning and it was in a big beautiful yellow Victorian. I saw your post as soon as I got back to my computer and I got goosebumps!

I have The Secret on DVD. It is amazing! I need to watch it again and follow it!

[Becky Schultea]

Oh Tracey - I can see the magazine article about this place now - and the business(es)that you built here - the before and after shots , the oodles of yummy photos of your baked goods and painted furniture, etc (all styled by Fifi of course) - and all of us gals reading it and believing it can happen for us to if we set our minds to it and dream big!! I would encourage you to continue doing exactly what you've been doing - you are "practicing" the role that you want to have - you are conducting workshops, sharing wonderful lifestyle tips, writing, creating, organizing, etc - you are already doing this at one level - and it is real and practical and it truly has inspired all of us - so much so that we come here daily with great anticipation to see what you are going to share next!! Be faithful in the small things (like you are already doing) and God will entrust you with bigger things!!!

This gorgeous property is PERFECT in every way - I am so glad you shared it with all of us so that we can believe with you!!

Hugs and blessings,
Becky S.

[Janel]

I don't remember if you're a Mary Engelbreit fan or not, but ever heard the story about how she got her dream house? :) Might check it out... You could possibly be owner number 4.

http://www.amazon.com/Home-Sweet-Journey-Through-Marys/dp/0740745123/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202497496&sr=8-30

[from my cherry heart]

Oh Tracey my heart is going pitter patter!
That is my dream house too!
Oh my gosh I agree with all your ideas....I'd even use one of the little buildings for a gift shop!
We lived in a victorian farmhouse downstate {not as elegant as this one} and I loved it!
I say you do whatever it takes to get that house.... its crying out to you!

XO, Dolly

[Barbara]

What a fantastic property. You know, a few years ago a needlecraft shop came up for sale in the town I live and at a big stretch I could have bought it or leased it or something but I didn't pursue it because it felt like too big of a thing to take on for little old me.

Now of course I feel I could have and should have made that leap of faith.

Go get it if you can!

[kathy]

If anyone can do it YOU CAN! Years ago I had an actual dream I was walking down the street in one of my favorite historical little villages. There was this yellow Victorian for sale and the price was dirt cheap. I was so excited but then I woke up. Anyway years later I was in the same village driving with my son and here was this beautiful yellow Victorian for sale. I called and the next day we bought it! It's no longer yellow I went with a deeper gold with the trim painted in more rich warm colors. And yes I do love the quaint little porches. Dreams do come true. It didn't happen as soon as I wanted but it happened one day when I least expected! I know one day we'll move on to a different dream but this one has been such a blessing. Good Luck.
Best,
Kathy

[Laurie]

Oh girlfriend, that place is sooooo you! I'll be praying that God shines his light on you and makes it all happen!!!! But then I want an invite to come visit you're little heaven on earth to see all you've done (I'd be painting that bathroom wainscoting white for sure!).

[Becky H]

YOU HAVE TO HAVE THAT HOUSE!!!!! It is so you. Move in and teach the Christmas Tree Farm how to spell Tracey.

[Raised In Cotton]

Simply beautiful:) Did you cut out these lovely pictures and put them on your "vision" board as the Secret tells us to do? I think you should~I hope you go for it!
Hugs,
Carol

[hoganfe handbags]

Oh Tracey I am excited for you !! Positive thinking is the only way to go thru this life!
xo
mary