Real life and "God things".

You know, my life has been anything but ordinary these past few years, and I share a whole lot more about myself on this blog than I ever dreamed I would. When I first began blogging, it was all to promote my crafts slash hobby business, such as it was, way back then. Well, that and my love of writing. Never, in my wildest dreams, did I ever for a minute think it would become such a passion, nor such a large part of my life as it has become. So many friends, and kindred spirits. Truly, I feel like I know many of you as well as any of my friends I see each week.

That being said, there are some things I still keep private and don't write about. (Seriously, if I did write about some of this stuff, no one would believe it; I barely believe it myself. It's been like one of those "lifetime for Women" television movies.) With this all being said, and not trying to sound too mysterious or deep, there have been some pretty stressful and worrisome things going on in my life for the past nearly three years that were not of my doing, but were holding me back nonetheless, for quite a little while. Things that stopped me from selling my cottage more than a year ago, things that altered my income dramatically, and although I had my moments of feeling defeated and worn down, I hung in there. (thanks to so many friends and family members encouraging words) Finally, the week before last, (a week ago Friday to be exact) things all came together and the months and months and months (Okay, more than a year) of perseverance and stick-to-it-iveness finally paid off. 

I am completely free to sell my home, take my tiny savings out of my shoebox and put it back in the bank, and move on. Free to start over.

One.

More.

Time.

And I am. As of October 5th, I will load up my car and my belongings and head straight to Stars Hollow.(here's where the GOD things come in) Last weekend, while visiting up there, I ended up with not one, but two offers from bank branches to transfer. Wait, let me back up- I had to apply for a transfer and was told by the HR person from Portland that Vancouver Washington had not had any openings at all in months, and it was very surprising that suddenly, right now, they had three branches with openings for part time tellers. I sent my resumes through the company website and followed up with phone calls.

I had interviews lined up for next Wednesday at the 3 branches with openings and told 2 of them I would stop in to introduce myself (the third guy was on vacation) when I landed this past Saturday for my visit. Both managers ended up offered me the position while I was visiting, and I accepted one of them. (Somebody pinch me!)

Then.... another total GOD thing happened....we went straight to Camas antiques from the banks to see about securing a booth space. We walk in and JoAnn, the owner, was at the counter with an employee. The employee says to me "You! You have a blog."
I said yes I did. She said they just had a just had a customer that spent a LOT of money and the customer said she came in because of my blog. (The employee had recognized me from my tiny picture on the blog!)
I told them both that I talk about Camas Antiques all the time on my blog.
Anyway,  JoAnn, remembered me from all of my trips in as well and when I told them why I had popped in she said of course I could have a booth and gave me her number to call her with the date I need it! I am going to tell them November 1st. That will give me time to get some more stuff gathered after moving, along with the stash of treasures I am hauling up. My mind is whirling with ideas for my new space in my favorite antique mall, on my favorite street, in my favorite town in all of the world.

I've kept the other Tracey in the loop about my moving plans as it has developed and we are working out whether she wants a new partner, or if she wants to keep 41 Taylor solo, and of course I am helping and working with the planned events until I leave for my new adventure.

It's really happening. Finally.

Life just may fall into place.

Oh, I am still a bit in shock, but I am blissfully happy. I know it will be hard to leave all of my friends, as well as my son, daughter-in-law and grand daughter, but I will be joining my two daughters, son-in-laws and grandson up north. At last I am moving myself and Mr. moose up to the pacific northwest where I will continue to pursue (and grow!) my bliss of writing, junkin' and cupcake baking, all while being a part time teller at the bank branch up in Vancouver, Washington.(The sewing Queen will be following, hopefully not too far behind!)

Comments

[Carol]

Wow!! It gives me such hope about my own life to see someone else's life fall together so perfectly, all part of the Jeremiah 29:11 plan. Celebrating with you!!

Carol

[kaye thornton]

I've been reading your blog for a few months now (even started at the beginning) and I never comment, but this great news is SO worthy of praise! I'm so happy for you and I can only imagine the fabulous blogging that is to come!
Congratulations! I wish you all the best in your new adventure. You're sure to be a success!!!
Kaye

[Cheryl]

Holy Cow, Tracey! Congratulations! I'm so very happy for you!

[Jennifer]

I can't think of anyone more deserving than you! Congrats over and over again! I'm so very happy for you!

[Angie]

That's Amazing!! I'm so happy for you. Oh! I am truly happy for you!!! This post made my day.
~Angie~

[becky up a hill]

Oh you will be close to your babies! Bless you sweetie! How exciting!

[Stacey]

That is just awesome! I'm so glad it's working out the way you want it to and that you feel in control!

[Marie]

I'm so glad that things are falling into place for you ~ it's such wonderful news! Excited anticipation! I can "hear it" in your "voice"!!

[Jamie]

I'm SO happy for you! God has truly blessed you.

[brooke]

Yay for you! You deserve much happiness. I believe when you trust God (first) AND follow your heart...it all falls in to place! You go girl!!!!

[Kim]

Oh Tracey, I am just so, so happy for you. When I say that it couldn't happen to a better person, I mean it in all sincerity.

[Deanna Forrest]

How terribly, terribly exciting for you. Your blog is the first thing I read every day, but rarely comment. Following your "not so ordinary life" has been somewhat like watching a really good movie, one that has a great happy ending and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I can't wait to hear about all the new adventures that await you and that you'll be sharing with us. All my best to you Tracey.

[suzanne]

That's fabulous, Tracey. I am so excited for you and I can tell how excited you are. God has a reason for the timing, and I look forward to the "rest of the story"....

Suzanne

[Holly C.]

Congratulations.

So happy for you!☺

[Jo]

I am sooooo happy for you..Keep all of us posted!..............Jo

[Julia]

Congratulations Tracey! We here in the PNW are excited to have you!

[The French Twist]

Ya baby, see what happens when you stop rowing the boat. You are right on track my friend. I truly new and trusted it would all come together. Glad the sewing Queen is coming too. Like the song goes, dreams can come true, it can happen to you, if your young at heart! Tracey stay young at heart, never stop believing, and don,t ever let the things that matter most be at the mercy of what matters the least. I am very excited for your new leap of faith. We will miss you down at Taylor street. I see a road trip in my future.

[Wendy H.]

Tracey, I was hoping something like this was your "big news"! You deserve it. :-)

I love that you have trusted God, kept your chin up, looked for joy, kept busy and worked hard, and followed your bliss, despite things being hard. Thanks for that brand of inspiration!

Can't wait to see what's around your "bend in the road". I'm heartglad for you today!

[Linda Castro]

Tracey, what great news!! I don't have a blog of my own, but have followed yours faithfully for a while now. I love your style and I love your writing as well. It is honest and inspiring, and just as much fun as watching a Lifetime movie event! I guess the great thing about blogs is that we will just follow you right along on your next adventure, no need to say good-by!! Thanks for taking us with you.

[Elena]

Amazing! Congratulations! You continue to inspire.

[Chani]

That's fantastic! Reminds me of the Desiderata - You are a child of the universe, and the universe is unfolding as it should. :)

[Jackie]

What an amazing journey you are on and congratultions on the new job, booth..and I have to be honest here...the new digs(whatever they may be). I am most happy about hearing/seeing how you decorate your home there. Actually...I am most happy about hearing that faith matters. You have encouraged my spirit so! Congratulations..I read your blog every single day. I am in NY but so wish I lived closer to you. I need that crown on the Camas Antiques link..so bad. I'm doing a Christmas dinner for our church leaders with "King of Kings, Lord of Lords" theme..it is perfect! SO...so happy for you!

[Tina]

Ditto!!!!

Can't wait to read the next volume.....

[Julie from Kindred Spirit Soap Co.]

Yeah, maybe we can finally meet!!!
Julie, Kindred Roses/Kindred Spirit

[Adrienne]

Oh, Tracey -
I'm sitting here with happy tears in my eyes and a big smile on my face. Ever since I found you on your blog and have been along with you through so many things I have felt this day would come. Eventually. And now - soon - you will be up here in my neighborhood. And maybe you and I will 'run into each other' at Camas Antiques! I'm there as much as I can get that way. Maybe more often once you're up here! Congratulations on the news and I can't wait to watch it all unfold.
~Adrienne~

[Lisa Johnson]

So happy for you Tracey! I'm a firm believer in the "meant to be" and "things happen for a reason." Can't wait to have you up here all the time. Once you are settled we will definitely have to plan a day for junkin and lunch.

XO,

Lisa

[pam]

So very happy happy happy for you. xo

[Nancy in CA]

Gosh, my head was swimming as I was taking in all that was happening for you. My heart goes with you, as you enter this new place
in your life. I can't imagine not being within a few miles of my grandchildren and you certainly seem like you might feel the same...they grow so quickly. Photos are helpful, but the real life experience can not be replaced. Much luck and happiness on your new adventures. I will be thrilled to follow along, as you go. Nancy in So Cal

[Connie]

Congratulations, Tracey!
You deserve to have things all fall into place...you have been so patient and perservering; praising the hand of God in all you do.
Best of luck to you in your move and your new adventures. I will keep popping in to follow the progress. You are truly an inspiration.

[Rose]

Congratulations!! You deserve every happiness and good thing that comes your way...Life sometimes has a way of making us feel like ..what next..I am there sometimes too and reading your post and happiness gives me hope to keep hoping :) Rose

[DebK]

Welcome, neighbor!!! Yippiekiyay, what fun we'll have with you up here! ;0) I am so incredibly happy for you, darlin'. (And I'm gonna' say it: it's about damn time!!!)

[craftycomadre]

Congratulations!!! Been following your blog forever and you been an inspiration I know good things will continue happening in your life.

[Melissa]

Yaaaaa-hoooo!!!! Welcome to my little corner of the world!! I grew up in Washougal, WA the town just to the East of Star's Hollow (Camas) and I can't wait to hear about all of your new adventures here! Best wishes and many, many blessings!

Melissa
Vancouver, WA

[Cyndi]

I'm so happy for you. I know you've wanted this for a long time. I am sorry to see you go, though!

[tina]

What FANTABULOUS news! I am so happy for you - excited too! I know the little man is up that way, is the little miss also? So happy to hear the sewing queen will be going too. You'll have all the family together.

I wish you a wonderful new start and can't wait to see your next home decorated. I have missed seeing pics of your cottage.

God does have a plan for each of us, so happy to see yours falling into place . . .

tina

[Theresa]

WONDERFUL!!! Your excitement is palpable. I always love a good "starting over" story. Such thrilling opportunites await you I am sure.

[Kat]

God Things is right! How wonderful for you!

[Jennifer M.]

Tracy, I've read your blog almost from the beginning. I've been touched by your life as you've shared it with us. My daughter even talks about you as if we're all friends. It's very cute how she'll casually mention your name when discussing decorating ideas.
I am truly happy for you. I love it when good things happen to good people. I live in Missouri, but my brother lives in Washougal. If I ever get out there to visit him, I'll look up your booth (and hopefully find you there).
You deserve all good things.

[Kelli]

Congratulations. The power of positive thinking and a positive attitude have done you well. I am sooo happy for you. :)

P.S. You better keep blogging. It was your blog that got me blogging!

[meghan]

Good for you girly!
You deserve it.

Yay!

[Mandi Pike]

How wonderful for you Tracy!!! The move will be so good for you. It has all fallen into place, and you are being blessed for your patience and strength. Your story is just beginning...and I can't wait to see what is in store for you next!!! A new job, in your favorite area, Camas...wow, how thrilling!

[Station 521, Debbie]

Tracy, first congratulations, second, I think it was me at Camas Antiques. It was our first time there and all because of your blog. I have dealer space in Springfield and my husband and I made a trip up there on Saturday and bought several pieces of furniture and some smalls for our space. We loved the shop and everything was priced so reasonably. I told the girls at the counter that I heard about them from a blog out of Reno! Can't wait to make the next trip (this weekend when we go the BH show) cause there was still a couple of pieces of furniture that wouldn't fit in my car. We will look forward to seeing your things there! Once again, congratulations and thanks for the great tip! Debbie, Station 521

[Donna]

Wow Tracey, Congratulations. I am so happy for you. Now we can watch you transform another cottage. I can't wait to see where your life leads next! You know you have gotten me baking cupcakes and decorating so much better, not to mention using the font on my computer to make patterns. Never thought of it on my own...of course I still want your laundry room.
Enjoy the ride of your life.
Hugs,
Donna

[Tricia Anne]

Oh Tracey, this is amazing news! I can't begin to tell you how happy I am for you! Wow! This is just amazing! Thank you {so much} for sharing yourself for the past few years. I have grown from your experiences, with in my own life! Seriously!
What an amazing ride huh?! I can only imagine what you are pondering right about now, as your life unfolds right before your eyes. :o)
Best Wishes!
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

[Carrie]

Tracey,
I am so glad that the Lord is allowing you to follow your heart north. I pray that you have much success and happiness. I can't wait to read all about it.
Love & Prayers
Carrie

[Anne~Fiona and Twig]

What a wonderful Godincidence! We of faith know that there are no coincidences. He has ordered our steps, and praise Him that He has led you to something you have dreamed of. You have given me hope, been feeling much the same of late (defeated, worn down, etc).
Congrats!
~ Anne

[Kathy]

Good luck and Best Wishes! I will keep thinking good thoughts for you.

Kathy @ The Garden Cat Cottage

[ac]

that is so awesome! where in the Northwest will you be moving? i am in washington!

ac

[Judi Barbara]

I just KNEW this would happen for you. Congratulations! You have been so faithful to Him in spite of all of your trials and He has rewarded you! You go girl and have a fabulous future up north - hug that little baby granddaughter good before you go and smooch up that pumpkin up north! Along with all of the other posters (is that a word?), I can't wait to hear your continued story! Blessings and continued success - Love Judi in Colorado

[Michelle DiDomenico]

Im so happy for you and Stars Hollow. You are a strong woman with a heart of gold and an inner ambition beyond compare! You will do wonderful and I think you deserve a fresh start in a place that you love. I can't wait to see the next chapter. I too wear my heart on my sleeve, evident in my blog postings and I think that being true to yourself is the key. some men can be a big pain in the butt, you know what they say, "what goes around, comes around" All in due time! Good luck and God Bless you!
Michelle