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!
