A Cottage by the Lake


Living by a lake is filled with endless surprises, God glimpses, and bugs. You can’t have everything! This was my parent’s home for 25 years and when they moved on to their eternal glory, I inherited this special spot as my own.

I was downsizing from a 3,000 sq. ft. home in Naples to a 1600 sq. ft. cottage. I had to simplify.

So many sets of dishes, bath towels, candle holders, furniture too large for a cottage, artwork that wouldn’t work on the few walls available – the decisions were endless. We’d always said “We’re going to the lake house,” when we came up, but my friend, Fran, called it “the cottage.” 

As I listed many loved items that weren’t going to make the trip with me on Craig’s List, it occurred to me one day that I was moving to a simpler lifestyle in every way. Thirty years in one spot is a long time and we weren’t just leaving a home. We were leaving dozens of longtime friendships, spiritual connections, family – we were leaving a life behind. I have to say it felt pretty empty.

I know, I thought to myself one day, I’ll name the house at the lake “Simplicity Cottage.” And that’s how it got its name!

The cottage has birthed its own look over the last few years – evolving, morphing, growing into something more than I dreamed it could ever be. Wildlife abounds, flowers flaunt their seasonal glory, fish jump and slap the water on their way down. A place where friends gather and breathing slows. And in the end, the discovery that the road to Simplicity Cottage isn’t a destination. It’s a journey.

 

 

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Comments

  1. Walking towards your house is like finally releasing that held breath, simply exhaling. Beautiful energy surrounds Simplicity Cottage!

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