The Universe is conspiring to get me moving again – literally and figuratively, mentally, emotionally and physically, spiritually. Today, I left the orthopedic appointment with a patient education brochure that has the phrase “Returning to Movement” (sometimes the Universe is so subtle!) printed on the front, along with the words hip and replacement. The doctor and I looked at the x-rays together, saw the cartilage between bones is gone, then shared the examination room with the word inevitable. During the next few months, a combination of techniques will be used to ameliorate the condition. He said if it were he or his family member, that’s what he would do.
What a week. It’s been emotional and centered on movement. The same day I received a notice to move in thirty days, I received an email letting me know a rarely-available, single-story, one-bedroom, one-bath, old adobe is for rent in the bosque near the Rio Grande Nature Center. Additionally, a single-story, two-bedroom condo would be coming on the market nearby. It has a long-term, fixed-rate, private-party loan requiring no approval for assumption. With less than 20% down, it would “break even,” or rent for more than the monthly payment - virtually unheard of in California, especially in Santa Barbara. When I stepped in the front door, I knew it would work for me without even seeing the whole house. I felt a sense of expansiveness at the possibility of living in the bosque neighborhood I love, surrounded by nature, near the river. I felt a sense of elation about finally having my own space after a year sharing it and soaked in the aesthetics: high ceilings, skylights, brick floors, kiva fireplace, walled courtyard off the dining area, inside laundry, backyard garden, garage and east-facing master bedroom to greet the rising sun. For more than twenty years, in my last three homes, I’ve had and loved east-facing bedrooms. It’s so great to awake with the coming of light – in every way!
There were just a few minor complications. The owner would sell only if she could remain in the same neighborhood. Her move into the old adobe rental and my close of escrow all had to happen in ten days, by January 15th. The devil’s in the details…inspections? Homeowner association documents? Roof repair estimate? It had never occurred to me I might purchase an investment property I could live in before finding a house, but I opened my mind to the possibility. It was exciting. In discussing the homeowners’ association, it became clear I wasn’t Dorothy, and it wasn’t Kansas anymore. Requesting standard documents to review (for California), I learned there was no association budget. “No budget?” I repeated, mouth dropping and remaining open. No homeowner association minutes for the past year. No minutes? “No, we haven’t met for the past year. We meant to, but everyone just got busy.” Oh. A reviewed reserve analysis was not even on the radar screen. “I think you may have a hard time practicing real estate in New Mexico – things are really different here.” Movement. Movement from the old to the new. Adapt to your surroundings. Let go of your business practices of 33 years. Let go?
Here it seems appropriate to quote my blog post of two weeks ago (“The Invitation of a White Christmas”): "Looking ahead this week to a Burning Bowl Ceremony at the Unity Church, I am considering what I will write down, burn up and release from my life. Previous selections have included 'the past,' or, (eeek!) 'the known.' Caveat lector, be careful what you ask for!! There can be unintended consequences…." One of the things I released in the burning bowl was that which no longer serves me. Yep. That would be about right. California business practices of 33 years do not serve me in New Mexico. Caveat lector applies also to me!
The property manager for the old adobe really liked us. His name is Bravo! (I added the punctuation when I entered him in my cell phone. It matches the gold earring in his left ear. And I’m cheering myself for creating a new home in the bosque). When it became apparent to the condo owner and me that a 10-day escrow was too much too fast and she decided not to move ahead, I submitted an application on the old adobe. Bravo just called to say it’s been accepted. I’ll have a place of my own next weekend. Just no furniture. It’s still in storage in Ventura, CA. Bravo said, when I asked, he would work with the two of us and include a provision in the year’s lease that the condo seller could be a substitute tenant, with owner and manager approval. This is a critical benefit since she will only sell, should she change her mind, if she can stay in the same neighborhood, and this is the first rental in the area in five years. They rent quickly. Bravo’s call, saying he wanted to work with me, came while I was on the phone with a Ventura friend who has been praying for my “right and perfect place to live.” Moving to the bosque is the right thing. I know it. My soul connection with the Rio Grande and surrounding forest will nourish me as I live there.
Blurbs from the Burque
Sign on the roped-off wine section of Trader Joe's yesterday: Whoa Partner! State law prohibits the sale of alcohol before 12 p.m. on Sundays. So you'll have to wait until HIGH NOON to visit our "saloon."
