Update on our life and my book
I mentioned we canceled the Victoria, BC, trip and went to Pot Angeles in Washington. I booked the flight coming home from Seattle. My husband didn’t want to rush, so we went to Seattle the day before returning to Southern California.
I read about the Chihuly Garden and Glass in a blogger’s post. Since we would be in Seattle for one day, I made a reservation to visit this magnificent exhibit. The museum is right next to the Space Needle. Here’s what the website says about Chihuly. https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/about/dale-chihuly
Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Washington, Dale Chihuly was introduced to glass while studying interior design at the University of Washington. After graduating in 1965, Chihuly enrolled in the first glass program in the country, at the University of Wisconsin. He continued his studies at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he later established the glass program and taught for more than a decade.
In 1968, after receiving a Fulbright Fellowship, he went to work at the Venini glass factory in Venice. There he observed the team approach to blowing glass, which is critical to the way he works today. In 1971, Chihuly co-founded Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State. With this international glass center, Chihuly has led the avant-garde in the development of glass as fine art.
His work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide. He has been the recipient of many awards, including twelve honorary doctorates and two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts.
An update on our life
My husband and I are moving to Portland, Oregon, to be close to my daughter and the grandkids. I have always wanted to do that and even wrote blog posts about my desire. But my husband was not ready. On a couple of occasions, I went alone to be with my daughter and the grandkids for Thanksgiving or Christmas. My husband, Lynton, stayed in Southern California to be with his mom during those holidays. Lynton’s mom passed away two months ago. His siblings are busy with their extended families. He seems to be free from the obligation to stay in Southern California.
When we were in Port Angeles, Lynton expressed an interest in moving to Portland to be close to the grandkids.
I searched for a home right away. Then contacted the realtor whom I worked with for the last 15 years. After one week of communication back and forth, we signed an offer on August 28th on a home within a 13-minute drive from Mercy. Mercy and Will toured the house and sent us the videos.
We’re working with the agents and signed a listing disclosure to sell our California home.
We’re packing and will have everything in a storage unit by the 15th. We’re going to Portland on the 16th for Autumn’s BD. The agents will show our house while we’re gone.
Everything happened so fast. My head is spinning. We’re excited about the move. At least we don’t need to travel every six weeks to see the grandkids.
An update on my book
The Winding Road: A Journey of Survival is now available on Amazon.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Winding-Road-Journey-Survival-ebook/dp/B0B86QWXTN
My launch tour is from Monday, September 5 to Monday, September 12. I’m grateful to my wonderful friends who will host my tour.
Monday, September 5 – Jacqui Murray @ https://worddreams.wordpress.com
Tuesday, September 6 – Dan Antion @ https://nofacilities.com
Wednesday, September 7 – Liz Gauffreau @ https://lizgauffreau.com
Thursday, September 8 – Pete Springer @ https://petespringerauthor.wordpress.com/petes-blog
Friday, September 9 – Robbie Cheadle @ https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/blog
Monday, September 12 – Denise Finn @ https://dlfinnauthor.com/blogs
I hope to see you at these launch tour stops.
.
.
.
The Showers of Blessings 
The glass work is spectacular! I hope all goes well with your move to Portland. We did the same thing back in 2011. It is great to be close to family as we get older. Wishing you the best on your new book!
dwight
LikeLike
That art is stunning!
LikeLike
What a great way to start anew. Beautiful photos of the glass garden. My wife’s sister live in Seattle and Bellingham, WA. My brother lives in San Diego.
LikeLike
How exciting, Miriam. I am so happy for you and your family. I know how much I love having my grandkids close. I wish you all the best on the move and your book and blog tour.
LikeLike
Miriam–I am so excited to read your book. Our treatments were different, but our results are the same–we are alive! Wow, you don’t mess around when you decide to do something. I barely blinked and you had packed, selected your new home and put in your bid. Exciting stuff! See you at Dan’s next week! XO
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading my book, Lois. You’re right, our treatments were different, but the results are the same. My daughter is my major motivation to be alive. She’s my motivation for our move also. We’re exhausted, but we keep moving forward. See you next week at Dan’s.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m really enjoying your memoir, Miriam, wow, what an ordeal so far. I went through your about me page and I’m so impressed with your skills and hobbies. I used to sing too and miss doing so. Anyway, I’m really going to look forward to meeting you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have too many hobbies, Terri. I said many times that I need at least four parallel lives to completely enjoy everything I want to do. Well, I’m trying to manage the move first, then prioritize what I’ll do next. I look very much forward to meeting you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Labor of Love – SoCS – No Facilities
As a new follower Miriam, I don’t really “know” you yet, but congratulations on moving and starting a new chapter in your life. It sounds wonderful to be closer to your daughter and grandkids. I am also a huge fan of Chihuly, and saw an exhibit once, set inside a garden conservatory. It was magical.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Melanie! Thank you for your follow. I saw I followed you already. I hope to be back to normal blogging in a couple of months. I’m excited about moving close to the grandkids.
Chihuly’s glasswork is stunning. I’m so glad to have visited his museum.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry I missed this post, I saw it on Facebook, Miriam. Wow, quite the move but well worth it to be close to family. I’m sure your house will sell quickly and I can’t wait to meet you in person and hear more about it. Good luck on your book tour. I’m going to check it out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The agents keep us on schedule, Terri. One moving company came highly recommended. He’ll give us a quote on Monday. My husband and I make sure to take frequent breaks between packing. I forgot to drink in the first two or three days!!! I’ll have a lot to tell you when we meet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How exciting! I was away in Scotland so I missed this post. I am so glad you made the decision to move closer to the grandkids. Portland, Oregon is such a nice city too. I have long been a fan of Dale Chihuly’s work. He is an amazingly talented man. Your pictures are super. Good luck on the blog tour.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I’ve seen a few of your photos on Facebook, Darlene! What a wonderful trip you had! I wanted to visit Scotland someday. Chihuly certainly is a very talented man. I’m sure he enjoys a wonderful retirement in Seattle. We’re exhausted but excited about the move. We’ll live in Portland before we know it. Thank you for your wishes on my blog tour.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow, your move to Oregon is so exciting! Congratulations on already finding a home, and good luck selling your old one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re excited also, Priscilla! It looks like the Oregon home will close the escrow before September 26 while we’re there. If not, we can sign the paper and my daughter can pick up the key. There’s lots of prep work for our old home and lots of packing. It seems like we’re getting rid of half of our 31 years of stuff. It’s a good thing, though.
LikeLiked by 2 people
A new chapter begins with your move . . . and a new release too! I’m excited for you, Miriam, and wish you all the best with your new release! I’ll be sure to stop by and read the book tour posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s exciting, Mark! I can hardly wait for the chaos to be over. It’s exhausting but worth it. Thank you for your support of my launch tour. I’ll talk about writing memoirs during the tour, from why I write my memoir to what I learned about how to write memoirs. I’ll see you next week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Ed;s Site..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for sharing, Ed. I appreciate that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your upcoming move and the publication of your book! Both are exciting! I am a huge fan of Dale Chihuly’s work. My first introduction to it was in Las Vegas, while wandering through one of the hotels, the Bellagio, I think. Those photos you included are absolutely stunning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Debra! We’re very excited about our move. I’m sorting, getting rid of, and packing all at once.
Chihuly’s glasswork is wonderful. H’s creation is brilliant. I’m glad to see it after waiting for so long. He’s 80 years old by now.
I’m grateful for all the help and support from my friends in the book. I look forward to my lunch tour next week.
LikeLike
I am beyond excited for you and you husband, Mariam. What a joy to be close to your family. Looking forward to hearing more. I just downloaded “The Winding Road: A Journey of Survival. Looking forward to the read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Rebecca! We’re super excited about moving close to our family. I want to close the escrow for the Portland home in less than 30 days. As soon as we’re done making the improvement in the CA home, I think it will be sold quickly. It’s a little chaotic right now, but we try not to push ourselves too much.
Thank you so much for your kindness and support in reading my book. You’re greatly appreciated!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on the move, Miriam – lots of changes going on for you! So glad you’ll be closer to family. I’ve been to two Chihuly exhibits, and words can’t describe how beautiful the creations are. Gorgeous pics!
LikeLiked by 3 people
We’re excited and exhausted, Teri. Buying and selling at the same time could cause much confusion. I sometimes forgot agent names, and who wants what from us. All parties just laughed.
Good to hear you’ve been to two Chihuly exhibits. I would like to go back and learn more about the story of some creations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What beautiful glass art. Glad you got to go see it all.
Very exciting news to be moving close to your daughter and family. Hope everything goes smooth with the move and selling your house. ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
I was delighted to see the stunning glass art, Barbara! I had never seen anything on that scale. We’re very excited about the move. There’re so many things involved. We’re a little overwhelmed right now, but we’ll be okay. Just the thought of being close to my family gives us the energy to keep going. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Huge congrats on the move, Miriam 🙂 So excited for you. I will be so eo derful to be that close to rhe granbabies and Oregon is such a wonderful place. Also, I am reading you book next.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much, Denise! We’re super excited about the move. I like Oregon for many reasons. I sleep better because of the clear air. My lymphedema leg is doing better because of the cool temperature. It’ll be wonderful all around. Thank you so much for your support of my book and my tour next week. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am so happy the move is finally working out, Miriam. I know it will be wonderful and positive. Looking forward to hosting you soon!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Jacqui! We’re doing little at a time to empty our current home before our next trip in the middle of September. It seems impossible. I look forward to your generous support for my blog tour next week.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s going to be easy for such an amazing book, Miriam.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for your positive and insightful review, Jacqui! I’m ready for my lunch tour!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did you get my purchase link in the email? It’s in this post also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did. It’s in the post. I included the Amazon.com link and the universal link for those outside the US. Did they not work?
LikeLike
It sounds like you are starting a new chapter in life. Exciting!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Indeed, Quiall. This is an exciting new chapter. I’m so happy to be close to my daughter and the grandkids!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You must be very excited Miriam. You’ve been very fortunate to find somewhere so quickly. I hope your current home sells equally quickly.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I agree with you, Peter! We’re fortunate to find the Portland home with everything just right. I appreciate your wishes for our current home.
LikeLiked by 2 people
How exciting about your move! Best wishes with your new release! That glass work is gorgeous!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you very much, Alethea! We may be in the new house in a couple of months. The glasswork is stunning.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope you will share photos after you are settled in. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
How exciting to be moving so close to your daughter and grandchildren, Miriam. It makes all the trauma of the move worthwhile.
That glass work is amazing.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I know Norah. It’s exhausting right now, but the thought of being with them every day motivates me. The glasswork is stunning. I’m glad to have visited the museum.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Enjoy every moment, knowing it takes you closer to them. 💖
LikeLike
Exciting!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much, Annette. It’s exciting!
LikeLiked by 2 people
The glass is gorgeous. And congratulations on your book!
I’m dealing with a move, too. It’s a nightmare. So glad you’ll be with your grandkids, though. Best wishes.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much, Staci! When you mentioned moving close to your daughter and grandchild, I wanted so much of doing it, but I knew my husband was not ready yet. He did say it was because of his mom.
I thought you’d moved by now. Are you still in the middle of it? We have to act quickly because we listed our CA house already, but it’s not ready to show yet. We’ll replace the roof and have the house painted first. We’ll move everything to a storage unit in two weeks as the transition. You and I are in the same boat!
LikeLiked by 3 people
My house sold and I left Pennsylvania about a month ago. My son (in Arkansas) got Covid, so I spent some time in St. Louis with my daughter before heading down. But I’m here now. I just didn’t schedule furniture delivery yet. (NIGHTMARE!)
Best wishes with your move.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh, good to hear you sold the ghost and left Pennsylvania. It was a major step. Sorry to hear your son got Covid. My daughter got it long time ago but it was mild. We’re in the middle of all the transactions. Did you hire a moving company? We have two cars. Did you drive your cars? The last time I moved across the states was 40 years ago with everything fitted in my car. 😂😍
LikeLiked by 2 people
I did hire a company. I’ve been lied to from step one. But I can’t complain until I get my furniture delivered because I’m afraid they’ll intentionally damage or lose my things. A house full of furniture would definitely not fit in my car. lol
My daughter flew up, then she drove me down. When she, her husband, and my son saw how bad my vision has become (even with glasses), they all decided (without my input) that I shouldn’t be driving for 15 hours on the interstate. So she came up with the baby, visited family, then drove me to her place, where I stayed for a while until my son wasn’t contagious. Then she drove me down here. Her best friend (who lives near her in St. Louis) is from here and visits family often. So Sammi rode back to Missouri with her after visiting her brother for a while.
I don’t envy you the hassle of this move. But I am really happy you’ll be near your family again. (And I hope your movers are better than mine!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry about the problem with the moving company. I called a friend who moved across the states. She said the movers moved her things from truck to truck. In the end, they lost many of her valuable things.
Your input is helpful. I’ll keep searching for a mover. My husband entertained the thought of renting a U-Haul and driving by himself. Worse come to worse, we’ll do it that way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You might be better of with a PODS kind of thing and hiring high school boys. (But PODS really went up in price.) I wish there was a better solution. Good luck!
LikeLike
congrats on your changes and I’m sorry for your loss. I love Chihuly too
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you very much, Beth. The Chihuly artwork is amazing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your MIL, Miriam. Congratulations on the upcoming move. I know you’re super excited to be close to your beautiful family. Congrats on your new book! I look forward to reading it.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Jill. My MIL was 91 years old. She had a fall and everything went downhill. Her Alzheimer’s disease was getting worse. Yes, I’m super excited about the move. My 31 years of stuff overwhelms me right now, but I’ll make it. Thank you so much for reading my book. I appreciate your support.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is going to be a full on few months Miriam. Hold on and go with the flow 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Exactly, Brian. Go with the flow! There’s so much coordination and juggling. We’re still figuring out the best way to move our things 1,000 miles across the states. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Downsize and get someone else to move your stuff but I guess that would be expensive but easier on L’s and your backs
LikeLiked by 3 people
We’re actually getting a bigger place, but decluttering if good.
LikeLiked by 2 people
gorgeous art.. how exciting to be close to your daughter Miram. What a great adventure along with your new book!! Speaks volumes of you!! 💖💖💖
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much, Cindy. It seems to be overwhelming right now, especially sorting out my 31 years of things and packing. Yes, my daughter is my motivation for doing this crazy thing. ❤ ❤ ❤ Thank you for commenting on my book.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re so welcome Miriam. Oh I am so sure of that. It’s a lot. oh my try to leave as much behind as possible and take lots of pics. good luck and I’m thrilled for you with your book!
💖💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Miriam, How exciting that you are moving! Congratulations! When I visited Seattle on a cruise ship, I chanced on the the Chihuly glass exhibition and loved it!!! It is absolutely wonderful – your photos are fab. Toni x
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s wonderful, Toni. Yes, you mentioned visiting Port Angeles on your cruise. How lovely you visited the Chihuly Glass exhibition also. The artwork was stunning. I’m glad I got some nice photos. Yes, I’m excited about the move. It seems to be chaotic right now, but it’ll work out.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congratulations on your great Portland news. I can see your wheels spinning about everything you can do with your grandchildren now.
I gave myself four days off from the blogs while we spent time with our son and his fiancee in Montana. I finished The Winding Road at the Denver airport today. I’ll try and leave a review in the next week. Yours is indeed a test of faith, support, and endurance.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Pete! Yes, the grandkids are my motivation to do everything I’m doing right now. I’ve lived in this house for 31 years. Imagine how much we have to sort out, get rid of, and pack!! In a sense, I’m glad it happens. It’s the best way to declutter! I saw your Facebook post about being with your son and his fiancée. I haven’t done too much blogging since August 11 when I went to see the grandkids, our vacation, and now our move.
I appreciate your support in my book, reading, reviewing, and hosting the tour next week. I look very much forward to the tour.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congratulations on everything, Miriam. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you very much, Kitty! This is exciting! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m sure it is. Happy for you, Miriam. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
So exciting, Miriam. I have finished your book and will get my review written up this week. You have Pete’s URL next to my name – smile!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Sorry about that, Robbie. I’ll make the correction after this comment. Two days ago I texted to give some info to an agent, but I texted to the wrong one! It was a whirlwind the last week. I couldn’t believe it was less than 10 days ago when we talked about the move and I made an offer on a house yesterday and listed our current house. It’s been crazy, but happy crazy!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I am happy that things are happening fast for you, Miriam. There is nothing worse than having to wait around to sell a house.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It happened to me 31 years ago. I got an offer, so I packed everything, but the escrow didn’t go through. I lived in boxes for a long time. With the market around our area, it seems that this time around will go through it faster.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I changed it, Robbie. Thank you for noticing that. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congratulations on your new home! Sounds wonderful to be close to family. I like how you found out about the art exhibit through blogging! And I love your new red hat! 😉
LikeLiked by 3 people
Isn’t it wonderful, Rebecca? Ever since I read about the exhibit from that blogger, I tried to go to Seattle to see it. But there isn’t anything else I want to do in Seattle because I lived there for a year in 1980. Our last trip of spending a day in Seattle was a perfect chance for me to do it. Haha, I love my red hat also! I can’t expect too much from my husband for the photography. I should be happy if he doesn’t tilt me sideways!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Perfect planning all around. I think those hats will be all the rage in Paris next year!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Haha, I couldn’t have planned it better, Rebecca!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Congratulations your new home. to close to family. Amazing arts. Nice your red hat! Beautiful photography!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you very much, Rajkkhoja! I’m very excited about the move to be close to my family.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Where live they?
Thank you so much Mam Mariam!
LikeLike
Congratulations on the book and moving close to your grandkids! The pictures are beautiful!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you very much for your comment, Kimberly! The glass artwork is beautiful. I was happy to see it finally. I look forward to living close to my grandkids!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Your upcoming move came as a surprise. You must be over-the-moon at the prospect of being only 13 minutes away from your daughter and her family. I’m very happy for you!!
I look forward hosting you on September 7.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Over the last few years, I wrote about being close to my daughter as my dream. Yes, I’m over the moon despite the chaos in my current house right now. I saw your wonderful review on Amazon. I can hardly wait to have you share it when you host me on September 7. I look so much forward to it. Thank you very much, Liz!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
You’re most welcome, Miriam!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Did you get my purchase link? The email was not delivered, but it’s in this post though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t get the email, but I found the purchase link last nightl.
LikeLike
This is all such exciting news, Miriam. It’s happening at a whirlwind pace but it sounds like it’s the right time. Congratulations on everything. I hope it all falls into place.
LikeLiked by 4 people
A whirlwind pace is exactly what’s happening, Dan. My house is like a war zone right now. It seems like everything must be done at the same time. I answered the question to the Portland agent using the CA agent’s text. She said I don’t need this info! The Portland seller accepted our offer, so we’ll go forward from here.
LikeLiked by 4 people
It won’t be too long when you’ll be able to put your feet up in a new place and relax.
LikeLiked by 2 people