“Home is where the heart is
No matter how the heart lives
Inside your heart where love is
That’s where you’ve got to make yourself
At home” – Sally Fingerett
On the first day of this month, I moved into a new home, a quiet sanctuary surrounded by tall evergreens nestled in the foothills of the Willamette valley in Oregon. My four children were all on hand to help me move my belongings upstairs into the studio apartment above the garage.
“Between every two pines, there is a doorway to a new world.” – John Muir
This is actually the first time that I have lived by myself with a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and dining room that I share with no one else. The residents of the main house generously share the laundry room, patio, and garden with me.
“A home is a kingdom of its own in the midst of the world, a stronghold amid life’s storms and stresses, a refuge, even a sanctuary.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
But sanctuary is more than just a place to be. It is also the shelter of connection and hospitality. My daughter-in-law hosted a welcome picnic for me on the shores of Fern Ridge Lake.
And so I begin the process of “coming home to a place I’ve never been before”, and settling into the sanctuary of being myself, connected but independent.
“Within you there is a stillness and sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” – Hermann Hesse
scillagrace 
Welcome to your new home Priscilla! It looks as if the Universe was truly on your side bringing you here, in this beautiful natural environment and close to your family. Your apartment already looks like home and has the feel of a true sanctuary. May your stay here always be blessed 💜
Thanks, Xenia! And thanks for hosting the Lens-Artists!
You’re very welcome! 💜
Wonderful Priscilla. I wish you much happiness, health and joy in this new phase of your life. xx
( I did laugh at you in the water with a mask under your chin though 😉 )
Thanks, Friend! We were being conscientious about the masks, but once on the lake I was far away from anyone, and I wanted my smile to be in the picture!
You definitely don’t need to wear them when you are outside and socially distancing Priscilla 😉
Yeah, but I was occasionally hugging, masked, with my face turned.
I miss hugging 😦
Yeah…. ((((( ❤ ))))))
Thank you my lovely friend x
So happy to hear you arrived safely and were welcomed so beautifully Priscilla. May your new home bring you much joy and happiness
Thanks, Tina!
WOW. I like your place. Looks like sanctuary! Beautiful. (Love that dog shot. ‘You lookin’ at me!’ Ha!)
Thanks, John! Yeah, Charlie will stay and pose, but he’s not all that into it – lol!
Congratulations to your new home, Priscilla! Thank you for sharing your delightful moments and wise words with us. It’s comforting.
Enjoy your new home. 💖
Thanks, Amy! Love your challenge for today!
I love coming home! May this place be the place of your heart’s longing.
Thank you, Michael. My heart is finding much delight here already!