Covid19 Lockdown!

Lockdown has defined itself in many guises for each of us. Some have learnt new skills: my 7 year old can now tie his shoe laces, my 3 year old, wipe his own botty after a poo-poo! Some of us have learnt things about ourselves: Me: I am typically a whirlwind of activity creating fission around me equivalent to a small nuclear explosion! I’m now learning to slooooooow down, take a breath, lift my face to the sun and allow Perspective to flow through me and ignite a passionate focus on how I wish to shape my future and that of my family: My fabulous, skilful, gorgeous husband and my two magnificent sons. What I am yet to learn is how to take a decent selfie, as you can clearly see from our photos & Instagram profile! 

Background

My husband, Vandy and I decided in 2017 to launch a search for a property abroad. We yearn for adventure and more of an outdoor life for us all. We also welcome the brain training of learning a new language.

We had a quick look in Spain but my love and experience of Italy prevailed. Vandy had spent time in the country snowboarding and also learning the fashionable floor, wall and surface finishing technique of ‘Microtopping’© (which will be showcased in the house) amongst other skills, in Venice and had developed his own affinity with all things Italian too.

We viewed 100s of properties online, agreeing on none! I was searching with my heart and he his head (…yawn!)

Clarity

When ‘Lockdown’ struck.....Vandy was permitted to continue working, as a carpenter and project manager. I however was plunged into full time motherhood. I am no home educator and my need to get OUT is like that of an over exuberant puppy! The first weeks were exceptionally challenging. The big age gap between the boys makes occupying and entertaining them 24/7 a real test....which I scored badly in, repeatedly! (competitive, me?!)

Then, somehow, I had a rare moment of clarity and I found myself making a choice to start following ‘the path of least resistance’ and our household became much calmer and, surprisingly, more productive. As a consequence I could access areas of my brain other than my ‘fight or flight’ zone, which was being maxed out! I acknowledged that the four of us were the worst versions of ourselves when simply transitioning through life from day to day. We were un-living. I was thus inspired and confirmed to myself that I did have the courage to find my own way and the confidence to follow my heart to realise my dreams. 

And at that moment, the stars aligned and the Universe revealed to us: La Casa della Vita!

Plan

Phase 1: Finish the house! Vandy + local tradesmen. Landscape the garden, me + help! Estimated completion date: Summer/ Autumn 2023 (fingers crossed!) Although Covid-19 restrictions/ Italian bureaucracy have seriously delayed us.

Phase 2: We’ll stay at La Casa during most school holidays and some additional weekends but welcome you to stay there any time we’re not!

If you organise group activity trips (climbing, biking, art, cooking, yoga etc) please contact me to discuss reserving your choice of week in advance.

Gratitude

A special thank you from the bottom of our hearts to A and M who sold us the house and guided us through the entire purchase process from our first enquiry (on July 5 2020) to the signing of the deeds (on August 13 2020!) with patience, trust and kindness.
If you too wish for a life change check out the agency ‘Immobiliare Liguria di Costa Renza’, Albenga, IT.

Thank you with all my heart to my late step father who gathered life giving hope from the darkest depths of his soul where others could see no hope left. Hope is stronger than fear.

And a tip o’ the cap to these persuasive words from Mark Twain:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails”