We're Gonna Go Where We Can Shine

The bags are packed, the car is full and our hearts are heavy with bittersweet emotions as we leave one life to start another. What started out as a faint desire has finally come to fruition and our time here in Seattle has met its end. As I walked through our empty shell of a house this morning I was overcome with sentiment and nostalgia. This was our first home together....so many memories, discoveries, laughs, cries, I love you's, I'm sorry's, and I forgive you's. This home, this city has launched me into my womanhood and I leave here equipped with confidence and understanding who I am and aspire to be.

I have loved this city by the sea and cherish the friendships made. And although I had so badly hoped this would be our final stop my heart told me differently. And just as it does every time, my heart won and we now travel to begin a new life, rekindle old friendships while making new, and digging our heels into a new calling. Oh how I pray we will not succumb to a life of lackadaisical contentment but rather live an intentional and purpose driven life.

Friends, family and those of you I only know through your sweet notes here on Roost....thank you for your continual support, love, encouragment, advice, and accountability. This process would have been dire without you!

So I say farewell to the northwest and hello to the south. I am thankful. I am blessed. And in the words of Emmylou Harris, I am a red dirt girl once again.

Comments

[Maria @ ScandiFoodie]

Good luck with the big move! I'm sure you are going to be just fine and love your new home! :-) Big hugs and safe travels xx

[Egle]

Good luck for both of you! You're making a big step towards your future. Let it be a great one!
Take care, Egle

[Carrie]

Good luck on this new adventure, and setting up a new roost!
Everything you document on your blog is so beautiful. I seek it out when I need inspiration and an uplifting and positive perspective --especially to escape the dark winter over here in Prague. I appreciate you sharing :)

[Cannelle Et vanille]

good luck with move coco. inspirational words indeed.

[Citizette.com]

Wishing you well on your big move!

lizzy

[Natasha]

Oh what a lovely post Coco. Best wishes in your new and exciting adventures ahead!! I can't wait to hear how it all unfolds :)
Natasha xo

[Melissa]

Best of luck on your new journey! I am sure it will be filled with surprises and great things.

[Sarah]

First of all, I LOVE the new design. It's perfect for the occasion. Second, what you said about being brought into womanhood is so true. I'm about to move in with my boyfriend; we found an apartment we love to death and we're crossing our fingers for it to go through. In a city such as San Francisco, I've already learned so much about myself; I cannot begin to imagine what I will learn in the next year. It's a whole new slice of pie.

I know you will flourish, wherever in the world you may be!

[Shanna]

Beautiful. Wow! Your new design is just breathtaking and perfect for spring!!! I wish you the best as you and your husband start fresh in Alabama. oh and that is one of my favorite David Gray songs too;-)

[mary kate]

good luck with your move! i love that picture and quote you posted as well its so lovely.

[Danucite]

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind always be at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall softly upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in his hand...

Dear Coco, this old and very known Irish blessing seemed to me the perfect farewell text for your journey!

[Miranda (Untamed Kitchen)]

Best of luck with your move! I live in Nashville, so I'm not too far from Birmingham. I just saw that my friend Holly is also a reader of your blog...what a small world (we go to the same church)! Now that you're heading south, maybe the three of us can meet someday. You and Holly can discuss design and photography, and we can discuss sugar/grain/dairy free eating and cooking!

[Danielle]

thank you for the words of wisdom and the very best of luck and joy to you for this great step forward!

[fresh365]

Beautiful Coco! Best of luck on your exciting journey. Can't wait to hear all about it!

[Jennifer]

A big move such as this can be so stressful-but can also awaken something within us. Take good care of yourself and your hubby-there's no place in the world like the South!

[Marmy]

Your Marmy and Daddy are wait'in for Y'all with open arms!!!!!! Be safe on your travels!!!! See y'all soon!!!!! xoxoxoxoxo

[laurenbtrain]

yay!welcome home sweetie! xoxo

[deidra]

Even though I only see you every once in a while, I will definitely miss you guys. Have great adventures and make sure you come back for a visit!

[Spicy Bohemian]

This post really speaks to me...such beautiful words. My boyfriend and I are about to move to a new house and the thought of leaving the one that was our first home is bittersweet. We are both excited about the move, but a first home can never be replaced. Good luck with your move! I know you two will do beautifully wherever you are.

[sarah]

Good luck on your move! And your new header is *gorgeous*.

[paula]

Have a safe trip! may be I will run into one day :)

[*holly.]

i hope the move went well, sweet caitlin! cannot wait to see images of your new roost in the upcoming months...enjoy this new time of change and growth. thank you for all your help prior to moving!

[A Life Unhurried]

Coco, I love the new look! And I wish you the very best wishes as you and your husband continue on this amazing journey called life. My husband and I moved away from our friends and family in 2004 thinking that we would see what life abroad was all about for just 2-3 years, but here we are 6½ years later leading a life we never even dreamed of. Life is a curious thing, but we get only one chance at it, so we must make the best of it. "Your life is yours to create. Be grateful for the opportunity. Seize it with passion and boldness. Whatever you decide to do, commit to it with all your strength." -admiringly, Grace

[Tara]

The Stone family wishes you the best! Safe travels!

[The Cupboard:: Hilary]

I have been reading your blog for sometime now and really appreciate what you write about. Thank you for the inspiration, and the best of luck to you and your Mr with your move and new journey!

[Carrie]

Coco - best wishes to you and your husband! An end. A beginning. A life of adventure and happiness to you both.

[Kelsey]

Coco, this is beautiful. Sending boundless love and light your way as you journey "home." :)

[Julie]

I was a joy to know you here in Seattle and see God's powerful work in your life. It is just the beginning and it WILL be filled with purpose and passion. I have no doubt. Much love, Julie

[Kamille]

coco i just now got over here and love your new design, which seems so fitting with the new change in your life. You are more than likely in Alabama at this moment. I was looking at The Civil Wars website to see if they are coming to Seattle and yes, in June. I thought of you! I hope you will get to see:) Welcome into your new home...as you prepare your new Roost!

[heather michelle]

coco, i love your blog. everything is so tasteful from the writing, to the design, to the recipes. enjoy settling into your new roost.

[Abby Maddox]

Can we talk about how beautiful you are?! I noticed Roost's touch-up (love it too BTW :)), so I checked to see how the categories had changed, and was wowed by how stunning that picture of you is. Miss you friend! Dying to see what you captured from your road trip...know that you must have a mountain of things to do before you can blog :)

[Suzanne]

Best wishes and happy adventures on your move!

[redmenace]

Wow! Birmingham. That is far far away, but I've always heard wonderful things. I wish you the best! Seattle will miss you. I'm very happy for you though. xoxoxo

[caryn]

Hope you're getting all settled in! Happy to "have y'all in our neck of the woods"!

[marti]

lovely blog...my friend just pointed me towards it and i see you are moving to my town. what takes you to Birmingham? we are currently based out of Spain but go back and forth a lot...just curious as to why Birmingham? But sure you're going to enjoy...

[cathy]

of all the blogs i read, or have ever read...yours is the.most.beautiful. thank you for sharing your gifts...i can't even recall how i came knocking, but i am grateful i somehow walked through your graceful garden gate and into your refreshing bloggy home!

[Pistachio]

Congratulation on your new adventure!!!!