Prepping to move to Arizona!

Been a little MIA the past few days... I do want to share the New York experience we had this weekend along with finish up posting about some of the changes I recently made around here... but the hubs and I are on a little detour for our focus: We're moving to Arizona! I am experiencing mixed emotions about it. Although I am proud and happy for my hubs (getting a promotion - Lord knows he's put in the TIME!) but... I am an East Coast girl. I've only lived in Jeresy and Florida. I've only traveled several times to New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Georgia - once to Europe (for our honeymoon) and when I came to Florida, we drove from Jeresy to Miami. I know it's going to be different - but with the way I embrace change, I'm SURE this is all good!

Some supportive comments I've gotten from friends is "It's time!", "You're ready for the change!", and "God knows - your work here (in FL) is done - It's time to do work in another area"... This morning it dawned on me, "Wow... I won't be here to decorate my mom's home for Christmas", but as my friend Patricia quickly reminded me this afternoon - "What? So you can't hop o a plane and fly in for a weekend to decorate and fly back out?" So I guess that will be an option. Funny though... last year, for some reason, I sensed we wouldn't be here for another Christmas.

This morning, I stood in the dining room, and while looking at the gallery wall, I was thinking about not only wow - all this stuff has to get packed away, but I was thinking about the changes that have happened here since we moved in 5 years ago this October, and the friends, family and memories we've made here - even without having had a child (except our little Sephora!) My eyes watered....

I'm excited to go explore the new terrain - the new landscape, sites, smells, and buildings. I'm looking forward to meeting NEW people, learning some new tasks or ways to do things... and hopefully also have the opportunity to share some of my diverse New York / Miami style over there. I can see where I will have a new subject to photograph: mountains to replace buildings and cactus to replace trees. I can also see where I think my style may change just a little bit - not so much to change for the seasons, but more to embrace the place where we're at (Jeff has only ever lived in Florida - so this is a huge change for him as well).

This morning I remembered seeing some images in my Ralph Lauren book, my old store manager (now friend) gave me as a gift a few years back. It was inspiring to see a New Yorker's interpretation of the West: natural and camel colored suede, fringe, Aztec-like patterned wool rugs & throws, weathered woods, and of course, silver & turquoise thrown into the mix... and surprisingly, even a few shells... and hey! PONCHOS are in this Fall - woo-hoo!! :)

A part of me wants to go to the total opposite end of the spectrum and look for a loft or modern high-rise so we can take in the majestic views. The other part of me is saying I still may need a painting place out in a back-yard or patio so lets find a Mid-Century modern home... And another part of me says lets go for a one level prairie style home - something reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin. One thing is for sure - we'll be renting for a bit because we're so darn under water here in Florida. Tuesday we get to speak with Jeff's relocation consultant... so instead of writing posts, I'll be spending time writing questions with Jeff for us to discuss with the consultant, as well as a "Must Haves" list for a Realtor to find us a our new place to call home...

Jeff's promotion is to be Store Manager at the JCPenney in Casa Grande. Although for City and symbolism (Phoenix RISING) I'd prefer to live in Phoenix, it may be too much of a commute. We have looked at a few online places in the Chandler area. Thank goodness we recently had the garage sale... but there is still so much that needs to get packed... I wonder how many boxes it will be (lol). One thing NOT getting packed for sure is all that PAINT in the garage!! :)

What do you think? Have you ever lived in or visited Arizona? What's it like??

Feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment...


Thanks for stopping by!!
If you live in Arizona - when I get out there, we'll have to meet up!






20 comments:

  1. What! I was just there! Does that mean I have to fly to Arizona for the next house tour? But I haven't even published this one. :)

    I'm happy for your hubby, Lynda. I'm sure you are feeling overwhelmed. It's time to concentrate on the positive about the move.

    New place to decorate sounds very exiting.

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  2. Lynda,

    Thank you for your sweet comments!!!! I will be stopping by your blog....I am your newest follower! Good luck on your move!
    Courtney @ Charming Little Nest

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  3. Congratulations to your husband! That is a big deal and I know how proud you are of him. I know how you feel. I moved from Tennessee to Germany and then to Michigan and now we are in South Carolina. Change is hard, but with every move it has gotten BETTER!!!! I didn't want to go to Michigan and I loved it there. I was afraid to move to S.C, but I LOVE it here! It will be tough and there will be days that you will think "what the bleepity bleep have we done?!?" but it will be awesome because you are an awesome person! You will make it an adventure!

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  4. Wow, that's a big change for you! You're going from hot and humid to hot and dry! Having lived in California, I've driven through and stayed in Arizona, but only the northern part. Sedona is gorgeous and Flagstaff is in the mountains and beautiful, as well. They are only about 3 hours away. You'll be able to take long weekend trips on the west coast(5 1/2 hours to San Diego) or in Vegas (6 hours). I'm really jealous because there's an In n Out Burger in Casa Grande. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

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  5. As iWas reading I can certainly feel all of your emotions coming through.

    Change is inevitable.


    Rashon aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting

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  6. This will be a great move for you, Lynda! Arizona is beautiful in a very different way and will provide all kinds of new inspiration for you. Good luck!! Busy times. :)
    Heidi @ Show Some Decor

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  7. Wishing you all the best in your next adventure -- and you have such a 'sunny' outlook I know it will be great. Cant wait to see as you embrace a new locale!

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  8. Lynda, I've never lived anywhere but in the South but I have always loved visiting and vacationing in that part of the country. It is beautiful. I'm excited for you both and looking forward to seeing how your style changes and evolves with your new surroundings. Good luck with your home search and selling yours. Mona

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  9. The West is exciting, and although I am a Southerner and now live back in the South, I did live out West for over ten years. It has many things to recommend it, and it still seems quite exotic to me when I visit or travel there now. The little bit that I know of you on the blog and FB tells me that you will embrace it and revel in the differences, although it may or may not be your permanent home. The decorating and dress styles are different, and so are the attitudes, but I think you will enjoy it. Good luck!

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  10. *** Oh HAPPY DAY, Lynda!!! Cassa Grande is just 35 minutes from us... and sending you an e-mail in a few minutes!!!

    Warmest,

    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net

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  11. You picked the BEST time to move here. Welcome!! Work in Chandler, live in Gilbert and would love to introduce you to my town!!
    Beccy@e-executiveassist.com

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  12. Hi Lynda, I was born in Tucson but have never been back there since I was 6 weeks old. However I LOVE Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler and OH MY SEDONA. It is beautiful in a spiritual way. I am so excited for you!! Congratulations!!!!!!!

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  13. Hi Lynda, I've visited Arizona a few times. The few times I did visit, I had a great time despite the heat....but I am a Florida girl, so the heat didn't bother me too much. I'm sure you'll take AZ by storm :)

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  14. Don't worry hot Momma - the feelings you are experiencing are normal. the change will be exciting and scary and that is part of the experience of life. I am secretly happy in that I get you a bit closer to me in CA :) When I moved from MD to CA, I was scared, excited and worried -- 7 yrs later it was the best move I could have done.

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  15. Chandler for sure not Casa Grande.

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  16. Congratulations Lynda!~ I have to tell you...around 7 years ago while visiting Arizona, a Spanish mission to be exact, that is where we were influenced with our design and decor. You are going to love it!~ Sedona brought tears to my eyes, it is just that beautiful, all of Arizona is. The biggest change will be no ocean. Best wishes to you and your husband.

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  17. 1. your hair will be better, no more humidity.
    2. your skin will drink moisturizer by the gallon.
    3. It's really pretty there.
    4. the folks are pretty nice too.
    5. it's still hot.
    6. they sell paint there too.
    7. I'm sure you will love it!

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  18. I know your busy... but I miss your posts!
    I hope all is going well with planing for the move, it must be hard, but at the same time exciting. Keep calm and carry on my friend!
    Miss you,
    Lisa

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  19. Hi Lynda Just found your blog through Artie @ Color outside the Lines. I live in Tucson for the past 6 years, originally from the West Coast/So. Cal area...born and raised! The heat takes *some* getting used to, but remember (the joke here is) "It's a dry heat." :-) We get the best clouds,rainbows and thunderstorms during Monsoon season and the cacti are fabulous! You'll be fine...there is more to do 'culturally' in Phoenix than in Tucson and the Ikea is in Tempe near Casa Grande/Mesa/Gilbert/Chandler. Good luck!!
    ~Laura
    hayestone.blogspot.com

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  20. THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! SO much for all your well wishes, suggestions, tips and advice for our move - you've commented here and emailed as well... It's going to be a HUGE transition, but because of genuinely kind people like you - I' actually looking foward to the adventure!!

    ALSO: A HUGE THANK YOU for all of you taking the time to hang in there during my absence from blogging. I've felt like I've been pulled in a few different directions lately... and even may have (ironically) lost my FOCUS for a moment... But again, your kind words have helped encourage me...

    xo Lynda

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