06/13/2026
Today, June 12th,
I celebrate 7 years living in the Enchanted Forest, and I am so incredibly grateful. Transitioning into tiny living, island living, forest living, mountain living, rural living, and living in the quietest place I have ever encountered has been a HUGE shift compared to the first 3/4 of my life. I have learned so much about the beauty of silence, solitude, contemplation, downsizing, simplifying, and especially about the wildlife that surrounds me in the Enchanted Forest and along the shores of the Salish Sea.
My first visit to this island was with my sister for an Artist Studio Tour 8 years ago. I think I fell in love as soon as we drove onto the ferry! I went right home after the visit and set up an alert on Zillow for properties that might open up. Although I prayed about purchasing something, I was going through a tough situation at the time and thought it was more of a dream for another time. BUT God was on the move, and within months, I was visiting again with my sister to view several properties that happened to be within my price range.
I remember stepping onto the deck of this place and hearing the chorus of birds that sang in the forest. The hair on my arms stood on end, and I just knew...it was a God thing. I went home and made an offer that was accepted right away! I was greeted by a deer in my driveway the very first time I drove up to pick up the keys. It was the best welcome ever!
It is definitely a rustic and unusual lifestyle, and sometimes I have to do maintenance and tasks that I wish I didn't have to do, but every day brings joy, peace, healing, or laughter. I am celebrating with a grateful heart today and hope there are many more years left to enjoy the Enchanted Forest and share it with you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11
