God has the map, Sit back and Enjoy the ride!
Believe it or not…God has been planning this for a while this past year! I clearly felt called to focus on what fuels my soul, to drop other ventures and downsize my studio and lots of other “stuff”. To seriously clean! I don’t just mean vacuum and dust...I’m talking deep, serious purging here folks…in the mind, body, and soul! The type of cleaning that involves shedding ALL things that didn’t relate to my vision and goals for all things pottery. On the flip side….He had us working on many house related “COVID” projects that little did we know was preparing our home for what was ahead.
In October 2020 we found out that hubby was let go from his job of 15 years. It was news that I think we were a little taken back by at first but after a few months of hearing stories from other employees there that were also let go we truly felt it was a huge blessing! We could tell God had some big plans in the making. It quickly became a time of uncertainty and all we were left with was to cling tightly to God for direction and wisdom….to totally trust Him for all that was ahead. It also became a time of growth, letting go and letting God work in our marriage. And more time to enjoy family and even go on vacation to visit my parents in Hawaii. What a blessing! Ironically it was in Hawaii that Corey applied for a job that had came up. In March we found out after weeks of interviews with a company in Austin, Texas that he got the job! We were over the moon excited! Prayers finally answered. For we know God is always on time (His time) but rarely early! But wait....guess it really meant we’re moving!!! What…to Austin, Texas??!!
A week later Corey, our son, (Austin…yes God planned that!) and I flew to Austin, Texas to check out the city. After getting our rental car, heading out of the terminal, and taking a few wrong turns...we ended up in our hotel which overlooked the Colorado river in downtown Austin. It really reminded us of Portland which for me was a good thing. I’ve lived in Oregon mostly all my life and having a little something to remind me of my roots was a very good thing! Over the next few days we quickly realized that the house hunt was a wild one there to say the least! After looking at quite a few houses we found one that would work for our needs. We placed our offer and was out-bid. We placed offer on another house we had also thought would work. The next day the realtor said we were one of three top bidders! She said to write a letter and submit your final offer by 2 the next day. No pressure! Right?!! The BIG prayers started and letting go and trusting God began once again. To make a long story short, we were on our way back home waiting in Salt Lake City on our layover when we got “the call”. Our realtor said we got the house!!! Thank you GOD!! The tears fell, all praises up began and we gave each other big hugs and mask kisses while everyone around stared at us like we were a bunch of looney birds!
As soon as we got back we started prepping our house in Beaverton to get it put up on the market the following week. The sign went in the front lawn and we immediately had people inquiring. Realtors booked back-to-back showings with their clients over a three day period. We got to know all the coffee shops and restaurants really well in the area that had WIFI so Corey could continue to work and the kids could do online school. Nine offers later we read the letter of a couple from Seattle that touched our hearts. Wanting to start a family in our beautiful home. We could totally see them living and appreciating our home as we did for 16 years. We accepted their offer!
The packing started soon after. OK! Even though we have movers I still wanted to pack up my studio. Everything in its place and a place for everything...I’m a type “A” can you tell?!! As soon as my dear kiln “Susie” (story on how that name came to be will be in a later post) fired her last load she was carefully wrapped in bubble wrap and strapped to the pallet that my husband made. Don’t laugh! This is how Skutt recommends she travels for her safety!
Before packing up all my pottery creations, I decided to have an art sale. So this past Saturday I sold pottery, paintings, art prints and quilt panels that I had created over the years. It was successful sale raising $400 for Charity Water (an organization near and dear to my heart). After the sale I packed up the last bits of pottery and now I am officially waiting our move on June 27th.
So many thanks to the great Pacific Northwest for the beauty and wonderful inspiration for all my art throughout the years. Also, for the beautiful friendships that have developed in and around art and those who have supported me along the way. For my loving and supportive family growing up here and the friends that have developed around their school days. I treasure you all and carry you with me as I embark on this next great adventure! Here’s to new beginnings! I’m beyond excited to see where God leads and has planned for C Street Studio and our family in Austin! I hope y’all keep in touch and I will for sure share things as they unfold.
Many blessings and much love to you all!
~ Christy