I lived over half a century in the same state, and then felt the overwhelming urge to move halfway across the country and replant myself in a state I had visited only once. This has caused me to redefine what home really is. Is it a place where we grow up and more times than not settle our adult lives in? Or is it a place that calls to our very soul and says, “come”? I have come to believe in the latter, as I find I am in love with my “new” home of Portland, Oregon. Oh, I enjoyed Minnesota all those years; I wasn’t miserable. But something in me felt a pull, a resonating as I traveled to Oregon in 2010 for a retreat, in a place that was actually outside of Portland. But I remember as I sat in the airport, waiting to board the plane to Portland, I heard a voice in my head saying, “I’m going home!” And as soon as I set foot in Oregon, I knew that one day, this place would be my home. It is a love affair here that I have with my pretty city. Every day I wake and say to myself, “another beautiful day in Portland!”, not mattering one bit if it is a grey day or a bright sun filled day. And I find other “homes” within my home. There are the two coffeehouses that I love more than all the others; one that plays the music I love and has the best caramel to add luscious flavor to my coffee, and the other one that makes the best marionberry bars and has the quaint outdoor patio that is almost meditative on a lovely Portland morning. I have also found the teashop that is akin to being in my home, with comfy over-sized chairs to sit in and the most delicious teas, both hot and cold. And then there are my two favorite parks; one that is close to my home and has gently sloping hills covered with massive, older trees that provide welcome shade on a summer day, and the other park which has an area of native grasses and plants, along with a pond full of playful fish and lovely lily pads. As I get ready to board the train in a few hours that will take me to family and friends I haven’t seen for six months, I say to myself that I am going back to Minnesota, but I will be coming home to Portland.
Words From the Moon 
Comments on: "The definition of home" (9)
Portland is a lovely area. I understand what you mean as I came to Brazil 10 years ago and knew instantly that this is where I am supposed to be. I have never regretted moving here. I turn 68 this Thursday. Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks although my Portuguese is a bit wobbly. Thanks for visiting Source of Inspiration. Hugs, pat
Isn’t it wonderful Pat, when we find that place that really means “home” to us? I have been in Minnesota the past couple weeks, visiting my family and friends, yet I still miss my pretty city, my Portland – it is my love! And thank your for following my blog – I hope to add more when I am back home – in Portland!
Hi Words From the Moon,
I’ve nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger Award,
so please visit my blog for acceptance.
Lauren 🙂
I also look forward to visiting you more in the new year. I’m playing catch up from the holidays…Happy New Year, too!
Hi Lauren- Thank you so much for the nomination – that is such an honor as I have not been blogging for very long, or really even writing for that long either. I went to your blog for acceptance, but I cannot for the life of me figure out what I need to do – help! I am very computer and social networking illiterate – for a long time the thought of a blog was overwhelming – but I like it now 🙂 So if you could guide me a bit I’d be ever so grateful – Thanks again, Kathy
Hi Kathy,
First of all, you’re very welcome and blogging time makes no difference! I plan to visit you more, too, in the new year. 🙂
Regarding the award, you need to copy and paste my post onto a “new post” page on your blog. You can modify the acceptance speech.
Then you need to choose other blogs, replace their links with mine, on your page. Once you’re done posting this, you need to notify each of them of their nomination.
You also need to copy the image onto your blog right sidebar. This is done by right clicking on the image (from my post), then click “view image”, then copying the URL, go to widgets on the WP dashboard, drag the IMAGE widget to your sidebar, paste the URL in the appropriate spot, type in the title, the size I use is 150×150, then save it. It should work. This is how I do it, but there may be other ways, too! This is also a lot of information, but I hope it all makes sense.
I know you’re going to be completely overwhelmed, so let me know if you need help again! It took me a few times to feel comfortable doing this…(and my son’s help!)… 🙂
You’re right, I am very overwhelmed! It may be a bit before I’m up to trying this – I get frustrated very easily with computer issues – I have not too long ago learned how to copy and paste! But I will give it a try when I feel brave – thanks for your help! Kathy
Dear Kathy,
Take your time, most importantly, I wanted to nominate you and I wanted others to find your blog, as well! I’m also trying to balance life, reading and writing~ 🙂
Lauren
I would LOVE to retire to Oregon one day. It IS my bucket list. You are blessed to call it home!
Yes, I am very blessed to live here – Portland is truly a magical place! I hope your dream to retire here comes true – I love being a Portlander and I’m sure you would too!