I remember finding my first geode. My husband and I were splashing though a rushing mountain stream on a camping trip in Wyoming. I was stepping over a small log that had fallen across the water when the pile of rocks I was standing on shifted and down I went into the icy water. As I hauled my dripping self up, I was delighted to find clusters of sparkling crystals inside an otherwise drab little rock near my hand. I still have both the geode and a scar on my thigh from the fall to remind me that the unexpected often results in something special.

WeeHavyn came to us in a similar way. She is tucked on a back street that, although only two blocks from where I worked, I had never been on. Our search for a new home took us all over town and we drove by her several times without really looking closely at that small beige house on the corner with the messy lawn. Then one day after looking at a particularly unimpressive house in our humble price range, we drove by WeeHavyn on my way back to work. Like the sudden flash of sun on crystal, I noticed how cute she was. I was thrilled to find she fit in our budget and within six weeks we moved into our new home.

We were once again downsizing. I sold my little herd of goats and all the trappings that went with them, donated the horse to a local boys ranch, and sold the horse-trailer. We rented a small storage unit for tools and the washer and dryer set until we could find a place for them in the house. It took us a couple of months to get the wash area done and another few months to get the tools and toolbox in the crawlspace.

Our cat Piawacket lounges on his loveseat in WeeHavyn. He graciously allows us to sit on it.

WeeHavyn suits our lifestyle delightfully. She has just enough space, is easy to keep clean, and combines the charm of an older home with the conveniences of a new one. She is within easy walking distance of everything but the grocery store. Because of her size and location we have both been able to pursue long-standing dreams. My husband has gone back to college, which is only two blocks away. I have started my own business and no longer have to spend my days somewhere I’d rather not be. Our debts are being eliminated one by one and in seven years we will, for the first time in our adult lives, have no house payment. Life is good!

We’ve only purchased four pieces of furniture since we moved in; a bed, a dining set, a loveseat, and a desk for the loft. WeeHaven’s small size forces us to consider everything we bring in. I’d like to say we are all finished purging forever, but I’m afraid that would not be the truth. I still have some things stored in the tiny attic that I need to go through and either put to use or send to a new home. Perhaps the most important lesson this journey has taught me is that living simply isn’t a destination but a process. It really never ends.

• Hanging On – Steps to Simplifying Part 1
• Letting Go – Steps to Simplifying Part 2
• Even Less – Steps to Simplifying Part 3
• Walking the Path – Steps to Simplifying Part 4