City Life to Country Life in a Victorian Farmhouse

Welcome to the 175th Metamorphosis Monday!

Greetings!  Hope you had a wonderful weekend!  I’m excited today to introduce you to Karianne who blogs at the beautiful blog, Thistlewood Farms.  A while back KariAnne and her family went through a big metamorphosis and her story is inspiring, as well as beautiful.  Enjoy!

Hello, Between Naps On the Porch readers!  I am so excited to be visiting here today.  My name is KariAnne and I blog over at Thistlewood Farms.

And I want to introduce you to my porch.  And my little hopes and dreams.  Have you ever had a dream?  Something that you thought was unattainable, out-of-reach, pie-in-the-sky.  A dream that you put away on a shelf and took out only when life was at its most overwhelming. A dream that you never thought in your wildest imaginings would ever come true. And when life twists and turns as it must and you are tossed and tumbled….emerging a little rough around the edges….that dream is all you have to sustain you.

But sometimes….when you least expect it. When you have given up all hope. Your dream somehow becomes reality. Dreams are funny like that.

This is the story of our dream.

You see….we lived in the hustle bustle world of a big city with all the lights and fanfare that a big city has to offer. There were restaurants and shops and movies and plays and museums and malls and lots and lots and lots of stuff. And everywhere you looked, there were people pushing and shoving and climbing to the top, arms overflowing with all their stuff.

And my husband was on the fast-track in a tall skyscraper in the middle of that very very big city with all of its fast-paced allure and overwhelming responsibilities. And although we were happy with our four children in our hustle bustle house with our hustle bustle lifestyle….we were so busy.

Maybe too busy.  Too busy for each other.  Too busy for our family.  But amidst all of that busy….was a dream. A dream of a place where life was simpler. A place where our children could run and breathe and grow without all of the constraints of an overwhelmingly fast-paced lifestyle.
A place where the all of the busy and the hustle and bustle and the noise and the clamor could end in a screeching stand-still.  A place where you could see the stars.

But the merry-go-round was spinning faster and faster.  Life was becoming one giant blur, sailing by at lightning fast speed.  And we felt like we spent all of our time and energy just trying to keep up.

 

Then one day in church, the pastor preached a sermon entitled, “Just Jump.” He spoke of listening to your heart and the Lord and if you felt like there was an insurmountable dream….you shouldn’t be afraid….you should jump.

And we heard his words and they spoke to the very center of our hearts.

 

And we wanted to jump as far and as fast as we could.  But we were afraid.  We were so scared.  We couldn’t just jump off the merry-go-round.  Or could we?

 

The doubts were swirling around and around in our heads.  But there it was…..a still small voice saying…..

…..“jump.”

Not “jump” in all caps, but “jump” in tiny, small, timid, little letters.

And so we did……jump, that is.

We jumped from the hustle and bustle and busy to a still, quiet, beautiful countryside with acres and acres of land to run and play and….breathe.

It has been five years since that first jump and our family continues to grow and thrive. The move has had its challenges and blessings. Sometimes I miss the hustle and bustle. I miss the convenience of a drive-thru diet coke. And sometimes it’s a little hard when everyone knows your name (and all your business).

Truthfully, sometimes I miss the busy.  And then I walk outside on a crisp, clear, April night….take a deep breath….and I see the stars.

PS If you would like to follow along on our journey, please stop by and visit my porch at Thistlewood Farms.

thistlewood farm
the journey of making a house into a home

KariAnne, thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story!  Change is sometimes scary and yet often, so rewarding.

Looking forward to all the beautiful Before and Afters linked for this Metamorphosis Monday!

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Metamorphosis Monday:
If you are participating in Metamorphosis Monday you will need to link up the “permalink” to your MM post and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on your post name, then just copy and paste the address that shows up in the address bar at the top of your blog, into the “url” box for InLinkz.

In order to link up, you’ll need to include a link in your MM post back to the party.

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Let’s try something fun today! Please visit the person who linked before you and after you…that way everyone will get some visits. Hope you’ll visit more, of course.



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Comments

  1. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says

    I love Karianne, her writing, her photos, her home, her sweet southern (Kentucky is in the south right?) heart…

    Jessica
    stayathomeista.com

  2. Heaven's Walk says

    Oh how I adore Karianne, Susan! Thank you so much for featuring her today! Her writing style is always so delightful and inspiring along with the plethora of interesting stories she always has to tell. Her home is truly a reflection of her creativity and style! 🙂 Love that girl! 🙂

    xoxo laurie

  3. thistlewoodfarm says

    Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful opportunity. Your readers are truly amazing.

    Wishing you a wonderful Memorial Day!

    blessings,
    karianne

  4. 1CardCreator says

    I just love Kariannes style!

  5. melissa@joyineveryseason says

    loved this post! hurrah for county life!!

  6. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    I've always love KariAnne's home. So beautiful! I never get tired of looking at it. Thanks for hosting and Happy Memorial Day.

  7. Eclectically Vintage says

    Kari has an amazing home and spirit!
    Kelly

  8. Oh what a beautiful dream come true. Your home IS a dream and I am going to hop over to your site KariAnne. I am reminded of the poem by William Henry Davies…."What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare"…..
    Susan, thank you for hosting this.

  9. County Line Road says

    Awesome story. I wish we could all be as brave as you! And I love the colors used on the patio. Lovely!

  10. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    Love Karianne and her blog is definately a fine one to share. What a wonderful story she has!

    Thanks for hosting a wonderful linky party, Susan.

  11. What a wonderful post!! I love everything, but cannot imagine living with all of that white and children (mine must have been extra messy!). That all white kitchen is to "die for"!! So admire this family for taking such a leap of faith!!

  12. fiona anderson says

    Thanks for hosting. I've also seen Kari's house before, but I never tire at looking at her stunning home !

  13. The Cottage Market {Andrea} ♥ says

    kari is so special! lover her! : )

    thanks for yet another beautiful party my friend! hugs…

  14. Liz - Imageremix says

    KariAnne, Your jump looks like it landed you in just the right spot. I love your story and your beautiful home. Thank you for reminding us that we are not stuck! And thanks so much for the party, Susan!
    Liz

  15. Karianne has a beautiful home. I love her story and the fact that she shares her JUMP courage. Thanks Susan for hosting a greay party and thanks for Karianne for you super funny blog. You crack me up often.

  16. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    This is a lovely home! Thanks for sharing! Thank you for hosting another great link party!

  17. Catherine {Stone and Rose} says

    Beautiful home! Thank you for sharing and for hosting!

  18. martinealison says

    C'est une très jolie demeure… Merci pour ce merveilleux partage.
    Gros bisous

  19. Tiffany Interiors, LLC says

    Love the balance and symmetry in her design. Such a beautiful home!

  20. Cyndi ✪ Blue Star says

    Thanks for sharing such a lovely home!!

  21. Hi Susan! How was the wedding!! You know we can't wait to see snaps! Thank you for featuring this lovely house! It's just gorgeous.
    be a sweetie,
    shelia 😉

  22. twelve-O-eight says

    Thank you for hosting each week!

    Hugs, Tanya 🙂

  23. Omg! Just a cute house. Love the girls bedroom.

  24. What a Gorgeous Home!! Thank you so much for hosting this inspirational party! Deidre~ http://simplysimplisticated4.blogspot.com

  25. I have been a fan of Karianne for a little while now, and I absolutely love her home. I did not know the story behind it all, but now I know why I like her so much, because she is me…in the future….I hope! I would love nothing more than to move my kids to the country side, and forget all about the city life, and I would love to do this before they are too big to enjoy it. Thanks for sharing her beautiful home with us Susan.

  26. Laura @ cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot says

    Susan,

    What a pretty home! Thanks for sharing that with us -truly inspiring.

    Thank you for hosting! I appreciate it,
    Laura

  27. Lorraine says

    How wonderful to see Karianne’s home! She has done an amazing job!
    Blessings, Lorraine

  28. Congratulations on your move Susan. Just trying the comment section to see how it works.
    Meg

  29. allisamazing says

    What a beautiful home! Thanks for hosting.

  30. Melissa@joyineveryseason says

    loved this post! hurrah for county life!

  31. Oh what a beautiful dream come true. Your home IS a dream and I am going to hop over to your site KariAnne. I am reminded of the poem by William Henry Davies….”What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare”…..
    Susan, thank you for hosting this.

  32. Catherine (Stone and Rose) says

    Beautiful home! Thank you for sharing and for hosting!

  33. Erin @ The SavvySeeker says

    What a beautiful story and a beautiful home! I bet a lot of folks can relate to wanting to give up the hustle and bustle of city life! I know I can! Thanks again for sharing!

  34. Vickie H says

    Nice….really nice.

  35. Laura @ cookiecrumbsandsawdust says

    Susan,

    What a pretty home! Thanks for sharing that with us -truly inspiring.

    Thank you for hosting! I appreciate it,
    Laura

  36. I have been a fan of Karianne for a little while now, and I absolutely love her home. I did not know the story behind it all, but now I know why I like her so much, because she is me…in the future….I hope! I would love nothing more than to move my kids to the country side, and forget all about the city life, and I would love to do this before they are too big to enjoy it. Thanks for sharing her beautiful home with us Susan.

  37. What a Gorgeous Home!! Thank you so much for hosting this inspirational party! Deidre~

  38. twelve-O-eight says

    Thank you for hosting each week!

    Hugs, Tanya 🙂

  39. Hi Susan! How was the wedding!! You know we can’t wait to see snaps! Thank you for featuring this lovely house! It’s just gorgeous.
    be a sweetie,
    shelia 😉

  40. Cyndi @ Blue Star says

    Thanks for sharing such a lovely home!!

  41. Tiffany Interiors, LLC says

    Love the balance and symmetry in her design. Such a beautiful home!

  42. martinealison says

    C’est une très jolie demeure… Merci pour ce merveilleux partage.
    Gros bisous

  43. Betsy @ coastal-colors says

    This is a lovely home! Thanks for sharing! Thank you for hosting another great link party!

  44. Liz-Imageremix says

    KariAnne, Your jump looks like it landed you in just the right spot. I love your story and your beautiful home. Thank you for reminding us that we are not stuck! And thanks so much for the party, Susan!
    Liz

  45. Classic Casual Home says

    Great introduction …I feel more relaxed just reading this post.

  46. The Cottage Market (Andrea) ♥ says

    kari is so special! lover her! : )

    thanks for yet another beautiful party my friend! hugs…

  47. Fiona Anderson says

    Thanks for hosting. I’ve also seen Kari’s house before, but I never tire at looking at her stunning home !

  48. What a wonderful post!! I love everything, but cannot imagine living with all of that white and children (mine must have been extra messy!). That all white kitchen is to “die for”!! So admire this family for taking such a leap of faith!!

  49. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    Love Karianne and her blog is definately a fine one to share. What a wonderful story she has!

    Thanks for hosting a wonderful linky party, Susan.

  50. County Line Road says

    Awesome story. I wish we could all be as brave as you! And I love the colors used on the patio. Lovely!

  51. Eclectically Vintage says

    Kari has an amazing home and spirit!
    Kelly

  52. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    I’ve always love KariAnne’s home. So beautiful! I never get tired of looking at it. Thanks for hosting and Happy Memorial Day.

  53. thistlewoodfarm says

    I just love Kariannes style! Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful opportunity. Your readers are truly amazing.

    Wishing you a wonderful Memorial Day!

    blessings,
    karianne

  54. Heaven's Walk says

    Oh how I adore Karianne, Susan! Thank you so much for featuring her today! Her writing style is always so delightful and inspiring along with the plethora of interesting stories she always has to tell. Her home is truly a reflection of her creativity and style! 🙂 Love that girl! 🙂

    xoxo laurie

  55. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says

    I love Karianne, her writing, her photos, her home, her sweet southern (Kentucky is in the south right?) heart…

  56. Gorgeous home. I enjoyed the tour! Thanks for hosting.
    Sherry

  57. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    Very familiar with Karianne. Thanks for hosting.

  58. Karianne is just fabulous! She is super sweet and I love her home. Thanx for hosting such a great party!

  59. Kathleen says

    Thank you for hosting this wonderful party!

  60. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    So happy to see one of my favorite bloggers over here sharing her beautiful story and beautiful home!

    🙂

    Linda

  61. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    WOW! I’m so glad KariAnne and her family took the big leap and are sharing their journey with us. I’m headed over to see her in a bit.

    Susan, I’m sure you are having “the day after” emotions following yesterday’s wedding of your sweet boy and his new bride. Congratulations to all and God’s richest blessings upon the newlyweds! I can’t wait to hear/see your update.

  62. Excellent message and thoughts Karianne! I am so on board of your desire to return to a ‘quiet and less-hectic’ lifestyle. We are about to move this summer and it will be a return to a much less hectic life than what we have been living the past three years. I feel as if a huge weight is about to be lifted off of my shoulders, that our family will be able to just breathe. It’s difficult to put yourself into a life of change, but that’s where I believe we grow as individuals the most. Congrats Karianne to you and your family for making the change that you needed and I wish you many more years of experiencing the joyful rewards from the risk you took. Thank you Susan for featuring Karianne today and for hosting too! Heather 🙂

  63. Susan,
    Karianne has a beautiful home.Thank you for hosting.Have a great week.
    ((Hugs))
    Anne

  64. What a beautiful house Karianne has. Congrats to her and her family on having the courage to jump!…Christine

  65. Debbiedoo's says

    LOVE Karianne and her home, it is just stunning! Have a wonderful Memorial day Susan and thanks for hosting!

  66. Aimee-ItsOverflowing says

    Thanks for letting me come over and party with you! Thistlewood Farm is breathtakingly beautiful! KariAnne is AMAZING!!! XO, Aimee

  67. Have an awesome week!
    xox

  68. Jana@Transformations From the Heart says

    Happy Memorial Day!
    I enjoyed reading KariAnne’s story and seeing her blog. Thanks for sharing and thank you for hosting.
    Have a great day. :0)

  69. Alderberry Hill says

    Thanks so much for hosting!

  70. What a beautiful story! And what a beautiful home! Off to check out Thistlewood Farm!

  71. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    What a beautiful home, Susan! Thanks for sharing…and for hosting! How was the wedding? Happy Memorial Day!…hugs…Debbie

  72. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    Goodmorning Susan and KariAnne – beautiful story – gorgeous home – I can completely understand – my husband is a preacher and in 1993 he told me – with some trepidation – that he wanted to start a church in his hometown – I told him I knew it and that led to our big ‘jump’ to a very small, rural town – lovely old home and dreams coming true every day – thank you for sharing your blessing, thank you Susan for hosting and i hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day –
    God Bless,
    Kathy

  73. Shirley@Hospitality Designs says

    I have been a very happy follower of KariAnne….she is a beautiful person inside and out…her home is gorgeously decorated with the magical touches of Kari…from the Mac and Cheese kitchen to the cutest girls’ bedroom on earth….I love her attitude and endearing and inspirational posts…She will make you smile…..every day!

  74. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    Thank you so much for hosting, Susan! I adore everything about Kari’s new space in the country!! I hope you enjoy your holiday!
    Karah

  75. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    I love Karianne and she knows I want to move in her home. She just has to move over. Also waiting for her home to show up in Country Living.

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