I have lived at 206 for over 6 years. I love this apartment, it helped me settle into Hoboken & New York life hardly knowing a single soul in the area, let alone in this country.
It helped me wish, grow and manifest all the dreams I’ve been collecting on the walls in the forms of art, lists and visionboards.
I lived for over 2 months with just a blow up bed, curtains and a few DVDs to keep me company and as I think back to that milestone in my journey, I think about the tremendous amount of soul searching and reflection that takes place when you move away on your own, sit alone and wonder what this new life is going to be like. Its not all been sunbursts and marble halls and at times in the first few years of being here, I felt like I could give up making this new life my own in this new country. I was determined to make things happen and took each day as one small step.
I filled the walls with large paintings to help me settle in, I bought furniture, I met new people and invited them in, I formed new friendships and eventually made 206 a home. In the last 6 years, there have been many parties, friends to stay, help given, help offered, meals prepared, conversations, contemplations, art created, girly chats, crying sessions! businesses created and creative dreams realized. So much emotion and memories are in these walls.
Blue sky & trees overhead from my “step of contemplation”
For those of you who are a friend on facebook, you know I love to sit on my front stoop “The Step of Contemplation” I call it. Where many conversations with friends, neighbors, the trees (I love my trees) and the universe have taken place. I have a story to tell you, a story that reinforces how important it is to tell the universe things, put them out there, dream, visionboard, talk about your dreams, ideal world and the life you intuitively know should be yours.
It begins a few months ago, when I sat on that very step and finally told the universe that 6 years on, I was ready to move forwards, find a new home and live my new life completely. It’s full of serendipity and I cant wait to tell you. I want to dedicate a whole blog post to this story, so here is the link to the ‘Apartment Story blog post’
Hi, I'm Louise and thank you so much for visiting me here. I am a mixed media artist, who is passionate about combining the healing energy of nature and color with the meditative process of mandala making
Congratulations on the new place Louise! I am super excited to read your next post! It's so important to take pause and give thanks for where you have been before you take your next steps. SO glad to hear that 206 helped you safely grow and become the woman you are today, full of gifts to share with the world. xo
Dearest sweet Louise, you have such fond memories of your apartment and i just love reading this post so much so that i read it 3 times. 🙂 Makes me feel like i am sititng there with you listerning to your story. Looking forward to wednesday post! Moving forward is wonderfu..a new home and a new life sounds really exciting! Have a lovely merry happy week and love to you!
i can.t wait to hear the rest of this story…you have me hooked beautiful friend. i can see a novel in print in the future…"lessons i learned from 206" by louise gale. i will be the FIRST to buy it. and you could illustrate it with your art. YES. what a wonderful idea i just had.
hoping there is a smile on that lovely face of yours today my dear.
xo
c
can't wait to hear more about it! best wishes to you with your new move! it's so lovely to hear where it all started with 206 🙂
xo, juliette
I saw this from Jodi Hill that said: She wasn't where she had been. She wasn't where she was going…. but she was on her way. I thought of you and your sweet story! I can't wait to hear the rest.
Oh, what a wonderful post and so lovely to hear how dreams have been made and met all at 206 🙂 I look forward to hearing how the magic unfolded 🙂 xx
You know I love these kinds of stories! I totally believe in how we get what we need, we just have to be paying attention and use a bit of courage!
Can't wait for your story on Wed.
Louise, I'm so excited for you!
A new home, studio, AND e-course.
I'll definitely pop back on by Wed. to
read more of your story. I can't wait
to see some pics of your new home/
studio.
xo
Many Blessings in your new home. I am so exited for you and so inspired by you! I can't wait for the next post! Congratulations on you new home.
A big and brave step, I think. Wishing you all the best in your new home! (Looking forward to hear all about it!)
Louise, what a beautiful post. I can't wait to read the next one! You are my inspiration! I moved to Northern Ontario from the UK just 4 months ago. I'm not alone, we are two, but Jeez it's a big step! I identified with a lot of what you said and also take comfort in your success. Thank you so much for sharing. It's funny how a building can be so…dear to you isn't it? I have very fond memories of my 'first' apartment on my own, just six years ago. And now I feel very safe and content here in this house with my partner. Funny, I've never felt so 'at home' anywhere else as these two places!
I wish for you everything you wish for yourself. Take care
Ro xx
You're inspiring Louise! Looking forward to Wednesday, can't wait to hear the story. 🙂
Come on over to my blog, I'm having my very first Giveaway!
♥Jenny
I love this post Louise. It just goes to show you never give up! I can't wait to hear the rest of the story!
xx oo
Gosh Louise, this is a beautiful post! I can't wait to read your story on Wednesday. Hope you'll have a new "Step of Contemplation" at your new address where you can continue to converse with the universe. Congratulations on all the wonderful events that are taking place in your life.
Louise, this story made me smile… I cant wait to read the next post 🙂
I love the honesty of this post. I remember when I first moved to Japan, also knowing hardly anyone, wondering how to make a new life in a strange place, but bit by bit turning the adventures into my every day. Friends back home thought it was all glamorous – and some of it was – but it's all the bits in between that make it a real life.
Raising a glass to the next step of your real life Xx