October 30, 2015

Autumn in the Village


Autumn in the Village. Sigh. It is truly one of the best things I have ever experienced in my life. This is my view as I wash dishes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my neighbors for giving me this view.


This is Maple Street in all it's glory. We happen to be one of the few houses without a maple tree in front of it. I'm currently scheming to correct that, probably as I do each and every autumn.



On Sunday morning my Sweet Man and I had a little Village adventure so I could capture all this beauty. First stop Main Street.


Our Main Street is amazing, brick lined and filled with charming businesses. We make the choice to support them as much as possible. It almost causes me physical pain to go out for dinner anywhere else. Walking to dinner is one of my greatest pleasures in life.


I have lived in so many places, 6 states and nearly 20 cities and I can tell you that I have never lived any place as charming. The people here care about their town and each other.


It has been pointed out to me that even when I go on vacation, I search out towns like the one I already live in. And then I can't wait to get back from my vacation. I think that says it all. I'm boring. And I really love my town.


I know I've shown you the Mouth before. When Main Street dead ends and you look up the hill, this will be your view. It's a little embarrassing how excited I get each fall when it goes up. It's the official sign of the season for me.


Turn left off of Main Street and you will be on Ash St. One of my favorite views during the peak of Autumn.


I love that our town has signs pointing to the library. Because what could be more important than knowing where the books are?


This Italianate house is one of my all time favorites.


I'm a sucker for iron fences.


And picket fences. Also, I see that yellow door and think I would totally be friends with the people living there.


We took a left on 5th off of Ash and followed the signs to the library. The library is like my vacation home.


I love living in a town that can support a library this large. Some of the librarians live in the Village. Take a moment and try to imagine anything better than walking through the Village on your way to work in the library. I've got nothing.


This lamp post is not located in Narnia, but in Lincoln park where Maddie will be getting married next October. There is a beautiful white gazebo that will be perfect for saying her vows.


I'm always a sucker for white houses.


But this log house could not be any prettier putting on a show for autumn!


I hope you enjoyed getting a peek into my life. I am so deep down grateful for this Village life I'm living. It's a life I never could have dreamed I would have. Someone left a comment on my last post saying how lucky I am and that not everyone will have their own home and she was so right. It made me think back on my path to get here and I wanted to give you a little insight into why I am so beyond thankful to have this life, in this home, in this town. I already shared with you how many different places I've lived but what I didn't say is that I grew up with no stability, security or money. I have lived in all kinds of situations including in a trailer, on and off with my grandparents, in an uncle's basement, in rental after rental, in apartments and for one particularly traumatic period, in a motel. So, more than most people, I understand that comment but I am also a testament to the fact that anything is possible in life and you should never stop dreaming and working to make those dreams come true.

33 comments:

  1. Wishing that was my town at the moment. Love it!!!

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  2. Your photos made me dream about owning a house in such a beautiful place! Living a quiet and peaceful life.
    You're words are so true and inspirational! I wish you all the happiness in this world!

    Elisa

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  3. It looks like you live in Mitford, the perfect little town you read about in books. Divine! Even now I am turning over the idea of selling the house and moving down the street ;) Thank you for sharing your home and town. It is the stuff many people's dreams are made of!

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  4. Hi Jen!
    It's Stars Hollow but only better!! I am a sucker for red houses, and iron fences and libraries. You are right. I cannot imagine anything better than walking to my job at the village library (unless it was walking to the village quilt shop).
    Happy Halloween!!!

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  5. Your town is so lovely. I would love to live in a village and be able to walk to the shops, restaurants and library. I am so happy that you have found your true home.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  6. Absolutely beautiful. So happy you found your home after a traumatic past and love your encouragement!

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  7. Your town is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing :)

    P.S. That last paragraph is so,so beautiful, Jen.

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  8. Its so charming, I can see why you love it!

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  9. I am so glad you have found "home." It sounds like you have earned it! Much Love,

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  10. So lovely there! Looks absolutely perfect. Trees and leaves are so beautiful-- unless you have to rake them all up! ;) Have a wonderful weekend sweetie! :)

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  11. Just amazing. I feel as though I am reading a book and listening to wonderful music as I stroll through this post. Thank you for sharing your town with us today.

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  12. What a beautiful place to live! I also live in a small town (under 750 people small) and am the only librarian in our small library. It is not near as charming as yours , but I love it and am very thankful for all that I have as well. I am drinking in every beautiful fall vignette in my most favorite time of the year. Thanks for sharing!

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  13. Darn my daughter for picking Carmel! lol They just couldn't find anything that would work in your Village. Sad!!! You have shown a wonderful life and told a heartfelt story. I, too, believe that anything can be overcome. We have more in common than you know in some ways. God bless you, Jen. I love coming here! xo Diana

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  14. You have come so far. What a beautiful place to call home.

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  15. Thank you so much for the tour! It is so beautiful. I also live in a cute little town in Minnesota, but not as cute as your town. I am also in love with my little cottage - I understand what your house means to you because my house means so much to me! After getting divorced, I was able to buy my own little home. I am so grateful. And after getting divorced, I got my Master's degree and became a Librarian and now i am seeking to get a permanent position as librarian in my little town - I am a substitute now - but it is pure bliss!

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  16. I remember it all just like it was yesterday! So amazingly beautiful. I can't believe there could be a more perfect village anywhere. I've said it before, but I absolutely love how you love your life, JJ. :)

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  17. Jen, your village, your home, and your life are truly wonderful and I love how you cherish all three...like me, you are just so very grateful for the stability in your life and that makes everything around you all the more beautiful.

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  18. I so enjoyed the gorgeous photos of your home town, Jen! It looks like a vacation destination I'd be happy visiting, since I love to walk around and look at lovely old homes and gardens. The trees are lovely wearing their autumn colors! You are truly blessed to live in such a lovely place!

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  19. Thank you for sharing your village with us - it is truly beautiful and charming! Looks like a town straight out of a movie. No wonder you are so grateful to live there after the traumatizing way you grew up. I looked on Google maps to see how far you are from me - only 3-1/2 hours straight down I-65! Hmm...maybe hubby and I should consider moving. ;-)

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  20. You've come home.

    Thanks for the lovely tour, it's a wonderful place and I can't think of anything better than visiting there other than living there!! :)

    Jane x

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  21. That's it! I'm moving! Haha, I wish! Your town is even more beautiful & charming and perfect than I imagined. As soon as I saw the picture with the library sign, I knew why it was one of your favorites -- it would be one of mine as well. Walking to the library and a cute downtown....truly my dream...someday.

    Every one of your posts glows with your thankfulness for your home, life, family & that you never take any of these for granted.

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  22. I can see why you chose The Village to settle down. It is picturesque and cozy.

    I like that you support you downtown shops. We have a mall that I enter about once a year and Steve enters about once every three years. We love our small shops and restaurants and know that if we want to have a cute downtown then we must support it. We have a new Walmart in town and we have never been in it and don't intend to. We prefer to shop small and cute.

    Thanks for the walk through town. All the leaves are spectacular.

    BTW - the only time I visited Indiana (Valparaiso) was on Christmas in 2005. It was cold, but not snowing and all the trees were bare. It's nice to see what my view might have been had I visited in the fall.

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  23. I just loved my tour of your town! Such a beautiful place to live. Sometimes I wish I lived closer to our downtown and I think I would walk more. I understand your feelings, I too have had ups and downs when it comes to homes and I am so blessed to have my home of 25 years. :) Kit

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  24. Thanks for these photos! Wish I lived there. I envy you!

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  25. Hi Jen! :)
    Love that house with the mouth on the front, I would so love them as a neighbor, I bet they are fun people! ;)
    Loved seeing all these photos. And I so agree walking through the village on your way to work at the library...magical and magical! ;)
    Lincoln park looks like such a beautiful spot for your daughters wedding, and in October too, it will be so pretty!
    We are lucky enough to live close to our downtown too and I try to support my downtown as well, I think it is so important.
    You are so right, anything is possible in life and I think your last paragraph was so inspirational!
    Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!
    Kimberley

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  26. What a beautiful place to live. Sorry to ask though, where is this village you're living in. It looks like it's east coast. ?
    It is so charming and to be able to walk to those places especially the library must be glorious.

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  27. Jenn, you are so inspiring. Your IG posts and blog make me so happy. You deserve all of the great things that are in your life now. I am VERY happy for you.

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  28. this is all just so beautiful and your words at the end amazing, thanks for sharing it all with us. what a wonderful inspiring life you have created.

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  29. so lovely! you deserve this little piece of heaven of your own. and i can't tell you how often i fire up realtor.com to see if i could move in down the street ... ;)

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  30. Your sweet town reminds me so much of the town where we just bought our new house. We should be moving in this weekend. I'm looking forward to sharing lots of photos. Don't you just love small town U.S.A.?? : )

    ~ Wendy
    http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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  31. Hello there, lovely pictures as always. Hope you are on the mend. living in the UK (in beautiful North Yorkshire I might add) your town looks like I imagine small American towns to be. It looks so lovely and I love the way you get involved in your community. Your green daughter is fabulous!! Your town reminds me of the houses in Hocus Pocus, and I watch Practical Magic to see the houses, town and most especially the kitchen!! I have been reading your blog since you started it and know how you searched for your 'always' home and community - you really have found it xxx

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  32. Jen, how charming indeed! I simply must come visit your way in 2016, were not to far apart miles wise. Loved your daughters costume as well. I have to say the joy I feel in my heart when you tell us about the girls is precious! Glad your finally home in IN. Even though I long for England I am home in IN as well. Have a lovely week, IN is having its first Indian Summer days in November in many years!! P.S The book shop you posted is my first stop!! Lori

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  33. My brother-in-law and family live in Zionsville but in a subdivision. Now that my husband's retired we are looking at another place to live. I'm going to push for your neck of the woods! ��

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