• Home
  • Our Authors
  • Blog
  • Events & Giveaways
  • Privacy Policy

Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Forging Our New Path, part 1

December 2, 2020 By D'Ann Mateer

I promised I’d let you know where we landed after our whirlwind departure from Austin. But since our furniture has yet to arrive, I’ll do this in two parts.

We returned to the place where we (mostly) raised our kids. Where my sisters both live. Where my parents are as well. My two married couple kids (and grand baby!) are both much closer as well.

Here’s the fun part: when we were dreaming about empty nesting, long before the Austin job appeared, we dreamed about being able to live in an adorable new neighborhood in our town. It was near the historic district, and all the new homes being built in that neighborhood had a more historic feel. But we knew it would mean downsizing quite a bit, and we weren’t quite sure how we felt about that. Besides, we would likely have to build because houses in that neighborhood very rarely hit the market. And they didn’t sit unsold for long.

Fast forward to October. Again we dreamed of living in this neighborhood. And now the smaller square footage seemed enormous to us after our tiny condo. Then there was the actual house for sale, which seemed like it would fit us to a T. Only just as we knew we were, indeed, returning, the house went off the market! My response: I guess that wasn’t our house. (Said with a heavy sigh.)

Long story short, it wasn’t off the market because it wasn’t our house. I believe it went off the market because the Lord was saving it for us! The Friday before Thanksgiving, we closed and moved in. We had a bed, 2 barstools, and a futon sofa to sit on. We had clothes, a few kitchen things, a TV. Not even wifi! But we settled in easily in spite of all that. And we discovered what a wonderful neighborhood this really is!

So I’ll start with some of my joys outside of our new home.

First, we have a tree that changes color in the fall! Isn’t it lovely?

Second, a side and back view of no houses! Behind us is the alley and a tree line. Beside us is a path that leads to the clubhouse and pool or down to some winding back trails through the neighborhood. It also has a tire swing ready for some old-fashioned fun. Quite a change from the city scape that has been our view for a few years.

Third, we figured walking the sidewalks would be great, but then we discovered these lovely back trails! And the green spaces built into the neighborhood, too. Add in the large city park across the street from the development and you have your choice of outdoor walking spaces.

Finally, it just makes me smile when I drive or walk down the street and see homes in the style of a different era. It is a tight-knit community as well, very friendly and sociable people, many in our same stage of life.

Add to all of that the wrap around porch in front and the porch/deck in back, and there you have it! A neighborhood above and beyond even our high expectations!

The house itself? I think it’s a dream! But you’ll have to wait a couple of weeks for part two!

What is your favorite part of your neighborhood?

The following two tabs change content below.
  • Bio
  • Latest Posts

D'Ann Mateer

Inspired by novelist Eugenia Price, D’Ann’s dream of writing historical fiction with an element of faith began in middle school, though her serious drive toward publication took a bit longer. D’Ann is the author of four historical novels and one novella, as well as a contemporary short stories in a compilation volume. D’Ann and her husband of 30 years can be found in Austin, TX when they aren’t touring historic sites or visiting their grown children.

Latest posts by D'Ann Mateer (see all)

  • Graduation Throwback - May 21, 2025
  • The Cheer Squad - May 7, 2025
  • Guest Post: Crystal Caudill - April 16, 2025
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...
«
»

Filed Under: Faith, Family, House and home

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

LINKS IN COMMENTS

Please note: If you include a link or links in your comment (URLs or email addresses), your comment will not post right away. It will wait for a moderator to approve it, which may take some time.

Comments

  1. Lynn Austin says

    December 2, 2020 at 6:26 am

    So happy for you Anne. Your new home sounds perfect! We can walk to Lake Michigan from our house or through the woods or on bike trails. Enjoy!!

    • Anne Mateer says

      December 2, 2020 at 8:41 am

      I imagine those are lovely walks, Lynn!

  2. Linda McFarland says

    December 2, 2020 at 7:32 am

    We just moved, too, back to my hometown, closer to family and my roots! The move was far from uneventful but God was there every mile and step. Lots to see and do in our area but since it’s a development still under construction we have only met three other couples but we’re loving it! Blessings, Linda

    • Anne Mateer says

      December 2, 2020 at 8:42 am

      Congrats, Linda! And how fun to be in at the beginning of the neighborhood and help shape its personality!

  3. Sarah says

    December 2, 2020 at 7:44 am

    Your new neighborhood sounds ideal! I love Austin – lived there for four years (Hook ’em!) – but everything about your new home seems much more restful and peaceful. My house is surrounded by hay fields and grazing cows, and I very much prefer this!

    • Anne Mateer says

      December 2, 2020 at 8:43 am

      Yes! While we loved our urban adventure, this is so much more restful. And we are very grateful for that!

  4. Cherryl says

    December 2, 2020 at 9:39 am

    So thankful you have found this place. I pray it is a sanctuary of tranquility in the midst of a chaotic world (but still in the control of out faithful and good God). Looking forward to part two of this post!

    • Anne Mateer says

      December 2, 2020 at 12:51 pm

      Thank you, Cherryl! It has truly felt like our place of rest, even in such a short time and without all our stuff!

  5. Becky Wade says

    December 2, 2020 at 9:40 am

    Love this! Happy housewarming!!

    • Anne Mateer says

      December 2, 2020 at 12:51 pm

      Thank you! Hope to see you after the first of the year sometime!

  6. Paula Shreckhise says

    December 2, 2020 at 3:22 pm

    We moved into our first purchased house in September. It has a privacy fence and a beautiful landscaped back yard. We enjoy the birds that visit every day.

    • Anne Mateer says

      December 3, 2020 at 10:05 am

      Congrats! What wonderful visitors to have every day! 🙂

Search Site

Monthly Archives

Blog Categories

Recent Posts

  • Home Again May 28, 2025
  • Garden Time May 27, 2025
  • Decade birthdays May 26, 2025

Disclosure

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the pages on this site may be "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, someone will receive an affiliate commission. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Copyright © 2025 Inspired by Life & Fiction | Website Design by Robin

%d