An Unexpected Journey

Several years ago I read an article in The Oregonian about a woman who was living in a tiny house on Sauvie Island. I thought it was interesting and nothing more. But, perhaps, this is where the seed of the idea of living with less was planted in my brain. Years later, living in Portland, Ben and I were presented with the opportunity to build and live in our very own tiny home (well, sort of our very own).  Mere weeks after we transitioned from living in a 2,000 square-foot suburban house to living in a 650 square-foot city apartment our friend James wanted to know if we would like to build a tiny house for him. We would be able to live in the house for a year or two and then drive it to him when we were finished. It didn't take long for us to jump in with both feet. The building process began with lots and lots of research. We've read books, watched videos, visited fellow tiny-house dwellers, and attended a building conference. We've spent hours perusing salvage stores and home-improvement stores. We've purchased a trailer, windows, and, as of today, beautiful wood flooring made from re-claimed barn lumber.

We are now one week away from our targeted build date. We are at the start of an amazing journey. A journey that, I hope, will give us more chances to enjoy experiences and people rather than indulge in things, afford us the opportunity to travel, and take joy in that which we have. While this journey was unexpected at the start we have embraced the opportunity and plan to relish each step of it.