Our Cross-Country Journey: Finding Home and Heart in New England

The act of moving is often cited as one of life’s most significant stressors. It ranks right up there with marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a death in the family, or starting a new job. For good reason, too; it’s an upheaval that touches every aspect of your existence, from the tangible logistics of packing and transport to the profound emotional shift of leaving one life behind and beginning another. Having just completed a monumental cross-country relocation, I can wholeheartedly attest to the immense challenge and, thankfully, the immense reward that comes with such an undertaking. The experience is now firmly in our rearview mirror, and I can say with relief and deep gratitude that we made it.

Our journey across this magnificent land was truly an adventure. Picture this: my husband, Mr. 365, skillfully navigating a colossal 26-foot U-Haul, laden with the majority of our worldly possessions, while the kids and I followed closely behind in our family van. It was a caravan of dreams and determination. We encountered a few formidable storms along the way, nature’s way of testing our resolve, but these were challenges we met head-on. We never once had to delay our progress, pushing forward with a shared goal in mind. What’s more, and perhaps the greatest blessing of the trip, was the complete absence of any vehicle trouble. Considering the sheer distance and the precious cargo, both human and material, this was an extraordinary stroke of luck and certainly eased the pressure of such a long haul.

Navigating New Terrain: A Glimpse of the Road

The scenic ascent towards Flagstaff, Arizona, marking one of many memorable stretches of our journey.

The landscape shifted dramatically as we traversed states, each mile bringing us closer to a new chapter. From the vast, open skies of the west to the increasingly green panoramas of the east, every vista offered a fresh perspective. These moments on the road, watching the country unfold before us, served as a powerful reminder of the diversity and grandeur of our nation. It was more than just a drive; it was a transition, a moving meditation on what we were leaving behind and what we were moving towards. The subtle changes in architecture, vegetation, and even the quality of light signaled our gradual re-entry into the familiar embrace of the East Coast, stirring a sense of anticipation with every mile.

Settling In, Step by Step: Our New Hampshire Chapter

While the cross-country drive is complete, I can’t quite claim we’re completely settled into our permanent dwelling. This phase of our relocation, finding a long-term home, represents yet another test of patience – a virtue I’m constantly cultivating. Fortunately, we’ve found a wonderful furnished home to rent for the next five months. This temporary arrangement has been an absolute godsend, allowing us to ease into New Hampshire life without the immediate pressure of unpacking and furnishing an entire house. The vast majority of our belongings are safely tucked away in storage, and they’ll remain there until we stumble upon that perfect, more permanent place, or until an urgent need arises for a specific item. The beauty of this approach is that it grants us the freedom to truly explore.

We’re not entirely sure where we want our forever “home” to be within New Hampshire, or even the broader New England region. This five-month rental period is our opportunity to immerse ourselves, to explore the charming towns, the vibrant communities, and the serene landscapes, experiencing as much as we possibly can before making such a significant decision. It’s an extended discovery mission, a chance to truly connect with the area, understand its nuances, and ensure our next move is the right one, aligning perfectly with our family’s long-term aspirations. This flexibility is key to transforming a mere location into a true home.

Falling for New England: A Long-Lost Love Rekindled

And what an immersion it has been. I must confess, I’ve utterly fallen in love with this place. It’s hard to pinpoint if it’s the lingering sensation of being on a perpetual “vacation” or if it’s simply the profound realization of how incredibly homesick I’ve been for the East Coast – a longing I hadn’t fully recognized until our return. Everything here resonates deeply with a part of me that felt dormant in the dryer climates of Arizona. The very air feels different, carrying with it the scents of pine, damp earth, and impending rain – a symphony for the senses that was sorely missed.

The sheer abundance of greenery is breathtaking: towering trees that paint the hillsides, verdant grass stretching as far as the eye can see, and a feeling of lushness that permeates the air. Then there are the charming antique stores, each a treasure trove of history and nostalgia, inviting hours of browsing through forgotten treasures. The homes, with their welcoming front porches, evoke a sense of community and timeless comfort, a stark contrast to the sprawling, often less communal architecture we left behind. Inside, the presence of real fireplaces and wood stoves speaks to cozy evenings and traditional living, promising warmth against the crisp New England air. I adore the long, winding roads, often devoid of streetlights, which offer starry skies and a sense of peaceful seclusion, making every drive an exploration. The myriad lakes, perfectly nestled amidst dense forests, create postcard-worthy scenes at every turn, beckoning us to spend afternoons by their shores. And let’s not forget the delightful apple orchards, promising future harvests and sweet memories, a quintessential New England experience.

Even the smallest details bring immense joy and a profound sense of belonging. The other day, I practically leaped with excitement when I spotted my very first robin! These iconic harbingers of spring are a rare sight in Arizona, and seeing one here brought a flood of memories from my childhood in Rhode Island. I used to get so incredibly excited each spring when the first robin would appear, a true sign that warmer, brighter days were ahead. It’s a simple pleasure, but one that grounds me firmly in the sense of being back where I belong, connected to the rhythm of nature I once knew so well.

Indeed, New England is profoundly beautiful, and New Hampshire, in particular, is absolutely gorgeous. Its natural splendor, combined with its unique character, rich history, and welcoming communities, has captured my heart completely. It truly feels like coming home.

Adventures for Our Furry Friends

Our dogs have been in absolute heaven since we arrived. They have unequivocally loved running through the numerous streams, chasing sticks we playfully toss for them, and generally exploring their new, wild backyard. The endless trails, the refreshing waters, and the scents of the forest have ignited a primal joy within them. Seeing them return home utterly exhausted, yet undeniably happy, muddy, and content, is a testament to how well they’ve adapted and how much they’re enjoying the abundant natural playground New Hampshire offers. Their boundless energy and infectious joy add another layer of happiness to our new life here, reminding us daily of the simple pleasures this environment provides.

A Profound Sense of Homecoming

Even with the lingering anxieties that sometimes surface – the endless details that still need to be sorted, the uncertainty of finding that perfect permanent home – a deep conviction rests in my heart. This move, this monumental decision, was undeniably the best possible path for our family at this juncture in our lives. It wasn’t a forced relocation due to a job transfer or an unforeseen necessity. No, this was a choice we actively pursued, a collective desire to seek out a new environment, a new rhythm of life, and a renewed sense of connection. And now, a profound sense of peace washes over me; I feel as if my soul is finally at rest.

I am, quite simply, “home.” This feeling transcends a physical address or a particular set of walls. It’s a deep-seated connection to the land, the culture, and the very air of New England. It’s a spiritual homecoming that has brought an unexpected serenity. No matter where we ultimately decide to plant our permanent roots within this beautiful region, the essence of being home has already been established within our hearts and souls. This journey has not just been about changing our address; it has been about realigning our spirit.

Echoes of the Past: Mother’s Memory

As we embarked on our eastbound journey, my thoughts frequently drifted to my mother. I often found myself wishing she were still alive, imagining how delighted she would have been that our return to the East Coast would, in some small way, be for her benefit as well. The emotional weight of this realization intensified as we finally drove into New Hampshire. Tears welled up, unbidden, as our eldest child drove, and a song I hadn’t heard in years – a song released shortly after my mother passed away – softly played on the radio. It felt like a gentle, poignant welcome, a sign that she was with us in spirit, cheering us on from beyond.

Being back in New England, so many things serve as tender reminders of her. Just a day or two after we settled into our rental home, my gaze landed on a very familiar pewter duck. It was an exact replica of one I grew up with, a seemingly ordinary object that held a lifetime of memories from our family home. The sight of it quite literally took my breath away, a sudden, powerful connection to a past I cherish so deeply.

For years, I used to think that pewter duck was rather ugly, an old-fashioned relic, simply a part of the background of my childhood. But now, through the lens of memory and longing, it serves as a powerful conduit to the past, evoking countless memories of my formative years and, of course, my beloved mother. This unexpected encounter, coupled with the overall experience of being back here in New England, has filled me with a deep sense of contentment and gratitude. It’s all good. Every challenge, every discovery, every memory, both old and new, has converged to create this beautiful, unfolding chapter, making every moment feel incredibly meaningful.

Sending you all big baking hugs and comforting muffins from our new, cherished home in New England!