Morning coffee in my treetop sanctuary

 The New York Times asked readers this Thanksgiving to submit six words of gratitude - the six word memoir popularized by author Larry Smith. As I sat on my couch this morning eagerly awaiting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (a tradition I'm grateful continues this year) sipping my coffee and looking around at the bare walls and the many boxes awaiting the movers tomorrow, my six words materialized:

Morning coffee in my treetop sanctuary.

Tomorrow is moving day. I leave my treetop condo in the heart of Uptown for a new adventure in the Fairgrounds and a few hundred more square feet. I'm ready. I'm focusing forward, but I can't help look back as the memories flood of the almost eight years here. It's the longest I've lived anywhere other than my childhood home. A true sanctuary as I've always felt safe and secure here. Surrounded by the rooftops of Uptown and a sea of green, my condo has served as my retreat. She's home. 

I've spent more time in my condo these past almost nine months than ever as I seek shelter from the pandemic. And while I do indeed crave some newness and a separate office space, I am so grateful to the condo, to the Jackson Dupre House, and to most of my neighbors over the years who have welcomed me and shown up for me when I needed it. 

Condo living was a great next step for me after being a renter. Especially living alone. Having a community around you, a property management company a call away when things break, and many bank accounts to support surprise repairs far outweighed sharing a washer/dryer and some of our past residents who drove me bonkers.

There's much I'm looking forward to with the new house - no stairs! Central air/heat! My own washer/dryer! An extra bedroom and half bath! Stainless steel appliances! A FRONT PORCH and back deck! A garage! A driveway! And much I won't miss about the Jackson Dupre House. But I won't dwell on those. Focusing on giving thanks and being grateful for all this condo gave me. 

I will miss walking to so many of my regular spots and the quick walks to the drug store, grocery store, and everything in between. I will miss the convenience of my gym across the street. I will miss this place. I will miss the views. I will miss the quiet mornings. I will miss nights with the gas fire lit. I will miss lightning storms and gorgeous sunsets. 

I am so hopeful the treeptop will find a new owner (SOON!) who will love and adore her as much as I have. I hope the treetop will serve as a key character in someone else's story as she has in mine. 

And though it may be more than six words as I wrap up my last quiet morning here, my parting words to the treetop - Thanks for the joy you've given me. I want you to know I believe in your song.