“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ever since I heard there was an Emerson Avenue in Minneapolis, I wanted to live there. But it was not to be. Or was it?
Yesterday I was ready to sign a lease on the small apartment painted “agreeable gray.” It would do.
Strolling around the Emerson Avenue neighborhood last week I came across the most attractive apartment building I’d seen. A woman, who turned out to be the caretaker, was watering flowering plants out front. Astounded by the large lawn on the side of the building, I asked her if there were any available apartments.
“No, people don’t leave these apartments. My husband and I have lived here for twenty-eight years,” she said. “We raised our kids here.”
The place was a green oasis in the middle of a bustling city.
“Well, let me leave my phone number just in case,” I said.
“Just in case” happened yesterday: “This is Patti, the caretaker you spoke to on Emerson Avenue last week. We’ll have an apartment available on October 1.”
I went. I saw. I fell in love. Gorgeous hardwood floors, arts & crafts design that felt like my house in Maine, lots of south-facing windows with shelves for oodles of plants, a den/study overlooking my ocean blue Prius, and trees, trees, trees.
I couldn’t believe it. And it was the same price as the agreeable gray apartment. This one was perfect.
See what I mean? And the lawn. More plants and a small area for a vegetable garden next spring. And a community of ten apartments. Cookouts on the patio. A half-mile from Lake of the Isles.
See the benches to sit and talk with neighbors? I’ll be there.
Tucson Writer Editor 
looks perfect. I’ll be you end up doing some volunteer work at the school: library or reading help.
I’m thinking about it…especially during blizzards. Only have to walk across the street. But I already have a part-time job at the Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, 10 miles away.
What a great find! I read your earlier blog and the other place sounded good, but this one is gorgeous.Good thing you chatted up the caretaker and gave her your number, just in case. The fact that an apartment then opened up — well it was meant to be. I’m sure you’ll be very happy there.
Fantastic! I’m happy for you, Sheila! It looks beautiful!
Beth
On Sat, Aug 7, 2021, 9:12 PM Tucson Writer Editor wrote:
> sheilawill posted: ” “Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the > wild air.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson Ever since I heard there was an Emerson > Avenue in Minneapolis, I wanted to live there. But it was not to be. Or was > it? Yesterday I was ready to” >
Wow. I actually thought the first photo was taken in your Manset living room, toward the porch. Just amazing! Very happy for you, Sheila.
Almost eerie, isn’t it? But I’ll take it!
Couldn’t be more perfect Sheila! It was meant to be…and it DOES look so much like your home in Southwest!!! I’m so happy for you!!!
Amazing. I agree with Marilee. This place is so reminiscent of your house in Mansett. Beautiful place! I can really envision you there.
I think this is a good omen, that your move was meant to be.
Now this is more like it! Especially the floors ha!
Good for you for being assertive!!
Hallelujah!!! The Divine does work in mysterious ways. Looks like the perfect place to write, reflect, and entertain grandchildren!
Enjoy!
Thanks to everyone who commented on my excellent new apartment! Persistence and unconventional methods work out…at least in my experience!
Gorgeous apartment. Obviously it was meant to be!Congratulations.S and V
B’shert, for sure. You sound so happy 🙂 Write well, in your little nook, with a grandbaby or two cuddling nearby ❤
suz
Thanks Suzi! I’ll miss our lunches.
Love how the universe aligned to give you exactly what you needed at the right time!! Beautiful synchronicity.