Emily Bode 9/15/20 Emily Bode 9/15/20

Sandy toes

May I always live in a home where there are sandy toes. Because that will mean I’ll be in a home near the water near the beach by some trail to catch a sunset.

Joel looks at houses the way I check out books from the library — hopeful each one has the potential for dreams to be realized. He sends listings to me throughout the day. Slips in a comment about a feature he knows I’ll love in between flipping Sunday eggs & diaper changes. I am half-listening while he is full dreaming. The season we’re in, I suppose.

But just like this little lodge by the lake, the one I skipped over at first drive by, I will know when my sandy toes step over the threshold.

Until then, these sandy toes like the way they feel when they touch the hardwood, the jute rug, on the way to the shower before bedtime on the first of the Autumn days.

Emily Bode 11/23/19 Emily Bode 11/23/19

Bathroom Remodel: Phase 1

Image via Sophie Carpenter

You may have seen bits & pieces of my initial thoughts to remodel our bathroom on Instagram. Since then we’ve solidified our plan a lot more. We’ve talked about remodeling our bathroom for like 3 years! When I found the image above of Sophie Carpenter’s bathroom, I knew immediately the black tile floor was that ish I was looking for. It was also one of the few photos with a small floor plan in the same layout as our bath. It made me feel like, “We can totally turn our ugly bath into something beautiful. It does exist!”

A box of mermaid matches is our inspiration. I found these in Frankfort, Michigan.

Moon Lodge Bathroom Remodel

Deadline
April 2020

Phases

Design plan
Budget & materials
Schedule installs
Final touches

Inspiration
Mermaid matchbox from Northern Michigan

Moon Lodge Bathroom Remodel, Phase 1 | Emily Bode

Phase 1: Design Plan

After a few weeks observing how we use our bathroom, taking measurements, & some initial research, the vibe has been set! The Scandinavian trend of clean lines, light elements, & minimalism is my starting point due to our small floor plan. It’s only 35 square feet (7’ L x 5’ W). I want our bath to feel warm & relaxing. It also needs to be durable — our little cottage tracks in a lot of sand, snow, dirt, bonfire smell, you name it. I focused on materials that will handle our messy lifestyle instead of trying to tame our mess.

Natural Textures

Textures like walnut, matte glaze, and seashell inspirations will mix to create warm layers. I want a walnut wall-hung cabinet with an under-mount sink. The floor tiles will be hexagon-shaped in a matte black glaze with subtle seashell influences throughout the space. Often a bath is decorated with water motifs but I want to push past that. I won’t be putting literal seashells everywhere but will focus on textural influences.

I’m surprised I’m leaning towards a traditional walnut stain vs. lighter wood tones that are popular right now. We have warmer wood floors throughout the house so the walnut will complement the rest of the house.

The hexagon floor tiles will be the star of the show and that’s the perfect amount with limited square footage.

Shower & Tub

The shower & tub take up 1/3 of the space so it’s important we update this right. We went back & forth on just doing a standing shower to create more storage space or to keep the tub. We ultimately decided to get a new tub, remove cumbersome-to-clean glass panels, and update shower fixtures. Our bigger goal is to rent out the Moon Lodge to vacationers someday. When traveling, I love the little touches of luxury that allow me to unwind & relax. So, there was our answer.

I haven’t selected shower tiles yet. I know that I don’t want white subway tiles. However, I like the simplicity of rectangular tiles placed vertically. Whatever I choose they need to be at a great price point (lot of square footage to cover) and in a warm-toned, imperfect glaze. My dream would be to have zellige tile as we saw everywhere in Morocco but it isn’t in the budget (I’m still searching for a steal!).

Delta Tub & Shower Faucet via Home Depot

Fixtures

I LOVE this champagne bronze faucet from Delta but I’m going to play it safe — & budget-friendly — with the shower & sink faucets in matte black. It also matches other finishes throughout our space. I still want brass or bronze to warm up the space though, especially with the dark floors & one window. I want the vanity light in brass or bronze, which will match our brass-rimmed light in the adjacent hallway. Love when solutions click into place like that!

Moon Lodge Bathroom Remodel, Phase 1 | Emily Bode | Image via Pinterest

Walls

We know we’re going to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls but I haven’t decided if I want wainscoting or not. Pros would be: cabin vibes big time, can make a wider ledge the length of the wall for shelf storage, & less maintenance in the long run (?). Cons: Is the space too small to fit another texture layer? At 5’ wide, the width doesn’t have much wiggle room & I wonder if it will feel too cramped. I also really want to do moody, deep green walls but. However, with dark floors, finishes, & cabinet I think it could feel too small. Or it could feel super luxurious & comfy. I’m torn! There’s time to work through this as we go.

Palette

The palette is deep greens, mint, & nude tones. I’m trying to consider how all of these elements will be throughout the seasons. My first mood board for the bath was this Summer. It was an explosion of soft, sandy neutrals. The last time I painted the bathroom was a few winters ago. I chose a light blue because of a Robert Frost book cover I loved. Basically, I change my mind a lot. So I want to make sure my decisions have longevity since this is an overhaul. Paint color is easy to change.

Sarah Sherman Samuel puts monstera plants in the bathroom because they love humidity. I love how large Monstera are & their leaf shape so I plan to squeeze one in near the chimney (yes, our chimney is in the bathroom!) or the toilet.

Next Steps

There might be a few changes from this but I’m set on direction now. We’re 25% of the way there. The floor tiles will be on order early next week. I’m going to participate in Black Friday/Cyber Monday this year to scour deals on the larger items we’ll need.

After chatting with my dad & father-in-law, we’re going to gut the room to the studs & start fresh. We have a lot of updates we’re excited to make like dimmable lights in the shower & a heater for when you step out of the shower.

My Mom & Dad remodeled their bathroom so they’re familiar with the process. My dad & I are similar in our approach to projects. We’ve started planning electrical adds, tile work, & the install schedule. My father-in-law has built houses his entire life. He helps us with a lot of projects, including this one. It’s a family affair!

I didn’t show any Before pictures this time because it’s still so early in planning but maybe I’ll do some overlays to start filling in things we know? I’ll check-in here if you have any questions. Just ask! You can also ask in the comments & I’ll respond.

I’m excited to take you with us through this process as we go – I learn so much from following renovators; all the good, bad, & ugly! Hopefully this can help or inspire you if you’re planning a small bath reno soon.

Emily Bode 3/24/19 Emily Bode 3/24/19

A Studio Refresh for Spring

A bright & feminine studio refresh for Spring | Emily Bode blog

Some of you already know about my studio refresh if you follow me here. But that part of the story doesn't do the space justice. I stepped away from my studio for a few months during the Holidays out of frustration and impatience; a clear sign that I was exhausted and needed a break. I'm not so good at knowing when I need to step away (as I sit here watching my favorite golden hour set behind me) but I'm getting better.

Since I spend so much time in my studio, it was time to give it some TLC and bring in some comforts and coziness. The quickest way to both: pillows! I read somewhere pillows are the adult's version of stuffed animals. I love pillows to bring in texture while sticking with the same color palette and just changing up the sizes with subtle patterns to blend in with solid colors.

Lately, I start my morning writing amidst all the pillows. Then I get ready for the day, check my project tracker for what to work on first, and get started on each task. Easing into the morning has been a game-changer for me – it was something never "allowed" in past office jobs so I'm grateful for the freedom to choose my schedule. Knowing your rhythm is what makes you more productive, not having a required time to start your day. I also get up a bit earlier to have more time for myself.

With each space in our cottage, I like to feel things out before committing. It drives Joel mad sometimes (like how we still don't have many pictures or prints framed on our walls after 4 years of being here) but you have to listen to what a room is telling you it needs, right? One thing was obvious, I needed a large desk. Joel installed a large butcher block slab of wood that runs the length of one wall held up by sturdy piping. Leaving it open underneath feels airier with a shelf above for storage. There's also an anti-fatigue mat hidden under the rug because I switch between standing and sitting on my captain chair (Joel's term). A little footstool adds more coziness and reminds me of the Beauty and the Beast footstool that acts like a dog.

A few baskets for loose ends and washi tape to moodboard my wall per project helps keep it organized but flexible. I used to think to be a graphic designer meant working in a blank space with cool tones, hard lines, and strictly black and white everything. But those spaces never led me to creativity. It felt impersonal, cold, and the furthest away from being able to focus. I'm happy I've finally dropped these ideas that being a graphic designer can only be done one kind of way.

I love the warm, bright, feminine tones that are in my studio now. Little butterfly placemats, a moon poster from my sister-in-law and touches of seashell-toned picture frames with photos that remind me why I do this. I think my studio will always be a work in progress, the way that an artist is always discovering new layers of the world or the world within them. See more studio inspiration and my studio wish list for spring!

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Emily Bode 12/15/18 Emily Bode 12/15/18

My Winter Studio

I shut down the studio for the month of December and in true Emily fashion have spent more time in it now than I have in the last 3 months! This time of year is always a good time to tie up loose ends, brainstorm, reflect, and set goals for the upcoming year.

My studio corner with new shelf, metal cart, and rug

It's been tempting during this little sabbatical to feel like I should be doing something more than resting and going at my own pace. Turning off Instagram has helped with this greatly. It was making me sick to be bombarded with "discounts" and everyone trying to sell something so I shut that down for the season too. The clarity I've felt, woowee! I might not go back. Instagram has become such a rat race and it hinders my focus I need to create the custom design work I do and to feel present in my life. I was losing sight of what I wanted to put out in the world so this break has been rejuvenating. I feel like I'm getting myself back.

Give me all the plaid, ball caps, and duck boots.

I've mentioned before I didn't start blogging to get free products and advertise brands. There are many I love and use but I'm not trying to influence anyone despite that being the direction the blogging world seems to be going in at lightning speed. I started this space because I love to write and share the mountains and valleys of my journey as an artist.

Writing is how I make sense of the world so the terms have always been loose here. That's how life actually happens. It's messy, heavy, imperfect, scary. There are arguments and misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and trying to make it all better. There are missteps and luck and unexpected gems while you're looking at something else. All heartbeats, flesh, and bones.

I'm definitely not the place to come when looking for the latest fashion trend or interior DIY or top places to buy, well, anything. I've loved reading blogs long before starting one of my own. There are many helpful ones, especially travel blogs lately! I'm just not one of them.

I don't make money from this blog and while I've battled with wanting it to be profitable at times, it somehow never pans out that way. Whether by my own choice or others. Some days this makes me think I'm not good at what I do. Other times it makes me proud that I've kept this space free from the influence of brands and other people's agendas. Oh, a sponsored post is something I might try every once in a while, see how I feel about it, but ultimately it's a journal, first and foremost.

I wonder how big-time bloggers handle the pressure of keeping their followers engaged and happy for profits' sake. That seems like such a burden to carry and how long do you carry it? What does the business model look like for that? When I try to do similar things, I always stop. It just doesn't feel right for me.

I'm not sure why I'm telling you all of this. It sounds defensive, even to me. To you, it might seem like it's coming out of the blue but it's been on my mind lately. Maybe I am needing to hear it myself. The realigning with my values and personal goals that I tend to do at the turn of each season. It's quite tiring, I don't advise it.

All this time in my closed studio has been enlightening though. Exactly what I was hoping for when I tuned out all the noise at the beginning of December to hear my own voice again. It is a constant work in progress. I think the idea that is being sold often — that there is this easy fix for anything you want, that others have found it and you haven't — is really debilitating to our humanity, and Mother Earth.

Because nothing is a quick fix. Relationships, physical/mental/spiritual health, culture, traditions, ancestry, bathroom remodels, connection to self and others. And even when you do find a fix for something in your life, the world becomes a kaleidoscope and shifts your view or circumstance and your back to where you started sometimes.

I admit I come on here and often want everything to be perfect. The photos, the message, the SEO, a call to action as you finish reading. I love the design and curating beautiful things, after all. But other times, like today, I just want to write what's on my heart and nothing more.

Not all the other bullshit.

It's how I know this break is deeply needed. My crankiness and bitterness are giving me away. But I think it's important for us to acknowledge this part of our story too. The one that is more shadow-side than sunny dispositions.

“There has never been a time when you showed mercy toward yourself, Walks Tall Woman. You have enjoyed being active and have masked your Shadow well. The Shadow has shown you no mercy by driving you beyond all that is humanly possible. You have made promises that have actually forced you in the Shadow’s keeping. You have not abused your leadership ability by hurting others, but you have abused the trust other women placed in you as a role model. You have set an example that would break the back of any beast of burden. Donkey carries his Medicine of shouldering his load of responsibility, but he also knows how to refuse and become stubborn when the burden is too much. There is great inner strength to be found in showing mercy to yourself and in allowing yourself to be an example to other women by showing them that all humans are worthy of rest and pleasure. The example you set through making time for your needs will liberate you and every other woman who looks to you for guidance. The excuse that you do not have the time or the space to be nurtured will harm more people than yourself, giving the Shadow the upper hand.”

— The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams

May you find rest and give yourself mercy too. xo, Em

Emily Bode 12/12/18 Emily Bode 12/12/18

Top 10 books for staying in

There's nothing that sounds more relaxing than curling up with a good book as the cold weather continues outside. It is difficult for many of us to slow down long enough to do this curling, yes? Grab a blanket, light a candle, and pour yourself a hot drink. I have the books covered for you!

Here's a list of top 10 reads on my nightstand this season:

The Dirty Book Club by Lisi Harrison
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Womb Wisdom by Prakasha & Prakasha
The Road Back to You by Cron & Stabile
The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan
Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden, ND
The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams
In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens by Alice Walker
Girl Talk by Jacqueline Mroz
Farm Anatomy by Julia Rothman

Overview of Top 10 books

I'm listening to Becoming on Audible (30-day free trial) because I like something to listen to while working in the studio. Michelle's voice and story are wonderful so far!

Womb Wisdom and Period Repair Manual are more educational. I'm enjoying learning more about my body and ways to support her.

Farm Anatomy is a beautifully illustrated book on all things farm and country life. I was able to guess what kind of chickens and rooster my friend has thanks to this book, a fun read.

In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens is a classic that I've started digging into on my lunch breaks. I love Alice Walkers' style of writing.

The 13 Original Clan Mothers is always on my nightstand, I read it monthly right before the Full Moon.

The Dirty Book club is a light fiction read and has inspired more titles to add to my ever-growing book list.

Girl Talk is hot off the press, a new release I've been asked to review on the science behind female relationships.

The Road Back to You is for Enneagram lovers and The Death and Life of the Great Lakes are for lake lovers who need to know the hard truth and reality of the health of the Great Lakes.

Other tips for solitude during the winter solstice

I love curling up with a good book but there are a few other go-to ways I like to make the most of the slower pace this winter season:

1 | Yoga

When I say yoga, I basically mean laying down a mat at home and taking 10-minutes to just stretch along to wordless music like Native American Meditations. It's healing to get out of your mind in all the winter darkness and move muscles in a less extreme way.

2 | Host a small group of friends at home

One of my favorite winter moments last year was having a few friends over for New Year instead of going out to crowded celebrations. It was such an intimate way to celebrate our victories of the year and voice our dreams for the next year. I highly recommend cozying up in the living room with a few friends. Have a few questions to start a reflective conversation like, What was your favorite place you traveled to this year and why? or What are you looking forward to this year?

3 | Go for a walk in nature

I admit it takes me some convincing to get out in the cold but I ALWAYS feel better when I've gone for even a 10-minute walk in nature. It brings mental clarity and improves your immune system to get out in the cold and not get stagnant inside. My dog loves me more too.

Hope these inspire you to read a good book and revel in the season, friends! xo, Em

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Emily Bode 8/17/18 Emily Bode 8/17/18

Urban to Rural: Back to the Moon Lodge

After talking to a few people this week about what I've been up to lately, I realize I never mentioned we've moved back to our cottage near the lake! It's been a whirlwind of a summer. When I talk to different clients and blogger friends, most are like, "Oh! You're not in town anymore?" Nope, we moved back to our house, lovingly called the Moon Lodge.

Why we moved back to the lake

We kept finding ourselves in the city escaping to a body of water. We grabbed dinner and drinks at Rose's on Reeds Lake a lot last summer. We laughed about moving to the city just to do what we did back home; spend time together by the lake.

During more stressful times at work and with my sick cat, Belle, I would drive out of town to an old farmhouse and dream about starting a family, having chickens and bees, and sitting on the front porch with Joel listening to the cicadas sing in the open space. I found myself escaping the city more than staying in it.

From Joel's rational and pragmatic perspective, it was a financial loss to have an expensive place in the city we were never at. He was right. Don't get me wrong, we had an amazing time in the city. We were more accessible to meet up with friends after work. It was easier to be part of a community of blogger ladies and attend events with them. I'm so happy to have met women in similar walks of life with blogging and owning a business. The city led me to my tribe and allowed me to be present for friendships to grow that I can't always do when I'm at the lake.

Joel and I had a fun city routine and Tiger got a lot of walks to Wilcox Park. We don't regret our year in the city AT ALL but ultimately, the beach was calling...and we had to go.

When we decided to make the change

Quite simply, we love the lake life, in all her seasons. There were so many times last year we craved the water. We went on a vacation to Florida a few months before our lease on the apartment was up. We needed to make a decision if we'd stay or go.

Traveling brought us clarity and a fresh perspective at a time we needed to figure out our next move. We didn't put pressure on ourselves to have an answer by the end of the trip but talked about the topic a lot. It was ironic that our vacation was in Ft. Myers Beach. We were surrounded by water again.

We stayed in a one-room cabin on the bay, waking up to dolphins and the marina out our window each morning. Each night we'd watch the sunset over the bay after biking to the beaches. Our answer kept showing itself every time we did something.

By the time we landed in Michigan in time for New Year's Eve, we agreed the lake was where both of our hearts really were.

What we gained from our year in the city

It would be have been easier, and definitely cheaper, to ignore the idea of moving to the city. There were many logistics to consider and financial preparation to make it possible. However, it was good timing for Joel and me in our new marriage with our steady careers. It also worked for my brother and his friend who rented our house for the year. We would have always wondered "what if?" if we didn't just go for it.

We learned a lot about each other through it all. Joel needs at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to wind down after work. I need uninterrupted Netflix and wine when I shut down work for the day. Some things challenged us immensely, like finances, schedules, and my aversion to committing to ANYTHING. It required we become better communicators with each other and helped us to empathize with one another on how we view money and what motivates us.

What's next...

So what's next? Well, we both agree we want to own a boat soon! There's a lot of things to fix, organize, and update now that we've moved back. We've been reminded of the woes and wonders of homeownership and we're trying to respond accordingly with as little blaming each other as possible. It's tempting on days when the kitchen sink keeps leaking and the front yard keeps sprouting weeds and the lawnmowers broke...again...to say we made a mistake moving to the city. To think we should have stayed home, ignoring the call for an adventure.

But then we take to the tree-lined trail with a happy Tiger. We turn the corner and see the lake, smell the fresh air. The gratitude we feel and the new perspective we have of an old familiar place.

Home.

It was all worth it.

Emily Bode 6/26/18 Emily Bode 6/26/18

Grace For Your Week

There's been a consistent theme I've noticed in my conversations lately —"You're being too hard on yourself."

Over & over again, like a broken record. I am one to recognize patterns. I use them as good signs of clarity when I struggle to find it myself. Little signs from the Universe. May we just listen for them to know what to do next.

& so, after multiple times of hearing —"You're being too hard on yourself" — I will take it as a good indication that I, indeed, am being too hard on myself. & when you're hard on yourself, you're most definitely hard on the others you surround yourself with. & then you're creating a negative loop where fun & enjoyment can't really fit in because nothing is ever good enough.

Mmm, musings on a Monday.

May we all be gentle & kind to ourselves this week. Give yourself Grace friends, I will be too. xo. Em

Speaking of Grace, it's about to pop up a lot more around here. Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know about it.

Emily Bode 5/31/18 Emily Bode 5/31/18

Urban to Rural: The Things We Keep

I almost put on our wedding invitations – No plastic, please.

If you were to visit our home you wouldn't find Tupperware in the cupboards. Unless Joel snuck it in. Or it held a treat from a gracious friend and will be returned to them soon. Most didn't end up getting us plastic items after all. They know me well, for that I'm grateful. Plastic is inevitable but I do what I can. During our continued Spring cleaning Joel has said this on repeat: Don't throw this out, I'm still using it. On a scale of 1 to Irrational, I'm an impatient 9 when it comes to organizing the Moon Lodge.

Through all the box-digging I've wondered, Why do we keep the things we keep?

I'm just shuffling things from one room to the next in hopes the piles will become smaller and smaller – making space. It's tempting to box it all up & donate. Out of sight, out of mind. Then I find a box I forgot about. It's holding an old WNBA Shock jersey, CDs from my 90's childhood, a vintage butterfly box, an olive green fork, boat tickets to Beaver Island.

Why do we keep the things we keep?

In all the minimalism are memories being forgotten? Might there be a space where both can be kept? Yes, & it looks like my Grandma's cabin blanket at the end of our bed. A walking stick from a trip to Lake Superior with my Dad next to a dish holding my sage from Kate on the credenza we built last May. A mermaid, like my Mother's, nearby.

There are piles and they're getting to me (my drive for clarity is a curse). But they are piles that surround me with memories & moments from the ones I love & who love me back. That will always be worth keeping. Off to put a fresh coat of paint on the studio/guest room before my parents arrive for a weekend visit. May we take care of our people like we take care of our piles, friends.

Follow me on Instagram to see what else I've been up to lately! xo, Em

Emily Bode 5/20/18 Emily Bode 5/20/18

Observations as of late

“The heart can think of no devotion, greater than being shore to the ocean, holding the curve of one position, counting endless repetition.”

— Devotion by Robert Frost

When the water is like glass on the surface, there is most often a quiet rumbling down below. When it arises, it will be powerful. Verbalizing what you need is not needy. Your partner, friend, parent, co-worker will most likely thank you for clearing that up for them.

Most anxieties dissolve the moment I'm by the water with a good book in hand. Don't underestimate the sexiness of a man who does laundry after constructing a wall before making dinner but only once the lawn has been mowed. Joel, you are a dream. You amaze me every day.

There is a time for rest. There is a time for restlessness.

It is beneficial to know which one of those you are feeling and honor accordingly.

Happy Sunday, friends. May the week be nourishing & gentle to you. xo, Em

Emily Bode 5/1/18 Emily Bode 5/1/18

The Time We Give

I woke up to the sound of thunder & rain today. The storm after a long, silent winter. The one that reminds you are, in fact, alive & it's going to be okay. Snuggled in a bit deeper, to let that really sink in.

And then: a book on the couch with my first cup of coffee. I have had to gently nudge myself to give TIME to me at the start of each day. Not a luxury, a necessity. Why is it we are always the first to go when the schedule gets full? The last on the list. Are we not the most valuable person in our own life? Are we not the sole being we are with second to second? To think we are not, to treat ourselves as if we are not, is a bit nonsensical, yes?

And so: a book on the couch with my first cup of coffee. Surrounded by words and letters, prints and frames. I suppose the thing I needed so badly showed itself to me...in time.

Hoping the same for you. xo, Em

Emily Bode 4/2/18 Emily Bode 4/2/18

Urban to Rural: Spring Cleaning

"Spring cleaning is not a metaphor, my dear."

I woke up to this text from my mom this morning. As I sit here drinking my first cup in our old house that is again, our new house, it's the message I needed to hear. Joel and I moved BACK to our little Moon Lodge by the lake last weekend. A back story: last Spring we moved to a one-bedroom apartment in Grand Rapids for one year simply because we wanted to try it. After college, each of us considered moving to a larger city like Chicago or Grand Rapids. Soon after we got married something inside us felt the need to try it out. We just couldn't stop wondering where that path might take us so we headed East for a year.

That path brought us right back to our two-bedroom cottage on the lakeshore one year later. Neither of us regrets our time in the city. It brought so much growth to each of us. And definitely in our Marriage the way we treat each other in moments of transition or change.

So here I am in the now clean kitchen after organizing a dozen of boxes and bags getting ready for a new day in an old place that feels like a new place. I can't quite describe how odd the feeling is but I think my mom's text about spring cleaning says it perfectly. What is so hard and so beautiful about the Spring is it's a season of buds growing and waking up from the dark, cold Winter. I'm cleaning out these little crevices in our cupboards as if our year in the city almost didn't happen. Even though these cupboards and these rooms are the same, I can feel inside that I am not, and it's so reenergizing.

It's a fresh start.

We have a lot of plans for this little cottage of ours now. How we want to update it and have it better reflect who we are and the lake life we love. I rarely talk interiors here and I'm not sure if I will. But between our move and a large project I'm working on maybe, I'll share more on that topic.

Now I'm off to work on that large project I mentioned for the day and to organize and clean the living room tonight. Sometimes the only constant is change, my friends. May we soak it up as gracefully as we can.

Follow me on Instagram to see what else I've been up to lately! xo, Em

Emily Bode 3/25/17 Emily Bode 3/25/17

Moon Lodge Goodbyes, A Moving Announcement

It was a warm August night. I was coming from a meditation session at the little beach down the road from our place in the woods.

We pulled up to a quaint house in a quaint neighborhood. The kind of neighborhood where lazy lawnmowers run before the week begins. Where you can smell the fresh-cut grass as the sun sets and the fireflies light up — the epitome of a rural American summer.

Two bedrooms, one bath. Two blocks away from the beach, one block from the trail.

I stepped over the threshold of the front door and knew this was the place we were meant to live. Wood floors, kitchen nook, backyard with a bonfire pit.

Before we had degrees we sketched out our dream world. It involved a home with a heart in the gable and a lake behind us. We didn't think that sketch would come to life one year later but it did. In hindsight, of course, it did. We worked our asses off for it. We compromised a lot for it. And we fought like hell to be here. Homeowners.

We've lived in the Moon Lodge for about 3 years. It's brought us comfort, safety, and community. I haven't felt this way since my childhood. Joel & I created this together, our little cottage by the lake. Birthday parties, engagements, holidays. The Moon Lodge held us through these moments. Disagreements, doubts, and exhaustion. The Moon Lodge held us through these too. Maybe a little extra.

But then, we started to wriggle from her grasp.

The commute too long.
The winter too cold.
The home too...not us anymore.

We're leaving the Moon Lodge next month. On to a new adventure. The very things we fight for are the same things we grow away from. The time has come to grow. We're moving away from the place that held us through our first years. This next month I'll be full of nostalgia and reflection. It'll be hard to say goodbye to our neighbors, our friends, and the community we've been part of yet we're excited about this new adventure.

The Moon Lodge is not a physical place, it is within us. Housed in this life we've created together.

Shop our home as we downsize | Brave Girl blog

There's a lot we've collected along the way that we're ready to part with. For a local listing of what we're selling, head here and have a piece of the Moon Lodge as part of your home.

Photos by Leigh Ann Cobb Photography