I loved it too. I've never been to New Jersey, so I'm largely informed by....TV. It's not the vision I had, but it sounds just like home. America's suburbs sounds lovely.
Your house is coming and it’s going to be spectacular. Caroline wrote it perfectly. Looking back, as stressful as some of the in between times in my life have been, they are also some of my fondest memories. Beginnings are so beautiful. Such a special time in your marriage. Heart swells!
The way you wrote about New Jersey 😍 Joe loves NJ. (You both have excellent taste.) We’ve actually talked about moving there at some point. He gets his surfboards glassed out there and next time he goes we are going to make a day of it. I want to see/feel it for myself. I’ve been there once almost 15 years ago for a wedding but wasn’t there long enough to get a true feel for it. I remember so many trees. Verdant indeed.
Ugh these words just make MY heart swell 🥹 and I swear, there are parts of Jersey that I sooo see you in- so peaceful, old homes, all the quiet charm where you can live out the writing recluse fantasy!
Oof. As someone who has just gone through this adventure (our new house closes in a month, after losing out on 4 other houses before that for all sorts of reasons), this depiction rings so true. I lived whole other LIVES in the lost houses - gardens I would plant, renovations we were going to make, the window bench where I would drink my tea, places our dog would run…full complete imaginary fantastical lives. It was like a little death each time those lives collapsed. But you will find your home..just don’t stop dreaming. 👍
All sass and heart, and thanks for calling out those of us who don't fully understand Jersey. I get it now, and I really should... I mean, I did name a kid after Springsteen.
Oh, man...I get it. I'm sorry, and I get it. I have zero spine when it comes to bungalows. Loved the read, Dia, and feel that rollercoaster ride in my bones.
This was a fantastic ride, thanks for sharing, Dia. I still have the video tours I did on the two homes we fell in love with and lost, but I don’t watch them. We bought the house so I could have a dog and neither of those homes were the perfect fit. My yard now couldn’t be more ideal for raising a puppy and inviting all his little friends for play dates so we can raise him up proper. 😅 I know you’ll find the one that fits your dream and you won’t have to squeeze and fold or cram it in and it will be all Magill Avenue who?
god i loved this so much! being from nj (suburbs near easton pa), i used to disparage it to get people to like?? me?? idk. but i love new jersey. and i've been there with the inspection breaking my heart and it being for the best. you described it so beautifully <3
As a new New Jersey resident, I really appreciate the way you romanticize and describe it. Especially as I continue to mourn leaving nyc 😭😭😭. Som sorry the deal didn’t go through, but it also sounds like you guys are gonna find something so much better. I’m excited for you
I feel the stress and the heightened emotions of the house buying process. We were crazy enough to do it 3 times in 5 years, because we're psychotic and love to put ourselves through pain.... It's so frustrating but worth it. You will find the place...
It was so exciting to go with you on that planning journey, on claiming what’s not quite yours because the prospect was so close, but also satisfying to know you came out of that fantasy with a bit of optimism. Also, thanks for talking nicely about my state. Collingswood is a nice area and there are so many other charming places like it here.
And you will dance — and the setting, while important, is but a backdrop. You two are the stars ⭐️
This. This this this. 🥹 you’re the best
Jumping on to echo similar. The dancing will happen. That house, or any house, doesn't bring the magic. It's already there!
love this romantic description of nj :) :)
I feel like I’m new jersey’s publicist at this point HAHA ❤️
Samantha Jones over here!
And don’t you forget it, honey!
I loved it too. I've never been to New Jersey, so I'm largely informed by....TV. It's not the vision I had, but it sounds just like home. America's suburbs sounds lovely.
Your house is coming and it’s going to be spectacular. Caroline wrote it perfectly. Looking back, as stressful as some of the in between times in my life have been, they are also some of my fondest memories. Beginnings are so beautiful. Such a special time in your marriage. Heart swells!
The way you wrote about New Jersey 😍 Joe loves NJ. (You both have excellent taste.) We’ve actually talked about moving there at some point. He gets his surfboards glassed out there and next time he goes we are going to make a day of it. I want to see/feel it for myself. I’ve been there once almost 15 years ago for a wedding but wasn’t there long enough to get a true feel for it. I remember so many trees. Verdant indeed.
Ugh these words just make MY heart swell 🥹 and I swear, there are parts of Jersey that I sooo see you in- so peaceful, old homes, all the quiet charm where you can live out the writing recluse fantasy!
You get meeee 🥰❤️🔥
Oof. As someone who has just gone through this adventure (our new house closes in a month, after losing out on 4 other houses before that for all sorts of reasons), this depiction rings so true. I lived whole other LIVES in the lost houses - gardens I would plant, renovations we were going to make, the window bench where I would drink my tea, places our dog would run…full complete imaginary fantastical lives. It was like a little death each time those lives collapsed. But you will find your home..just don’t stop dreaming. 👍
This comment makes me feel so seen. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️😭
All sass and heart, and thanks for calling out those of us who don't fully understand Jersey. I get it now, and I really should... I mean, I did name a kid after Springsteen.
BRUCE 😍😍😍
Love this. I feel like you’re living in my brain
Maybe I am… 🤫
Oh, man...I get it. I'm sorry, and I get it. I have zero spine when it comes to bungalows. Loved the read, Dia, and feel that rollercoaster ride in my bones.
so weak for a good little porch :( thanks, Elizabeth! <3
This was a fantastic ride, thanks for sharing, Dia. I still have the video tours I did on the two homes we fell in love with and lost, but I don’t watch them. We bought the house so I could have a dog and neither of those homes were the perfect fit. My yard now couldn’t be more ideal for raising a puppy and inviting all his little friends for play dates so we can raise him up proper. 😅 I know you’ll find the one that fits your dream and you won’t have to squeeze and fold or cram it in and it will be all Magill Avenue who?
ahh thank you so much, you're the best :-D also I vote puppy party at your place
That sounds tough. The house not panning out — and the death of a dream.
Thanks for sharing this story and journey.
I'm looking forward to a future installment when you're showing off the keys to a house you love so much more. It's coming!
Ahh thank you so much!! Can’t wait to keep everyone updated 🥹
god i loved this so much! being from nj (suburbs near easton pa), i used to disparage it to get people to like?? me?? idk. but i love new jersey. and i've been there with the inspection breaking my heart and it being for the best. you described it so beautifully <3
I totally get that urge to downplay where you’re from cuz other people don’t get it- I’ve done it myself. So glad you enjoyed. Thanks for reading ☺️
As a new New Jersey resident, I really appreciate the way you romanticize and describe it. Especially as I continue to mourn leaving nyc 😭😭😭. Som sorry the deal didn’t go through, but it also sounds like you guys are gonna find something so much better. I’m excited for you
Ahhh thank you so much, Stanley!! 😭❤️ I will soon enough be coming to you with the good news that I’m a Jersey resident… keeping the faith
ok your description of Jersey is amazing...
I feel the stress and the heightened emotions of the house buying process. We were crazy enough to do it 3 times in 5 years, because we're psychotic and love to put ourselves through pain.... It's so frustrating but worth it. You will find the place...
I do think the home ownership journey brings out everyone’s inner masochist 🫣 hehe
It was so exciting to go with you on that planning journey, on claiming what’s not quite yours because the prospect was so close, but also satisfying to know you came out of that fantasy with a bit of optimism. Also, thanks for talking nicely about my state. Collingswood is a nice area and there are so many other charming places like it here.
Sometimes optimism is all I got but I like to think it’ll take me far :) and when I eventually become a Jersey girl we must link up
Yup! Salt water taffy and Kohr Brothers soft serve at the beach.