I looked over at this pretty, pretty mitten yesterday (which is usually pinned to my studio wall), and really wished hard for chilly weather. All the wishing in the world isn't going to make it come any faster to my muggy little corner of the Southeast, but wishing never hurt anybody!
I/we are really looking forward to moving sometime in the foreseeable future...I've always felt out-of-place in the South. I grew up feeling like I belonged in somewhere like Boston (my eight year old imaginary ideal of Boston, of course), and wondering why the heck I lived in Georgia...now that I'm a grown-up, I happily get to attend to my displaced feeling. I'm going to be interviewing some places for possible live-ability (somewhere with a cooler climate, and either really beautiful rural surroundings, or a bit more going on culturally). I am very excited about this.
Off to pack packages + work the "mail room". Have a happy afternoon!
PS: The mitten was knitted for me by my wonderful, knit-tastic pal, Jenny, who has a cute little Etsy shop called Prairie Dog Inc!
Comments (73)
I totally agree with you,I am so sick of summer..luckily here in michigan its in the 60's,so happy!
Jessica · September 12, 2007 at 01:08 PM
JOIN the North East!
Samantha · September 12, 2007 at 01:16 PM
come interview denver!
risa · September 12, 2007 at 01:34 PM
Hmm, you seem like a Portland gal to me... *B
Beth · September 12, 2007 at 01:45 PM
Come interview Haarlem, Holland! You can't think of a cooler climate and a more cultural and sparkling city. And it's near to Amsterdam, NICE. But I guess you're looking for a place in America;) Well good luck then, I hope you'll find some place nice and cosy!
Babette · September 12, 2007 at 01:47 PM
I know JUST what you mean....my husband and I are prepping up for a move North next year sometime....and our requirements are almost the same as yours:
"somewhere with a cooler climate, and either really beautiful rural surroundings, or a bit more going on culturally" Yes...that pretty much sums it all up! :)
We have been eying Charlottesville, VA...or Williamsburg... (which is North to us....being all the way down here in Florida!) And then there's that whole "Let's just move to Vermont" thing! :)
It's so hard trying to find a suitable place for one's nest, I find. Good luck to you! :)
Marjorie · September 12, 2007 at 01:51 PM
Yes, I am definitely ready for summer to be over. I would love to move out of Virginia, actually, but we're stuck for now.
Alison Whittington · September 12, 2007 at 02:08 PM
You need to come live in Detroit. It's like a lil' gem. Really cool unknown places downtown, wonderful falls and winters, etc.! and you could live in the burbs if you choose. So great.
Sarah M. · September 12, 2007 at 02:08 PM
yes, yes... remember Portland!!! You NEED to at the very least stop by here. I promise, you'll fall in love!!! October is almost here!!!
me-nikk · September 12, 2007 at 02:36 PM
The weather here is Salt Lake is teasing us, some cool breezy Fall like days sprinkled in between Summer hanging on for dear life.
Most people probably wouldn't consider Salt Lake as an ideal place to live but I love it (and I'm not Mormon). It's naturally beautiful, there's enough to do and art and cultural festivals all Summer long plus it's not humid...haha I don't know how you Southern folk survive.
Hang on winter is coming
Marissa · September 12, 2007 at 02:47 PM
Sweet Emily,
I just spoke to someone in New England, telling me how the leaves are turning, the weather unreal.. Halloween on its way... I just can't stand the heat in Arizona either.. Sadly, I can not leave.. As we have this perfect land... And winters are cold and you can dress for winter... as the Desert does get cold (but not snowy and magical)... I dream of places like Vermont... Oh, I wish I could escape also... xxxooo, V
ps: There was this write up about this town in Colorado that is sooo unreal.. I have to find it for you... Streets filled with the original buildings... Parades and on and on...
A Fanciful Twist · September 12, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Move to Philly!! Culture, frosty weather, not one but 2 Anthropologie stores within close distance, DWR, King of Prussia Mall and not to mention Steven Starr Restaurants.
Hilary Glime · September 12, 2007 at 02:54 PM
I'm planning a move to escape the heat and lack of culture as well, and Madison WI was recommended (etsy forums are so helpful!) It looks pretty good!
Bellingham WA was also recommended, and I can attest that Portland is a lovely place, I went to highschool there, a very long time ago mind you, and I still miss it.
jill · September 12, 2007 at 03:07 PM
Moving to a cooler climate? What came to my mind is the outfits that you like to wear (layers!), which would fit perfectly within that setting while still staying comfortable (not hot! under all them layers).
Makes perfect sense.
Jeannie · September 12, 2007 at 03:13 PM
i know what you mean about wishing for cooler weather just so you can wear your mittens...i collect mittens and can't wait till i can add to my collection this fall/winter! last year i was so low on funds that i could only afford 2 new pairs, but i hope to buy at least 4 or 5 new pairs from etsy this winter!
erin lang norris/yellow canoe · September 12, 2007 at 03:14 PM
Emily, you MUST come live in Portland, OR!! It will fit you perfectly: wonderful culture, amazing weather (rain is lovely), and beautiful shops/art/theatre.
Kathy · September 12, 2007 at 03:37 PM
I am in SF, its cool and lovely all the time here! Sometimes warm, sometimes mildly cold but never super cold and never hot hot hot or muggy. It is awesome here. I think Portland is great too.
PS You get to wear layers which is fun!
I would like to move to Chicago. It gets really hot there and really cold though which isn't ideal :)
Lauren · September 12, 2007 at 03:50 PM
Growing up in the south as well, Memphis TN here, that I've known a lot of fellow local artists who have the same out of place feelings. Even I feel the same way because it seems our art is under appreciated and seen more in the way of decoration then having some deeper thought or meaning to it.
The south is the south, just gotta take it for what it is because it's not going to change anytime soon. (Unless the fault line underneath Memphis finally wakes up but then it's just a geographical change.) I say get the heck out of here if you need too and go west which I know a lot of artists are doing from my part south are headed.
Katie · September 12, 2007 at 04:04 PM
The perfect all year round (mostly) cold weather place is San Francisco! Come!
gigegy · September 12, 2007 at 04:06 PM
I couldn't agree more... most people think I'm crazy for wishing for what I call "Scarfs 'n Mittens Weather" where I live (a hot & sunny, but pretty, valley) so it's nice to hear about like-minded gals out there somewhere :D
Suzy · September 12, 2007 at 04:17 PM
hey Emily, come visit France ;) you'll be happy with our weather, I promise. Anyway, I was wondering if you've ever heard about the "domino decorating contest"? I think you can enter!
http://www.dominomag.com/magazine/2007/08/sweeps_oct07_070828
http://www.dominomag.com/magazine/sweeps/decoratingcontest/entry/long/
annejulie · September 12, 2007 at 04:30 PM
It's chilly where I am in Canada today. I was excited to take my box of fall clothes out of my closet today and dig out a tweed skirt!
Also, I wanted to mention that I have that same vintage fabric as in the mitten picture! I used it as a background for some of the pictures in my etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5203751
Liz · September 12, 2007 at 04:36 PM
I visited San Francisco this summer and it was awesome. It was fun using public transportation and actually just walking places. Went to Utah as well this summer. It seemed really strange to me. I saw a big distinction between Mormon and not Mormon. Like if you are obviously not Mormon you work at a place that has a coffee bar because a good LDS person would never work there. I just felt really out of place there. We were there for four or five days and glad to get out of there.
I love San Diego though. We are close to L.A. and every type of weather you could think of. We have beach and desert and country type areas to live in. Hillcrest is a great area in San Diego. It is predominately gay but there is something to do for everyone. When I go out I usually end up there. Great places to eat and drink and dance.
Diana · September 12, 2007 at 04:54 PM
I'm a Northern Virginia girl. It's close to D.C., and not too far from Phili(3 hrs) or NYC(5 hrs). There's a lot of history here as well. I am so looking forward to the fall foliage and Halloween!
cyndi · September 12, 2007 at 04:55 PM
It's in the 60's in Chicago today. I'm wearing a jacket and scarf...and we have a whole lot goin' on here culturally! Join us!
Jennifer
aerialist/actor/remover of persons to the Chicago area!
guildencrantz · September 12, 2007 at 05:01 PM
look at New Hope, PA - eclectic, artsy town, half-hour ride to philly, outside of town is rural. It's on the delaware river. And you'll see lots of winter.
Funny, though, I'm leaving NJ for Georgia in two months because I can't deal with cold weather.
Lisa · September 12, 2007 at 05:06 PM
We'd love to have you here in Boston! Granted, I am planning my own relocation to the western part of the state, but that has its own, unique culture as well.
Wishing you luck and cool weather!
sparkle j · September 12, 2007 at 05:07 PM
Hi. I stumbled across your blog by accident, and so glad I did! I love it! I'll be checking out your etsy store, too. I really like the little girl paintings you did with the refurbished frames.
darla
http://westwoodranch.blogspot.com
darla · September 12, 2007 at 05:34 PM
It's funny when you read a post that you really connect with. I feel so much the same as you. I have been living in a warm part of my country, for the past decade and it just doesn't work for me. I am 'cold' at heart- hehe! Anyway i am looking into getting back to the comfort zone real soon. Hope it happens for you. :0)
And love the mitten!
vera · September 12, 2007 at 06:03 PM
How about California?? not sooo cool but if
culture is what your looking for? then cali has got it.
I can totally see you in the Silver Lake area.
lizziie · September 12, 2007 at 06:46 PM
What is funny is that I grew up in L.A. county/Southern Cal. and yet always felt that I belonged in the South.
I tried it on by transferring to the uber-southness of Ole Miss. It was so pretty, and yet I was so, so terribly out of place. I still feel those southern yearnings at times, as I sit here at my desk back in SoCal...
KellyS · September 12, 2007 at 08:40 PM
Emily, looks like you have lots of travel in your future. I just have to say......you have to come check out Portland Oregon. The weather is mild and rainy...is super green, even the city is like several small towns. I have heard folks call it the anti-miami...its full of crafty gals & guys. You'll love it!!!!!carrie
carrie · September 12, 2007 at 09:41 PM
An Anthro just opened in Nashville. Plus, I'm there.
xoxo,
e
elizabeth · September 12, 2007 at 10:18 PM
It's quite chilly today in the Chicago area. You can choose city, suburban or small town and still have train transportation into the city and quaint neighborhoods. I didn't see you on the list for Craft Renegade here :(
I am so ready for the crisp fall weather, picking out pumpkins and making apple pie.
Donna · September 12, 2007 at 11:53 PM
Come to Boston! :)
decor8holly · September 13, 2007 at 12:38 AM
Having lived in San Francisco and Portland, I know you would love both, but especially Portland. In San Francisco, you can wear layers year round, but Portland is more, as they say in Dutch, getzellig, homey, not as expensive, more low key.
Dina · September 13, 2007 at 06:07 AM
You should come visit Portsmouth, New Hampshire! It's an hour north of Boston, less expensive than Boston, and has all the charm of a tiny New England city. There are tons of rural places here still, and I've always enjoyed that you're either half an hour from a mountain or a beach in southern NH. Happy house hunting!
geek+nerd · September 13, 2007 at 07:35 AM
Funny you should say that you always fancied living in Boston, so do my Mr & I. Only dfiference is, it can actually happen for you! Us being English, we can't just move to America willy-nilly! Ho hum...
we've plumped for France instead, (which was really the first choice anyway), where we will find a ramshackle old farmhouse and lovingly do it up. We'll decorate it with beautiful paintings and curiosities, and have the most magnificent vegetable garden that anyone has ever seen, ever!
I'll carry on writing and illustrating my children's books, and Mr Nick may rekindle his blacksmithing business.
My God! I rambled a little long there...
must stop reading blogs and get back to work, whip, whip.
Enjoy your mail rooming!
Erica
xox
Erica-Jane · September 13, 2007 at 07:42 AM
as a former New England girl, you would love it there....
or, you could move to the Columbus area and be closer to me, and we could go shopping together.
stilettoheights · September 13, 2007 at 08:43 AM
I have lived my whole life in Boston. Check out Roslindale and Jamaica Plain if you are looking....
Also- Portland, Maine!!!
Anyagirl · September 13, 2007 at 08:56 AM
It's small but I live in the Pioneer Valley in Western Mass. It's lovely! We have mountains and farms surrounding us but because there are 5 large colleges (UMass, Smith, Amherst, Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke) we get every band and film you'd want to see. The Eric Carle Museum is here, entirely devoted to children's book illustrations. People here love food, beer crafting, and being outdoors and the retail landscape reflects that. Clothes shopping is a bit difficult but NY and Boston are 3-4 and 2 hours away respectively and it is actually quite easy to be carless.
If you ever wanted to come for a visit I'd be happy to show you around!
Cirilia · September 13, 2007 at 09:36 AM
Oh, and not to boast but the forecast today is sunny and chilly with a high of 76!
Cirilia · September 13, 2007 at 09:38 AM
I'm seconding Cirilla...it really is lovely here in the Pioneer Valley! Come give us a visit, emily!
Kate
Kate · September 13, 2007 at 10:06 AM
Oops...I mean seconding Cirilia...pity I can't type/spell!
Kate · September 13, 2007 at 10:08 AM
It's funny how people differ. I hate the cold (and I lived in Madison, WI for 5 years which is frigid and I don't think it has an anthropologie). I was always looking for a New York that was warm all year round (obviously, I'm not an American...) but there isn't such a thing.
I get sad at the thought of cold weather. The worst thing about September is our beautiful dry warm days are a harbinger of the miserable cold to come. Seriously only consider Madison if you can deal with brutal cold, Emily. Wet hair freezes on impact, my back hurt from the amount of clothing I had to wear to stay warm in winter and I hated dressing for the weather, not style, in Jan-Feb-March. It is otherwise a great place but the cold and the wind blowing over four lakes can be brutal. The weather forecasters talk about "life threatening cold" in winter. No joke.
Moya · September 13, 2007 at 11:42 AM
Why not go the whole hog and emigrate to Scotland? Glasgow has cold weather and cultural wonders a go go! All our galleries and museums are free and we have amazing buildings and parks and a fantastic cinema and lots of old cafes and fabulous charity shops (aka thrift shops but you should probably start learning the language asap) and great places to eat and drink... There are many "interesting" people in Glasgow, too - from artists abundant to nefarious neds! (You would learn about neds soon enough if you did move here.) Your lovely mitten would be put to good use here but you would also need a sturdy umbrella, I'm afraid. (I only put in that bit about the umbrella to prove that I'm not working for the tourist board)
Laura · September 13, 2007 at 11:47 AM
Move to Utah. We have beautiful mountains & it cools right down in about 1 week. :) Plus, SLC has a Delta hub as does Atlanta and NYC making it easier to get to fun places for cheaper. Am I convincing you? :)
tiffany · September 13, 2007 at 12:44 PM
I highly recommend Chicago. Not very rural, but very cultural!
Heidi · September 13, 2007 at 01:58 PM
Oh Emily, what about your poor Mom? Isn't she in Georgia? You always speak so lovingly about her - you guys shop together and lunch together...I don't mean you can't live your own life but it seems like you actually like each other (!) and that is a pretty rare and beautiful thing. But if you must wander, and if moving all your everythings does not daunt you like it does me, well then,...I suppose I am envious. The weather here in Detroit (actually suburb of) is just lovely today! Wearing my favorite sweater, sipping tea, looking out at my kids all playing in the shade of our maple tree which suddenly just tipped with red and gold...it is just lovely...but honestly, unless you have family here, Detroit can be really hard to love. This is coming from someone who owned/ran a coffeehouse/gallery downtown for 6 long years and watched as lots of talented people tried to leave only to return 'home' a bit worse for the wear...home was still home, despite other yearnings.
Since I am rambling on and on, let me also say I really enjoy your blog and talent and it occurs to me that you would make a wonderful coffeehouse/gallery entrepreneur! Just imagine; a cozy little shop with the most charming studio/living space above, serving tea and cupcakes from 2-7pm on the most charming mismatched tableware (made for your shop by some of your artisan friends) You would be creating a 'meeting/gathering' place for like-minded folk; people you never imagined lived so close...you could make your own hours, you could bake like crazy, you could have gallery openings, you could have central air-conditioning!
Or not, it is your life after all! Thanks for letting us all have a peek, I think you are pretty great, and good luck!
Autumn · September 13, 2007 at 02:33 PM
I totally recommend Davis Square in Somerville, which is right next to Boston. It's a very quirky and fun place to live - we even have a cupcake shop called Kicka** Cupcakes! (Which I'm very excited about at the moment). Close enough to Boston that you can access everything there on a whim, and far enough away and a nice enough neighborhood that you end up knowing a bunch of people in the area - most of whom are in their 20's and 30's. There's a lot of theater and art in the area, too.
Jenn · September 13, 2007 at 04:52 PM
Minneapolis goyle here! 60's right now, and I'm loving every minute of it! Move here! City is beyond amazing .. though I would love to move to Portland or Seattle! Awe.
Colleen · September 13, 2007 at 05:43 PM
move to Minnesota! The Twin Cities are beautiful.
adianoeta · September 13, 2007 at 09:45 PM
You sure you don't want to give NYC another shot? I'm just kidding. I can't wait to move out of New York City and into a more green area like New Jersey. I hope you find somewhere wonderful to move to.
-Sonya
Sonya · September 13, 2007 at 09:58 PM
I'm going to chime in here and recommend Michigan, as well. Most of Michigan is actually quite rural, and good cultural things always happen here - every tour of every kind of entertainment comes through Detroit, all the limited release films come to Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids has an amazing music scene, the Traverse City/Petosky area has an amazing artist community (Wendy Froud's family is in Petosky, and she comes through almost every year - usually with Brian), and the weather is PERFECT. Seriously. Plus, we Michiganders get to claim talent like Sufjan Stevens and *cough* Ted Nugent *cough*
However, Athens is a great little town, too, when football season is over (all those college kids make my head swim).
Strange Bird · September 13, 2007 at 11:26 PM
Portland. I have never been, but I fantasize about it.
Danette · September 13, 2007 at 11:59 PM
Did you know that someone blogged about you? Lol, what a small world.
http://empirecollective.blogspot.com/2007/09/etsy-of-week-black-apple.html
Jeannie · September 14, 2007 at 03:45 AM
There's a simple kind of charm to that mitten. Good luck with the cold weather- me, I want to hold on to the heat as long as possible.
Corvus · September 14, 2007 at 09:12 AM
I love that you are thinking of moving. A big move, for me, always feels like the possibilities are endless in my world. xo
Blair · September 14, 2007 at 09:55 AM
"interviewing" places to live - haha, i love it! :)
kalen · September 14, 2007 at 10:08 AM
you are the cutestestestEST person in the world:) your blog always cheers me up:)))))
arifa · September 14, 2007 at 11:08 AM
we ALLLLLL want you!!! :)
me-nikk · September 14, 2007 at 02:15 PM
I'd like to nominate Buffalo, NY. We really are an overlooked city with a lot to look at!
LindsayLuu · September 14, 2007 at 03:43 PM
Lots of votes for Portland......but I say go up a bit to SEATTLE! Bigger city, near the same pricing for houses (as our dear friend who were hoping to save $$$ by moving to Portland found out!)much more music and museums here as well.
PLUS we have SEVERAL yep, several Anthropoligie stores in a 20 minute drive!
And if you like cool weather, our fall is to die for! The leaves have just turned crimson and the smell of fall is in the air.
Plus there are great schools here too!
Elizebeth · September 14, 2007 at 07:01 PM
We are getting ready to move from Louisiana to North Carolina. I can't wait!!! I've always felt like I didn't belong here. We are moving about 20 miles south of Asheville, which is still close to Georgia, but far enough away to not be so hot. And Asheville is a great town for Artist. We are moving to "Pisgah Forest" in Transylvania County. Here's a link:
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/
Good luck wherever you decide to go.
Kathy Hardy {Dornick Designs} · September 14, 2007 at 07:32 PM
My favorite city in this country: Portland. You will LOVE it. Powels book store...the Pearl District. I will someday live there.
Haven't been, but I hear Portland, Maine is wonderful.
Asheville, NC is fabulous..mountainous, chilly, culture, art..
I live in Philly and love it, close to NY but not as expensive or overwhelming. Anthropologie.....
Have fun interviewing a new place. Cheers.
-bigpinkcurlers
becky · September 14, 2007 at 08:47 PM
What about Colorado? Denver was suggested, but what about the Frisco/Dillon area, up in the mountains. Beautiful climate, and an influx of environmentally-inclined 20- and 30-somethings have really upped the culture aspect. The only thing it might not have is the graduate schools... Oh, but the climate is wonderful (that is if you don't like the heat & humidity, and love the snow).
Missa · September 14, 2007 at 11:06 PM
I too love cold layering weather and have lived in both Portland and San Francisco, and liked them both. I now live in Asheville, NC and love it most, the seasons are distinct (although this summer was waaaay too hot) and we get snow in the winter but not so much it keeps you from doing anything. The art, craft, music scene is great and because of the landscape it all feels a little rural.
Sarah · September 15, 2007 at 05:53 AM
Having grown up in New England (10 years) & Northern Virginia (10 years), then Texas, New Jersey and now Minnesota . . . here are my thoughts. If you want the change of season, and do NOT like traffic (want to be close to culture, but not live right on top of it and have to deal with all the traffic and tourists every day) I agree completely with other posters and recommend the following: 1. If you want SNOW: Minneapolis (awesome place to raise kids and absolutely gorgeous, but FREEZING!!) - and you have to be able to tolerate many days of subzero temps and -50 degree wind chills; New Hampshire (still close to Boston, but more charming and less stressful) or mid to western Mass - many zero days and - 35 degree wind chills, and just about anywhere in the Chicago suburbs, eastern Wisconsin and/or Michigan (all have very windy weather, and New England like temps). 2. For change of season but typically less snow and not such extreme temps - New Hope, PA area (one of my personal favorites, but still expensive!!) and Charlottesville, VA - both will have some single digit days but winters are much shorter. The question is, can you see yourself far away from the east coast?? I do miss the culture that was whichever way you looked, but there is plenty of it spread out in clumps here in the midwest. And with the Great Lakes (which have an ocean feel to them) and a ton of lighthouses, I'm always amazed at how many places remind me of the area I grew up (north shore of Boston, almost into NH). The pace here is just so much more relaxed - I felt like I was on vacation for the first 4-5 years!!
Good luck to you Emily ~ you'll do great no matter which place you choose to adopt you!!
BeeDazzles · September 15, 2007 at 06:56 AM
I'm rather fond of my small-town America: Marietta, OH. Voted best in the midwest to live, with brick streets and stately trees, a downtown antique store district, street festivals, within 2 hours away of three major metropolitan areas, several colleges in the area with good grad school programs, and a real New England feel with not quite as much snow.
Mary Ann · September 15, 2007 at 02:21 PM
Hello.
I am always tickled pink by your blog. I think that you are a doll. As for moving. I had lived my whole life in the dry climate of Arizona and found that my heart had always belonged Boston. So I packed up my things and moved to Boston. It is absoultly Beautiful. The art. trees. buildings. old bookstores. It's perfect. And I am sure that you will find your perfect place.
Best of Luck.
Shaylah Fawn
Shaylah · September 15, 2007 at 04:34 PM
Anywhere can be good, but Minneapolis is a wonderful city. If you ever come here, do find someone local who can show you just how good it is. And come in winter, to see the beauty of snow at night. xo
eireann · September 16, 2007 at 01:39 AM
i'm from arkansas and i JUST got back from portland, oregon... it's amazing!! you don't need a car! everyone walks, rides public transit or rides their bike. put that one on your list to look at!
ashley · September 19, 2007 at 10:58 AM
I love living here in Athens, but towns and cities are what you make them. I think it's up to individuals to create the life they want regardless of their geography. BUT, I know I would never feel completely "me" in a big city and have to have convenient access to the countryside. I need long rural roads to drive down. Good luck with your search.
TeenSleuth · September 21, 2007 at 01:21 PM