Dream Life

My Dream Home My dream home, hmmm, let me see…. Well I might have a few homes if I had my way, but dream home?

I could have a rustic cabin on the perfect bend of a river in Wisconsin, close to family and friends. It would be damp and earthy, and quiet, except for the sounds of the river and the rustle of the breeze. I’d need giant windows all the way to the peak, because winter is long and cold and every second of sunlight is a worshipped. It would be a great place to come home to. The perfect isolation to write .

Wait! I could have a home in the Hollywood Hills! I freakin’ LOVE L.A.! I think it’s in my blood, or some southern California spell, because I can’t leave L.A. behind. I’d get an airy, mid-century modern ranch home, kind of low in the hills, because no matter how beautiful they are I wouldn’t want to have to navigate those palm-potted curves all the way to the top, even for the dusky view over the city. I love to hike them though. Plus, I’d be close to the action and avoid the traffic. Hollywood is still central for my professional needs. Sounds like a good plan!

But, L.A. is so urban. I should really get away from it all. Yes! A vacation property! Something destination. Something like…Nashville! Nashville is so sweet and slow! I’ve only been once, but it seems like I may have lived there in another life. Music City and mood lighting what a perfect combination! Plus, everyone wants to touch down in the south now and then, right? Destination vacation for sure, and I would always have the opportunity to get back and touch my country roots, wherever they might stem from. Nashville. Check.

Although, are any of these my real dream home? I mean if I have a home in Hollywood I must have enough money to, you know, dream big. You know what? I’m thinking VILLA! Hello. Something French or Italian, or possibly even Greek, if you don’t mind the constant wind. On second thought the winds is a bit much; I can visit Italy on my way to Greece from my villa in France. Canne you say Cannes? A great villa should definitely hold its value in the vacation rental market. Sign me up, Rosetta Stone!

Real estate is hard work, and I’ll probably have to work until I die, but I have to say that the closer I get to retirement, one of the main things on my mind is a truly temperate climate, none of this 60-degree crap. I want to swim naked everyday of the year if I feel like it. I ‘m also partial to live music, long walks on the beach and getting to know the large ex-pat community who will carry me through the lonely nights of karaoke at the Tiki bar. Can’t wait to share this beauty with my family and friends whenever they get here. I mean I can’t just tag along with them forever. Can I?

But where am I? Where is this dream home? What is my location, location, location? Well the place where I will practice yoga from my beachfront pool deck, sing karaoke and swim naked with dolphins and occasional blended drinks, is conveniently located in the U.S. Virgin Islands! Let’s just say St. Thomas. It truthfully hasn’t been determined, but on the advise of friends and a search of (q)Wikipedia I’ve found that it has an average temperature of 87 degrees Fahrenheit year around, convenient travel for visitors and myself when we get there, the ability to work if I have too, and access to a host of other amazing tropical amenities. St. Thomas seems to offer many things I need for my not too pending retirement.

I’m thinking a tranquil little beachside condo with room for my family and friends, a gym, a beautiful pool area and absolutely no exterior maintenance. I suppose a lock off side for rental would be practical if I’m there alone, or I can rent the whole place if I am gone altogether, because I have just built the perfect dream home, in some of my favorite places, where I can feed my gypsy soul, but still stop for a time to be present, and be home.