A year ago this month, the good karma cabin blog made its debut. In the grand scheme of things, not a big deal. For me, a very big deal. To write for an audience, and not simply shove the journal to the back of the bedside table, was a grand leap of faith.
Purchasing the cabin was also a leap of faith – blind faith as it turns out. Dave reports that he was always fully aware of the hard work, long hours, and mucho moolah that the project would entail. I will admit I had some rosy visions of cabin renos that have come crashing down over the past year.
So much so, that I seriously considered selling the property recently.
“I don’t think I can see this thing through,” I finally admitted to Dave.
The dream I held for my cabin in the woods is not as I once imagined. The project is daunting. The timeline looks endless. The cost feels enormous.
And I feel small. Inadequate. A poser.
Similar to how I have always felt as a writer.
Then I remembered that only a year ago, I did something I never thought I would: I clicked the ‘publish now’ button.
If I can do that, then seeing this cabin project thru to the end should be a piece of cake.
Time to Stop Ruminating and Get Down with some Hygge Vibes
One of the good things about our badass winter is the opportunity to get hygge. Not sure if I have used the word correctly. It doesn’t matter.
Hygge represents more of a feeling than anything concrete – a state of being or a mood; a different way of looking at the world that encourages slowing down and appreciating the good things in life. The word loosely translates from the Danish word meaning “to give comfort, joy, or courage.”
Facty Health
Hygge vibes were what I sought in my search for a cabin. Like happiness though, finding hygge is not meant to be an arduous journey. It doesn’t cost a thing. It is simple and instantly found. If you know where to look.
My hygge vibes are high right now. I’m tucked in bed illuminated by laptop glow, a tuckered-out poodle cutting off the circulation to my legs. A meager tumbler of wine sits atop a stack of books on the bedside table. The furnace hums softly. The thought of a 40cm snowfall predicted for tomorrow adds to my need to nest and rest.
I don’t need a cabin to find peace and stillness. If I think these things are only found within a cabin in the woods, then maybe I should sell it. But they aren’t. And I won’t.
When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
Said by lots of smart people throughout history
Now to the Good Stuff
To celebrate our first anniversary, it is time for another good karma cabin giveaway! I will rope my next door pal Jamie into drawing the winning name (I like old school draws and Jamie has a gift for words and always makes me laugh).
To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment or send me a personal note!
You will have your choice of one of the following books, plus a little extra something from me and Rumi. Here are your choices:
Take a look and see which one you like.
A little hygge and a dash of lykke would go a long way these days.
Green Light for the Dream
Having slayed more than a few demons this past year, the cabin project is now a definite GO. Stay tuned for more adventures once the snow clears. It looks like Bert the Outhouse will soon have a rival to contend with and Stella the Wood Stove may get that firm pedestal she has always dreamed of…one that won’t have her crashing through rotten floorboards.
Karen you write beautifully and inspire me to write one day❤️.
Simone, you definitely have your own leaps of faith and ‘thinking outside the box’ that others would love to read about and learn from. I certainly did…in fact it was YOU that introduced me to Happier Than a Billionaire, among other things for which I am eternally grateful.
I love your writing, Karen! Each story is so thoughtful and wise. Thank you for sharing such lovely life lessons in a fun and candid way 🙂
Mike
Thank you Mike! We hope to get you up there in person someday soon.
Listen to your dad!
🤣👍that’s what he’s been saying for years
My dear beautiful Karen! your writing is exquisite! I can’t wait to one day read your first novel! I love you my friend!
😊 aww, kind words – thank you Nat! Looks like leaps of faith pay off in heartwarming, priceless ways.
Thanks again, Karen. Your words, but especially your way with words, always give a welcome jolt of hygge. I celebrate your year of writing with thanks for moments of mindset change they inspire, however brief. Skol !
And to you too, Carla! 🍻 Friendship is a surefire way to the land of hygge.
Has it been a year already? Time really does fly when you have amazing, insightful and funny stories to read by a very talented writer. I am so happy to hear that you have decided not to let the cabin go. I look forward to another year reading about your reno adventures, life lessons, and puppy love.
More tales guaranteed, Christine. Thank you for joining us this past year ☺️
I sit in the middle of that snowfall of 40 cm that you referred to, watching fall and appreciating how nature sometimes forces us the adopt the Hygge attitude. Nature says: “Thought you had something important to do today? Not so important after all, right? Here I am by an early morning fire (We never do that. Why not?) catching up on wonderful things, like your posts.
Sounds like a perfect way to spend this morning. You’re right – why not more early morning fires? Enjoy your hygge day.
Love the post! I look forward to every one to see what shenanigans are coming next and what lover boy Rumi is up to.
Ye gods he’s a lover boy these days – attacked me from behind as I carried a hot mug of tea – which ended up on the carpet as I fought to regain balance. He’s all stealth.
Happy anniversary! I’m so grateful you took that leap of faith a year ago Karen. Your writing is beautiful and I’ve enjoyed all of it so MUCH. Can’t wait to read about the projects, adventures, relationships and discoveries ahead! In the meantime, nestle into that well earned peace and stillness. Enjoy.
Thank you Nicki – I’ve bounced more than a few ideas off of you!
Opening my inbox to a new ‘Karma Cabin Story’ is an instant pleasure…the world stops so that I can immerse myself in your story…Thank you for a year of laughter…cabin musings and puppy love ❤️
It helps having you all along for this crazy ride. Thank you for taking a break from life to join us!
I dread the day that you stop writing. I’ve learned so much from each of your posted chapters. You have a keen ability to express yourself and bring your reader along for the ride.
Believe in yourself and follow your passion. You indeed are a very special person.
Aw shucks, thanks dad 😊
Happy First Anniversary! Love reading the goodkarmacabin – you are such a talented writer. Looking forward to reading more about the cabin adventures.
Thank you Pam! Hard to believe it has been a year. Hope to focus more on cabin progress in 2022.
Hi Karen, I have to say, I have loved reading the insightful notations of your journey. I enjoyed seeing your wife-eyed optimism mixed with a little f*** excitment! Your tales have made me laugh, and reflect on how we should laugh more… and how everything is better with friends(furry included), wine and biscotti! I wish you another year of adventure…it’s what keeps us young minded and soulful
… can’t wait to read the next chapter
Viva, vino, baci!
Franca
We are going to need more of your famous biscotti and other wonders, Franca! Thank you for following the journey