Living the dream

Picture this

A small coastal town just barely off highway 101 in northern Oregon, Cannon Beach

A small 900 square foot cape cod bungalow covered with cedar siding that has grayed with age. The front yard it is about 15 feet wide by 8 feet deep. Rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas in all shades of pinks and purples flank a stone walkway that runs down the center of the yard. A large hanging flower pot filled with bright fuchsia's hangs by the front door. There is a 3 foot white picket fence surrounding the front yard.

As you enter the modest home you pass through wooden door with 9 small window panes on the top half of the door. An eyelet lace cafe curtain is pulled to the side during the day to let the sun fill the room, but drawn in the evening to ensure privacy. You enter the living room. Beautiful oak floors, that have flawed over the years, run through the entire house. There is a couch, a mismatched love seat with rocking chair there. Just enough room to accommodate a few friends. The house has 2 or 3 bedrooms, one for you, one for family and one for guests. A small kitchen sits at the back of the house with white painted cupboards, a big farm sink and a large window over the sink that overlooks the private back yard. A solid wood table is located in a nook off the kitchen creating a connecting area between the living room and kitchen. The table is draped with a tablecloth that was passed down for 3 generation and there are real flowers arranged in a canning jar adorning the table. Out back the yard is surrounded by a laurel hedge with a large shade tree. If you look close you can see a small tree house camouflaged by the leaves and an old tire swing hangs from a stately limb. A brick patio, shaded by the tree, is just big enough for a hammock, a porch swing and a table for 4 and a barbque.

2 blocks away is the sandwich shop. A small place with about 6 tables with single fresh flower one each and extra chairs along one wall in case friends drop by. On the opposite wall is a piano. Just in case the mood strikes to play. Straight ahead is the counter where you can order a modest sandwich, home made soup, fresh potato salad, fresh fruit or tossed green salad. To the right is a display case where the morning baked goods are displayed. These will change everyday depending on the mood. Ranging from blueberry muffins to coffeecake, maybe a sweet roll, and of course, hot chocolate chip cookies. Coffee will be served, but not any of that fancy stuff. Just a fresh cup of coffee for about 50 cents. Tea, hot chocolate, pop and juice will also be offered and a cup of water will only be a nickle. And of course fresh lemonade.
There won't be any grill or deep fryer to cover the aroma for the fresh baked good. The shop will be clean and crisp with a large ceiling fan that ever so quietly moves the air.
There will be 2 big windows on the front with the name "The Simple Life" spanned across the glass.
3 tables will be out front on the sidewalk and of course a newspaper or magazine to share.

Connected to the sandwich shop will be a small print shop. It will have graphic services and multiple printers for different mediums. It will be organized but modest. A large leather couch will be available to rest on. Peaceful music will be playing softly in the background. A grand bookcase will be on the wall filled with books to read when the time allows. And of course free WIFI.

During the summer life will be hectic. Tourists will be in larger numbers, strolling the streets, enjoying the day. But during the winter life will be pleasant and peaceful. The locals will have more free time and come to sit and rest. You will know them by name an inquire about their family while sipping on some lemonade.

Walking from place to place will be the norm. Recycling and energy conservation along with a hybrid car are a way of life.

Fresh fruit, fresh seafood, garden vegetables and a little meat are at every dinner.

When the weather is good, you enjoy a midnight stroll on the beach with someone you love.

That,
is my dream.