And together we will float into the mystic. (AKA: Rachael says Farewell to The Carlton)

Really. Does it get any better than Van Morrison? Hmm. For now, let's go with no.

I said goodbye to The Carlton yesterday afternoon (approximately 4:23 p.m., PST). I took pictures (front of The Carlton, Rachael in The Carlton, Rachael's feet in The Carlton, view of Lake Union from #204, etc.) It is the first time since I graduated that I felt sad about leaving a place. I loved, loved, loved living alone. It was, by far (and so far) my favorite living experience.

So now. I live in Ravenna/Sandpoint and have three roommates. They are fabulous and the house is huge and lovely and I have a near perfect room with white wood-paneled walls and windows and a separate dressing room/closet. There is a silly dog and huge kitchen and a fireplace. It is far more quiet and I no longer have the bright lights of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance spilling into my apartment at all hours of the day. I don't have a water view, but I am within walking distance of Third Place Books and don't have to use sticky-tack to hang artwork up. All good things.

So, while I am a little heartbroken from having to leave my adorable little studio with its exposed brick walls (perfection) and hardwood floors, I am already feeling very at home at the new house. I am surrounded by my 500 books, the best-smelling and softest bedding in existence, and Van Morrison. That, and I've already entertained twice: dinner and brunch. Not something that is easy to do in 416 sq. feet of space.

So, here's to moving. And saving money. And communal living.

Cheers.