Once upon a time, I wanted a large, grand, sprawling house. Something with a wandering rabbit-warren of rooms, high ceilings, grand furniture, glossy floors.

Time passes. Things change.

I spent time in South America, in third-world areas where simply having solid walls makes you wealthy. I spent time in Hong Kong, where entire multi-generation families live in one apartment. I spent time in Europe where housing costs mean houses are small, old, damp and crowded. I spent time living in a below-decks ship crew cabin roughly the size of an average closet – with a room mate. I spent time cleaning those giant houses I once longed after for a living.

We spent a bit over a month living in a 12×24 tent. We’ve spent nearly 5 months now living in a 7.5 x 35 bus. We are working our butts off to be able to move into a 20×24 single-room barn cabin with concrete floor, rough wood furniture, low ceilings and canvas walls. And it is good. It will be warm, and safe, and cozy.

I don’t have space in my life any more for the big and the grand. Simple. Homey. Warm. Authentic. These are the things that matter now.

‘Nice’ furniture doesnt survive the kids and animals anyway, so comfort over appearance. Having all the things means making space for and maintaining all the things. Instead, we choose a few, good quality things.

Life is too short to spend cleaning big ol’ houses and polishing furniture.