“Home is where the heart is.” Pliney the Elder
This colorful sleeper couch was one of my first purchases for creating a new home and a new lifestyle. I think it’s a “joyful” beginning. — Photo by Pat Bean.
“Never make your home in a place. Make a home for yourself inside your own head. You’ll find what you need to furnish it – memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things. That way it will go with you wherever you journey.” Tad Williams
Creating a New Home
The road has been my home for more than eight years. It was the home I had dreamed of for most of my life and it was every bit as wonderful as I had imagined.
My third-floor apartment lets me live at tree-top level It’s the closest thing I could find to living in a tree house, which is something I would still like to do. These two winter-naked trees are visible from my front-room balcony. I’m eagerly awaiting them to change into spring garments, and watching them do so is one of the joys I look forward to in coming days. — Photo by Pat Bean
Me, my bossy canine companion, Maggie, and for a short time a joyful puppy named Pepper, traveled this country from border to border and ocean to ocean in Gypsy Lee, a 22-foot RV that I bought new in 2004, and which now has almost 140,000 miles on her.
To live this wondering-wandering life within my personal financial means, I sold or gave away, almost everything I owned before I could get on the road to explore this fantastic country. “America the Beautiful,” it truly is.
I knew, however, that one day my full-time life on the road would have to become at least only part-time. And when that day came, I knew I would be starting from scratch in the homemaking department.
That day came this past December 26. And this red sleeper couch was one of my first purchases. And I love it. It feels like a good start to a new home. What do you think?
Pat Bean's blog 
A red sofa!! Marvelous. So after 8 years you’ve decided to part time it? Makes me think I need to get on the ball here if it’s going to take me 8 years to see all of America.
Eight years, I think, was only a start. So get moving Trinity River.
I think the couch is gorgeous and I love the color! I also think you’ve one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever encountered and I adore you.
Maybe one day I’ll be ready to ‘settle’ down and buy things like furniture, maybe, but not this day!
Thank you Alex. Your comment truly touched me. And the feeling, by the way, is mutual. Your blogs always slow me down and make me think — and I love that.
That sofa just screams ” PAT BEAN” and I adore it!
I agree. It does scream PAT BEAN. I do love color a lot Nancilynn. .
I love it! Red is perfect for you. Passionate, on fire, full of life. 🙂
Thanks. I do so agree Robin
Love the sofa. Hope your ankle is healing fast too!
Oh yes, that lovely red couch is a great start to a home full of life and energy. I expect (after your not-brief-enough recuperation) that you will bring the same enthusiasm and gift for joy to your new home as you have to your travels with Gypsy Lee.
Thanks. I do love color Barbara.
I love the colour – so bright and cheerful. It would make any room look grand.
Thanks Colline
I love the red! It’s just you! So joyful and full of fun! I’ve been trying to catch up on your blogs but I must have missed one somewhere. What’s this about your foot or ankle? I know you won’t let it keep you down for long. The third floor? Has to be a fabulous view. Tonya
ahhh, as I am about to move into an apartment very soon (very a rented too large of a house) as I go through this divorce I have mixed thoughts, but one goes to my want one day to travel our great country like you have done. First, I will move into ‘my apartment’…I’m looking forward to it. Kind of another new beginning to what was back in March 2012…. your red couch gives me inspiration!