One Hell of a Loft Living Year

One year ago on August 11th I was loading up the U-Haul on the hottest day of the year, because that's how I roll, and heading to my new home in the River Market.  Do not confuse this with downtown KC...it's different, much different.  I remember telling my friends and family I was going to move there and most of their reactions were about the same.  "It's so far away", "Why?", "Is it safe?" My response;  It's not that far, I grew in a town without a grocery store or stop light, I am used to driving everywhere, besides, maybe it would get more people to venture out of their comfort zone and experience something new.  The why, well because living in a loft is something I never thought I would have the opportunity to do, it's less expensive than where I was living, and I had the chance to do it, so that's why.  Is it safe? Yes Mom and Dad...I will be fine, bad shit happens anywhere.  Do not get caught up with the "downtown" area being unsafe.  Of course there are unsafe areas to avoid, just like anywhere. And yes Dad, I have my firearm.  What can I say, I grew up on farm target practicing. No big deal.

Here's what I have learned from moving here.  People are super friendly and even though I had a great family adopt my Melly because of my schedule, there are pets and specifically dogs everywhere, so I get my fix.  You can walk or take the streetcar and be most places in about 10 minutes.  It's like a little family down here, you see the same people and they remember you, they say hello and they stop and will have a conversation with you.  I am right across from a little diner that so reminds me of the one my Gma used to own and it has a great breakfast. Coffee shops, farmers markets, fresh flowers, happy hours, views of the city, and being centrally located are more reasons I love it here.  Did I mention there isn't a Target nearby? Yes, that's a good thing...but I have managed to still frequent there probably more than needed.

I couldn't be happier with this decision I made a little over a year ago, signing the lease before even seeing the loft I would be living in, but rather knowing it was time to take a chance and because I knew the view I was going to have, I couldn't let it slip away.  I did have to buy a couple of new pieces of furniture that would "fit" so when I found an orange leather sofa and vintage camera light, I knew those pieces were perfect for the space! I love the concrete and brick walls, open ceilings, and huge west-facing windows where I can see the River Market and the KC Skyline. I have learned to live a more simpler life in a much smaller space with less "things" that I realized aren't really important anyway.  Ok, so the closet is a bit of an issue but I have made it work...I haven't quite given up on fashion or shoes.  But I have learned to live a life that makes me happy and to appreciate what life has offered me in the last year.

Cheers To One Year! 

Shona