Starting Over in Alabama: A Dream, Four Cats, and a Garden Full of Possibilities
Every big move starts with a spark—an idea that grows into a dream you can’t shake. For us, that spark was a longing for something different, something freer. My husband Rich and I had built a life in Colorado, but over time, we started craving more: more space, more room to breathe, more chances to dig into the things we love. Colorado was stunning, but it came with a high cost of living, endless traffic, and a pace that left us feeling squeezed. So, we took a leap—packed up our lives, our two cats, and headed to Alabama. And now? We’re starting over, with four cats, a sprawling garden, and a dream that’s finally taking root.
Why Alabama?
The decision wasn’t random. We wanted a lower cost of living so we could stretch our dollars further and pour them into what matters to us—land, freedom, and a slower rhythm. Alabama offered all of that and more. We traded mountain views for wide-open spaces, and now we’ve got room for gardens that spill over with possibility. There’s less traffic here, sure, but it’s the quiet moments—sipping coffee on the porch, watching the cats chase shadows—that feel like the real luxury. We don’t have family nearby, but our little crew of felines fills that gap with daily doses of joy and chaos.
Meet the Cats (Because They Run the Show)
Our two Colorado cats made the journey with us, wide-eyed and curious in the backseat. Then, as if the universe knew we needed a welcome committee, our new house came with two more—a pair of Alabama locals who strutted right into our hearts. Four cats might sound like a lot, but they’re our entertainment, our comfort, and sometimes our alarm clocks. There’s nothing like the sight of them sprawled across the sunny spots in the yard or weaving through the garden beds to make this place feel like home.
Starting Over: New Jobs, New Roots
Moving meant more than a change of scenery—it meant new jobs, new routines, and a blank slate. It’s exhilarating and terrifying, starting over at this stage of life, but it’s also a chance to build something ours. Rich and I both love to create—he’s the gardener and baker with a patience I’ll never master, and I’m the cook and dreamer who thrives on color and chaos. Together, we’re turning this corner of Alabama into a life that feels like us.
Rich is the green thumb of the duo. He starts plants from seed, coaxing life out of tiny specks with a quiet focus I admire. In the kitchen, that patience shines too—he’s the baker, measuring every ingredient like a scientist. His breads rise to golden perfection, and don’t get me started on his pizzas. They’re the kind that make you close your eyes with the first bite, cheesy and crisp and better than anything you’d find in a restaurant.
Me? I’m the opposite. I cook by feel, tasting as I go, using recipes as a loose suggestion rather than a rulebook. I love what’s in season—bright tomatoes, peppery arugula, sweet summer squash—and I let the garden guide me. Speaking of gardens, I’m the visual one. I want layers and texture, a foodscape where vegetables mingle with flowers under the dogwood tree. It’s not just about growing food; it’s about making it beautiful.
The Dream Payoff
This move wasn’t just about escaping—it was about building. We’re dreaming big now, and the seeds are already planted (literally and figuratively). One day soon, we’d love to open our home for cooking classes, sharing Rich’s pizza secrets and my throw-it-together seasonal dishes with anyone who wants to learn. And that garden? It’s not just for us. We’re planning a little stand out front, a spot to share our harvest—sun-warmed tomatoes, fragrant herbs, maybe even a loaf of Rich’s bread now and then.
Starting over isn’t easy, but it feels right. There’s a thrill in watching the cats explore their new kingdom, in seeing the first green shoots poke through the soil, in tasting a meal made from what we’ve grown and cooked together. This is our origin story now—a Colorado couple turned Alabama dreamers, with four cats, a garden, and a whole lot of heart. Stick around; the best is yet to come.
