Life as is
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a leap of faith

7/8/2015

21 Comments

 
Okey dokey then, now that I've shaken off my insecurities of writing, it's time to write. 
I guess I'll start with a brief explanation of how the heck this Massachusetts girl ended up in a THOW (tiny house on wheels) in smack dab downtown Orlando...
The adventure started back in November of last year, when I finally built up enough courage to click, "book your flight". For $70 I had just purchased a one way ticket to Orlando, FL on February 9, 2015, my 21st birthday. I had no plan, no reason, and just enough money saved up. 

10 weeks. I thought that was plenty of time to figure something out. 

Well.. 9 weeks went by and not much had changed. I had no plan, no reason, and just enough money. Only 2 people knew about my escape plan. The only 2 people who's opinions seemed to matter, but with 1 week until my flight and no plans, even my brother and my best friend had their doubts and concerns. 

I, on the other hand, still felt pretty confident. Looking back it was mostly because of how naive I was, but still, it was so liberating not knowing what was to come of this crazy leap of faith.  

So with one week to go, I was just browsing on Tinyhouselistings.com, more so looking for an RV or some awesome pimped out school bus that I could cruise the country with. Most of these searches were due to daydreaming and were never seriously pursued. But this one day, one week before my life was supposed to really start, the first listing on the page reads, "TINY HOUSE IN ORLANDO. BEST LOT IN THE PARK"  

"NOOOO WAY!" is all that was going through my mind. "NO WAY, NO WAY, NO WAY!!!" I wasted no time at all and before I could even finish going through the pictures I was emailing, texting, and calling the number listed for the ad. I thought for sure this little treasure would be gone.  But at the same time, the second I saw it, I knew it was mine. It was destiny. 

Still waiting for a reply back, bouncing with excitement, I ran downstairs to my brothers room. "LOOOOOOOOOOK WHAT I FOUND! IT'S MY HOUSE, IT HASSSS TO BE MY HOUSE!" My brother took one look at it and shook his head... he took a step back and looked at me and said "I've seen this house in a dream".  

A dream.. that's what it all felt like.

3 days later, the house was officially mine. With 4 days left in Massachusetts, I finally let my Mom and Dad in on the secret. Oh, my poor parents.. luckily my whole life leading up to this day had taught them to expect surprises like this from me. 

February 8th, 2015 I cashed in my ticket, packed up my car, and drove 21 hours to my new home. 


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21 Comments
James/The Company Store on Wheels link
7/18/2015 11:10:59 pm

Hi, tiny neighbor! I have always loved your story of how you came to the "BIG Tiny!" It's full of synchronicity, serendipity and now love. (Arrive the Radio Beacon!) I value you as an individual and as a fellow THer so much. Our tiny house community, and indeed I, would not be the same without you!

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Kelsey
7/21/2015 07:17:27 am

This is awesome !!! I love you and miss you!!

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Cindy
7/21/2015 10:26:18 pm

Lovvveeeee this!

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Donna
8/13/2015 03:37:06 pm

Hi,
I love your story,this is what I want to do,where did you purchase your tiny home, and is it safe where you live?
THank you,Donna

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Cassandra Craig
8/13/2015 08:54:34 pm

Hi Donna, thanks so much for reading! I actually rent my tiny home right now, but hope to build very, very soon! I'm thinking about going through Brett, with cornerstone tiny homes. He built one of my neighbors and it is just beauuuutiful!

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Donna
8/14/2015 02:34:17 am

Hi,
Oh I see, I sent an emal to Brett,thank you, is it a good area in Florida?Also,
We can rent our tiny homes, awesome?

Paige
6/6/2016 12:12:23 am

Where did you look to find a rental tiny home? I can't find anything anywhere for any in orlando. I've looked for ones for sale and rent. No luck. Help!

David Velez
11/22/2015 03:44:42 pm

First of all welcome to Florida
I like your tiny home. After living in a big house for many years and 15 years from a retirement I want to buy a tiny house. Can you offer some insight?

David

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Rona Tain
11/28/2015 05:32:09 pm

Life as is.. Hi Cassie, so now that u r moved in about how much is it costing a month? I am on disability n make enough for a small plc n been looking but 500 a month after car payment ,ins etc doesnt even get a studio apt these days n I'm in Florida. Lol if I don't find something soon I'm going to be homeless. Is there any way I could afford a thow? Just wondered if u could give me an idea of costs. Ty for n e info u can share...

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Jennifer Viau
12/19/2015 06:13:52 pm

Hi Cassie
I saw your blog while researching tiny houses in Florida and was very interested in the location that you live in. I would like to locate to the area in another year and have been very interested in finding a tiny home and what the process is to build one. If you have any advice I would greatly appreciate it Thanks :)

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Ellen Berman
5/9/2016 05:06:40 am

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO TINY HOMES IN FLA. I AM NOT READY YET BUT PLAN ON VISITING ORLANDO/APOLLO Beach THIS WEEK FOR 9 DAYS. I PLAN ON CHECKING OUT YOUR COMMUNITY.

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Wendy gray
5/15/2016 11:49:24 am

I would like to find a tiny house communities on west coast of Florida. Possibly fly down and look at models to see which one I would like then have in in a tiny house communitie

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Liv Graffagnini
5/20/2016 06:51:55 am

Hello,

I hail from New Orleans Louisiana & i am interested in building a tiny home & moving to florida. The builder you mentioned , could you update this site with some pic"s? Do you enjoy your neighbors? Are you close to shopping or town? so they allow pets? Give us a rundown pretty please.. Congrats on your new digs & i commend you for your bravery & faith! Love & Light Liv

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Marcia Harris-Doherty
6/22/2016 12:44:35 am

I admire your vagabon spirit
I feel the same way. Soon I will be looking for my own tiny house.

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Wanda Secola
9/29/2016 06:24:15 am

Just read your article and I am so happy you are in Florida living your dream. Hope you are well and busy doing your thing.

Much luck and success to you in your tiny home.
This is my wish for when I retire. Thanks for sharing.
Wanda Secola

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Gayle Coulton
5/14/2017 06:47:00 pm

I am 47 and winging it. I've been staying with my Mom. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and I am having difficulty finding employment due me not being fluent in Spanish. I had the same job for 17 years at a crisis unit that wore me out. I left and it has been downhill since. I got divorced 6 years ago, I have no support down here. I am licensed in the state of Florida.i have been dreaming of a tiny home for months and my mother thinks I've lost my mind. I can afford to buy one but I need direction, help!!!!

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Silvia Fllres
7/13/2017 10:01:16 am

How much do you need to get one ?*

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ZORAIDA ROWE link
7/20/2017 10:13:27 pm

I want to rent a tiny home and land for $1000K

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CC Cooper
10/19/2017 10:26:24 am

I see a lot of great questions that would be helpful if answered.

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Jini
12/4/2017 08:56:12 am

I love your story. We moved FROM Florida to Massachusetts 5 years ago. Our plan is to move back within 5 years. I work for a University so I want to get my "free" Masters before we do. We want to go minimal as possible. The process starts now.
Thank you for sharing your adventure.

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Cher Audi's
1/29/2018 04:24:13 pm

Good evening, I'm looking for a safe, clean, fun loving group of people to live near. And everything I have read up on about tiny houses over the last year or so, sounds like a dream come true.

I'm hoping to find a single-story home, with a nice little balcony, ( either on the west side or in the front), so I can watch the sunset and the stars evening.

I have a small car so on-site parking would be ideal.

Last but not least I would love to lease, with soft music playing being allowed to be background.

If you could send me more information you would be an answer to a prayer.

Have a blessed evening and hope to hear from you soon. All my best, Cher





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    Cassie Craig

    21 and just kinda wingin' it

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