Our First Year
Written by: Chelsea Donsker
Photography: Chelsea Donsker
Neither Taylor nor I thought we could actually make our dream of owning property in Northern California a reality at the sweet age of 34. We had talked about it often, and it became an evolutionary chapter of our narrative - a slower pace where we owned a property big enough for a house and a workshop, a huge garden to grow our own food, and some animals, all with a profound connection to nature. Little did we know the universe had been working its magic behind the scenes to help get us here, along with some good ol’ fashioned hard work too - of course! Change is hard. It can feel unsafe, yet exhilarating. I don’t enjoy it and yet I crave it. I guess I love to wade into the gray area! In anticipation of our move, I dreamed up a life that I knew very little about because somewhere in my heart I knew I needed more out of my physical surroundings than what I was getting. Luckily, Taylor was on the same track. There is no hiding that there were many moments of self-doubt and fear. Los Angeles had been the only home I’d ever known. Trading in streetlights and suburban sidewalks for a ranch life amongst the redwoods sounds like an easy decision to make, but it had its trials. I’m grateful to Taylor for his unwavering confidence in Us, that helped me persevere through my moments of hesitation. Moving to Sebastopol was a huge leap of faith that I’m so glad we lunged for. As our roots grow deeper here and experiences unfold, I realize this decision has turned out to be better than I could have ever imagined.
And here we are. We’ve done it, and we keep expanding with our vision. You can read about our beginnings and journey here & here, but as of yesterday, The Donsker’s celebrate one year on Burnside Road. As I look back over this past year, I’m filled to the brim with pride, gratitude and nostalgia. Our time has been filled with so many firsts, and I’m trying to hang on to all of it for as long as I can (I pray the novelty never wears off)! I am also so excited to enter a new seasonal cycle, with a deeper understanding that all our firsts are not our lasts. What a thrill!
What have been the best parts? I love the fact that we’re so close to San Francisco, but totally rural. I love that we’ve swapped box stores and chain restaurants for mom-and-pop shops where customer service is still a thing and details matter. It’s the sweet small-town America that has been waning from our country. We have nature and rivers and oceans and weather and hiking. We’re living in our forever vacation and I still pinch myself every day that we’re making it happen. It’s the simplicity and realness that this life offers that I hold onto tight, because I know what we have is rare and precious. I love that Roark can name different types of butterflies, that his favorite time of day is golden hour, and that he understands what local foods are in season. It was a big moment to realize that having pomegranates and watermelon all year round is not nature’s way. We’re all celebrating the return of the beloved red leathery fruit, and bidding a farewell to our favorite sweet, oblong gourd.
What has been the hardest part? The hardest part for me has also been one of the greatest blessings that has made this all possible. Working remote. Nature is more powerful than we give it credit for, and there has been a strong push-and-pull this past year because of it. Signing into a Hollywood mindset and pace Monday through Friday, while living amongst the trees has been a challenge that I didn’t anticipate. There have been days that I felt like I was swimming upstream as my motivations shifted. Days where I wasn’t sure where I was going, but was undoubtedly going forward. Living here has helped me develop a sense that work doesn’t have to run my life, or come before my family or my health. I’ve invested a lot of time (and money) working towards a balance that sits right for me. I’m happy to say that I’ve never had such healthy professional boundaries. I’m proud of the work, but it hasn’t come easy. There’s been a lot of learning, and unlearning as my priorities transpose. It’s taken time to accept this version of myself without personal judgment or guilt. I’m firmly cemented in respecting my coworker and clients’ time as I learn to prioritize my own. This level of self advocacy is a soulful practice that I continue to work at as I become more disassociated from “grind culture.” Sharing this publicly is making me feel all sorts of nervous and vulnerable, but it’s the honest truth. I’m here to tell my story so you don’t have to be alone. Because I know how lonely and confusing it can be to change perspective. I’m truly so lucky to work for a company that is open to being unconventional, and fully supporting my chosen lifestyle.
As I reflect back at the last 365 days, all I see are the unexpected gifts that this year has brought. Inclusive of all the countless experiences and places that have been effortless to fall in love with, and the challenges that continue to make me stronger and more solid in who I am and who I continue to become. I look forward to settling in deeper, for all the experiences that await us and to watch Roark’s childhood continue to unfurl here. Thank you, Sebastopol, for all your magic and wisdom; and for a community that holds us so warmly. You’ve become a main character in our story. My story. I love you.