Just two years ago, I was daydreaming about a high-rise loft apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking DC. I could picture myself surrounded by modern vibes, soaking up city lights as my backdrop. But then, motherhood changed every goddamn thing. Now, as I stare at my daughter’s tiny, sticky handprints smudged across the windows of our garden-style balcony unit, I find myself dreaming of something much different: land.

Becoming a mom flipped a switch in me I never knew existed. I’ve always been driven, but now I’m nurturing in a way that feels so natural yet so new. I want to grow. I want to create. I want to provide but not just for my little family, for my community too. The idea of having space, real space, where life can flourish, where we can feed ourselves and give back to others, has completely captivated me.

The Vision: Loft Meets Ranch

The more I plan for this dream, the clearer the details become. I know exactly how I want my future home to feel—a Loft-style Ranch. Think floor-to-ceiling windows that let natural light pour into open, airy spaces. Kitchen doors that slide seamlessly into the walls, opening out to a backyard where life spills over, effortlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor freedom. And just like Lil Baby, I need two islands in my kitchen, thank you.

Maybe it’s close to what people call a Barndominium, but I want it to carry a sleek, modern vibe with all the rustic charm of a homestead. And if I could manifest a lake or ocean view? Well, that would be the kief in the blunt.

Land for Legacy

My dream doesn’t stop at the house. I’m thinking bigger. I want enough land to truly build a legacy friend. Space where my family can thrive and grow for generations. I envision selling an acre or two to my siblings who want to join me on this journey. Imagine a little village of family, working together, living together, building something greater than ourselves.

A Living, Breathing Homestead

When I close my eyes, I can see it all so clearly:

• The Animals: Two outside dogs for companionship and protection, and two inside dogs because I can’t imagine a home without a snuggle buddy or two. Chickens—some for eggs, some for produce.
• The Gardens: Rows of vibrant vegetables, a herb garden that smells like heaven after the rain, and fruit trees that blossom in every season. A flower garden for beauty and a bee nest for honey (I know there’s a proper term for that, but you get the point).
• The Community Impact: This isn’t just for me. It’s for the people around me too. I want to create a space where we grow enough to give back—whether that’s fresh produce, flowers, or simply a place for others to feel connected to the earth and its abundance.

Why It Matters

This dream isn’t just about land or even legacy friend, it’s about transformation. Becoming a mom has grounded me in a way that’s hard to describe so I don’t talk about it too often. It’s no longer about looking out at city lights; it’s about building a light of my own—a life and space that nurtures not just my daughter but the generations to come.

For now, it’s a dream I’m working toward one step at a time. But with every little move I make toward this goal, I feel more certain it’s where I’m meant to be. Land for legacy. Land for love. Land to grow.

Xoxo, Drea