To say that we have been busy over the last month is understatement but somehow this family finds peace in constant motion. To be honest, the recent motion has been a good distraction to the recent loss that we have experienced. That I have experienced. The unexpected loss of my Dad. He was a big part of this vision and losing him in the process has been devastating and as cliche as it may be, it is quite like people say “we have to keep moving”, “we have to keep living.” I didn’t mean to start this entry on a sad note, but as promised, we want to be transparent as we document our journey. The drive and constant motion (more than normal) is driven by my refusal to take the time to grief because if I do – I wouldn’t be able to do anything else. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions that I am learning how to navigate through – some tough days, some anxiety filled days, some happy “someone please pinch me” days! I am thankful to my family and our friends for being such an amazing support system to me.
The property that we have purchased to build Samakya cabins came with a beautiful home that we were planning to use as a primary residence for my parents. Unfortunately, with my dad’s passing, we had to pivot and decided to kick start our “business” adventure earlier than anticipated. We decided to AirBnb the house.
Chris and I spent evenings driving around the Twin Cities buying used furniture, borrowing trailers, moving couches, tables, chairs and etc. We staged the house, had a professional photographer come out to take pictures, applied for license through the state of WI, tested the well water, had a health inspection on site with some minor findings (learned that the smoke detectors are only valid for 10 years….the more you know! Check your smoke detectors).
After all the prep and getting green light from the Health Department, we listed the Main on the Bluff on AirBnb on Monday late evening and by Friday that week – we booked every weekend from May through August except two. Happy feelings because we feel validated on our decisions that the need is real in the area and that people are discovering the Great River Road and the surrounding areas.
This week, we are flying to Utah to meet with the potential builders for our cabins and while we will be in Utah our first Airbnb guest will be at the Main on the Bluff (fingers crossed for a 5 star review).
We have only joined Pepin and the surrounding communities less than two months ago but the welcomeness and connections that we have already made are making us want to be a part of it more and more and share it with others.
Now the question is, since our weekends just opened up for the summer …..what are we going to do???