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Ok, I'm a little shaken!!
Just found out that we will have a house closing, Sept. 30th, and I have to find a place to live in the Seattle area by then 
My husband is getting a job, there, but I never expected things to happen SO fast! KJ Lyons Design Studio will be relocating?! Can anyone in our group tell me a little about Seattle and the art scene? IS there any area that is better for a studio. Wow, this is so sudden and confusing. But the cats and I will survive this! It's just a new adventure 
At least that's what I keep telling myself!
Karen
KJ Lyons Design
Wow, Karen... that's a huge, coast-to-coast move. I'd be shaken too.
I don't know you that well but my intuition is that you'll love Seattle because you have a relaxed and sassy way about you and a true artistic spirit. I spent a few days in Seattle a few years back, and found it to be very much an artistic enclave with lots of awesome coffee and music culture to ice that particular cake.
The one struggle I might have with the Seattle are is that it tends to be overcast and grey, although it's not at all "drab" and there are lots of pretty colors in the vegetation and architecture to keep things from looking depressing or flat. If, like me, you tend to get a little blue when it's too dark outside and too misty, for too long, do be sure to ask about where the "sunniest" places to be are in that area, especially if you like natural light in your studio. There might be a particular valley or hilltop that gets better light than other areas. I wish I could give more specific help.
The food there is great and the people are really nice, too. What an exciting, if overwhelming, change for you.
Best of luck to you and your husband with this big adventure of yours!
Back Road BearsWow, Karen!
I don't know anything about Seattle but will sorely miss meeting you if you aren't at the Bristol show.... though of course I totally understand!!
Wow!! What a move ahead of you! How exciting!! (personally, I love change and new adventures....... )
Keep us posted!!!!
:hug: :hug: :hug:
Daphne
Apple Dumpling DesignsLet me be the first to welcome you to what I call the Pacific NorthWET!! :crackup: :crackup:
You might tap into Aleta, The Silly Bear and Kim, Friends "Fur" Life Bears as they are both either from the Seattle area although Aleta now lives in Portland Oregon. I'm sure either would be great resources.
Good luck on your relocation...I've made that same move and back...it is an adventure!!!
Hugs,
Shantell
q.D.paToOtieSOh Karen, I'm going to miss having you on this coast!!! I hope this doesn't mean you're going to give up East Coast shows (I'm like Daphne - I want to see you again!). Will you still be doing Expo???
I bet Seattle is gorgeous!!!
Hugs,
Lisa
Karen, 
My family and I lived in Seattle for 17+ years before moving to Portland. Anything you'd like to know.....just e-mail or PM me. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. Seattle is a fabulous place to live!! It does have a few minuses, traffic being the biggest. A huge plus is the lack of really intense heat and humidity. Yes, it does rain in the winter months and it can be quite gloomy so find a house with lots of windows. On the plus side, it's green year round and the temperatures are quite mild.
You'll have to experience the "art culture" yourself. It's probably quite different from what you're used to.
I'd be happy to answer any questions you have......ask away. I can even hook you up with a real estate agent or two to help you.
Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta
Oh! Aleta,
You're a Saint 
I'll definitely contact you and I think we'll have some fun times together once I get settled! Can't wait to show you the cats in person 
Karen
DoodlebearsWell Karen I certainly can't help with the advice on Seattle, but good luck with your move, what an adventure. I don't quite understand what you mean when you say
Just found out that we will have a house closing, Sept. 30th
Does this mean that you have to move out by that date, if so who says so...I really don't understand the buying and selling of houses in the USA it seems so different to the way we buy and sell, call me dumb but I don't get it. 
Enjoy your new life!
Hugs Jane.
Bears by JodiOh Karen ... good luck with the move !! At least you have your loving husband and cats to go with you. You will be just fine. Take a deep breath !!
Thank you, all!
I'm calmer this morning. Isn't it strange how as the day goes on and a lot happens, your mind starts giving you all kinds of extra stress (ok, maybe it's just me ) Jane, Closing is the date the house deed is exchanged. It's all very legal with attorneys present and all the agreement items and monies are checked. THe reason it's Sept. 30th is because the new owner wants to get settled before the snow falls (starts in Oct. sometimes around here.) And that is a date the attorney had open. It's a 3,000 mile move. I think one of the biggest problems is going to be getting 3 cats out there I'm having a big moving sale this weekend and I'm going to sell almost everything I own! (Studio stuff is another matter. I'm going to be very careful about what I sell there.)
Karen
Life is an ADVENTURE
Awww Karen - good luck with everything!!! 
What a change!! You'll look back at this post in 6 months time when you are nicely settled in your new home, and wonder what you were so worried about!! Until then, stay calm!!!!
P.s. It was lovely to meet you at the Expo, and my pixie bob kitten arrived back in the UK safely - I took her in my hand luggage with all the other bears I had adopted, and she got here with no problems. I adore her!!! 
Oh Karen, that is a big move! :hug: How exciting though, but stressful it being such a short time. Best of luck and I hope things go as easy as possible.
Big Hugs!
Melanie
Tami Eveslage Original Teddy BearsWow!!! What an adventure! Best of luck for a smooth transition for all. Have your Kitties traveled much before? That is quite a distance for furry friends.
Past Time BearsWhew - Karen, that is going to be culture shock for sure! I'm not sure I'd like to make a 3000 mile trip with my four cats, either. Much good luck with all the packing and selling of your stuff.
Everything will be fine Karen! and the move will go smoothly for all....can't tell you much about Seattle, but can't wait to meet you when you get out this way.
Hugs,
Krista
Posts: 3,540I know a lot of people hate the idea, but you might consider flying your cats out. A lot of it depends on your critters, but some animals do better with only a few hours travel (via air) versus the days on end that it will take to drive coast to coast.
For myself, I ADORE the Pacific Northwest I lived for 10 years on the Oregon coast, and made frequent drives up into Washington. I love the overcast, and the gloom, and the rain, and the constant 'sweater' weather. However, I strongly urge that you invest in some natural lights (I think some are called Sunlights) for your indoor lighting. Hubby and I used a 400 watt hydroponic light for our livingroom, and also in our grooming shop and later indoor plant shop. In the wintertime people would just hang out with us under the lights. It really does make a huge difference in your happiness levels when its all dark, gloomy and rainy outside.
I'm pretty sure you're going to enjoy Seattle :hug: Have fun on your journey
Waggle BearsWow, Karen, what a change for you and coming so quickly. Good luck with your move and your cats.
