It seems that lately, whenever I’m flooded with emotional situations, I suddenly start thinking in song lyrics from my growing-up years. The song below is the one that is currently stuck in my head.
Closing Time (song by Semisonic) lyrics
Closing time, open all the doors
And let you out into the world
Closing time, turn all of the lights on
Over every boy and every girl
Closing time, one last call for alcohol
So, finish your whiskey or beer
Closing time, you don’t have to go home
But you can’t stay here
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
Take me home
Closing time, time for you to go out
To the places you will be from
Closing time, this room won’t be open
Till your brothers or your sisters come
So, gather up your jackets, move it to the exits
I hope you have found a friend
Closing time, every new beginning
Comes from some other beginning’s end, yeah
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
Take me home
Closing time, time for you to go out
To the places you will be from
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
Take me home
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
Take me home
Closing time, every new beginning
Comes from some other beginning’s end
We closed escrow on our property in Paradise, California on Monday (5/4/21). For anyone unfamiliar with the term “closing escrow” it means that the sale of the property was finalized and ownership has been transferred to the new owners. It was the property where our house used to be before the Camp Fire (11/08/18). Of course, it didn’t look like the feature image on this post anymore. In the past 2 and 1/2 years, it has become overgrown with weeds that need to be cleaned up. We even got a letter (or two) from the Paradise Fire Department notifying us that we needed to clean up all the weeds on the property to avoid fines.
My heart breaks that I cannot return to the place my heart desires. Though there are many rebuilding the ridge, it is not the same as it was. It is so painful for me to see it the way it is now. I cannot seem to shake the sadness of the loss of the way it used to be. Besides all the emotional stuff, there are the literal weeds/brush/bushes that need to be cleaned up. And then we got some tax advice that if we sold the property before 11/08/21 we wouldn’t have to pay capital gains, but if we sold the property after 11/08/21 we would have to pay capital gains. So, instead of holding on, or rebuilding, we’ve decided to let go. Letting go is hard. This was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve made in my life so far. I am probably thinking in song lyrics because I just don’t have the words…
“Closing time, every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”
heavens to betty 
Music has always been how I process heavy emotions. Sometimes words aren’t enough. I’m sorry for your loss 💔, and wishing you the best in your next chapter, friend 🙏🏼
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Thanks Jenny ☺️
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I am sorry for your loss. I just hope now that the decision is made you will be able to look forward and find some peace.
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Thanks Betty ☺️
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So sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace of mind and in your heart
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Thanks Sheila ☺️
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Hugs! Change is hard and saying goodbye is hard. I also use lots of music to help me process.
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Thanks friend ☺️
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I’m interested to know more about the capital gains tax date?
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My parents got this info from 2 sources: their tax preparation professional and their financial planner. Apparently, if you sell your Paradise property before 11/08/21 your property is still considered a residential property and after that date it will be considered an investment property. When selling an investment property you have to pay capital gains taxes that do not apply to residential properties. I am not sure if this applies to all Paradise properties or just Paradise properties with no buildings on them. Both my parents property and our property did not have any buildings/structures on them. All of this information is of course coming from me, second hand, so I would strongly encourage you to consult someone who actually knows what they’re talking about to double check.
Hope you are doing well!
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Thank you! We’ll definitely check it out!!
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Peace to your heart my friend. Such a traumatic loss and tragedy for you all. The picture of the 5 of y’all in front of the paradise sign is so so sweet . 💕😍. May the Lord continue to comfort your hearts and light your path.
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Thank you friend 😌
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Thank you sweet friend 😌
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When I read the title to this post, I was humming the song in my head although I forgot the lyrics.
What your family went through was scary and devastating. I can’t even imagine how it feels to see weeds growing where your house used to stand. Thank you for sharing your story and pictures. Praying that your new ventures are filled with joy, peace, love, and success. Love the last picture, caption, and lyric to end your post.
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It’s one of those “gets stuck in your head songs”. Thank you for your kind words of support and prayers!
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It’s been years since I heard that song and it plays over and over when reading “Closing Time.”
Of course, we gotta support and encourage each other. Sending you hugs and peace…
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I’m so sorry that you and your family lost your home in the Paradise fire. I hope you are rebuilding your lives in another beautiful place and have a blessed future.
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Thank you Anne. I appreciate your kind words of support! Thanks again, for writing your lovely post about Paradise 💕.
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