my new home as of this weekend - lovely seaside Lunenburg, Nova Scotia I'm on a different coast, I'm on the Atlantic ocean
It is
what I was born for
to look, to listen,
to lose myself
inside this soft world
to instruct myself
over & over ...
Mary Oliver
next chapters ... or maybe it's more like the second book in a trilogy ... my trilogy
they say your life changes dramatically every 7 years, someone said that I'm sure of it. This blog turned 7 on July 13th of this past year, this incredible record of my life in photos & words, honestly my most cherished "thing" in life is this journal of memories, change, appreciation, struggle(s), growth & love. BIG, huge love & lots of it.
I'm sure to many of you reading this post it will seem like a shock to learn that I have moved (to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia) just like that. Like Samantha the good witch on the TV program from my childhood Bewitched I've twinkled my nose a couple of times, said yes to opportunity & adventure. Said yes also to both trust & faith. Said a final goodbye to my home, 29 Black Street, of nearly 22 years and said a sudden but resounding YES ! to a 6 month sublet, in a gorgeous historic house, fully furnished in the heart of old towne Lunenburg.
I knew this was where I wanted to be even though I haven't been to this community for nearly 30 years and then it was a brief visit that I can barely recall. I said yes to the 6 month house rental without seeing one photo of the interior. I didn't feel frightened or nervous or worried at all ... I felt mostly relief. I just knew it was all right, all meant to be. My one little word for this year is faith and as this year nears it's end I'm realizing what an absolutely perfect word/practice having faith is. Especially having faith in myself, my choices and my decisions.
I LOVE it here ... I am giddy with delight & anticipation. The house is beautiful and perfect in every way. Things that aren't perfect have become perfect because I am allowing them to be exactly what that are, whatever that might be.
I feel like I have a new lease on life ... and in fact I do ;-)
Oliver & Virgil have moved with me. I bought them little tartan collars & ID tags just in case they escaped their new home. Doug, Samuel & Itty Bitty Betty have remained in Pugwash to finish the second floor readying for the sale of 29 Black Street (I will soon add a link to the 4 sale site in my sidebar). Doug & Sam will be visiting us regularly, winter weather permitting, and in the meantime we are all snug as bugs in our new home & I have lots of exciting new work projects on the go to keep me busy - that along with meeting as many people as I can here in Lunenburg, scoping out my next home and exploring (with camera in tow) this amazing place.
Surrender to what is.
Let go of what was.
Have faith in what will be.
Sonia Ricotti
my new home for the next 6 months, my new office & my Creative Director Oliver, working hard as usual ;-)
I am just thrilled for you, Susan. That house looks perfect for you (what's in that "turret?" at the top?). All the best to Doug, Sam and Betty with getting #29 ready for sale. Looking forward to the next installment of your life. Lunenburg is so picturesque, can't wait for more photos. Faith. yes.
ReplyDeleteIt all looks lovely dear Susan and I am happy that you are happy and looking forward to this new chapter in your life. Beautiful Oliver certainly looks content and settled in his new office space. It will be lovely when you are all settled together, when Doug, Samuel and Itty Bitty Betty join you...I am sure you have made a new nest already.
ReplyDeleteMuch love and hugs
Dianne xoxoxo ♡
so very happy for you and your gang, dear susan! i've been a bit worried about the lack of blog posts and have been checking in regularly for a new post. and now i find out all this excitement and change has been going on behind the scenes and i just could not be more thrilled for you. it is an adorable house and office space and you've made it totally you already. here's to new adventures and challenges. here's to life!! live every second of it.
ReplyDeleteOh, oh, oh! It is all beautiful. It's "just right," as little Red Riding Hood would say. Sweet Oliver already settled in... For him, home is where Susan is!
ReplyDeleteWow! Good for you! This is such exciting news. I'm sure you will settle in wonderfully - and will have lots to show us.
ReplyDeleteWow. I did not see how (yes, I could, but it was daunting) you could leave your lovely home on Black Street, but this is exciting. Lovely new place, both town and the your rental, which is the coolest rental ever. No wonder you said yes without trepidation. But I shall miss IBB for the six months until she arrives too, so, without speeding up time -- as time is really all we have -- hope it passes quickly. ;-) Mary
ReplyDeleteNow, I was wondering where you had disappeared to! Your new home and village look very nice. Congratulations on the move.
ReplyDeleteHello all thanks for all the email notes, love & concerned comments.
ReplyDeleteSaying goodbye to Missy Dee knocked the wind out of me more than I had anticipated it would - crazy, silly me I don't know why I believed because I was expecting it that that would somehow make it less sad. Making "this" move at this "time" has been the perfect diversion.
Wanda that bump/dormer over the front door is called a "Lunenburg bump" link below and in my case it is the bathroom which contains a huge new (fibreglass) old fashioned bathtub &
Mary that IBB has quite the fan club, she's thrilled that "the terrible grey cats" have moved on and she now has her Papa (Doug) and the run of 29 Black Street all to herself. Her initials actually has a P in the string - it's really IBPB - Itty Bitty Princess Betty ;-)
& John so sorry to read about our dear, much loved Storbie's passing. I know you were Uncle John, cat sitter extraordinaire and you must feel very sad. Poor Marie & Beence. That big, black cat brought so much joy & laughter to so many of us & all over the world. I hope he knew how many cat loving' lives he touched.
Suspect Betty is quite happy with her new title. :-) Mary
Delete"lunenburg bump" link
ReplyDeletehttp://vinebergfulton.ca/architectural-history/the-lunenburg-bump-other-peculiarities/
Welcome to the South Shore! Looking forward to some adventures with you :)
ReplyDeleteWOW! You have SHOCKED me to my core!....had no idea this was happening at the speed of light. However, you know best what you need and self-care is so important while we grieve! I am so impressed by your willingness to dive straight on in and do this! I wish you much success and happiness. The pictures are lovely and I cannot wait for more. No doubt, as long as she was by your side, Miss Winnie Dixon would approve. You are nothing short of AWESOME!! Hugs to you, my dear!
ReplyDeleteWOW WOW WOW!!! not only have your left you lovely home but now embraced this new place so well. Way to go, Susan. Sooo many changes so quickly. It does look very lovely indeed! What will be next after the 6 months, I wonder? Will you all still be able to take the long strolls on beaches, etc as before? Love and best wishes to you and the gang for everything. So glad you are finding a way to shine in the midst of it all. :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I almost forgot to ask-- will you then be changing your blog address now too or keep it as is as a nod to these amazing years on Black Street and all that transpired there?
ReplyDeleteThe house is lovely and you were so fortunate to find such a wonderful temporary home! The town is beautiful and I expect it is a tourist destination. Can't wait to see it through your camera lens! Wishing you all the best on your new adventure!! I am going to miss those lovely walks on the old waterfront. Hope the new walks are even better!! Keep us posted!!!
ReplyDeletealways trust your gut! Super news. So jealous that you get to be in Lunenburg every day. Very excited for you - enjoy the new home, town, adventure!
ReplyDeleteThere's a new girl in town and she's looking good.
ReplyDeleteThere's a fresh freckled face, in the neighborhoood.
There's a new girl in town, with a brand new style.
She was just passing through,
but if things work out she's gonna stay awhile....ba ba bum bum bummmm
http://youtu.be/BADIR64_QYY