A prairie view of Oceanside

"ARISE find what brings you wings."

After a year of our new life, we're finally beginning to find the rhythm and routine that is allowing us to feel fully that we are at home.  We still tend to call Lavenham home, when talking about it, but realized we're some of the lucky people that have more than one place that they can refer to as such.  
Last year there was so much travel back and forth with the move and the clean up, that there really wasn't an opportunity to feel settled.  The last months have allowed us that, and even though that feeling is wonderful, it's also wonderful to still feel like tourists in our new world. 
There is so much that is so different for us here.  The ability to visit so many incredible places, all within a few hours drive, and each time being easily able to return home to our own bed at night.  Seems we've explored so much, but in reality, we've barely scratched the surface of the magic that this Island possesses.  
We've made a point of trying to get out and experience more of the offerings, that happen on a regular basis.  The Sand Sculpture competition at Parksville Beach last summer was amazing, and we look forward to exploring it again this year. ​

In Qualicum we had a chance to experience the Fire and Ice festival this month, where chainsaw ice sculpting competitions take place alongside the chilli cook-off, with live music playing at both ends of the Main Street.  
And music....maybe that has been one of the most amazing things for me.  There isn't a pub that doesn't host some sort of live music on a regular basis.  The Crown and Anchor, 10 minutes from home, hosts Open Mic every Wednesday under the experienced talent a favorite local band, The Jagsters.  By taking that in and participating, we've been so fortunate to have the chance to connect with so many other musicians, which is  something that I have missed more than words can say for so long.  It's spurred me to get back to the guitar on a regular basis, as each week I try to have a few more songs ready that are new to the audience, and the appreciation and acceptance has been incredible.  There's also the Lighthouse Second Sunday Market which I've had the chance to perform at 3 times in the last year, and have met so many great people through that venue. Other's who are creative, and laid back, and passionate about the Island,  just as we are. There are opportunities on so many fronts, the only thing holding me back has been my time and some days my energy. 

​This spring we witnessed the herring spawn for the first time, as Qualcium Bay filled up with seals and sea lions all present to feast on the abundance that had made it's way back once again.  Along the same time was the Brandt bird festival, where the Brandt ducks inhabit the area as a stopping point on their journey north.
We've taken to garage saling and crafting and allowing our natural passions to see something beautiful come to life take flight.  It's wonderful, and I'm loving it!
That isn't to say that there aren't things that we miss from our 'other home'.  I do miss my family, and having the chance to just pop over for a get together. The spontaneous visits from our kids and grandkids, and the hugs and snuggles that accompany them.    I miss knowing my long time friends are within reach at any given moment.  Some days I miss our old home, not so much the house, but the land around where I could walk and lose myself for hours at a time, or visit the creek and meditate about life on the bench that my husband put for me there.  
What I have also been so surprised to find missing is the sadness that lived in the space there with us for so long.  I'd become so used to it, that I was actually unaware of how the memories and reminders could grab hold of my heart at any given moment, without invitation.  That is something I don't mind missing.
Time will tell if this is something that we'll embrace forever, or whether those things that we miss will override the joy of fulfilling this dream called life.  My journey has taught me that things can change in an instant,  and they will again at some point, but for today it is perfect.  For that I am grateful.