We made the plans for all our economies, we have the goal that it is supposed to help us achieve. And now it is clear that a plan on paper can do nothing to express how mentally tough it will be.
All of our time as roommates, Melina and I have made decisions that were not necessarily the norm. Our priorities? Self-reliance, creativity, power over where we will get to live. While our friends have been out doing other things, we have been working our asses off to get to the point where we are creatively free and independent.
Now, we are close. Now, we are to the point where everything is coming together—but it means a final push of epic proportions. Economizing to get rid of debts and accumulate savings. It all sounds doable, and then my princess-self remembers it means taking the bus every day. I loathe the bus. And it means finding innovative ways to make ends meet. Coupon queens, here we come!
The results will be worth it, I know this. But we need to stay focussed on the end goal. And what is our motto for the coming year?
No looking back!
In His Own Words, Sherlock in the Valley
Well, I guess my Mamas are talking about relocating to the country. Pip pip. I have always wanted a country estate. Might I play polo? I must have country pursuits, and I certainly shall not hunt. I will need to order new stationary.
There are so many decisions to make, oh my.
Sherlock's Mama asks, "Sherly, how will you spend your days when you live in the country?"
"Oh, Mama. I shall write letters."
Ummm, is that all?
"I suspect I also will watch the birdies and make odd crying/spitting noises."
Is that entirely appropriate, Sherlock?
"Well, I am a cat. I cannot be something I am not."
But you are always trying to be a proper British gentleman, not a cat.
"Mama, what are you saying? I will not sit here and be insulted!"
Sherlock? Sherly, come back!
-Melina :D
Yesterday was the best day we have had in a long long time. Why? Because we got to visit the BEST HOUSE EVER!
Our friend, Mary, came to pick us up and we went to her house for the very first time. Her gorgeous house outside of the city. YAY! The simple fact of being surrounded by trees was almost enough to qualify this for the BHE title. It has been so long since I have had anything but concrete and loud neighbours around me that I had forgotten what silence was like.
Well, almost-silence, because guess what else there was in the house. ANIMALS AND A BABY!!!! And not just any baby but a baby so adorable that every time a new photo is posted on Facebook, Melina and I both yell "Liiilllyyyyyy" with glee. Dainty little 10 month old girl with the bluest eyes and having of the longest lashes you have ever seen. I will admit that I am putty in her teeny little hands.
Angus
And are you ready to hear about the animals? You can never really be ready for this pure AWESOMENESS! Two big dogs, one of whom was an immense love sponge, seven cats and a wee little foster kitten. There were animals everywhere and it was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Lily was sat on the floor the entire time we were there and played with toys, and her interaction with the animals was enough to make me cry. They were so comfortable with each other. Anyone who claims "I have to get rid of my cat / dog because I am pregnant and what if they hurt the baby" should visit this house.
Little wee Prince, but I think his name should be Jack
Sorry to invite people over, Mary!
I would show you photos of baby with animals but it is not my child so I want to be respectful. You will have to take my word for it.
Beautiful Ariel and Angus
In so many ways this is the life that we are working so hard for. The house may be further in the country, but the chaos and love of all the animals running around is a dream. It is THE dream.
~ Denise
I got permission for Lily pics!
We've been absent for a bit. Life, health and hardships got us off track. I am not going to dwell on the bad because I am finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel and am ready to focus on what this blog is all about - GOALS!
Most relevant to us right now is the goal to see the Mission play in Toronto in September. For those just joining us, this goes beyond being on Melina's bucket list. This might just BE her bucket list! Anyone who has ever connected to a piece of art and been changed by it should begin to understand how Melina felt about the Mission in her difficult teens. We are going to make this happen. The setbacks we have had lately have had a huge impact on us financially, but I refuse to allow this to impact us taking this trip! My hands have bled from making jewelry. I will make this happen!
Long term, the goal remains that house in the country, being a full time writer. Why do I want to live in the Annapolis Valley? Because this is what it looks like:
The feeling of peace I have when there is indescribable. It is like coming back to my true home.
Every morning I will spend a few minutes centering myself and focussing on what I am working towards. We have also been getting Witchy with it again, but that sounds flippant. It is important because in truth I have been connecting with faith again and that could not be a bigger deal.
Working every angle to make these goals reality. We're back!!
Solstice sits down with her mom, and talks about her feelings about moving to the valley. What her mom wants to know, will she go country?
'OMG, what do you want???' Solstice being obnoxious.
Mom: "Solstice, how do you think you'll adjust to life in the country?"
"What do you mean countries? I live in one, stupid"
"Solstice, I mean moving into a rural area."
"Oh, it's still stupid. Who's going to see me in my Escalade? I have spinning rims for a reason, bitch."
Mom: "You don't have an Escalade honey, never mind one with spinning rims. Won't you have fun looking at birds and squirrels through the window?"
"What do I look like, a simpleton? I got calls to make, people to see. I'm not gonna look out the window like some loser. My stupid brothers do that shit"
'I do all the work around here!' Solstice pretends to write.
Mom: "Solstice, you are being terrible right now. This is an interview."
"I gotta go call my McGean's. She's can tell you this is bullshit. I'll go live with my bestie."
Mom: "Solstice, you can't live with McGean's. She's allergic to cats."
"She's not allergic to me, bitch."
Mom: "Solstice!"
"Yeah, well I don't have time for this crap, I'm leaving..."
Solstice is not happy.
~Melina :D
"My moms want to go to the countries. I don't know, I have bongos and stuffs...
They talks all the times about going to the Valley. I don't know where that is but I think it's scary. Like all full of socks and stuffs. And I bet there's shoes, oh, they are too scary for me. I'll hide behind the sofa, maybe."
Mom asks, "Vanian, wouldn't you like to watch the birds and squirrels through the windows?"
"Maybe. Ummm, maybe I could play my bongos for them? You know, if they aren't too scary and stuffs. I don't like to be laughed at, so they can't do that either."
Mom, I'm sure your going to love having a big house to run around in?
" Are we bringing my brothers and sister too?" Mom, Yes Vanian, you know we are.
"Oh, umm, I guess. I like to run and run. I love to trot up the stairs. "
Mom: "Will you want to work in a bigger library?"
"What???" Mom, "Yes, we'll have a bigger library."
"OMG! Really? Oh, I would have to train the kittens, and I'd need some new equipments. And a comfy chairs and stuffs.
"Ok, I'll go start packing mom..." Mom, "Vanian, we aren't going anywhere yet... Vanian? Vanian?"
