ten things

Girl Between Places seems a more appropriate name for this space than ever. I’m really feeling in-between this week. To help work through such murky places, I always find it helpful to really dig in for a while. Some might even call it stewing. Then, I find that I know when I’m “done” and ready to move on. No sense in rushing things.

Our mailbox

The Smurfs' living room

So I have a list of the things I’m missing about Nova Scotia in my head. I’ve had it in my head since before we left (as in, the things I anticipated missing). Now they’ve shifted a bit, but I still want to record them here. Of course, there are more than ten things, and I’m not including any people, at the risk of leaving someone out. People I miss: you know who you are.

Eowyn's door: Ethen is her new "baby brother"

V-Day beer with Nic: Chocolate+coffee brew

Here they are, followed by a few things I’m loving about our new home.

1. Even though I've said it before, I have to say it again: I miss Hirtle’s.

2. The blues and greys of the beaches; I would never have thought colour could be such a tangible memory.

3. The clothesline at our old house, and the smell of melting snow and grass that I associate with clothes-dried laundry.

4. The Lunenburg Market: can you believe Nelson doesn’t have a winter market?

5. The vista over Blockhouse Hill as you’re driving to Lunenburg on the 324.

Painting mishap

Eowyn's new purple room

Working on the living room

6. The row of vintage clothing shops on Queen Street, Halifax.

7. Salt Shaker Deli BLTs.

8. Just knowing that Annapolis Royal, and the gorgeous roads surrounding it, are a couple of hours away.

9. Warm biscuits and friendly smiles at the Biscuit Eater.

10. The big happy climbing tree at the South Shore Waldorf School, and the way it gathers kids and adults alike for play and conversation.

Teal bathroom

It may be my favourite room in the house

11. OK, a bonus one. The LaHave Bakery (the one actually in LaHave).  That old building has power.

Where I'm sitting right now

What I’m loving about the Kootenays:

1. The way the lake changes colour through the day, and the fact that I can watch it from my kitchen window.

2. The joy and adventure in taking new roads, all of them winding towards beautiful places.

3. The selection of natural foods stores and the abundant options within.

4. Finding a new jogging loop down to the lake and back to our house, and realizing Eowyn is old enough to accompany me on foot.

5. Feeling the energy of two art schools in one town, and looking forward to crafters’ markets this summer.

Do we like the chandelier in our bedroom? Jury is still out.

6. Snow on the mountaintops.

7. The free ferries (especially the one with a cute cafeteria).

8. Walking downtown in ten minutes.

9. The temptation of at least six fab looking restaurants.

10. My new favourite coffee shop, Grounded. It doesn’t have the books or the biscuits, but the coffee is oh-so-fine!

Love the shyrdak in our bedroom, thanks to Little Foot Yurts!

And another bonus, to be fair:

11. Hot Springs!!! 

Both lists are sorely incomplete, and so, as I stew a little longer, there may be a Part Two...