Wednesday, August 29

A New Season


Hellooo, everyone! We're back and in time for the long days of summer to soon be replaced by golden Autumnal hues for those of us on this side of the world, at least.

Speaking of change, guess what? We've moved. Across the country, no less, with 98% of everything we own packed into our little Suzuki SX4 with a canvas cargo bag strapped atop for the two day, 1,300 mile journey. It wasn't an easy initial decision to come to, let me tell you. Naturally, the hardest part was leaving the kids and grandchildren, but we're only a fairly short flight away, yet in a whole different world... the Commonwealth of Kentucky! Yup, you heard it. Big change. Must say, never ever expected to move anywhere down south but as my southern friends inform us, it isn't even officially considered "the south" by them apparently. As with everything, depends on one's perspective, I suppose.

Who would have ever guessed when first coming to Fort Collins, Colorado, as a young adult that I'd leave decades later feeling so incredibly touched with having been blessed with an enriched life here of family, friends, a long term dynamic design career (most of it with an awesome company) and even growing to not only like, but actually love this self-named "Choice City"? Keep in mind that, while always a university town, it was far smaller and different back when I arrived — no coffee bars, galleries, ethnic cuisines, or any other various cultural events now so easily found.

In fact, as a fresh off-the-boat Londoner, I bemoaned my decision to leave everything familiar behind, let alone big city life, for this crazy fresh bold start, moving to what I would later deem as nothing more than "Sticksville, USA!" In the days of snail mail, I was so cut off, alone and miserable. While desperate for a change and an adventure, none of it panned out as expected. The lovely downtown area alone was more a place to avoid than actually visit in those days and I actually lived on the outskirts which made it even worse. Admittedly, snobbishly, I pretty much despised everything about "the Fort," seeming to also be the only person who was totally craving (any) urban growth. Whenever discussed, most locals seemed to want nothing but the same old, same old. (Curiously, one doesn't hear peeps complain anymore about such growth now that they can see the various benefits that come along with it, traffic aside.)

So, all that to say, when we started telling others fairly recently that we were considering moving and where to, people were somewhat (politely) incredulous, offering words to the wise to prepare for the inevitable culture shock. Ha! But the funny thing is, what they didn't get is this is absolutely nothing compared to moving from the heart of London to a smallish town in Colorado, especially back then and doing it on one's own! But now moving with someone who loves and supports me — doing this together with Alexandra — makes such a huge difference! While all this is admittedly a big jump with lots of inevitable change and some losses, it also affords us the adventures associated with a new paradigm.

As some of you no doubt know, Alex's mother moved here in 2009 and recently married last year. We are temporarily staying with her and Pops until a certain beautifully remodeled old loft in downtown Campbellsville becomes available to rent in a couple of months. This, along with new work opportunities and a chance to really plug into the community here, along with some other crazy unexpected things, are just some of the reasons why we heeded this wild new call! Wish us the best and let's see where this journey takes us. Alex doesn't feel we'll be here long-term but who knows.

Some change is good and even needed. Stay tuned while I periodically post developments and life stories along the way, mainly adding them to our art co-op. In a few days, I'll provide our next Scribble Picnic theme, due Sept 12th.**  Hopefully, by then, each of you who play along will see this. Please help me spread the news! Thank you.

I hope everyone's had an eventful summer! Well, maybe not quite as venturesome, but you know what I mean :) Thanks for your best wishes, thoughts and prayers. Life is never dull.

* Picture: a recent drive through Liberty, Kentucky, near the Lincoln Heritage Trail.
** OK, It's going to have to be another week out. See the post above. Thank you!
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20 comments

  1. Wow, and Wow....Michael what a trilling and trying life you have been living, but that how it should be....stretching, learning, leaving things behind and pressing forward to new and wonderful adventures. I admire and must say envy you and your youth and adventures. I hope to join the group again and get my brushes washed and moving...haha. Love and the best and God's blessing on each new thing you do!!! Give my love to Alex too.

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    1. Thank you, Wanda! There are people who I know will support us for afar, in lieu of not much of my family around, and you and some others here below are definitely in the mix. You have no idea how much your support means. Like meeting Mary, I really hope and want to meet you and your hubs one day.
      Haha, not sure I have that much energy but our faith is strong in the bigger arc of life and we go where the doors open to hopefully have the greatest impact on others we can because sharing love with others is what it's all about. :)
      SO glad you will hop onto Scribble Picnic again too.

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  2. Michael, I'm working on our meet up in Fort Collins post today! Will link to this post so readers can read your version of the exciting new things happening in your life.
    Glad to hear SP will be coming back - hope all the regulars return and hopefully some new members also.

    Thanks for the comments - you are the best. I miss you - we had such a fun time!
    Hugs to you and Alexandra - next time we must all get together - Kentucky is calling!
    Hi from Bob - Hugs - Mary

    P.S. English muffin this morning did not compare with Little Bird Bakery's almond croissant!

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    1. You have no idea what a smile that brings to my face reading your P.S. here, Mary! I love that. And yes, I plan to next go read your blog post! I haven't even been online since writing the last post so do forgive me for my delay. Also, need to to update a post here and kick off scribble picnic!
      And, finally, I miss you both too. SUCH fun and you are even more friends than before because I had such a hoot with your lovely Bob as well. Can't wait to connect again..after our loft is up and running!

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  3. Michael, never a dull moment with you and Alexandra, I do wish you both the best!! Thanks for continuing with Scribble Picnic, I will spread the word. My first thought was the grandkids, but as you said, just a short flight away.

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    1. We plan to see them in December her and do our first FaceTime soon with them. :) Yes, sooo true--NEVER a dull moment in our lives. I feel like I am repeating my mothers life--5 lives in one! hahaha. Thank you sooo much.

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  4. Oh wow, sounds like an exciting adventure.
    Wishing you both happy years together in your new place.

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    1. Aw, thank you Tracy. Maybe you will even hop on board for a few prompts now and then? That would be grand. :)

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  5. I think it's wonderful, change is a very good thing! Congrats and good luck to the both of you! I look forward to the next picnic! :)

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  6. Hello Michael! It was a nice surprise to see your smiling face over on Mary's blog from when she and Bob met up with you in Colorado! And wow, a move to Kentucky! I hear it's beautiful country there and your photos seem to prove that. I've never been to that part of the country but have some old family history out that way. I look forward to hearing what new things you've got going there with Alexandra. Exciting times for you both. All the best, as always! God bless.

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    1. Ah Sara, so good to read you here. Thank you so much for all your support. It is never taken for granted, I hope you truly know that. We need that support and prayers, good will, etc. I really need to visit Mary there. lol.

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  7. I couldn't be happier for you and Alexandra, Michael! New adventures await...how exciting! A loft apartment sounds absolutely wonderful too. I do hope you will share pics after you guys settle in. I am also thrilled to see Scribble Picnic is continuing...I eagerly await our next prompt. I must pop over to Mary's blog to read all about the big meet-up with you...a long time coming.

    Wishing you and Alexandra all the very best in Kentucky!

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    1. Haha, I need to do that too, actually, Serena! Been busy adjusting to new life down south! Thank you. A new post coming tonight. Stay tuned. Thank you so much for following along. So appreciated and can't wait to reconnect with everyone.

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  8. Michael! Wow, I am thrilled for you and Alexandra! What a wonderful opportunity to refresh and renew your entire world! My willingness to move anywhere, from an early age, when it felt right has always set me at odds with so many who are "close to home" people, namely my whole family. lol

    I do look forward to seeing the not-south thru your eyes as I too would never expect to find myself living in that part of the country. . . but these days, I never say never.

    May it be a blessing to you both in every way and open new doors and inspire new directions in both of your creative worlds!!

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    1. Never say never is a fabulous motto. I love what you say here, Nicolas, and thank you so much for these words. It's important to realize that everyone has something to offer and for us all to reach our and find the good in everyone, as much as able. I also love the idea of login somewhere not so glamorous, if you will, and reaching a community that some in our shoes might choose to ignore. Pretty land around here, for sure too. :)

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  9. Wow, such excitement! I've driven through Kentucky a couple of times, and it was really beautiful country. I wish you much luck and happiness in your new home. I may even try to do Scribble Picnic. You have a great day, hugs, Edna B.

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    1. Ooh, yes, please do join us and thank you for your patience, Edna. Another update coming after I go through the comments.

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  10. Following your Instagram was like following Hansel and Gretel and their cookie crumbs and piecing them together to see what you guys were up to. I wish you much luck and happiness on your new adventures in your new location. You have a way of finding the beauty around you and being some place new should provide lots of it. Looking forward to seeing more of the country through your lens.

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    1. Yes, thank you, Lorraine, so many things were in the air and work was keeping me guessing so really couldn't decide right direction until just before. :) Thank you for following along.

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