Today, June 4th, is the anniversary of my move to Vancouver. My first day here, I rode across Burrard Bridge towards Kitsilano Beach, and this view took my breath away. The place where I grew up on Vancouver Island was beautiful too, but not like this. Nothing like this. That other June 4th was a gorgeous, late-spring day much like today. I sat on the beach and watched the sailboats on English Bay, and felt the salty, sea breezes sweeping over me. It was delicious. And, yes, this view still takes my breath away.Today, on the anniversary of my move to Vancouver, I have been contemplating what achievements I have made during those years. Well, not much, and quite a lot ... all at the same time. I lead what might be called a quiet life. I'm not wealthy and I have never made any great discoveries, nor solved any of the world's problems. But I have a lot of friends, and I enjoy the respect of my peers. As a single parent, I raised my daughter to be well-educated and successful in her career, and she is doing the same thing with her children. Sometimes life throws us curve balls, but it's how we move forward that determines whether or not we're made of "the right stuff". So, yes, I would consider myself successful.
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and moving here was the right decision for me. I have never regretted it. Today I am going to putter in my terrace garden, and then later I will take a walk on the beach, watch the sailboats on English Bay, and feel the salty, sea breezes sweeping over me. Does it get any better than that?
I would think I died and went to heaven if I lived where you do. Living there must be a little like Heaven.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your first anniversary and it sounds like you certainly made the right decision moving there.
I am always in awe of someone like you picking up their lives and moving to another place. I only made it ten miles out in the country when my ex left but would love to get the courage to move somewhere like you did.
Actually I was raised on the coast and the coastal life seems every day to be calling me.
Enjoy your stroll
Love
Maggie
Yes my Dear, you most certainly are successful!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so happy for you, that you once made the decision to move to Vancouver. Happy for you, for lots and lots of reasons.
Being able to access the ocean, so easily, is just one of them. -sigh-
~♥~
I only gets better when you come a half hour south to visit my village before we head down to "my" beach and admire the mountains from a bit further. Good fis 'n chips and a lovely stroll along the sandy beaches, watching for bunnies and gathering seashells! So when...? Market starts next Sunday!
ReplyDeleteIt does not get any better than that, for sure. What a beautiful way to spend the day, Jo. Enjoy all you have.
ReplyDeleteI just love your little spot on the map. It is more beautiful than my city and I'm pretty in love with Seattle! Congratulations and take a nice deep breath of those sea breezes for me...enjoy.;j
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine it gets much better than that. Happy Anniversary of your move. Places climb into our souls and form us as much as the people in our lives. You have done much with your so called 'quiet' life.
ReplyDeleteWe live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, Jo, but please, don't tell anybody... :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, that is great! -So you did do better all in all, by moving there? ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! ❤
I always wonder & sometimes even fantasies how different my life would have been if I had gone & lived in Vancouver or maybe even Edmonton, years ago.
There's nothing better than loving where you live.
ReplyDeleteYou do live in a very beautiful place. And you are also a most successful person by all standards that count. I'm so glad to know you! Happy anniversary to you and Kitsilano Beach on your lengthy association.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't get any better Jo, because you have self-fulfillment and that trumps money. You should be very proud of yourself.
ReplyDeleteI love Vancouver! How many years has it been since you arrived? I left over 35 years ago . I can't beleive it's been that long.
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing. I have a friend who is visiting Vancouvar right now and she says it is just beautiful. And I think you have achieved a lot. You sound at peace with your lot and yourself. To me, the biggest achievement of all.
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