Thursday, February 13, 2014

Make & Listen: Making big changes

~ On Thursdays I will post what I have been making and listening to as creations grow. 
If so inclined post, on your blog or flickr, about what you have been making (on your own or with little hands by your side) and listening to while you create. It can be new music, flash backs, a song or a whole album... whatever you like. You can be stitching with needle & thread, yarn, paper crafting, painting, cooking... and beyond. Share what you are making and the tunes that are fueling your creativity. Then come back to my Thursday Make & Listen Along post and leave a link in the comments so we can be inspired right along with you! ~



Many of you know, but many of you don't. So hear goes... We have made a major change of plans. We are heading east instead of west with this move. It is a huge change but as happy as we were about going "home" to California, we are even more sure and happy about our decision to head back to Nova Scotia, truly our new home.



When we were in the middle of this decision making process I was literally sick with worry about making the right choice. It is no little thing to make a life altering decision that pretty much seals the deal for ever going back to your native home. 



Each place offered the sea (which I miss so much it hurts) and friends and family nearby. Each place offered it's own types of opportunities, very different opportunities, but non-the-less there and real and wonderful. 

 

A few things came up that made us seriously rethink our plan to head west. These things were big things that made us pause and take a collective deep breath and really consider what we wanted for the future. A good long time was spent making a list of pros and cons. NS came out on top in the pros department, and not just on top but heads, elbows, knees, and toes (while doing handstand) above Cali for the pros. 




The really interesting part of that list were the things that made it onto the cons side of the list. There were about the same amount of cons for each location, but the cons in Cali were those solid, carved in rock, unchangeable kinds of cons. The cons in NS where those things that fall under attitude, and frame of mind. In other words, things we actually have control over. 



Add a few very emotional conversations into the mix and a very heartfelt decision was made to truly make a new home back in our old adopted home.

So we are still preparing to pack. We are still leaving New Mexico at the end of February. We are just making the long, long, trek across the continent (in the middle of winter) again, to go home to Nova Scotia.

(The photos above were all mined from my five years of Nova Scotia photo files.)


24 comments:

  1. A beautiful post for a trying time! I am so glad you found the right answer for your family, and as a bonus you will be closer!
    Your photos are gorgeous!! Have a great move, hope the weather cooperates with you all the way! xox

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    1. Thanks, Alex!
      Yes, the weather is the big worry now! Crossing fingers it does cooperate!

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  2. Wow I wasn't expecting that but it sounds like y'all made the right decision!! N.S. looks to be a beautiful place and yes the Sea is a big plus!! Best wishes on your move.

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    1. Thank you, Wendy.
      Yeah, quite the switch but we are feeling great about it!

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  3. So very happy for you. Tough decision, but it sounds like the right one. Hugs xo

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  4. so so happy for you guys — i feel really good about this! :)

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  5. Can't say I'm disappointed. ;) We are all very excited to see you again and the boys are psyched to see the kids again, too! That's all said selfishly speaking.

    But for you all, I can only imagine how tough it had to have been to make the final decision - I could tell. I am glad that after all the listing, talking and mulling you made a decision you are happy about and one that works long-term. That's most important.

    And beautiful images, as always! You show a view of NS that most don't see, because it means you have to take the time to be in the moment and I love that.

    See you soon! xx

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    1. Very soon! I am soooo excited!
      I can't begin to thank you enough for your understanding and support on this roller coaster!
      xx my friend!

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  6. Wow! as much as it would have been great to have you out west, I loooooove the idea you all moving to Nova Scotia. A wonderful journey for you all awaits! xxoo

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    1. Thank you, Rebecca!
      I would have been wonderful to meet up there in So. Cali. Maybe someday during a visit!

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  7. oh my!!! how exciting and wonderful :) I always had a feeling that NS held a special place in your heart. May you have a wonderful relocation journey and know we are here for listening and cheering you on. I love the twists and turns of life and where destiny throws a wrench in a best laid plan.

    I am really truly happy for you and your family :)

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    1. Wrenches can be just the thing you need sometimes!
      Thank so much, Karen!

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  8. It must be a relief to have the decision-making process part out of the way...and be able to head into the future sure-footed and excited. I'm happy for you guys! As a coast-loving and -needing person myself, living in the desert sounds a little bit like purgatory. I'm glad you're heading back to the sea!

    Here's my post this week: http://amyhoodarts.com/2014/02/13/makinglistening42014/

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    1. Purgatory is the perfect word!
      Thanks for the support!
      Love your making this week!

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  9. I am so happy for you & your family!!! The feeling of finally having made the decision and knowing in your heart it was the right one must be so freeing!!! Congratulations!

    Here's my link up: http://ihappyree.blogspot.com/2014/02/make-listen.html

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    1. Yes! It is very freeing!
      Thanks for joining in this week!

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  10. I am a little bummed you won't be returning to this sleepy beach town. But Nova Scotia does sound like a wonderful place to call home. Best of luck with the move! I will be looking forward to all your beautiful pictures!
    http://summerplayshouse.com/2014/02/13/making-listening-valentines-edition/

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    1. Yes, it would have been great fun to meet up, Summer!
      You bet there will be lots of pictures to come...
      Thanks for joining in this week!

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  11. Hi Dawn, I buzzed over from Tales of a Mtn Mama after reading your post there and just wanted to say my goodness your photos are beautiful!!! Love your choice of subjects. What kind of camera do you use? Thanks!

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    1. Thanks, Emily!
      I just use an old (2008) Cannon EOS Rebel XS with kit lens and process in Lightroom. I dream of new gear but working with what I have!
      Thank you for stopping by!

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