This Eagle Has Landed
Actually, I have WAY more than I need…or could ever hope to use. So…Sadie and I (and our 9000 pounds of stuff) have officially landed in our new home in French Creek (between Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island, BC). It is AWESOME (and dare I say incredibly quiet)! Thankfully, my friend Heather and two of her girls, Paige (17) and Ella (10), were on hand to get the unpacking process started.“All I have is all I need.”
– Sarah Ban Breathnach
“Auntie Pope,” advised Ella, during a quiet moment in the backyard, “I think we need to be strategic about this. Let’s focus on the kitchen first, then your bedroom and bathroom. Then you can chip away at everything else.”
I kid you not…that’s how this kid talks. She is SMART!
So that’s exactly what we did.
Five hours later, Paige could tell I was getting overwhelmed at the enormity of the task.
“Attitude is key,” said Paige. “You need to face each unpacking session with a positive mindset. This is your stuff. If you don’t want something, don’t keep it.”
She was right. She was also an unpacking machine. Paige pretty much put together my entire kitchen in a single afternoon – supervised, of course, by Ella.
Heather, in true mom-fashion, got stuck picking up the mountains of discarded wrapping paper and breaking down boxes for recycling.
Slowly but surely, my new home started to emerge…
But then there’s the garage…oh boy.
The office and living room are also still packed with boxes. But hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day. For there are also blogs to write, plays to rewrite and dogs to play with.
Have a wonderful week…I will post more photos as more rooms take shape!Related Blog by Maryanne Gypsy Caravan Slows to Halt Maryanne Pope is the author of A Widow’s Awakening, the playwright of Saviour and the screenwriter of God’s Country. Maryanne is CEO of Pink Gazelle Productions and Chair of the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund. If you would like to receive her regular weekly blog, please sign up here. As a thank you, you’ll receive a short but saucy e-book entitled, Dive into this Chicago Deep Dish – Ten Bite-Sized Steps for a Yummier Slice of Life.“You can’t have everything. Where would you put it?”
– Ann Landers
16 thoughts on “This Eagle Has Landed”
So happy for you MA! Keep chipping away and before you know it…you will be settled. Time.
It is rainy season anyway…Love Coll
Your sunny and quiet new place is taking shape! The girls and I had fun unpacking. It felt a bit like Christmas with all the paper! We will be back soon!
Love the backyard. Hope you and Sadie build many happy memories there!
Looks like a beautiful home! And another lovely back yard. How long does it take to walk to the ocean from your home? Can’t wait to see more pics. Details girl! Details! How many bedrooms, bathrooms, basement? Enjoy the peace and quiet!
Hi T! I think the walk to the beach is about 20 minutes. The garden needs some love…but that will keep me out of trouble. There are 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. I will post more photos…still up to my ears in boxes 🙂
Hope you are well!
MA
We are indeed, Jennifer!
Maryanne
Hi Heathe! I cannot thank you, Paige & Ella enough for all your help getting the unpacking started. You got my kitchen set up and that is, by far, the most important room 🙂
ahahahahhaaha…see you soon!
pope
Oh ho…you are right – the rainy days really help keep me inside & focused on unpacking!
MA
Good luck, glad for you.
Hi Maryanne, It was great running into you the other day at Surly Mermaid. I am so excited for you, getting your new home in such a beautiful area. You’re settling at a perfect time to get your garden going. Looking forward to our next hike!
Nikki
What a wonderful surprise to see you & your crew at the SM on Sat, Nikki! And yes, let’s get together soon for a hike 🙂
Take care & talk soon,
MA
Thank you, Jennifer! I will be in Toronto in late May, so I will e-mail you and hopefully we can have a visit 🙂
Maryanne
Sounds idyllic.
I love your new place and I can tell that Sadie also looks extra happy in her photo! Congratulations Maryanne and sending loads of happy vibes for your new home.
Elliot 🙂
Thanks so much, Elliot…we are super happy in our new home 🙂
Take care & all the best finding your new home!
MA
It is lovely!