Congratulations on your return to your hometown Gracy, it’s hard to believe a year passed so quickly. I’ve lived in my California hometown for my whole life (61 years) minus one year teaching English in China 30 years ago. although our town has over 350,000 people I occasionally run into friends and acquaintances I met in kindergarten. I’ve wondered what it would be like to not have that experience.
Congratulations again on returning to Idaho. I am sure it is complex, but it's lovely to hear the ways it has been sweet.
I look forward to reading your meditations on Sense and Sensibility and magnanimity. In the meantime, for your listening pleasure, here is an enjoyably humorous listen related to the progressive (and hopeful) feminism embedded in Jane Austen's narratives, which aired on BBC Radio 4 last night. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000s85m (Oh, just noticed it was a rerun...! I hope you can listen).
Also, you've written about gardening previously. Do you have space for a garden in your new home? I hope so!
It's wonderful to hear your desire to dwell your place "not with a set of assumptions or predictive determinations, but with humility and a determination to serve." This approach is, I believe, a key factor in cultivating and maintaining contentment.
Advice/ideas for moving into a new neighbourhood in which you want to grow community:
- Take the plunge and introduce yourself as a family to your neighbours. Have the kids distribute bags of cookies or make little cards with a simple note.
- Host a weekly afternoon tea at a set time (e.g. 4-5:30) with an open invitation to everyone on the block. Can be hosted in a yard, on a porch, or inside. And/or initiate a quarterly or biannual block party/gathering. BBQ/potluck, Hot chocolate "happy hour," group pumpkin carving, etc.
- Walk around your neighbourhood a lot, especially with the kids. At different times of day. It's an easy way to meet people and also learn about your neighbours.
This is so timely, as I have made a similar move. A month ago, I moved back to my hometown in North Carolina after five years in the DC area, and I too feel the sweetness and struggle of returning home. I moved away right after college and it feels strange to have "become an adult" somewhere else and then return to the people that have remained here and experience a resumed closeness yet also notice what has changed.
Coincidentally, just this morning my wife I were talking about Boise. She grew up there and we visited her parents last month. "It's so different," was the upshot of the conversation, which is a common refrain, I know. Still, it's wonderful community. Best wishes for a peaceful 'settling in.'
Congratulations on your return to your hometown Gracy, it’s hard to believe a year passed so quickly. I’ve lived in my California hometown for my whole life (61 years) minus one year teaching English in China 30 years ago. although our town has over 350,000 people I occasionally run into friends and acquaintances I met in kindergarten. I’ve wondered what it would be like to not have that experience.
Congratulations again on returning to Idaho. I am sure it is complex, but it's lovely to hear the ways it has been sweet.
I look forward to reading your meditations on Sense and Sensibility and magnanimity. In the meantime, for your listening pleasure, here is an enjoyably humorous listen related to the progressive (and hopeful) feminism embedded in Jane Austen's narratives, which aired on BBC Radio 4 last night. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000s85m (Oh, just noticed it was a rerun...! I hope you can listen).
Also, you've written about gardening previously. Do you have space for a garden in your new home? I hope so!
It's wonderful to hear your desire to dwell your place "not with a set of assumptions or predictive determinations, but with humility and a determination to serve." This approach is, I believe, a key factor in cultivating and maintaining contentment.
Advice/ideas for moving into a new neighbourhood in which you want to grow community:
- Take the plunge and introduce yourself as a family to your neighbours. Have the kids distribute bags of cookies or make little cards with a simple note.
- Host a weekly afternoon tea at a set time (e.g. 4-5:30) with an open invitation to everyone on the block. Can be hosted in a yard, on a porch, or inside. And/or initiate a quarterly or biannual block party/gathering. BBQ/potluck, Hot chocolate "happy hour," group pumpkin carving, etc.
- Walk around your neighbourhood a lot, especially with the kids. At different times of day. It's an easy way to meet people and also learn about your neighbours.
This is so timely, as I have made a similar move. A month ago, I moved back to my hometown in North Carolina after five years in the DC area, and I too feel the sweetness and struggle of returning home. I moved away right after college and it feels strange to have "become an adult" somewhere else and then return to the people that have remained here and experience a resumed closeness yet also notice what has changed.
Wonderful reflections. Thank you.
Coincidentally, just this morning my wife I were talking about Boise. She grew up there and we visited her parents last month. "It's so different," was the upshot of the conversation, which is a common refrain, I know. Still, it's wonderful community. Best wishes for a peaceful 'settling in.'