Homecoming

Hello friends! I now write you from my lovely new home on a lovely little island that so far have both been everything I'd dreamed of. I'm happy to report it's worth all the trouble and a 4 day drive with 3 cats!

Pictured above: our 3 cats in their favourite hiding spot - my bathroom closet

Pictured above: a somewhat overcast day at the beach

This home is by far the nicest I've lived in and has me feeling more aware of my privilege than ever, and I never would have thought it could be meant for me if not for numerous things falling into place that kept pointing to it, including a literal sign:

Pictured above: a sign reading "Moonshell Studio" hangs on an evergreen tree in front of a lovely island home <3

The week I've been here has been eventful with visits, unpacking, and even attending a small house concert! But as the calm begins to set in today so does a blustery snow storm outside, just in time for the anticipated holiday craft fair this weekend. Yes, even the west coast gets snow at this time of year. It won't last as long or sparkle as much as in the prairies, but I was delighted to take a refreshing walk in the snow, chuck a sturdy snowball at my brother (he was asking for it), and meet some of our new neighbors:

Pictured above: a family of 3 deer enjoying the snow

This whirlwind of a move has been anything but calm, and even the move-in day did not go according to plan, because the previous owners had the dates mixed up and hadn't left yet! They are lovely people though, and I'm glad if anything had to go wrong it was at the end of the trip. Thankfully disaster was averted with the help of some good friends we are so happy to reunite with. I'm just relieved we actually made it.

Pictured above: a purple mountain morning view through the kitchen window

This amazing place didn't exactly come easily. I've worked really hard nearly every day over the last 1.5 years to make this move happen and keep Cheekynauts afloat. It pained me to put Moonshell Island on the back burner for much of the time. You've all been incredibly patient and generous while I've not made much progress to share during this time. As much as I'd love to be able to immediately remedy that and pump out the content, I do have some rest to catch up on. With one more week of vacation left, I'll be soaking it all in and resting up as best I can while I ease into a routine again.

Pictured above: my purple bathtub is perfect for purple hair dye... hmm!

The time I spent renovating my old place will soon be spent making progress on Moonshell Island and studio matters, but I don't expect I'll have much to show for it in December. I'll mostly be dealing with the personal and business side of moving to another province, and celebrating the holidays with family and friends for the first time in many years. So treat yourself to something festive, because I'm pausing the billing for your continued pledges next month!

As I write this, the power has been flickering and I know I should wrap this up before it goes out. I hope we packed some candles! Even paradise has its share of problems. Thank you so much for sticking with me, dear friends. I wish you a warm and joyful holiday season and a year of wishes come true.

Your friend,
Sam