I'm back!

You can't really call it a break after nearly a year. Maybe a sabbatical? An extended vacation?

Whatever it was, I have reemerged.

Certainly stronger.

Definitely with a new perspective on life in Vermont.

And committed to this crazy adventure we started 17 months ago....

Vermont: I Don't Like You, Winter

It's been a rough couple of weeks. Very rough.

The sub-zero, arctic temperatures.  The uncertain, weather-impacted flights back and forth to DC for work. And, the most exhausting flu bug I've had in years.

I woke a few mornings after sleeping 11 hours (one of the luxuries of being in DC without the kids) to only feel as if I wanted to crawl right back into bed.

And so when you meet a long-time Vermonter and they say, "boy, this winter has been rough," it makes you feel just a wee bit better.

Perhaps I'll make it through this winter here. And with any luck a few more in the future.

* Stefan doesn't seem phased at all!

Vermont: And Little Local Finds

On my bad days, I think about all that I miss in DC.  I won't go into that list here.

On my good days, I look out my window and see fresh falling snow.  I marvel at the tenacity and drive of Vermonters I meet every day.  I love my yoga instructor.  I cherish the time I get with my kids when they pop in and out of my home office on the weeks when I'm not working in DC or abroad.

And local products. Now, that is something that is very, very good.  Local cheeses.  Local vegetables. And, yes, even local wines.

I've been relishing some new finds lately in Middlebury, like a lovely little store called Clementine.

Maybe I'll share with you some of my recent goodies one day soon.

Vermont: And What a Holiday

It's Thursday. But it feels like Monday here. An exhausted, full weekend kind of Monday. The kind that makes you want to drink a lot of coffee, even though you know you shouldn't.  Or put your head down on your desk. Which you definitely shouldn't.

Outside my window, it's snowing like mad. And oh, so very, very cold.  So, the fire is going, my woolly socks are on and I'm in my ski pant layers.

The kids are back at school. The house is oddly, oh so oddly, quiet. That's a sound I haven't heard in almost 2 weeks.

Happy New Year!

Vermont: And a Winter Wonderland of Fun

Vermont is a special place at the holidays.

Simple but true.  From hot chocolate loaded with whipped cream and peppermint sticks in Middlebury...

To decorated reindeer in our renovated barn....

From breakfast with Santa and shy boy whispering in his ear....

To girls celebrating a certain someone's birthday with Morgan horses in Weybridge....

Thanks Vermont for a very special December...and Christmas isn't even here yet!

Vermont: And Making it Over the Hump

I made an amazing discover this week.  Somewhere between thinking about an upcoming trip to India for work and realizing how much I ate over Thanksgiving weekend, I thought of this as home. That doesn't feel strange anymore.  I slowly have established a routine. The kids have made friends and are continuing to do so.

It's now four months since we made the BIG move from Washington, DC. People still shake their heads with wonder when I tell them that we moved here....from there.  And comment, "wow, that's a big change."

But I can smile now without silently screaming in my head, "I know!!!"  I'm used to the reaction and comfortable with all of the reasons we chose to move.

And so, here's to month four of our big, Vermont, country adventure.  Let the good times roll.

Vermont: And a Happy Weekend

It sounds trite to say that it was a wonderful weekend but it truly was. In a very Vermont kind of special way.

From fresh fallen snow greeting us on Thanksgiving Day to a meal made almost entirely with fresh, local Vermont products.  Brussel sprouts, potatos and so much more.  I didn't even mind all that much that Brad's turkey weighed in at a whopping 17 pounds.

From handwritten menus by Abigail to having us all recite the things we were and are thankful for.  Her menus read: What are you thankful for?  Even Stefan got into the spirit of the day.

From sledding and skiing to big and little hills in our neighborhood.  What fun -- and it's only Thanksgiving.  Can't wait for more snow, and of course, so much more to love about Vermont!

Vermont: And the Story it Tells

I have a story to tell. But I have never been good about putting it down on paper.

Many years ago when I worked in Serbia with democracy activists, I dreamed of taking my notes and writing a memoir. It would talk of the brave, young activists whom I met. The lonely days I spent there as a young American political consultant trying to bring about change under an oppressive regime.   The agony of war, still fresh from the Balkans tragedy that unfolded, and playing out on the lives of the people I toiled to help.

That book never happened.  And so this blog was born along the way.

But our house in Vermont tells a story.  Of days spent in Belgrade. A visit to the market in Senegal under a hot African sun.  Many trips to Bangkok to collect fabrics and carvings and amazing containers for beetle nuts.  Trips to the labyrinth souk in Cairo for beads and alabaster bowls and brightly colored glass pitchers.

Step inside and see what I've been working on.

Vermont: And a Single Girl's Life

About every other Monday, I put on a certain outfit. And a certain makeup. And wear a certain hair style.

And then drive for 30 minutes to the airport to board a plan to take me to there.  My Mac comes out. My IPad is revealed. I'm focused on where that plane will take me and what lies ahead.

There is "home." Well, not really. But it used to be and it's the city that I know. And find more and more to love about. Neighborhoods. Restaurants. Cafes. Coffee bars. Old friends.

Familiarity.  Comfort.

And so on Monday evening, I found myself at Anbar, catching up with my Polish/American friend, Agneiszka, who has traveled the work and seen to so much. And is interesting in her own rite.

We drank Croatian and Serbian wines. Talked about kids. Talked about travels.

Here's to those evenings.

Vermont: And Finding Happiness Everywhere

Here are just some of the things that made me happy and brought a smile to my face this weekend, reaffirming my belief in Vermont and our decision to move here:

1.  Spending time with Abby.  It was mommy and Abby time most of Saturday-- going to horseback riding and hitting the annual craft fairs.  Loved it.

2.  Craft fairs.  So unlike me. Very uncharacteristic.  But I do love these Vermont craft fairs.  I especially love paying people who typically undervalue their hard work.  I appreciate what it takes to knit a pair of mittens or make a beautiful wooden cutting board in many, many ways.

3.  Discovering a cool product.  Abel and Lovely.  Some Vermonters probably already know this cool  Charlotte-based company -- makers of yummy smelling soaps and cool t-shirts -- but I stumbled upon them at the Charlotte Craft Fair.  And met the lovely co-founder, Kristin.

4.  Curling up in our reading nook.  Now complete with our reindeer skin from Sweden,  lots of lots of throw pillows from all over the world, including Thailand and Senegal, and a perfect place for reading the Sunday New York Times.

5. Breaking bread with new neighbors.  We are just getting settled here and it's so great to meet interesting, fun people and have them over for dinner. Especially when they bring amazing apple and currant cobbler for dessert!

New York: Dancers, Soup and More

We didn't know why they danced but they did.

Nor why he thought to paint soup cans. Oh, such ordinary soup cans.

Or what lily pads were his inspiration.

But we thought about those things and more as we breezed thru the MoMA last Sunday.

And surely, we will think about it for some time to come.

New York, New York

Soaring skyscapers. Wall to wall people on 5th Avenue jostling for a look at Harry Winston or Louis Vuitton. The buzzing MoMA on a Sunday morning. Whizzing taxis dodging traffic.

Horns beeping. Horses hooves pounding.  Sirens blaring.

Oh, the sights and sounds of Manhattan on a crisp, fall day.

If there is a but, it is but it was invigorating. And stimulating. And wonderful.

To be in one of the most amazing cities in the world with my daughter and my best friend.

To gaze up at those architectural wonders and think about the people living and working above. To marvel at the amount of wealth generated in a city where people actually buy those baubles tempting us through shining windows on 5th Avenue.

Vermont: And the "Process"

Some days, I start writing a book in my head. The words tumble out. About our move to Vermont. Why we did it. What motivated us. How I'm feeling. It's mostly about how I'm feeling.

It could be titled "A Year in Vermont" but Brad wouldn't like that title. And maybe it would be "Our 5 Years in Vermont" or "Our Life in Vermont."

But for now, I honestly don't know. Some days, I'm thrilled with being here and the beauty and simplicity that surrounds.

Other days, I struggle to remember why we moved and left behind our life, our friends, our routines, our way of life in the city.

I struggle to think about how we will connect and build a life here that will be as full and satisfying as our life in Washington, DC.

So, if you are reading this, be patient with me.  If you are reading this, please don't ask why.  If you are reading this, please remember that it takes time.

Just try to have faith, as I'm trying, that we made the right decision.

Vermont: And Pumpkins, Apples and All Things Autumn

Happy Autumn!

Vermont: And our Weekends

Yesterday was truly a perfect Vermont day.  I've had a hard time focusing on the positive the last few weeks of chaos and upheaval but paused for a few minutes yesterday to take it all in.

First, picking up our chickens. Yes, I said chickens. 8 beautiful birds were loaded into the back of Brad's VW bus yesterday and made their journey to Starksboro (more about that later). And by 5 pm, we had an egg -- a perfect, warm egg.

Then, we stopped by the bustling Middlebury Farmers Market. Cheeses. Bread. Colorful vegetables.  We stocked up on all of it!  John, our contractor's wife, has a lovely stand with homespun wool and organic chickens.

Next, we stopped for organic chicken feed and grists (oh, something new I know about now).

Then, I picked apples from our orchard and yes, made a pie.  Not so pretty but delicious...and so proud that the apples are from our very own tree.

And we ended our night with a barn dance. The kids frolicked in the hay bales.  We bid on a few silent auction items.

Home and in bed by 10ish. Still lots of angst but it was a perfect Vermont day.

And Settling In, Sort Of

Has it really been nearly a month since I've blogged? Yes, sadly it has.  And in that time, I've been on an emotional roller coaster as we all try to settle into life in Vermont.

First, there was the summer babysitting issue, after our French au pair departed after just 7 weeks in the US.  But as all things do have silver linings, a lovely Starksboro girl fell out of the sky and frolicked with my kids for most of August.

Then, there was the start of school.  Oh, so much to worry about in terms of whether Abby and Stefan would be happy, would connect socially and would decide that leaving behind friends and a known, "safe" community was not so bad after all.

And, the saga, ongoing saga of trying to find a permanent after school care provider. Who knew it would be this hard?? It's been 8 weeks of looking and we still don't have a solution. I won't bore anyone with the details but suffice it to say it's been a major source of stress in terms of trying to balance life and work.

Finally, that thing called work. Back and forth to DC every other week. Planes and trains and automobiles.  Frantic scheduling to squeeze in meetings and catch ups with fellow staffers.

I know it will take time. I know life will become established.  But for now, I'm having a hard time seeing that future.

Amidst it all, Vermont is....beautiful.  If I can just remember to breathe.

Vermont: And Fishing!

Oh, Clifford Pond. This heavenly little spot is just a stone's throw from our house. Nestled amongst tall pines, a treasure trove of tadpoles and frogs await.

And on a given night last week, we ventured there with fishing rod and Brad's tackle box from when he was a kid.

Granted the fish were tiny and we threw them back in, it was a perfect way to spend a Vermont evening. 

Washington, D.C.: And the Good Life

There will be many things that I will miss about D.C. this fall, when we start our Vermont adventure.

Like walking to Nationals Stadium.  Biker Barre classes around the corner from our house.  Eastern Market for Saturday browsing.

Oh, so many wonderful eateries on 8th Street, like Cava, Tash, Tandoori Grill, Old Siam, Las Placitas. I need to stop.

So until next time, I'll be in Vermont.

Fire Island: And Putting Life into Perspective

It's been a very rough few weeks.

Not insurmountable and in many ways, we have so much to be thankful for.  And I am.

But July has not had good karma, vibes, juju.  Call it what you want.

So, every day, I try to live in the moment and enjoy the beauty of my life.

Like Crazy Hat day at the kids' camp. And appreciating a bright yellow colander and some popcorn boxes.

PS They were all Abby's ideas!

Fire Island: A Week of Change and Silver Linings

The breezes have been blowing. The sun was out most of the week.  There were fun activities at camp. And walks on the beach.  There was a movie and ice cream night with our dear friend down C Street.

And, there was change. Big, upsetting change. The kind that gives you a knot in your stomach that won't go away and keeps you up at night, wondering how things could have gone so horribly wrong.

Our au pair from France got on a plane to go home Tuesday morning after just 7 weeks.  And in the process, our lives were turned topsy turvy.  The days leading up to her departure were tense and awkward and filled with anger and disappointment.

And then a lovely young lady from Seattle entered our lives. And made our children giggle again. And giggled at them for their silliness. And drew big funny sharks on pieces of construction paper. And took them down the street to her grandparents' pool. And made me sigh with relief.

And then I realized everything would be okay.

So, here's to silliness. And happiness.   And family, of course.