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.