I feel the first year in any new location is tough at any age but over time the idea of starting all over again is even more daunting. What a leap you made--inspiring! So so grateful to Bruce for encouraging you to be here. Can't imagine the Washashores, this Substack, or MV without you, Kate!
Your journey sounds so familiar. We are all washashores, one way or another. I still feel like a newbie, yet I’ve been on Island 30 years. It keeps one fresh, open to new ideas.
As we age, we naturally become more settled in our ways. But the Vineyard grows on you, and will soon feel very much like home, settled and comfortable.
You have found a very encouraging group, and I wish you the best in your new home.
Glad you're here, Kate! I think your story must be familiar to every washashore, I know it is to me. I moved here when my boys were just 8 and it took some time to find our way and to feel connected to the greater island. Now that they're turning 21, I'm so happy to be a part of this writing posse too.
We moved twenty times before I was 17. I finally settled in the LA area long enough to raise my kids in one place. But it was when I came to visit this beautiful island, that I felt like I came home. Like you, I found it difficult to feel connected to the community. Until I was invited to join the Washashores Writing Collective. I am so grateful for you and all the wonderful and talented ladies of the Washashores that have become my friends. We found our tribe.
What a lovely reflection, Kate. It reminded me of how bereft I felt when I moved to New Orleans at 41 — thrilled and excited for a new adventure, but suddenly aware that my entire network of friends and family was 1,500 miles away. It took a while, but it's been so gratifying to find my people, there and now here on the island where I have decades of fond memories, and a whole new community of writers. So glad you're among them. Here's to friends, old and new!
Thank you, Elisa! Moving from near or far is hard, indeed. Massachusetts to NOLA is a big cultural shift, so extra hard, as was moving to NY from LA. It seemed like it would be easy, bc I was, like you, thrilled and excited, but it was hard (even as a 30-something). Moving from NY to MV at a much later stage of life presented different challenges, for sure. But I wouldn't go back on any of it. Yes, here's to friends, old and new!
Started over in a new town is never easy but I’m so glad you found your posse. It may take time but I always feel that in due time the right friendship will connect :)
I feel the first year in any new location is tough at any age but over time the idea of starting all over again is even more daunting. What a leap you made--inspiring! So so grateful to Bruce for encouraging you to be here. Can't imagine the Washashores, this Substack, or MV without you, Kate!
Thank you, Brenda! The feeling is warmly mutual. (Sorry I didn't see your comment until today.)
Kate: We are so lucky you made the move!
Thank you, Jan! A tardy reply to your much appreciated comment.
Welcome, Kate.
Your journey sounds so familiar. We are all washashores, one way or another. I still feel like a newbie, yet I’ve been on Island 30 years. It keeps one fresh, open to new ideas.
As we age, we naturally become more settled in our ways. But the Vineyard grows on you, and will soon feel very much like home, settled and comfortable.
You have found a very encouraging group, and I wish you the best in your new home.
Tom Dresser
Thank you very much for your kind and encouraging words, Tom!
Glad you're here, Kate! I think your story must be familiar to every washashore, I know it is to me. I moved here when my boys were just 8 and it took some time to find our way and to feel connected to the greater island. Now that they're turning 21, I'm so happy to be a part of this writing posse too.
Thanks, Kim! So glad you’re a Washashore, too!
A belated welcome from one washashore to another.
Thank you, Susie!
We moved twenty times before I was 17. I finally settled in the LA area long enough to raise my kids in one place. But it was when I came to visit this beautiful island, that I felt like I came home. Like you, I found it difficult to feel connected to the community. Until I was invited to join the Washashores Writing Collective. I am so grateful for you and all the wonderful and talented ladies of the Washashores that have become my friends. We found our tribe.
Indeed, we did. I didn't know your back story, Terri, but glad to know it now. So happy we landed, and connected.
There’s a gem of a line in this that made me smile! What a treat to read!
Thank you, Carolyn!
Love it! I am a washashore too, but joke that I have two “anchor babies”. Both my kids are born on MV!
Another seamless beauty. Thanks, Kate.
Thank you so much, Fran! I appreciate your lovely compliment. Sorry I didn't see it until today, nearly 3 weeks later.
A lovely reflection Kate! Thank you for sharing this in such an honest, vulnerable way!
Thank you, Nancy! I so appreciate your kind comment!
Such a universal experience- except for those are born, live, and die in the same place, but think of how much of life they miss out on!
Indeed! There are all kinds of ways to be in the world; might as well embrace the life you've got!
What a heart-warming story Kate. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Anne!
What a lovely reflection, Kate. It reminded me of how bereft I felt when I moved to New Orleans at 41 — thrilled and excited for a new adventure, but suddenly aware that my entire network of friends and family was 1,500 miles away. It took a while, but it's been so gratifying to find my people, there and now here on the island where I have decades of fond memories, and a whole new community of writers. So glad you're among them. Here's to friends, old and new!
Thank you, Elisa! Moving from near or far is hard, indeed. Massachusetts to NOLA is a big cultural shift, so extra hard, as was moving to NY from LA. It seemed like it would be easy, bc I was, like you, thrilled and excited, but it was hard (even as a 30-something). Moving from NY to MV at a much later stage of life presented different challenges, for sure. But I wouldn't go back on any of it. Yes, here's to friends, old and new!
Started over in a new town is never easy but I’m so glad you found your posse. It may take time but I always feel that in due time the right friendship will connect :)
Thank you! I'm feeling quite positive :)