One Moving Story

A guest post by Taye Schoneveld

This week I am publishing a guest post written by Taye Schoneveld, a personal friend of mine who packed up her belongings and moved to the East coast after 60 years in Ontario. She is one of the smartest people I know and I am pleased to share her story with you.

You can learn more about Taye at the bottom of this email, but for now, enjoy.

Renee xo

Pictures taken from our property on Little Chamcook Lake

First, a brief introduction…. I am the friend that left Renee sobbing at the end of her driveway in July. Or sniffing noisily. For sure she had a tissue in her hand. I admire Renee for many reasons, one of which is that she sets her mind on something and goes for it. Want to start writing a blog? Go for it. Want to become a culinary nutritionist? Go for it. Want Estate fresh eggs from your own Estate chickens? Go for it. So, when she asked if I’d like to write a guest post about our move from Ontario to New Brunswick I channelled her, “Go for it!”.

Now here I sit, torn between, “There’s so much to write about,” and “I haven’t got a single thing to say.” Nothing says procrastination like a shelf that holds forty-two notebooks full of disorganized scribbles and very few complete sentences. Time to get it together.

In the summer of grade 9 our parents took us to the East coast and ever since I’ve said I’d love to live there; never in my wildest dreams did I think I would. My brother and sister-in-law moved first, following job opportunities in the 90’s but it took the pandemic and a very trusting husband for us to think outside our Ontario bound retirement plans. We purchased the property before Doug had even set foot on it! Instead of all the trials and tribulations of packing up 60 odd years of living, most of which you’ve probably lived yourself, or could imagine, I’ll focus on a couple of personal attractions to Maritime life.

After four months of living here full time I sure don’t have the whole move “sorted”, as the British would say, but I’m hoping that by writing it’ll be a start. I feel extremely lucky that all the pieces fell in place, including the fact that our 88-year-old parents took the plunge and moved to St Andrews only 15 minutes away. An act of pure love or pure lunacy. Either way, I’m glad they’re here.

I’m super excited about spending more time with Steve and Annette, the aforementioned brother and sister-in-law. Residents of New Brunswick for over 30 years, they are still considered by some as, From Away. Steve is one of the funniest people I know in a dry humour sort of way and Annette is a force of positivity beyond compare. After dating for 7 years, I finally said to Steve that if he wasn’t going to propose, I was going to. They’ve now been together longer than they’ve been apart. Being able to have a more consistent relationship with two of my favourite humans is certainly a huge factor in moving. That we’ll be neighbours soon? BONUS.

Another draw to this province is its sheer beauty defined by the multitude of forests and the water that surround them. I don’t know how others feel but I was finding Ontario very busy; having to drive to the airport was panic inducing. At times, too many times, I felt rushed, tired, claustrophobic and kinda grouchy all at once. Just going for a walk somewhere other than our yard was an ordeal.

Here, there seems to be more of a culture of enjoying the outdoors… or perhaps I’m more open to it. Hearing loons call, seeing bald eagles gliding, watching deer nibbling grass and following the phases of the moon have become part of my day. I’m thinking of writing a journal entry (see notebook shelf) - Lessons from a Walk through the Trees – how to breathe easier, how to appreciate things for the way they are not how I’d like them to be, how to be flexible and grow toward sunlight for starters. And other than the need for a tick check afterwards, it’s very relaxing!

A daily walk through the trees

This move is not just about leaving the people and familiarity of a specific location. It’s coming to terms with closing that chapter of my life and being willing to turn the page and start with a better understanding of what’s important to me. Maybe this would have come if we stayed in Ontario, maybe the US election would have given some clarity, but I think it’s this place; this new place seen through older eyes.

My husband grew up in the Owen Sound area and so the rocky terrain and lake geography is like coming home. He loves being outdoors and in his workshop. I’ve never seen him this happy. More than thirty years of road construction on the 400 series with multimillion-dollar budget headaches has not been missed. He’s breathing easier too. Our two sons are making their way in the world and are thrilled to call this home. At least they seem happy to come for holidays to eat and enjoy the sights for free!

I’ve even found several venues for reading to groups of children, one of my all time favourite things to do. (Tip: when you go to the RCMP office for your police check and are asked what school you will be volunteering at, refrain from glibly saying, “Oh, any one that will have me, I’m just looking for kids”. The officer smiled when I blurted, “That came out wrong,” but I think she put a mark at the top of my form.)

As for my Ontario friends, well technology, which I often curse, really is a blessing. Besides zooming, texting, emailing, and ol’ fashioned phone calling, one dear friend inspired us to send video clips on Talk Tuesdays. Do I miss them? Like crazy. Do I know our friendships are stronger than a few kilometres? You bet. And now they’ve got a place to stay in the Maritimes. Win-win.

Are we settled in? More or less, but I know there’s no rush. We’re on East coast time now.

Thanks Renee for nudging me out of my comfort zone. This writing “exercise” became therapy.

I might just celebrate by getting a notebook!

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What advice do you get from a librarian? Believe in your shelf. HA! I have always believed in my ex-librarian friend, Taye, for book recommendations, gardening know-how and her unwavering support. She has a brilliant mind and an incredible sense of humour. I couldn’t be happier having her as my first guest writer and my forever friend. I can’t even stay mad at her for moving1300km away.