On this week before Christmas I am writing this post from the rustic, cozy great room at Long Beach Lodge in groovy Tofino, BC. I am looking out over the breadth of Long Beach, listening to the surf pound through drops of rain, with the gentle festive strains of Vince Guaraldi’s Christmas Song in the background as well as the snaps and pops of a crackling fire. And since I am on vacation and not driving anywhere this afternoon, I am enjoying an egg nog martini!! If my prose degenerates from here, we know what or who to blame 🙂
I am on my last night of a short but fabulous stay in my most favourite place on earth, Tofino. I pulled into Long Beach last night just as the sun was setting and was lucky enough to take the shot above with my trusty Canon 7D. In my last post I wrote about taking off for a last-minute vacation that involved taking a train across Canada to get here. I have to tell you that I have appreciated all of the cheers of support along the way while also understanding completely if you were also thinking I’d lost my marbles. Taking a vacation while looking for employment could be viewed as a bit risky. I am writing this post to let you know I do have all my marbles. And a new job! I am the new marketing department for a small but mighty Canadian educational publishing company based in the west end of Toronto. I am joining the Thompson brothers as they take their family’s business forward, and I could not be more grateful or happy! Yes, I did know about this opportunity before I left, and was 99.5% sure that the job was mine before I planned this much-needed vacation. I just needed all the t’s crossed and i’s dotted before I announced this good news to the world. This morning I got confirmation that I am indeed starting this new adventure in the New Year, and I could not think of a better time or way to share this news with you. I’m thinking you will now forgive me for the egg nog martini 🙂
Many of you have joined me as I posted snaps along the way on this cross-Canada journey. All of the shots you have seen thus far, except the one above, were taken with my iPhone believe it or not, and usually through a window of a train. I didn’t set out to document my journey but as the miles chugged past, I started to feel the stress, strain and indeed pain of this past year quietly leave me. I needed to let go before I felt free to celebrate a new beginning. I needed to put some distance between the old slightly beat up me and this newly energized one. I know I will look back on this adventure across Canada as an important milestone. One where for once I remembered to celebrate the joys of a good life well lived. I now have the snaps to prove it! And, like the surfers above, I’m looking forward to the next awesome wave with a great big smile on my face.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Hi, I’m Patti, wonderer, wanderer and photographer. During the week I’m a marketer in the publishing industry and on weekends I take to the road to explore this beautiful planet we live on. 
Patti congratulations! Thrilled for you!
Have so enjoyed your journey through your beautiful photos and great descriptions.
Am sure you will be extremely successful in your new position- I really believe that when one door closes another opens with a much better view. And so this has come to pass for you. One sometimes needs to put time and distance between what is old and tired and before long something new and exciting arrives.
Once again dear friend thanx for all the pics and letting me go along with you on this journey.Hopefully can meet for coffee when I visit my daughter in Toronto in Jan2012. Also a great and successful New Year 2012! Bev
Bev, thanks so much for your kind words and ongoing supportive comments – they are always appreciated! You are right. It is important to understand that some changes are really about new opportunities. You just have to have your eyes and ears open to them! Let’s try to get together in January when you are in town!
Patti,
I am thrilled for you! What a wonderful opportunity! They won’t be disappointed! They have had the intelligence to hire a bright,dynamic person who will certainly help the company move forward! May you enjoy all of the blessings of the holiday season,especially time spent with family and friends.
On another note,just last week,I ran into Peter Sturdy,at Walmart of all places! He hasn’t changed in the least…not only does he look the same,but,he’s as droll as ever!We reminisced for a time about our Forest days and then went our separate ways. It really made my day. Anyway,take care. Perhaps,one of these days,we can actually meet for a beverage,or two!! All he best. Dianne
Dianne, thanks for your kind words! And how great is it that you ran into Mr. Sturdy? Droll is such a good word and appropriate. We were very lucky to have such caring and supportive teachers at NLSS! Yes to a beverage or two sometime soon!
So happy you can now share your good news! You know how the family feels about your new job! So happy for you Sis!!! Love you and see you at Christmas!
Hey Sister! Thanks and I can’t wait to come home for Christmas! See you soon.
Patti, that’s wonderful news. You certainly had a nice way to get out and clear your mind! I wish you all the best in your new endeavour.
Doug, thanks! You’re right – nothing like a good train trip to clear your mind and start fresh!
congratukatilons, patti! I knew it was simply a matter of time. safe journey home!
Hearty congratulations to you, Patti. I knew you would find something great to do. Ruth Ann and I have been enjoying all the wonderful pictures from your hikes, your backroad excursions, and your train trip. I think your temporary unemployment has been a wonderful benefit to both you and all your many friends. Knock ’em dead in the new job.
Best news Patti! All is right with the world again. So glad you got to enjoy this time for yourself before you start pouring yourself into this new venture!! Have a great Christmas. Yvette
Tom, Peter and Yvette, thanks for your kind comments and well wishes! I’m so glad to have had you along for this ride!
Great news for a great person. Well deserved Patti! Wow, Mr. Sturdy….. that takes me back a ways. Just remember him standing at the hall way pay phone making his daily deals with his tweed jacket on. 🙂 Have a fabulous holiday. xxx000
I watch your pictures, your posts and enjoy the comments.
Almost makes me wish that sometimes I had chose another path.
However, I am happy where I am. Congratulations on the new job, from both
Al and myself. Hope to see you when you hit Forest.
Marian and Chris, thanks for stopping by and Merry Christmas to both of your families! Chris I’ve recently learned the hard way that you’ve got to appreciate the path you are on. It may not always seem to be the right one but you have to have faith that it is taking you in the right direction. You are doing great things with the store – such a great addition to Main Street!