An Update... Australia part 3...

I've been here a month... time flies.

And even though Jan would like rhymes, I think this will be freeform at best.
I'm growing here.
It was hard packing up and leaving Vancouver,
leaving 8 years of my life
leaving friends.

Friends who taught me in my last few weeks what really matters
They are all that matter - those that you love.
Sometimes they are the people you are scared to love
or the people you surround yourself with that you never quite tell how you feel.
It's those people that we sometimes (unintentionally) take for granted.
They are life.
What matters most.
All that we have.

They are the friends that taught me, as I was leaving...
I miss them all dearly but carry a part of them each in my heart.
They showed me what matters, how I matter
And taught me to show them how much they mean to me-
Love in many forms - for I love you all dearly.
You have shaped me and allowed me to grow
Have let me be who I am and loved me back all the same.
I miss you.

But it is in these past few weeks that I've found a new love.
A new city.
A new home.  My own home.  A house to call mine.
The Indian ocean has replaced my boyfriend English Bay
And I'm sure my surfski will soon compete for my love of Kermie

I'm rediscovering the little things - the ones that matter most.
I'm meeting people and less afraid to open my heart...
and it's all because of what you taught me Vancouver
8 years of growing, learning, becoming.

I was young and scared when I drove out to the west
I was running and supported by the strongest of walls.
But I let myself grow, let myself look forward not behind
Stopped judging myself for stupid mistakes
and knowing a good apology was worth the lesson.
I'm glad that I transitioned there.
It's the place that I'll always call home.

But I'm down under now.
Meeting new people that are showing me that life is just the same
but I'm different this time
I'm not afraid, not questioning my self worth and that's a huge jump
a leap of faith that I'm happy with.
My heart is open for all that surrounds me
For what is new, for the challenges I'll face
and for the loneliness at times I still feel.
But I'm happy.  In this moment - full on.

I sit here in the dark as the power company replaces the line
My ramblings taking on such a different form of what they were
What was in my head mere hours ago.
I like that.
Would rather feel and love than run and hide.
An ode if you will for the loves of my life - my friends and family.
A reassurance that I'm truly okay while missing you dearly.
There's something romantic about writing by the light of the fireplace
and two lonely candles.
Remind me though - I must get a 'torch'

 Brought to you by the darkness, red wine and the letter X!