I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately.
Shocker, I know; but I think I’ve been doing it for a different reason than usual. I’ve been feeling a bit adrift since the holidays, as we returned from Texas, and as J and everyone else have headed back to work. I’ve had a lot of freelance work to do, but am still spending much of my time alone in our apartment. And the contrast between my solitude and the warm embrace of our dear ones in Abilene has seemed greater than ever.
So I’ve been reaching mostly for books about small, tightly knit communities: Creagan, Scotland; Big Stone Gap, Virginia; Avonlea and Carlisle and Glen St. Mary, Prince Edward Island; Deep Valley, Minnesota. The kind of small towns where you run into people you know at the grocery store or walking down the street. Places where a close circle of friends are in and out of each other’s daily lives, spending real time together, not just talking on the phone or via email. Places like the ones listed in the comments of Mike’s recent post, where he asked readers, “Do you have a Mayberry?”
Boston isn’t our Mayberry. Not even close. We still haven’t met many of our neighbors; we have to drive for a while to get to church or go to Nate and Abi’s or have dinner with other friends. I love walking around the city, especially the Beacon Hill area, but then it’s a 20-minute T ride back home. Here in Quincy, I can walk to the branch library and the drugstore and the post office, but I’m still not likely to run into anyone I know. We are – I am especially – still feeling our way, trying to find our place in this new community. In some ways it will never feel like Mayberry, or like Mitford, or like Abilene. That’s all right.
However, it’s still a bit lonely sometimes, and it’s comforting to know I can pick up a book and head to one of my favorite small towns whenever I need to. I don’t even have to buy an airplane ticket or fill up the car with gas. All I have to do is turn the page.
cakes, tea and dreams 
It is challenging in so many ways to be finding your way in a new city. Friends and familiarity will come! Until then, don’t forget the blogging community; we can bump into each other almost anywhere! It has been a huge comfort to me to stay connected with and make new friends via Ravelry and blogging.
I guess I’ve never lived in a place like that – so I’ve had to make my own communities, whether through work or friend circles (near and far). These days, even just a gchat with a friend far away can make me feel better!
Sweet Katie, I wish I could give you a hug (and I will in June)! I know Abilene did become a Mayberry for me too, where you couldn’t go to the grocery without seeing someone you knew… But I’m also mindful that my first year of life in Abilene (back in 2002-03) was one of the loneliest of my life. I think it just takes time, though I know that’s not much help for this week or even this month. You have to do what your heart needs now (call old friends, read old friends–multiple times a day, if that’s what you need right now)…just don’t forget to be involved in your new life as well. I promise it gets better! ❤
It’s so funny how you cling to those things when you feel lonely. 🙂 When most of our friends were out of town a few weeks ago, Todd and I were hooked on Dillon, Texas in the same way.
I read a really good (if slightly vulgar) article about Season 1 of Friday Night Lights yesterday and the author (who lives in Ithaca, NY) said “There’s so much to hate when you’re living in the South, but when you’re no longer there, there’s also just as much you miss. And on a weekly basis, “FNL” captures that conflicted spirit.” It’s true. I didn’t hate the South by any means, but I didn’t have much Texas pride. But living in the midwest now and watching FNL definitely softens my heart even more to the Lone Star State. Joey called me out on it when I started saying “Texas forever”. 🙂
However, these days I’m getting pretty sucked into Panem… I need another wintry Saturday to plow through Catching Fire 🙂
I know you’re an Anne of Green Gables fan and I just stumbled on a prequel that wasn’t too bad. I was pleasantly surprised. Anne had a bit of a different voice, but the author definitely captures her spirit and it was fun to imagine her life before Green Gables. Anyway, if you haven’t read it and you are interested, it’s Before Green Gables, by Budge Wilson. 🙂
My hubby and I have been struggling too with settling in and finding a community in our new home, but I keep reminding myself that these things take time and I have a feeling that when we decide we don’t want to parent teenagers anymore we won’t want to leave this area either! It’s just the in-between that is so lonely sometimes. Thinking of you and praying for all of us in transition!!
I love the way a good book can transport us to the feelings we need to have. And I love me some Anne of Green Gables!
Have you read Blessed are the Cheesemakers? Might be nice for you. Sending you courage and good stories.
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