This is how it happened. It was just one of those things that was perfectly perfect and ready to happen.
Back in July, Bob and I were headed up to our favorite refuge in Vermont for some real R & R and some more than fabulous road biking. For the past nineteen years, in between trips to Montana and New Mexico, we’ve always come back here. It’s always felt like home to us.
The minute we crossed the border from Massachusetts to Vermont, Bob said, “Ann, this is where I really want to live.” Without batting an eye, I said, “I do, too.” And, neither of us was shocked or surprised because it was true.
For the past 5 years, we had been “looking” for the place we wanted to live when we grew up (not “retire”) – the place we could moderate our lifestyle a bit as far as busyness and take advantage of the things we love to do.
When we looked, we found places that were nice and lovely, but the two places that always felt like home to us were Montana and Vermont. And, I remember how confirming it felt to me when I saw the results of the 2012 Gallup Well-Being Index Poll with the happiest places to live. Guess what was on there? Montana and Vermont. BUT THEY GET COLD!!! – other people would say and so did we. Like…. brrrrrrrrrrrr cold. And, we would turn our attention south once more.
But this time was different. So we headed into our favorite little town in the Upper Valley and let what we were feeling soak in. Over dinner one night, we realized that there were many things about winter we actually liked, such as cross-country skiing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and New England charm. We also realized that when the winters start to feel long and that charm has worn off, we can head south for a while and return to an incredible place that feels like the best summer camp you ever went to.
About a week later, I called Carol, a real estate agent we had been working with for five years. I’m sure she thought we were wasting her time in the past. I’d always loved talking with her anyway. She grew up in Charleston, SC, but had lived in Vermont for over twenty years. She was the one other person in town that speaks the same language as me – southern, and she proved to me that a real southerner could tough out the winters.
Well, it just so happened that a home we had looked at and loved several years ago was back on the market. We looked, still loved it and started considering possibilities.
We returned home and a week later, I was looking through the Wall Street Journal and right there in front of me was a real estate listing showing THIS house. It was a “SIGN”. I hollered at Bob…. “THIS IS A SIGN.” He must have believed me, because about ten days later, that house became our new home.
Now, we have some business to finish up in Baltimore… like, sell our home here. And, that will most likely get done in the new year after the holidays and then we’ll get about the business of moving.
Besides leaving incredible friends, Baltimore’s been our home for nineteen years – the longest I’ve ever lived anywhere. But, it’s the friends who will be the very hardest to leave. Luckily, the roads lead both ways and hopefully, in the gloriousness of a New England summer and with the incredible beauty of a Vermont fall, I’ll be able to entice them to head north for a visit.
And, what about WomanTalk Live? Well, the past seven years have been just incredible. I went from someone who never had a radio show on her radar screen to loving every minute of it. The opportunity to talk with so many wonderful guests on over 300 shows has been a real gift. And, come the end of this year on December 28th, WomanTalk Live will close THIS door… and open a new one.
I’ll be taking a gap month plus or minus off to clear my head and take care of some things. But, WomanTalk Live will be coming back in a podcast format with a focus on women inspiring us, women championing great causes, women making a difference, and women of resilience and we’ll also be focusing on issues of health, wellness, life passion, relationships, financial issues, transitions and taking leaps.
And, I’ll be staying in touch during the gap… writing a bit, sharing the best of the best from the past, and keeping you apprised of what’s coming up. Thank goodness, that no matter where we are, we can still stay connected when old doors close and the new ones open. So very grateful for that.
This is so very inspiring. Love the way the ‘signs’ showed up to validate you’re on the right path.
Thanks so much, Kathy! So very amazing when that was not what was in our conscious minds heading up there…until we crossed over the state line. And, then it all just unfolded. I love it, too! Happy Holidays to you!
I have to keep telling myself that you’re only changing locations, you’re not going away. We won’t lose contact.
Only a click away from just about any location in the world. But before I head north… you and I must break bread.
You are an amazing woman. Where ever you are you will be a blessing to so many. I feel as though I just started getting to know you. Thank you for your encouragement and desire to challenge women to have a voice. Thank you for being willing to I.M.P.A.C.T A Life.
Oh, Susan… what a gift to me to have you touch my life and find a kindred spirit. THANK YOU! And, so very glad we’ll stay connected.
Ann, i wish you the best of best new adventures! Sounds like serendipity all the way around! Glad you will be keeping in touch, even a bit during your transition. xoxoej
It was definitely some serendipity going on! And, it was so in our face, we couldn’t ignore it! Thank you for your kind wishes – and, I’m so very grateful we’ll stay connected.
I miss you already! I won’t cry, I won’t cry, I won’t cry…..okay, maybe I will cry…..but it will be tears of joy because you are so darned happy. I am blessed to have been part of such a dynamic group of sponsors on WTL and to have been able to have been part of your group of women on the show. I have learned a lot from you and will never forget the experience of being part of the same radio station that my grandfather was so many years ago. It was meant to be and I appreciate every minute you gave me to be part of the adventure. I look forward to listening to the new podcasts and sharing in the lively discussions you will be having. Love and friendship will follow you.
Don’t make me cry!!!! All I can say is what a wonderful friend AND WTL Expert AND sponsor AND guest you have been all rolled into one! I am so grateful for your friendship and support and am so very happy our paths crossed (thanks, Susan Katz!)…. Know you’ll need to make a trip up north sometime – I can feel it in my bones! THANK YOU for being you.
Sniff, Sad eyes, sniff. Love you bunches.
I have an idea…. let’s get together and sniff and laugh and have a glass of wine!
I am ready for that!
After the holidays… let’s do it!
DONE!
Congratulations Ann! I am so happy for you and your husband. Those “signs” never fail. Wishing you all the best in your new home and much fun with the snow (I for one want to go skiing). Blessings!
Alyscia… thanks so much! I am so glad I am now paying much more attention to the “signs” that show up along the way! I know so many think we’re crazy, but I am actually excited about having real snow! So glad we can stay connected through social media!
Ann, I am so thrilled for you and your husband. Congratulations on this new chapter in your life…you are an amazing woman! I’ll stay tuned for the updates and for WTL podcasts.
Awwww, Kate. Thanks so much. It is a new chapter! The other day, I said something about starting Chapter 3, and after I thought about that for a nano second, I realized it’s more like Chapter 10 or 11…. it is exciting and I am so grateful for your kindness and support!
I love this story and it is as it should be when we GROW UP as you say. I really feel like you are a master writer, storyteller and radio hostess but I know that this new adventure is sure to enhance those gift even more and give you a more tranquil state with which to share your wisdom. I am looking forward to hearing about your new life and like you I LOVE winter, the beauty of the snow and ice, the laughter of kids in the snow ( big and little) , the winter sports and the calmness it gives to the air. Looking forward to the New Adventures of Ann. XOXOX
Lisa! Thank you so much… you are just the best and I look forward to sharing what’s around the bend – it’ll be a whole new world! One thing I do know for sure… there is more long underwear in my future. Sending you hugs…