In May 2011, after four years of life on McNutt's Island, we moved to Montreal. This blog remains, though, as a (sort of) daily record of our time on the island, and a winding path for anyone who would like to meander about among its magical places. For additional perspectives and insights I recommend Greg's book, Island Year: Finding Nova Scotia (2010), and my Bowl of Light (2012). I'll continue to post once in a while. If you do want to read this blog, one option would be to begin at the beginning of it (which is, as we all know, in blog-world, at the end), and read forward, concluding with the most recent entry. It's a journal, really, so it does makes more sense if you read it that way. But, you know, read it any way you like.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

an unexpected turn of events

Oh, dear, I have been putting off writing this post because it will be hard to do. But now the time has come.

When we returned to the island in late February we were confronted with an unexpected turn of events that has an enormous effect on us. And now we will need to move away from McNutt's Island.

Maybe you can imagine our initial shock, followed by all the other kinds of emotion that don't need to be spelled out here.

But this was all happening at the same time that the tragedies in Japan and Libya were unfolding. And it helped us to keep some perspective on our situation. A disappointment is not the same as a tragedy.

We will always remember our four years of adventure on McNutt's with great fondness.

I will continue to do occasional blogging from here until we actually leave, so I hope you, dear reader, will continue to drop by now and then. Blogging from the island has been great fun for me and I hope of some value for you.



18 comments:

Hazel said...

Oh my! How upsetting after the wonderful life you've made on McNutt's and all the hard work you've put into it! I was so looking forward to reading more 'episodes' of your homesteading including the goats due to arrive this spring.

I'm so glad that John and I were able to visit you last September and have a taste of your unusual adventure and your hospitality. Best of luck with wherever your life takes you next. I hope you will always blog about it.

Hugs, Hazel

Janet said...

I feel very sad Anne - it's like losing a treasured neighbour. But given your pioneering and indomitable spirit I'm sure you will both make the best of the new direction your life will now take. I'll miss you and the attachment to a place I discovered years ago from Wolfgang's website when the place was vacant and derelict.
Warm wishes for your future adventures - stay in touch.
Janet

Whispers on the Wind said...

I'm so very sorry to hear this. We are just starting out on our island journey (in fact, we're not even there yet!) and I had just reserved a blog here for our own story - and had yours bookmarked for inspiration!

I hope everything turns out for the best. Sometimes life throws us a curveball, which leads us in a direction we would never have imagined. All the best to you.

Kim said...

Anne, so sorry to see you and Greg have to leave the Island. I'm sure it's as disappointing to the community as it is to you guys! Take care, lots of luck on the next leg of your adventure!

Sybil said...

Oh my. I am so sorry. What special place to have to leave. Please take us with you wherever your journey takes you.

Anne Yarbrough said...

Here's a note from my neighbour Wally Buchanan, which I have copied from my email account:

So sorry to see that you are leaving our community. Your tidbits on everyday country life in Shelburne County have been something that many far and wide have looked forward to.

Many of the county's older generation can relate to the stone walls, sheep grazing among the rocks in the pasture, crows competing with other birds for what nature provides, the deer making frequent visits and most of all watching the fishermen ply their trade along our shores.

Your research into the early settlers of the Island and its inhabitants over the years has been a historical and genealogical boon to many.

For this we thank you and are sorry to know that you will not be there to delve even deeper into the Islands history.

Wishing you both success in your future endeavors.

Your neighbors, due east, across the harbor in Sandy Point.

Wally and Brenda Buchanan

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear the news! I have really enjoyed your blog and I know how much you cared for the island and the history of the island. I do hope you pop in and let us know how you and Greg are doing.

Anonymous said...

Ah Anne, that is sorry news indeed. Even though we know we shouldn't get attached to anything on this earth, we still do: to people, things and places. And some places have a way of entwining themselves around our hearts like the tightest of vines.

I trust that all will work out for the best and that there is somewhere a silver lining to your present hardship.

Amy xo

Margrit said...

Dear Anne,
I'm sorry for You, I will miss Your posts from the island. I learned so much about the life and surroundings of Shelburne County.
Hope, You are still there in June.
Kindly regards
Margrit

Mickey (Michel) Johnson said...

i am sorry for the unexpected changes that have come your way, but you are so correct at how a tragedy can help us put things in their proper perspective. no matter where you land, i know that you will handle it with a positive attitude and relish your new adventure...i am glad that we can share it with you. take care...

aliceinparis said...

I am very sad to hear this. I know how much you love the island and you have worked so hard tending to it and celebrating it. I hope the future holds better things for you. xo

Sara said...

I'm sorry to hear that you will be moving, and hope that everything works out well for you.

I enjoyed reading Greg's book, and learning about all your adventures.

Best of luck in the future!

Gwendolyn said...

Oh no, I'm terribly sorry to hear this! All the best on working with the events that caused the move, this is easily one of my favorite blogs, I loved being able to get glimpses of island life. I hope the move goes as smoothly as possible, and that wherever you go next will be exciting and fulfilling.

Gordon said...

Although we've never met, we will miss your blog, and the inspiration it gave us as we set up our own homestead here in Bear River. We wish you the best wherever life's turns take you.

Sincerely, Gordon

Anonymous said...

Martin and I feel so so sad to hear of your departure. When we lived at Fort Point, I used to look out at night for your light on the island. Horrible to think that the light will vanish.
Whatever you may do henceforth, we wish you well. You are truly wonderful people.
Martin and Penny (now in Ontario)

Anonymous said...

oh my! deborah and i have so much enjoyed our visits to mcnutt's and getting to stop at your place for tea and wonderful tasty treats. we admired your connection to the earth and your stewardship. you will be greatly missed1

michael branton

MargaretJ said...

Your blog will be missed, and you have taught us a lot along the way. Your photographs are such a joy. Wishing you all the best.

Margaret Jeddry
Nahant, MA & Meteghan, NS

Hazel said...

As a transplanted U.S. citizen (I'm now in New Brunswick) from Maryland, and a born and bred United Methodist as well, I felt a special connection to you through Greg's book and your postings and pictures. I'm so sorry to hear of your challenges, but trust that you will feel God's presence with you wherever you go, whatever you do. I had hoped to visit McNutt's Island some day...one of the things on my bucket list. Godspeed.
Hazel Gull