Today, I’m sharing a unique glimpse into my life — sharing memories based on the places I’ve called home. Each location has woven a distinct thread into the tapestry of my experiences.
Scarborough — The place where I was born and where I first learned the rhythm of walking to school, laying the groundwork for the countless journeys that lay ahead.
Centralia — Memories of drinking chocolate soda at the Firehall and the camaraderie of company picnics, shaping my early sense of community.
Dashwood — A chapter of my life spent swimming in the creek, catching frogs and crayfish, and discovering all about leeches and how they can be removed by waving a lighter next to their bodies. Salt also works, but people don’t tend to carry that around in their pockets.
Squires Beach — Another country home where my sister and I were thrilled to drive a skidoo at top speed over the fields. We played in the barn and jumped from the loft into the grain. I remember sinking into the grain like it was water and having to swim to the surface.
Squires Beach (again) — A small cottage by the lake where we got rashes from the Styrofoam raft and were a little afraid of the giant lake carp that the bigger kids said would bite our toes.
Ajax — A place that holds a small but unforgettable piece of my childhood. In my room, there was a door — a portal to a storage space that, for me, held the allure of magic. It was the year I delved into the enchanting world of the Narnia series, and doors became more than just entryways; they were gateways to imaginary adventures. Inspired by the tales of fantasy and wonder, that unassuming door fueled my young imagination. Behind it, I discovered realms untold, landscapes unexplored, and the boundless possibilities of a child’s mind dancing with the magic of storytelling.
Myrtle Station — With its abandoned train station, a neighbor’s majestic Great Dane, and our antique store that fueled a love of auctions and old things.
Port Perry — A rural setting where a boy on a horse rode up to the gas station and asked if I wanted a ride. A farmer named one of his calves after me and I was thrilled.
Glace Bay — A journey marked by culture shock and the vastness of the ocean, offering lessons that transcended geographical boundaries.
So why share this? Because experience, be it from jobs or life, molds us. Having moved nine times by the age of 14, adaptability became my second nature. It’s not just about job experience; life’s journey equips us with skills that make us versatile in the face of change.
I’m curious to hear about the places that have shaped your story. Let’s exchange stories and celebrate the diversity of experiences in the comments below!
