Melissa Ann Goodwin

Melissa Ann Goodwin

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

A Soft Landing

Just 15 days ago, we emptied the RV and moved into the condo we are renting here in Punta Gorda, Florida. It's a beautiful place in a lovely complex that has lots of amenities. We've been going through all the hassle of a move - you know - new driver's licenses, registering the car, getting insurance, finding doctors  - life today is sure complicated! But we are on the other side of most of that now and beginning to see just how lovely this change might be.

One of the best things that has happened is that there is a yoga studio here that has invited me to teach for them. Right now I am going through my "trial" period, so we can see if it's a good fit for both the studio and me. I think it is - they have a very gentle and nurturing approach to their teaching and their atmosphere, and that's very much in line with where I am now. So, if all goes well, I'll be on the regular schedule starting next month.

I bought a nice vintage writing desk at a local consignment shop and am feeling very much ready to get back into the swing of things. I only paid $89 for it - here's a picture:



I feel like myself again, and that feels good. The nice thing about teaching yoga is that the schedule allows plenty of free time for writing. My goal is to finish the sequel to The Christmas Village and get it published before year-end. I just got an envelope filled with letters from kids whose teachers read them the book, and they It feels good to be setting goals again too. Their letters are all the motivation I need to get cracking!

This morning, I opened my eyes to see the bright orange glow of sunrise beyond the palm trees outside our window. Sorry - I didn't have the camera handy! But here are a few pictures around and about where we are.

Views from our lanai:




The pool area:

The Juan Ponce de Leon Park - a half mile from the condo. We take our morning walk up to here and back, and often come and sit here in the afternoons:



As you can see, we have landed well and I am very grateful for how it's all turning out.
It feels good to have an address again and to be establishing some of the rituals of daily life. I look forward to teaching yoga and to writing. 
Our RV adventure was the experience of a lifetime and I will treasure the memories always. My goal now, as I re-enter "normal" life, is to try to make the world a better place with whatever I do - teaching yoga, writing, talking with kids and other writers about books and creativity, and spending time with family and friends.




22 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos. It looks like a lovely place. I love that you've already got your desk sorted :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Annalisa, I'm glad I've got my desk sorted too :)

      Delete
  2. Wow, it looks idyllic to say the least. And that's a lovely desk - put it to good use! How nice to get great feedback from your audience.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nick,
      It's very pretty here and you certainly can't complain about the weather - at least not until summer. We'll see what that brings!

      Delete
  3. Hi Karen,
    I know - seems silly that with only an hour between us we couldn't have made it happen! We'll probably end up meeting someday in an unlikely place, like Paris!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Now that is a truly beautiful writing desk. An inspiration. I love the views from your 'soft' landing and hope that all continues to go well as you settle in.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love my desk! And our views are really lovely. It's peaceful.

      Delete
  5. Your book looks lovely. I like your desk so much. It must be great combining yoga teaching with writing - the ideas must surely flow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much - the combination of yoga and writing really works for me.

      Delete
  6. Your new home looks like a dream. And I love your new desk, that was a bargain.

    I must pick up Christmas Village for my girls. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paul, I feel content and very grateful. It will be a while before your girls will be ready for my book, but I hope you'll enjoy it and be chomping at the bit to read it to them when the time comes.

      Delete
    2. I'll be reading to them long before they can even talk ;-)

      Delete
  7. Nice landing - we have a lot to be thankful for.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You have been having quite the adventure! Your new rental looks like a beautiful place to rest and set up for a while. I love the views and how wonderful that you have found a place to teach yoga (hopefully). You have wonderful dreams for 2013 and I hope this is a fabulous year for you. Finding that desk was a great start. :)

    ~Stephanie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's really beautiful and I'm grateful for such a lovely place to stop and rest. Looking forward to teaching again. Thanks so much for your supportive thoughts and words. Wishing you a wonderful 2013 too.
      ~Melissa

      Delete
  9. Hey! Just dropped by to let you know you've been nominated for most encouraging blogger on my blog. Hope you can stop by, because there are prizes for the winners. :-)

    http://sylmion.blogspot.com/2013/01/news-day-week-3-announcing-nominees-and.html

    ReplyDelete
  10. what a beautiful view, could certainly get used to that :) and congrats on your nomination for the mfb awards :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love your desk and the view from your new place is spectacular.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks - we are really settling in nicely now

      Delete
  12. Dear Melissa, I've been away from reading and commenting on blogs for nearly seven weeks and so I don't know what's been happening in your iife, but from this posting I gather that you have rented an apartment and are settling down from your road travels. Is that right? Did you keep the RV so that you can take to the road again?

    The desk is lovely and I can just see you there crafting the sentences of a sequel to "The Christmas Village." I gave my copy of your book to my niece who loves Christmas and she so enjoyed it. She's passing it on to her two daughters. Your words are touching many lives in the classroom and through Amazon. I so look forward to our sequel. Peace.

    ReplyDelete

Talk to me!