Living Local

Posted on by Miriam

Home is definitely where the heart is. And my heart’s been in this place a long time now. But am I truly local?

I’ve lived in my little patch on the edge of the Yarra Valley for more than twenty years. When we were looking for our house (with the intention of starting a family) we had two main criteria: my husband wanted a garage and I wanted a big backyard.  We found both and a lot more … a whole new community.

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I’ve blogged a lot about my artistic area, so many of you will already have a picture of where I live. For me local is all about community and a sense of belonging and I know that today, many years after we moved here, I feel like I belong.

Like my zumba classes, which I’ve missed for the last couple of months. I can’t wait to return this week and shake off the stresses of my life lately.

It’s walking down the main street, into small shops where I’m greeted warmly and often by name. It’s the smell of freshly baked bread in our bakery, the feel good quotes outside my favorite gift shop and the town’s grand wattle tree all dressed up (behind the sign below)

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It’s the tracks that I walk every day with Harry.

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Across the ovals in town, through the native bushland and into the wetlands.

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It’s the friendly vibe from the local cafes within walking distance from home. Here we are three weeks ago celebrating my birthday at Wildwood Tavern.

Not just shopping local but living local and playing local.


It’s about supporting the small business owners in our area as well as local artists and musicians who often play gigs around here. The guitarist on the right lives four houses away from me!

It’s about supporting local wine makers in nearby cellars.

On Sunday we ventured out to our local Open Cellars event and met a number of them including Dorothy and Teunis from Panton Hill Winery.  Visiting their vineyard is like visiting Tuscany minus the airfare …  it’s just five minutes drive from home.

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And then this morning I woke to a hot air balloon floating serenely over our place as another new day beckoned in my small part of the world.

Local is where I live, but it’s more than that, it’s a warm comfortable feeling when I’m with those I love.  That’s when I know I’m truly home. And when I look out at this view.

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May we all enjoy peace in our homes, love the ones we’re with and nourish what we have.  Here’s to feeling contentment and a sense of belonging where ever we are.

Light and love to you all as we continue the journey.

In response to The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Local

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65 thoughts on “Living Local”

    2. Hi Kim, yes they offer hot air balloon rides about half an hour away from here at another winery. But sometimes they take off from our oval. It’s awesome. Hope you get to experience a ride one day. 😊

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  5. I love where you live. It’s exactly the kind of place I’ve always wanted to live. Most of the time, I kind of hate where I live… unfortunately, relocation is not possible… at least not now or anytime soon. But your area perfectly matches what I wish for!

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        1. Oh, I’m sorry to hear that Sandra. I know those sort of days. Sending big hugs to you (and if I could also send you a winning lottery ticket I’d send that too!) 😊

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  16. What a beautiful sense of home! Your community sounds wonderful, but you are right,miss the acceptance, familiarity and most of all, the presence of those you love that truly make it home. Great post, and charming photos, too! Thanks, Miriam!

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  17. This is a lovely post, Miriam, but then all your posts are lovely 🙂 It reminds me of living on the Mornington Peninsula – there’s a very similar vibe with the wineries and small towns, a real coastal community. I loved living there. Your photos are lovely and I know it as being a great part of the world 🙂

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  24. What a comforting post, Miriam. It’s been a while since I visited your blog but this reminds me that I need to check back often 😉 I always enjoy your posts – especially when they’re coupled with wonderful pictures of your neighborhood. Keep up the great work!

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    1. Oh no, don’t cry. It’s just a glimpse Ness of what’s good in my world. We all have that, including you, my sweet friend I’m sure. It’s just focusing on the positives … the other stuff I leave behind. Hugs xo

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      1. You’re so sweet, my dear friend. I have never had that. I have never belonged in any community I’ve ever lived in, or the families I was born or married into, ha! I have spent nearly my entire life looking for what I call “my ‘pot.” (Imagine a toddler trying to say spot. 🙂 A silly gardening play on words, lol.) That’s why it makes me so happy to see people I care about experiencing it – because to me it is a rare and beautiful blessing, and it fills me with joy when people I love are blessed. 🙂 ❤

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        1. Now you’ve made me cry. And all I want to do is wrap you in a huge hug and show you how big a heart you have. I’m sorry you feel that way my dear friend. You may feel as though you’ve never belonged but just know I feel as though you’re a big part of my world. And if you were here I have no doubt you’d belong in my community. And we’d be sharing a coffee right now. ☕️Hugs and much love to you. ❤️ xo

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  26. Oh Miriam I absolutely love this !!! I am so happy that you found a home and town and people that you love. I particularly am touched by this quote, “it’s a warm comfortable feeling when I’m with those I love. That’s when I know I’m truly home.” Thank you for sharing … it wrapped me up like a warm hug. Love & Blessings
    ps – Harry is adorable!

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