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.
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)
It’s the tracks that I walk every day with Harry.
Across the ovals in town, through the native bushland and into the wetlands.
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.
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.
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
It sounds like the perfect place to live.
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Not always perfect but pretty close! 😊 Thanks Carol.
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It looks beautiful thete. That winery is amazing with all that stone. Do they offer hot air balloon rides in the area? That’s an item on my bucket list.
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Oops, meant “there”!
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No worries!
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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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Your home and community are lovely. And the last quote is fab… oh home is wonderful
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It absolutely is. Thanks for dropping by Bella.
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What a great post for local. Has such a loving feel to it all. I can hear the saxophone music. Quotes,perfect!
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Thanks Ruth, it’s a nice place to live.
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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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Come and visit! I’ll have the coffee waiting… 😊☕️
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I’m going to need a winning lottery ticket… or the ability to sneak into the luggage compartment…! (And you do NOT want me today… I am entirely unpleasant…)
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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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I know you would send me that ticket because you’re so sweet. And thank you for the hugs… some days you really need them, you know?
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Yeah, I know. Here’s an extra big one, just for you. Take care okay ❤️🌿
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Beautiful Miriam!
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Thanks Nicole
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Thank you for taking me along on your local walk. It sounds like you live in an amazing place.
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My absolute pleasure. Thanks for coming along. 🌿
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I like your local place… It’s pretty cool! 😃
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Thanks Simon, I do think you’d like it here. 😊
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What a lovely community, I enjoyed the visit. Thank you.
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My pleasure Maverick. Thanks for dropping by.
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I picture and feel quaint and cozy. My kind of town. 💓💟💝
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Thanks Karen.
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What a lovely town. That picture of you and your hubs is adorable.
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Aw, thanks Nikki. And why the way, what are you doing in my spam folder? The Gremlins are at it again.
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Great place to let your roots take hold.
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Absolutely. Thanks for dropping by Steve.
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What a beautiful place to call home – and the photo at the end took my breath away! You look so vibrant and happy, thank you for sharing Miriam xx
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My pleasure Hayley, thanks very much. xo
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Thanks for taking us on a virtual tour of your local place, Miriam 🙂
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My pleasure Ruth, thanks for the visit. 🙂
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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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Thanks Ann, I do consider myself blessed. Hope you’re having a lovely week.
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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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Thanks Helen, that’s kind of you to say. You’re right about the vibe and I’m not surprised to hear the Mornington Peninsula has the same feel. It’s a lovely spot. xo
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It is indeed 🙂
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Such a beautiful post, Miriam!
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Thanks Sandra. And isn’t it a beautiful day today! ☀️
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Stunning!
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I truly enjoy reading your posts, Miriam. The warmth of the home and life you’ve built over the years shines through your writing. It leaves me with a warm fuzzy feeling. 🙂
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Aw, thanks Cheryl, I’m so glad and that’s so kind of you to say. Your comments always put a smile on my face. xo 😊
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And mine too! 🙂
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Well this one slipped past the gatekeeper. But I back tracked and found it in the Reader. Just to check. I love seeing the hot air balloons going over our place too. Good to hear you are going back to Zumba. Louise
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Thanks Louise, we’ve had a few going over our place lately. Nice way to wake up in the morning.
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Reading this post is like having a well deserved warm bowl of chicken soup on a cold evening. Totally satisfying 🙂
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What a lovely way to describe it. Thanks Jackie.
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What a lovely post, Miriam. I have a feeling of being there stepping into your friendly community.
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Thanks so much Paula, glad you popped by.
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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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Thanks so much Fleur. Lovely to have you drop in again. 😊
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Anytime, Miriam! ‘see you’ soon! 🙂
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I love this. It makes me cry a little. I have always wanted to know what it’s like to live like that, and now, I can glimpse it, because of you. 🙂 Thank you for that! ❤ *hugs*
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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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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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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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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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Thanks for your kind words. I’m so glad you felt that hug Debbie. Here’s an extra big one, just for you my friend, spanning the ocean. xo
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You live in such a vibrant beautiful place Miriam ❤
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Thanks Maja, yes I’m pretty lucky.
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🌟🌟🌟
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