Andrea J. LeeAndrea J. Lee
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Apr 30, 08 04:24 PM | Posted by Andrea

Mike and Andrea are leaving Calgary for Vancouver Island

I'm told that it's useful when I post a personal note from time to time, so here is the latest. 

I didn't manage to get a photograph of the sunburn I got in the Bahamas last month, in pursuit of money and meaning. (It was the result of sitting on the balcony of a gorgeous condo, basking in the sun while simultaneously tapping away happily on my laptop.) For those of you who know me know this is my signature style of being - enjoying the moment so much I forget the time - and I hope you have a good laugh at my expense. Hey, I have the laptop tan line across my knees to prove it! 

More recently, my husband Mike and I have sold our house in Calgary and purchased in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Across the street from the ocean, only 5 minutes drive from an amazing local chocolate house, a summer farmer's market and with kiwifruit, fig and other fruit in the acreage yard, we can't wait to get there in two weeks.

It is the fault of Linda Oprica, a coach in Comox Valley area, that we are moving to this beach location. She invited me two years ago to speak to the local Chamber about Money and Meaning for biz owners. Then not 6 months later a separate invite came to speak to the chapter of NAWBO in the area. Both speaking gigs lead to gifts of that amazing local chocolate at the end - a very good sign indeed! Eating with Linda and David at the Kingfisher Spa (now our neighbor) gave me my requisite 'Mike and I must come back!' moment, which we subsequently did. That trip led to some great beach-walking and talks about the area. We walked Gartley Point, commenting to each other 'what a nice neighborhood - wouldn't it be nice to live here?' And so now we will be. (It was the mammoth wild rosemary bushes growing on the side of the road - 2 minutes from the house - that clinched him I think.)

Moral of the story? Never underestimate the power of wanting what you want, clearly, and in the fact that you are creating what matters to you, even when you think you're not. 

I say "Bring on the new environment, fresh beginnings and inspiration all around." How about you? Do comment below if you wish.

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Comments

Love the new house...I am so jealous! My two favorite places in the PNW are Vancouver Island and Whidbey Island...if I ever move back to America, these are at the top of my list of where to live (along with Sausilito in the San Francisco Bay area...not that I would ever be able to afford a house there...^-^)

And I totally agree with your moral....so true in my life as in the lives of my clients.

Keep up the great work!
Hugs
Leslie

Posted by: Leslie in Japan at May 1, 2008 11:52 PM

Welcome to Vancouver Island Andrea!
I live in Victoria and love living here in the inner harbour. The Comox Valley is amazing too.

When you settle in, I'd love to connect. Perhaps you'll join the Vancouver Island ICF chapter?

Will follow up in a few months if I don't hear back. Happy moving!

Posted by: Charleen at May 2, 2008 5:32 AM

Andrea,


WOW!! Your new home could be straight from a picture-book. Beautiful! All the colors are captured so perfectly in the picture, I love it. Congratulations on the new home!


I love your latest newsletters, and will of course be reading The Name of the Wind any minute.


You are a huge inspiration to me.


Warmly,

Tammy in Chicagoland

Posted by: Tammy Cook at May 2, 2008 5:55 AM

Welcome to the Island! I was the coach who did the TV shows. I know I know, I never got around to doing the teleclass on how to get a TV gig. I got involved in the women's center in Campbell River and am doing workshops for them.
Anyway. I too am a transplant from Calgary to the Comox Valley. I love it here.

Posted by: Maureen Miller at May 2, 2008 7:41 AM

Congratulations on the move, Andrea! You're going to love living on the west coast. I look forward to visiting your area soon as we live in Seattle now, and also, having you visit down here.

Have fun!

Warmly,

Lynn

Posted by: Lynn at May 2, 2008 8:14 AM

Congratulations to you and Mike! I remember years ago having discussions about how lovely it would be to live on Vancouver Island. Isn't it wonderful how dreams become reality. Enjoy every moment of the move, the transition and island life. It's a wonderful place to be. There's something about the ocean that is good for the soul.
Congrats!!

Posted by: Margo at May 2, 2008 8:44 AM

Congratulations Andrea!

And welcome to our beautiful island. We'll all be blessed with your presence.

I am in Victoria and have been here for 20 years! Wow, that makes me sound old! I moved from Alberta as well, but my heart is still in P.E.I. and I am planning on purchasing a summer property there in the near future. Winters are definitely much kinder out here.

I look forward to connecting with you out here.

All the best with the move and the transition. Your house looks sooo inviting and warm. Many happy years to you both in your new home and community.

Love and Hugs,
Wendy

Posted by: Wendy Foster at May 2, 2008 12:11 PM

Welcome to Vancouver Island Andrea! I live about 40 minutes down island from you, and arrived 2 years ago. I was here about 20 years ago, fell in love with the area and promptly forgot about it. Now here I am, loving living in Paradise! I look forward to meeting you one day!

With love and de light,
Norma

Posted by: Norma Reid at May 2, 2008 4:57 PM

Andrea, I love the island. We lived in the Pacific Northwest for 10 years. 5 in Oregon and 5 in Washington State. We went to the island many, many times and I always just loved it. I learned so much flora & fauna there.
You are truly blessed to live in such a tranquil spot!
Janice Bastani

Posted by: Janice Bastani at May 5, 2008 5:30 AM

Hi Andrea,

I was just tipped off to you today by Pamela Slim and came here to read your blog. I am in Calgary right now visiting my sister, but the Comox Valley is home. Drop me a line if you would like to meet up with some great women in the Valley! I know it's not always easy to meet people in new places.(Although you do know Linda, who I once had a coaching session with when I was first contemplating becoming a coach.) Welcome to the beautiful life!

Posted by: Lianne Raymond at May 13, 2008 9:18 PM



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