Yesterday was my birthday — and it was really special, because I was able to help my dear blogging friend Margaret Roach mark the on-sale date of her new book, And I Shall Have Some Peace There: Trading in the Fast Lane for My Own Dirt Road. To launch the book, Margaret gave a lecture to benefit the Berkshire Botanical Garden. I attended, and was totally mesmerized by her garden lecture, an extension of her blog, A Way to Garden.
Margaret’s new book is equally mesmerizing. It is her “corporate dropout memoir” — and I can surely identify, because I am a corporate drop-out, too. Margaret writes beautifully — all that you would expect from a former reporter and/or editor for the New York Times, Newsday, Martha Stewart Living and ultimately, Martha Stewart Omnimedia. Margaret is one strong woman — a role model in so many, many ways. But in her book, which chronicles her first year after leaving corporate life, she peels away any veneer, and exposes just how frightening it can be to walk away. Also, aside from Jack the Demon Cat, there is no partner to pull up any slack. Margaret is a tough cookie — but sometimes the cookie wants to crumble. Her honesty itself is brave, but it also is sometimes painful. But, it’s real. I appeciate that.
Margaret lives in the country, on the edge of the wilderness, actually. The parts of the book I actually loved the best were her descriptions of all the creatures that inhabit and share the landscape around her. There are frogboys and snakes, lots and lots of birds and Jack, of course, enemy to them all. She has escaped to a magical, green utopia. Will she find peace there? You can guess. 
In December, when I did the Love The House You’re In contest, the winner never responded to emails from me and Mel. So that month, instead, I asked Mel to make a collage for
Margaret, featuring her little piece of paradise. You see, Margaret and I started blogging within three months of each other. We were introduced by a mutual friend, who thought we would have a lot in common, and we did. In the three+ years since, we have shared many of the ups and downs of blogging together. But gosh, Margaret is always a couple steps ahead of me, so I always feel like more of a taker than a giver. So, how about I give her a collage by Mel?!
So Mel made the collage. And the story gets even better, because Mel spends time on it and writes back:
Well, here it is….Margaret’s collage. This was a doozy!!! I don’t think I’ve ever crammed so much detail in a piece before. Oh, how I PRAY that you (and Margaret!) like it. Brian called it my “masterpiece” last night. He’s nice to have around. I really studied Margaret’s book site and I feel, in some small way, that the three of us are sort of taking the same path – quitting corporate land and putting all of our energy into our passions. I even got a little farklempt when I watched the video.
Gosh. Another intersecting journey. In fact – Everyone Here Reading This has, by definition, an intersecting journey. I’m farklempt, too.
Mel, I agree, this is your masterpiece. You are the best.
Win a copy of And I Shall Have Some Peace There
I know we just had a contest. But this calls for some more sharing. I bought three copies of Margaret’s book on Amazon. I took them with me to the lecture, to have Margaret sign. #1 for me. #2 for Mel. And #3 — for a lucky reader. To enter to win, just leave a comment — Where is it that you find peace? Or, do you ever want to just walk away? Or, if that’s all too mushy and personal for you, just say something nice. It’s all good.
Usual contest rules apply (sans need to send photos); read them here.
Links:
- Read more about Margaret’s book on her book’s website here.
- Mel’s website is Ephemeraology.
- Buy Margaret’s book: And I Shall Have Some Peace There: Trading in the Fast Lane for My Own Dirt Road
The collage is fantastic! I’ve read Margaret for a while and she is so generous with her time and knowledge. I’ve been on the verge of buying the book, so now I know that if I don’t win, I can buy it through your site. Cool!
I walked away from my paraprofessional job at a great public library system in 2007 to move across country to help care for my elderly mother. The higher powers that be erased all obstacles so that I did the complete move within 8 months and settled in 4 miles away from mom, sister, and brother-in-law. It was a gift but a highly stressful time. Then, and now in the first year since my mother’s death, I find peace gardening, clearing my woods from invasive plants ( a never-ending task, it seems), and making my 1955 ranch my own.
Tempted to quit, sell it all and move to the woods . . . absolutely!
Awesome! I am working on my own corporate dropout, but I am not as brave… Working part time in corporate America. And going to grad school part time. In a year, I hope to be a math teacher at my local community college!
Mel, that has to be one of my favorite collages (and there have been many)! It truly evokes the peaceful, joyful reality of a simpler life. I’m amazed you can convey so much emotion in such a small footprint. If I wore a hat, it would be off to you!
I find peace making my home comfortable for my husband and I, and our daughter and grandson. We are nearly finished with our remodel (yes, I can find peace in chaos!) and am looking forward to working on the outside of the house.
There is so much turmoil at work with waves of terminations, policy changes, re-organization, and I have contemplated how easily I could walk away without looking back, and then suddenly I’m terrified that I’m next on the chopping block. I know I’m not alone in this – I think we’re all longing for some kind of stability.
I’m grateful to have a home. It is where I find peace.
I should also make clear: These Mel collages are tiny. The regular Love The House You’re In collages are only 4 inches square — the size of a bathroom tile. This one is 5″x7″. So … as you can imagine … Mel’s attention to detail is incredible … making these collages all the more special.
I’d love to walk away and am actually working out my plan to do it! This is a great inspiration. Right now I find peace in perfecting the skills I think I’ll need to make the changes I want – becoming a better practical cook, fixing a pipe, remaking what I have into something I want…and so much more. Thanks for the dose of confidence – if others can, I can too!
WOW!! What a great collage! All those details are fabulous!
….I hope you had a HAPPY BIRTHDAY Pam!!
Sounds like you had a fun day!
I joined Margaret’s “A Way To Garden” blog the day that Pam mentioned her on this blog. As soon as I heard about Margaret’s book, I ordered a copy from Amazon that day! Who wouldn’t want to know all about ditching the corporate world and doing something meaningful and enjoyable with the rest of your life!? I even sent Margaret an e-mail congratulating her on her book and wishing her the best of luck! She actually answered me back in 10 minutes!! I was IMPRESSED that she had time to reply!! So, I am a FAN FOR LIFE!!
I received my book this week and have just started reading it. I also received my More Magazine and there was an article about Margaret and her memoir in there!!
I’ve been working at the same corporation for 28 years and I’m ready to live the other half of my life doing something like this….maybe after I finish reading Margaret’s book, I will find the courage to take the first steps of making my dreams come true!
Order Margaret’s book, you will thoroughly enjoy it!!
Belated Happy Birthday to you Pam! How brave you all were to go out into yesterday’s winds, but obviously you survived!.
The collage is amazing. How lucky for Margaret to be the recipient of this amazing gift because someone never claimed his/her prize. As soon as I saw the picture I knew it was by Mel and it was Margaret’s place because I was lucky to see it on one of the Garden Conservancy Open Days. It is magical and I can’t imagine a better place for Margaret to spend this part of her life.
This area is full of talented creative corporate drop-outs and many are among my best friends and neighbors, some of whom I knew “back in the day” when we worked for those large corporations in New York City. But, I think we all agree that moving upstate was just the best thing to do at that point in our lives. I know that it has been for me. Even during really dry times I have never regretted the decision to leave the big city for the tiny one I live in now. And, finding my little 1946 house put me smack dab into the perfect place where I find peace every day.
I want to sit on the front porch in a rocking chair and listen to the wind blow in the tree branches and the trickle of the water in the creek. Whilest sitting there with the speckled sun dancing about through the trees or the rain coming by to cleanse my soul, I could breathe ever so deeply, feeling peace and serenity find and bless my soul. I can feel my blood pressure and pulse go down just looking at the collage. What a gifted artist to make a picture that makes me feel calm.
Happy belated Birthday Pam. Yesterday was my birthday also. I’ve never been corporate. Tried it as a temporary when I was young and knew it just wasn’t me. That doesn’t mean I still don’t need an escape. I really do admire all of you who have made such a big change. Reading about people who have made the change inspires me to work harder. Thanks for sharing all these interesting woman with us.
It is GORGEOUS!
Great collage.
I live far, far from the corporate jungle. Never had any part of it and never had any desire to be part of it.
But even a gal in very rural America needs to find peace, and I always find mine in the garden, which sadly, is buried under MORE snow this weekend.
The attention to detail is awesome! And 4×4…amazing… Peace? Hmmm, not sure I’ve found it yet….
…And the concept of “finding peace” has honestly never entered my mind.
Peace comes later-and until then, I will remain a nuclear-powered ball of energy with a paint brush, vacuum cleaner, lawn mower and a sewing machine. I get tiny little snippets throughout the days…but I find them to be hors d’oeurves to an anticipated larger meal.
You asked….
I have been enjoying your blog via facebook.
I gave up (or, in truth, was laid off) from a corporate position in Chicago nearly 17 yrs. ago. It seemed an auspicious omen for my family (me, husband, 4 yr. old daughter) to relocate to the coast of Maine.
It was an adjustment, but a ultimately a wonderful adventure.
But now, nearly 14 yrs. later, I am a divorced empty nester. I no longer need a rambling 150 yr. old house. I DO need a new adventure…
So… I find myself exploring the Berkshires/Hudson Valley. Have been making some interesting connections there, & hope to relocate there before summer.
I’ve been unable to sell the house (after 18 mos.), but now have decided to lease it so that I am no longer tethered there. I know someone will love it & want to buy it someday…but, it’s like Prince Charming. I’m tired of waiting around! I’m heading out on my own!
I look forward to reading Margaret’s book. I’ve enjoyed following her writing & I admire her style & her moxie.
Camilla,
Can I suggest that you move to a city?
You will see a diverse population and interact with many people every day; and that is very important as we put on a few years. Lots and lots of different people.
Years ago my jokingly mother told me “People over 50 should not live alone-because there is no one to pull you back from yourself.”
I think she was correct.
Oh, Camilla, you have picked the perfect place to land. Good luck with your move, and welcome to the area!
Most of the time I am still looking for peace. Sometimes though, I find it in my yard as I feed the birds (and squirrels) or sitting on my porch. Thank you for the chance to win what sounds like a wonderful book.
I find peace where ever I have my knitting, a soft warm breeze, and preferably some hills and trees.
I, like effika, find peace wherever I have my knitting. I also find peace in the first cup of coffee in the morning, and a little bit of Scripture reading before I get the dogs up, and everything goes wild.
On September 3, 2010 I walked into my office ready to take on the daily grind, after 15 years it almost felt like home; I had developed a great relationship with customers from all over the world, many of whom I had personally met either in Europe, South America or in Atlanta Georgia where every January for the past 10 years the industry had its big expo.
Unfortunately the new administration did not have the same vision I did and we finally clashed as I declared I would not sell a product unless it could be delivered as promised….well that did it, I walked out of his office straight to my laptop, downloaded the simplest resignation letter and was out of there in less than 30 minutes, just like that I walked away from what I knew how to do best……the shock came later but too late to go back.
The two main beneficiaries of this change have been my granddaughter and my house, immediately after leaving work I started working on getting it to look how I’ve wanted it to for many years; it’s a work in progress but definitely an enjoyable ride. The style I have chosen goes against what my entire neighbor’s house look like but they don’t live here SO THERE!
Every day I scour the flea markets in my town for affordable treasures to bring home, I don’t always hit the mark but always enjoy doing it, I came across the Retro Renovation blog one day and have been an avid reader ever since. Like many other readers the blog gives me some sort of validation of being on the right track here, I can face my critics and accept their comments with a smile and a sense of “I know something you don’t”, and I really do, it not only sets me apart from others but it gives my home a uniqueness that pleases my eye to the point that I stop in the middle of the staircase and stare…. now that’s peace!
I don’t know exactly why this is touching me but it daes. I’m struggling with finding some kind of balance, of coherence more than a new path. Maybe it’s all about finding some peace anyway…
Thanks for your blog and this post.
I do dream about dropping out and moving to the edge of a small town somewhere. I like the simplicity of small town life and would love to be able to make a living making art of some sort. Right now I feel stagnant, and it’s not a feeling I like.
I was a stay-at-home Mom for most of my adult life, I have never had a real career. I worked off & on in the school system, and in small businesses. I now work part-time for the state.
I have always danced to my own inner music. I have even less patience now than I did when I was younger for things that aren’t real.
Circumstances in my life left me alone & abandoned at age 50. So hard on the self esteem!
I decided to buy an old house like I had always dreamed of doing, and that decision became a turning point in my life. I love this house, it belongs to me and no matter what happens, I will have a nice place to live. It’s a very modest existance, and I am trying to learn how to live with less. Not having so many things, downsizing, whatever you want to call it, brings much peace to your life. It really is true, that the more you own, the more it owns you.
That’s the real point of giving up the rat race, isn’t it? You give up the paycheck for something less. but it’s really more. I am very happy with my life right now, and grateful for how well everything turned out for me.
I sort of already “dropped out” once… I moved from near Baltimore, to a smaller town in Wisconsin. Now that I’ve been here for 10 years, I’m “dropping out” again in my mind. I have a very demanding job, my daughter is in high school, and I’m caring for my mom, but dropping out in my mind, until I can drop out a little more in reality gives me peace. I only live in an apartment, so I don’t have a whole home and yard to re-created. But little by little I try to make my environment (and my mind) more peaceful. I love the home — and the life — I’m in. I would love to read someone else’s path to peace. Yet another voyage in my mind!
Kathi, where in Wisconsin, if you don’t mind saying? I am about to move back home after being in Dallas for almost 14 years. I will be in La Crosse.
I find my peace sitting in my back yard, watching and listening to the birds, it can be such a peaceful place for me. Life can be hard, it is up to us to find the softness in it.
Looking forward to reading how she did it. I am inspired!
I left a high pressure corporate position 8 years ago and will not ever go back. I miss the money but not enough to face the stress again. Living here is like being on vacation all the time – lots of trees and wildlife, fresh air and friendly folks! I went from managing a large customer service call center to running a small antique store. Wouldn’t trade it for the world!
I find peace when I am at home, sitting by the fire with my husband and our little brown dog. We have both been dreaming for sometime about quitting our corporate jobs and moving back to the place where we grew up, where life is simpler…
Love the collage! Would love to have one of our little 1950′s house!
I am up early – DH Ted has his followup PET scan this morning. My last read before leaving is your blog, and this entry. I’ll carry this peace with me as we await to find the results later today.
This past year, we’ve learned to find peace in just the mundane things we might have taken for granted before. It’s glorious to just be able to take a walk in the neighborhood together, listen to wit on NPR, or watch the birds at our feeder.
My treat to myself will be Margaret’s book. I will search out her blog later today.
Wish us luck!
new reader here – really enjoying your site
Margaret has inspired me to look for a rural property where I am sure I will find peace
Sitting near, dreaming of spring, under snow, softly falling, feeling at peace.
I am at peace now, in our new-to-us 1968 house. We have beautiful trees in our yard and I sit now, hearing the birds singing and the dogs barking in the distance, reminding me that there is life outside our home as well as in. I will take our daughter, who turns one this week, on a walk when she wakes up from her nap. This is a blissful time for me in my life.
Peace, for me, is found in the act of completion… a bed freshly made, a visit with a friend, a photo captured, a new place explored, a weed pulled… it can happen anywhere and at any time, as long as I give it my full attention. It’s when the mind wanders that I am robbed of peace…
Peace, for me, has been an elusive commodity since we lost our 4yo grandson a couple of years ago. We had a standing date, he and I, every weekday morning at 7am to watch Bob the Builder.
If you’re not familiar with the show, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” are its bywords, teamwork and cooperation its mantra. Of course, at 2yo, our little guy said “Weduce, Weuse, Wecycle”, and even after he got his R’s down pat, I still heard it that way in my head.
So, peace has been a struggle. Regardless, I never expected a full-blown emotional cascade this morning when I clicked on Pam’s post. I mean, this is one of my ‘feel-good’ communities. I come here ’cause it cheers me up, for goodness sakes! But, for some reason, being asked where I found peace combined with retro renovating, saving pink bathrooms, reducing, reusing, recycling created something of a perfect storm in my head and I suddenly realized where I am finding peace these days.
I’m finding it in Goodwill. I’m finding it at the HfH ReStore. The flea markets. Garage sales. There’s a flood of endorphins released when I successfully re-purpose something headed for the landfill (incinerator in our area) into something with a new and highly useful life. I had the kids pick out vintage Corelle and Pyrex patterns. Finding the odd missing pieces for a quarter at a yard sale, or hiding at the back of the shelf in Goodwill is incredibly rewarding from a brain-chemical stand point. So is knowing our grandson would be proud.
It’s not retail therapy. It’s knowing you’re doing right by the planet. It’s knowing you’re showing others that new is rarely better. That spending less doesn’t have to mean getting less. That, in fact, spending less money means needing less money, and getting more of your life to call your own. Right up Margaret’s alley, I think.
Funny, isn’t it, that clarity can come so suddenly out of the blue (or, in this case, the green). I’ve never spoken about our little guy in public before. I must be making progress. Thanks, Pam!!!
p.s.; I will now go to Goodwill, where I will bring a cart in from the parking lot, and leave it inside the building when I’m done. Every little endorphin helps:)
Oh Marta, I cannot even begin to imagine your pain. I am so sorry. Please know that, with the note you just wrote, your grandson lives on even more so — I (and I am sure, everyone who reads this) will also now think, every time: “Weduce, Weuse, Wecycle.” Yes, this is about the “we”, isn’t it. My heart, love, prayers — and hope for peace — go out to him, and to you, and your family.
Bless you, Marta, and thank you for reaffirming Who I Am with your words written here. Thoughts of your little angel will strengthen my resolve to live a “We” life of which he would hopefully be proud. My thanks, soul sister.
I was born in the country. Then when I was 8 we moved to the city. After high school, 11 years ago (has it been that long already?). My boyfriend, convinced me to move back out to the county. I was a little weary at first, but we moved in the spring. I was able to have my first garden. And I loved it! I have turned my land into a
Permaculture farm. We grow veggies & flowers , have angora rabbit, angora goats, chickens, and bees. I love growing my own food and fiber. And hope to one day be 100% self sufficient. There is no turning back now! I could never fit all my plants and animals on a plot in the city. And I could not imagine life with out them.
I love Margaret Roach’s blog and podcast. And I can’t wait to read her new book!
I find peace in my garden, more than anywhere, and in my simple mid-century modern home that I love. I left the corporate world fifteen years ago to raise my five children. Sometimes I hear voices luring me back, but I don’t know, it’s so good to be at peace much of the time. I’m really looking forward to reading Margaret’s book and I’m also excited to explore your site!
Welcome, Michelle!
Thank you for sharing this with us. Off to explore A Way to Garden.
Definitely in the garden or in the kitchen. Dropped out of corporate life 5 years ago and never looked back.
I feel peace in my garden, but society nags me into thinking I should have pursued a corporate career. Thank you for helping me see the other of the fence.
I find my peace in the garden, in front of the stove, or behind the sewing machine. i wish that I could get away from the workaday world and become more self-sufficient. this book could be inspirational!
Never really been part of the corporate world, having raised 4 children instead. Can’t imagine doing both at the same time. I find peace in a lot of different places……walking through our beautiful mid-century neighborhood, planning future retro-renovations on our new home, creating & sewing for my home business, and believe it not, even doing housework.
like Margaret I too have moved from a city to a more rural area.My pace of life is so much slower and I really get to appreciate my natural sorroundings more.Modern life is so busy and hectic .Everyone should find some peace no matter where they live.
I find peace hidden in the shadow of His wings — “centering down” and basking in the love of my Creator.
How blessed you both are to be able to pursue what you love! For some of us it takes longer to find our niche ~ peace groove than others.
Peace = crocus tips emerging from the snow, long walks, toes in the sand, the smell of a campfire and a really good neck massage.
Thanks for sharing your stories with us – looking forward to readying about “Dropping out”!
My husband and I left NYC with our three girls and found peace at the End of the Road in Heath – a small town on the edge of the wilderness. That was 32 years ago. We can totally identify with you and with Margaret about our adventures and trials here, however Heath is famous for the Serenity Prayer, first uttered in the Heath Union Church in 1943 by the famous theologian Reinhold Neibuhr, then a summer resident. So we live changing what we can, our attempts to live more lightly on the land, and accept the things we cannot change – like the hilltown weather (still nearly 3 feet of snow on the ground) and try to do it with laughter.
Peace is right here, right now, sitting at this contraption, looking south toward My own small town. But can’t see much when there is a 6 foot tall pile of snow (that has been here for 3 months) blocking the view. Sun is casting first rays and that orchid glow makes the world seem at peace forever. After 50 years in this same home, my mind tells me nothing is forever on Dakota prairie but my heart goes on in peace.
Where I find peace…. My wee little backyard in the busy city I live in…I am a young teacher , saving for my first home, longing for some land so that I can “live off the fat of it”! This book could become my “live off the fat of the land bible”! Sooo inspiring! Does it still count if I don’t come from corporate America?
Plans for my great escape are underway. And Margaret’s memoir inspires me to keep plugging along towards that goal. I am also in the midst of renovating a circa 1950′s cottage on the eastern end of Long Island. I’m grateful for you’re site, which is a terrific resource. Thank you!
I love the idea of winning Margaret’s book. I was first struck by the title which I think comes from a Yeats poem that I have in my head a lot. http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchive/singlePoem.do?poemId=1689
I also am a gardener on a smaller scale but am inspired by Margaret’s journey and spirit. Spring is the perfect time to launch the book. I look forward to reading it and the blog.
The collage also inspires me to continue on my collage and other art projects.
Thanks Pam and Mel and Margaret, Margaret
As a maker of collages I fully appreciate, am in awe of, and envy the talent of Mel’s beautiful rendering of Margaret;s house and garden. I have recently become a subscriber of her blog and newsletter and would love a signed copy of her book.
At the risk of sappiness–in my husband’s arms. It’s a big reason the two of us anxiety-prone people screwed up the courage to leap into a marriage!
Mel, this collage truly is your masterpiece. What a wonderful way, Pam, to celebrate Margaret’s inspirational new book. Congratulations to you, Margaret.
Happy belated birthday, Goddess of Retro Knowledge. Hope this is your best year yet.
For me, peace is found through the courage of my convictions; Save the Pink Bathrooms is a mild example. To explain:
It took a lot more time than I’d originally imagined to shake off the demons of the Raleigh rat race mindset and to adjust to life in a small, rural, coastal town. Although this relocation had been my heart’s desire for so long, my initial difficulty in making the transition made me wonder if we’d done the right thing.
And then, one day, it hit me: Bloom where You’re Planted. The cliche’ is true and I am grateful for the satori from the blue which opened my eyes.
I’ve forgotten who said that “the only true success is to be able to live your life in your own way”. This, to me, is peace; therefore, I am blessed to find peace everywhere.
I find I am blessed with moments of peace when I’m really present in something… usually something artistic, like creating a collage or designing some art work on the computer or rolling ink onto a plexiglass plate… in those moments a shift happens naturally were I can mentally see myself in the moment and enjoy what it is I am experiencing… in that exact moment. It’s kind of like watching a video of yourself and enjoying the movie. I always feel a rush of peace and faith in myself and my connection in those moments.
Another real place of peace for me is the rooftop of my eight story apartment building. It’s specific location on a hill with 360 mountain views… I go up most mornings before sunrise and each morning the air and the clouds and the sunrise is different. That experience brings me such peace.
As does getting off the phone with a loved one. I feel so satisfied and peaceful after every positive conversation.
Luckily, I was moved to a beautiful home in the country when I was 5 yrs old and except for college and a two year stint working in a big city, I have lived only here.
I am thankful every day, nagged however, by the thought that I should move out into the world to offer my skills to whoever might need them, some measure of payback for my peace here.
Wow – double wow! I am so blown away by Margaret’s story, Mel’s collage and Pam’s telling of it. Simply profound.
I’m so blessed to be living my dream, currently in MT but soon to be OR, with the wild creatures, my garden and my goats. Oh yeah, the hubs, too And yet, most people think we are……….deprived? If they only knew it is the other way around.
The tile of the book is so perfect – “and I shall have some peace there” – oh, I do..:-)
Hello Pam,
I first learned of Margaret Roach on Martha Stewart and via her magazine. I have not had the pleasure of purchasing her new book “And I Shall Have Some Peace There” but it is calling out to me. I have, however, found her wonderful gardening book “A Way To Garden” and am anxiously awaiting its arrival.
Peace wears many faces. You can find peace in knowing that you have treated people with respect, dignity and learned the art of forgiveness. And, there is the peace that comes with being true to yourself, not putting on pretenses and living up to others expectations. I also find peace through beautiful music, it lifts my spirit and makes it fly. It transcends me to a place of peaceful existence. Margaret seems to have found total, 100% peace. What a wonderful mentor for those who are searching! Thank you Margaret for sharing your gardens, your recipes, your life. You are a bright star in an ever changing world.
I live on the Erie Canal with my two cats and am blessed to have woodland creatures and some gardens. However, I work in the ICU in a large Metropolitan hospital and find my time to commune with nature is very limited. I contemplate an early retirement to pursue my peaceful existence and to also volunteer to help others who are not as fortunate as myself. I am searching for the courage.
What I have learned is that the challenge is not in finding a place of peace, but in finding peace at the place you are in.
Not able to chuck my job or pull up roots, I continue to create a peaceful house and ample garden in this very urban setting, and to experience the peace of family and friends in other places.
When I lived in Los Angels, I found peace at the Huntington Gardens.
I now live in a rural midwest county and find peace in the streams and hardwood forest of my own backyard
Mel’s collage is such a sweet gift for Margaret, Pam! I’m sure she’ll treasure it! I couldn’t wait for you to have a contest to read Margaret’s book, so I pre-ordered it and I’m finding it just as insightful and satisfying a read as I expected.
I always find peace working in my garden, whether I’m zen-weeding or breaking up hard soil to make a new bed. Because we both are gardeners I read Margaret’s blog just as often (usually daily) as I do yours: in different but wonderful ways, you and Margaret both feed my needs for fun and beauty in my life.
I find peace in nature! I grew up on the side of Tiger Mountain in Issaquah, Washington. I had a creek running through my property. Now I live in a nice mobile home, that the previous owners rocked in all the ground. I find peace planting flowers in pots, even weeding, and especially taking trips to walk in nature…it brings me back to myself every time
hello pam,
i find peace in my life in general. i love to take photographs and love the fact that each photo tells a story. i also am trying to move into town(currently living surrounded by corn fields.( not much happening.) but also being 22 im still living with my mom and no place is hiring. ( hoping to change that really soon) i also find peace in writing i may not get a lot of writing done at a time but it’s nice to clear my head and write stories. when i do move into town i will love to take walks, ill be able to be inspired more and more at ease all together.
I read an excerpt from “And I shall Have Some Peace There” in More magazine and I immediately added it to my amazon wishlist — her writing is so lovely and dreamy and addicting. I’m a fairly new re-locater to The South, and very homesick for my California roots. I always found peace at the shores of La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas…..I haven’t found my spot here yet. I’m still looking and hoping (and dreaming of home).
I go to the beach for that peaceful, easy feeling. Since I’m a Cancer, the ocean just naturally soothes my soul. Sitting on a bench (especially in the off season!), I close my eyes, breathe deeply and just listen to the waves. No matter how crappy I may be feeling, I’m renewed easily by the sound of the surf. And if I’m feeling good, I walk away feeling even better. The power of the sea always reminds me of how small we really are in the grand scheme of things. Puts thing into perspective, ya know?
Pam: Thanks for your generosity…
I like to hike. I find peace out in nature. It is wonderfully spiritual and comforting to be out in the open, with my camera and dog and good health, and usually an amazing friend along as well.
I can’t wait to read Margaret’s book. The older I become, the more I feel the need to connect with nature – I’ve always been an urban person, but I need to get away from the city and the sprawl more frequently now. That said, I find peace in painting – as in painting walls, painting rooms, and painting murals. For me painting is like meditation. I love the freshness of a newly painted room. I like the physical work too. Painting in a room by myself with music, it is very peaceful, and rejuvenating.
I wish Margaret great success with her book and I hope to read it soon!
Julianna in PDX
Monday morning, crowded train
hurls me toward my job. Too soon
I’ll don my game face.
Commuting into the city, first workday after springing forward for Daylight Savings. That’s worth a haiku! Glad I read your post today; I’m ready to work another day toward my drop out day!
Watching Margaret reading from her book on her blog reminded me of all the good parts of making my first garden. I left behind that 14-year-old peaceful space, full of every plant I loved and its abundance of birds despite its urban location, when I sold my house and moved to an apartment last spring. Now I walk the streets near my new home, searching for those first signs of spring: the haunting fragrance of daphne, the little flirty species tulips, the pink flush of the redbud, and the electric yellow of forsythia. I am trying to find a new place of peace.
Since finding this web site last Dec, thanks to the article in the NYTimes, it has brought me and my house much comfort. Having left the corporate world 18 years ago and going thru a painful divorce 9 years ago, it’s just me and my house (and a couple of fur balls). My house is so grateful to Pam for keeping it’s pink bathroom and I’m so grateful not having to tell people I can’t afford to remodel………..we’re keeping it ‘cos it’s retro!
Thank you for this comment, Melanie, it means so much to me.
I find peace in my home on the days when it is calm, quiet, and clean, when the light peeks in through the sheers and a light breeze comes in through one of the windows that still opens.
Dear Pam,
Happy Belated Birthday!
I just aquired a cute liitle one bedroom round house that has a devine get away from it all back yard with a deck. Most friends describe my little sanctuary as the cement yurt, the mushroom house or, the flyng saucer. I just call it groovy.
Once I walk up the curved cement steps and shut the curved round front door behind me, I open the 17 foot long patio doors and let the outdoors indoors, have a seat on the deck and relax with the spring time blossoms in the trees above me.
I’m currently working on a 27- 29 ft x 144 ft mural, so to have a guide to create a garden would be bliss upon bliss to reboot and recharge in. My backyard would be even better with the help.