One year ago today, I introduced myself to the wonderful world of blogging under the name Live Rural NL. Over the past year I have scribed nearly 200 posts and have shared with you my rural life from heritage, cuisine, politics to vacations. I extend a big thank you for all my loyal readers for continuing to show interest in the potluck of articles I post daily as time permits.
The journey over the past 365 days was a learning experience as I became much more aware of the significant aspects of rural culture that surrounded my daily life. For instance:
- the tradition of soup Saturday with my grandmother, my love for fisherman’s brewis, figgy duff and Sunday’s Dinner.
- the significance of my grandfather’s folklore, his incredible riddles, quotes and jokes – sadly only the memories remain with his passing on June 6, 2010.
- I continued to realize how much I value the water and the importance of the fishery to our rural economy.
- I took a strong stance against Ellen DeGeneres’ views on the Canadian seal hunt, lobbied Governments for Broadband Internet access and asked for decision-making at a more localized level.
- I realized the nuisance a Moose can be on our roadways, but how delicious they are in a pot of stew.
- I learned how to traditionally hook rugs, paint using acrylics and also improve my photography skills.
- I spent time with family, playing games, telling stories, enjoying laughter.
- Locally, I visited most places on the Great Northern Peninsula, being a tourist at home. |This past weekend, I’ve re-visited again Conche, Englee, Roddickton- Bide-Arm, Main Brook, St. Anthony, L’Anse aux Meadows and Quirpon to tour with a friend. I’ve returned to St. Pierre-Miquelon-Langlade, Grand Bank, Marystown, Burin, Brigus, Cupids, the Irish Loop, St, Johns, Port Home Simpson, Mary’s Harbour, Lodge Bay, Battle Harbour and the Labrador Straits. Evident from the nearly 50,000 kms I have placed on my car in the past year.
- Nationally, I visited Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and Winnipeg
- Internationally, Mom and I visited France, England, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland last November to experience the Newfoundland-Ireland connection. I also travelled to Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Cuba.
- I joined Couch Surfing
- I met up with old friends and made new friendships
- I realized the importance of community and how everyone has a role to play and that we should do our best to contribute.
- I plan to visit Raleigh, Cook’s Harbour and Cape Onion this summer season. As well as return to many other places. As well, I would love to spend a weekend in Fogo, Ramea and St. Brendan’s. There must be something about island culture.
- Culture evolves and does not remain stagnant
- We have some of the best cultural assets in the world!
- There is immense opportunities on the Great Northern Peninsula, for those young and old alike.
- Include the community in the decision-making process. Local people have valuable ideas and contributions.
- The Great Northern Peninsula is an experience
- Live Rural NL!
To reiterate lines of my first post, “I have changed many times as a person as I progress through my twenties, but I realize that with the right attitude and efforts we can accomplish the unthinkable. Today my friends, I just want to share with you what it means for me to continue to Live Rural Newfoundland.”
Cheers,
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
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