Well, last time I checked in here I was beginning this brilliant plan to bring you picture after picture, and word after word of all that I love about Petaluma/Sonoma/California. This seemed, at the time, like a small and important task. It turned out however, to be a monumental emotional roller coaster that I just couldn't step onto to ride. It was overwhelming.
Every piece of our lives this last 8 weeks has felt overpowering. As if, if you will, we were caught in a riptide that was slowly pulling us away. We've maybe even been yelling for help, "Please! We didn't mean to go insane and say yes to Hawaii. Please Petaluma, we love you!". But, Petaluma just keeps milling down the beach, picking up shells shaped like eggs.
And so here we are, the movers are packing, the house is emptying, we're saying goodbyes left and right and letting go is becoming very, very hard.
No, I didn't manage my multiple posts of goodbye to this town. A town that has shaped our lives, this blog and our future. But let it be known that we are in a complete state of mourning. This is home, a home we are choosing to leave (god knows why?), for a tropical paradise. Ouch. it's like ripping off a band aid as it all settles in.
All I can imagine to do now is to say, without hesitation, that we will miss it all. All of town, all of this lifestyle, all of YOU!
Perhaps there is more Mouse in the Pantry to come. Maybe mouse will morph. I'm not commiting to anything just yet. Either way, this journey through small town self publishing, blogging, freelancing, catering, mothering, friend-finding, growing up, has been lovely. Amazing. The best!
Thank you Petaluma and all of you who make her so lovely.
We LOVE you.
We'll miss you Meloni, Godspeed and good luck to you and your beautiful family. xx Everyone at i Leoni
Posted by: Regina Leoni | June 13, 2012 at 09:45 AM
Will miss you too Mouse...
Sending many blessings to you in your new journey!
Anastasia
Posted by: Anastasia Schuster | June 10, 2012 at 09:51 AM
The next chapter will be worth the upheaval, Mel, we're going to miss you all being close by, but know that you are on to great new adventures and best of all, you'll be back to share them with us! Hope you do keep on with Mouse in the tropical pantry so that we can follow your fabulous escapades in the kitchen and beyond as you go along!
Posted by: Frances | June 08, 2012 at 08:48 AM
All I willl say is--"Aloha!" Take care & Stay in touch. They do have modern communications in paradise!
Posted by: Frank SImpson | June 08, 2012 at 07:31 AM