Glad I found you via Recovering American. Lovely piece, and I love the 'faintly' part- made me think of EM Forster's narrators. I'm in France now, Strasbourg, after moving here from the States, Spring 2025. And next week- moving again, this time to Vancouver, Canada. Nothing wrong with France(!) I was born here, and have family here though I'm not French, but my goal is to keep my teenagers out of the US for their last high school year and college, and for them, France isn't the right match- so now we're trying Canada. Looking forward to reading more about your move, and about "home"- HOme is much on my mind these days. I used to be near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia- and that blue was gorgeous. DIdn't feel like they disappeared or faded in beauty as i got closer, but unfortunately the country itself is losing whatever beauty it had managed to attain.
Thanks for following me - a reminder to write more about adaptability and agility at the micro, personal level. I'll say Taiye Selasie's words carried me through multi continental moves, and made me feel less alone. A decade+ later I still take comfort in them. I'm glad you found her. On the macro level, our systems and the social contract are in chaos. They are destructing and dismantling. I couldn't think of a better time for big life leaps.
Thank you for subscribing to Recovering American, Steve.... I'm so glad it led me to this piece by you, which captures with such depth and perception my experience of uprooting myself from Maine and landing in Angers, France. This feeds me. And I know it will be sustenance to a poet friend who moved to France just a few months before I did, so I'll be sending it to her, too.
I left the UK around 7 months ago to travel, (and teach and write).Being in some places for such little time, it's interesting how quickly sometimes we can make these places feel like home. Walking the same route, visiting the same shops. So much of this resonated with where I've been out here. Often grieving imagines places, imagines versions of ourselves we unknowingly packed.
Thank you Lil, this means a great deal. I was struck by your phrase about “versions of ourselves we unknowingly packed.” That feels very close to the emotional core of what I was trying to reach.
I’ve also been reading your work today and had already marked one of your essays to respond to, so there is a lovely symmetry in this exchange. I recognise what you say about briefly inhabited places becoming home through repeated routes, shops, gestures, and small rituals. Sometimes belonging seems to arrive before we have consciously decided to belong.
What a delight to cross paths with you via the mystery of Substack.
Your mind takes a glorious wander in this essay, one that rings familiar and yet unique all at once.
I’m from New England and Upstate New York originally, moved to the PAC NW in 1991, and have remained (tho in many different houses) am beginning what might be “home” here after the last of my growing up roots was recently severed from Upstate NY. I’d enjoy reading more about your unpacking wisdom.
I’m glad you enjoyed the essay. The next one will be published tomorrow (today) depending on when you get this note. I spent many months considering, both the relocation and how to find a place to share the journey. I’m glad I found Substack and I’m glad our paths have crossed and look forward to learning more about your ‘home’.
That moment between deciding and leaving — I recognise it from the other side of the room. The habits and loyalties are harder to sort than the furniture. They don't have a designated box.
Glad I found you via Recovering American. Lovely piece, and I love the 'faintly' part- made me think of EM Forster's narrators. I'm in France now, Strasbourg, after moving here from the States, Spring 2025. And next week- moving again, this time to Vancouver, Canada. Nothing wrong with France(!) I was born here, and have family here though I'm not French, but my goal is to keep my teenagers out of the US for their last high school year and college, and for them, France isn't the right match- so now we're trying Canada. Looking forward to reading more about your move, and about "home"- HOme is much on my mind these days. I used to be near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia- and that blue was gorgeous. DIdn't feel like they disappeared or faded in beauty as i got closer, but unfortunately the country itself is losing whatever beauty it had managed to attain.
I'm going to be visiting Vancouver in July!
It's a lovely city. Hope you and your kids love it there.
Oh that’s delightful!!:)
Thanks for following me - a reminder to write more about adaptability and agility at the micro, personal level. I'll say Taiye Selasie's words carried me through multi continental moves, and made me feel less alone. A decade+ later I still take comfort in them. I'm glad you found her. On the macro level, our systems and the social contract are in chaos. They are destructing and dismantling. I couldn't think of a better time for big life leaps.
Thank you for subscribing to Recovering American, Steve.... I'm so glad it led me to this piece by you, which captures with such depth and perception my experience of uprooting myself from Maine and landing in Angers, France. This feeds me. And I know it will be sustenance to a poet friend who moved to France just a few months before I did, so I'll be sending it to her, too.
I left the UK around 7 months ago to travel, (and teach and write).Being in some places for such little time, it's interesting how quickly sometimes we can make these places feel like home. Walking the same route, visiting the same shops. So much of this resonated with where I've been out here. Often grieving imagines places, imagines versions of ourselves we unknowingly packed.
Thank you, I really enjoyed this :)
Thank you Lil, this means a great deal. I was struck by your phrase about “versions of ourselves we unknowingly packed.” That feels very close to the emotional core of what I was trying to reach.
I’ve also been reading your work today and had already marked one of your essays to respond to, so there is a lovely symmetry in this exchange. I recognise what you say about briefly inhabited places becoming home through repeated routes, shops, gestures, and small rituals. Sometimes belonging seems to arrive before we have consciously decided to belong.
What a delight to cross paths with you via the mystery of Substack.
Your mind takes a glorious wander in this essay, one that rings familiar and yet unique all at once.
I’m from New England and Upstate New York originally, moved to the PAC NW in 1991, and have remained (tho in many different houses) am beginning what might be “home” here after the last of my growing up roots was recently severed from Upstate NY. I’d enjoy reading more about your unpacking wisdom.
Hi Teyani,
I’m glad you enjoyed the essay. The next one will be published tomorrow (today) depending on when you get this note. I spent many months considering, both the relocation and how to find a place to share the journey. I’m glad I found Substack and I’m glad our paths have crossed and look forward to learning more about your ‘home’.
May the road rise up to meet you. Good luck, great piece
That moment between deciding and leaving — I recognise it from the other side of the room. The habits and loyalties are harder to sort than the furniture. They don't have a designated box.