Hmmmm…. it seems I’ve slipped into another one of my blogging dry spells. I know usually when this happens I say it’s not because I don’t have anything to write about. But this time it’s closer to the truth. Since being accepted at Memorial for my masters program, most of my “artsy” activities have taken a backseat to all the packing and organizing as I prepare to leave London at the end of the month.
I’m moving back to Toronto for the summer to spend some time with my family and the many friends whom I haven’t been able to see every much of for the past 5 years. So now I’m sifting through five years of accumulated stuff trying to sort out what I’m bringing back and what I’m getting rid of. When I moved in to my townhouse 4 years ago (I spent 1st year in residence), it took two car loads to bring all my stuff. Moving out, there is only going to be one car, so you see I have my work cut out for me. I’ve already reduced my clothing collection by at least half and much of my furniture I’m leaving behind for my roommates. However, I have never been so aware of the number of books I have collected after 4 years of university education, never mind those I’ve collected just for my owe sake. I have a lot of books and books are one thing I will never get rid of. I’m rather proud of my little library, no matter how irritating it is to move. Oh, and besides packing, I’m also wrapping up my various responsibilities in London and saying good-bye to the many friends here.
So, I guess I am busy, but these recent activities clearly have nothing to do with anything remotely artsy. So, what’s the point of this post then? Well, you know I’ve been thinking. I’m leaving London. And I’m really excited about it. I love Toronto. I miss my family and my friends back home. I can’t wait to spend the summer camping and seeing old friends. My Nana turns 90 in August and we’re having another epic family reunion to celebrate. I’m looking forward to temporarily dropping my worldly responsibilities and just relaxing. And above all, I’m really looking forward to moving out to St. John’s and starting my masters program. But… to do all that means I leave London.
I’ve lived here for 5 years. In that time, I have had many of the most significant experiences of my life. I got my undergraduate degree in music here. I discovered my passion for conducting here. I rediscovered my passion for theatre here. I was published here. I met the friends, teachers and colleagues here who have had profound effects on my artistic development. I have a network of friends and fellow artists here to draw upon for support. I am a part of a community and it will be sad to leave it all.
It has been hard to watch that community continue on without me. It’s hard to see the audition notices for summer productions by the same crews who produced The Gondoliers or UWO Shakespeare shows. It makes me nostalgic, sad and slightly envious to hear which roles my friends just landed or read giddy rehearsal updates on Facebook and not be able to be a part of it all. I wish I could join them. A part of me wants to stay just so I can do another wild whirl on the stage again.
But 5 years is enough. It is time for me to move on and try something new and St. John’s will certainly be something new. I still can’t believe I’m actually going. And, I suppose I’ll have the same opportunity to become a member of a new community. Or rather, I’ll be adding another branch to this already existent network of artists.
Still… it’s sad to be saying good-bye and there are just so many people to say it too.
