15.7.11

city living



Thank you so much for your comments on my last post. Such lovely long ones too, I really enjoyed reading them although I've yet to find the time to completely digest. It was good to hear such impassioned endorsement of the places where you live and one thing strikes me as very clear: You all seem blissfully happy with wherever you are and I love that.

Missy mentioned how she felt her children were much more savvy about different cultures because they had grown up in the city and it's very true that my children have no idea whatsoever about anything that might be construed as anti-racial as I am sure few small children do. Obviously they learn about different cultures and religions at school but because they learn alongside children from these very same cultures and religions, they just don't see any differences at all, be it in colour or creed, and I absolutely love that too.


From the age of seven I grew up in Penzance, which is beautiful as I'm sure anyone who's ventured down there will know. But it's beautiful because we're grown ups, for rest assured as a teenager I had very strong feelings about the place, something that Jane reminded me of, drawing comparisons between both herself and me at the same ages. Pz was the best town in the world during the Summer when life became very outdoorsy, the beach was at the bottom of the road and there were plenty of foreign language students to provide a little bit of 'eye candy on the prom'! But when those Winter months arrived it was as dull as ditchwater and that's the reason I couldn't wait to pack my bags and leave for the bright lights. I also think that growing up in the sticks gave me a naivete that took a lot of adjusting when I moved away from home and I suffered terribly with home sickness.

However, at the end of the day I believe it's the school situation that will really make or break a decision. Like anyone else we want what's best for our kids and when you hear of yet another teenage stabbing it brings it all much closer to home and the desire to move away from it becomes more urgent.


I expect it's being on holiday that has brought this subject right to the forefront (although it has been on and off the agenda for a while now), you see had the children still been at school I dare say I would be putting most of my energy into trivial matters such as whether or not to line some garment or other! But I need to set the record straight, that nothing gets done that quickly around here. Life is hectic and we have adopted an almost manjana attitude about most things sadly until something is pressing, at which stage it's all systems go and overdrive kicks in.

By the way, there is (sort of) a point to these gratuitous photos. The painting on the table is my latest acquisition, one I'm rather pleased with which won't have escaped you, not least because even with the inflated London pricing I feel I got it for a quite reasonable sum.


Have a wonderful weekend, all x

11 comments:

  1. I will pray that you make the right decision for your family..'cos it's not our point of view that counts in the end, it's doing what is right for you! May God grant you His wisdom.

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  2. Ooooh, I love love love that picture! Almost tempted to suggest a swap for my sewing box ;) Home is where the heart is, eh. We are currently attempting to move from the city to a small town, also in search of better schools. Not an easy decision/ transition, but a necessary one. All the very best with your plans, whatever you decide to do (you'll definitely find that your second-hand bargains come a whole lot cheaper if you do head out of the city!) Laura x

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  4. You'll make the right decision Kate! I really enjoyed reading all your comments too.
    Your new painting is lovely. :)
    Have a great weekend.
    Vivienne x

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  5. The painting is really beautiful, I can see why you are pleased with it. The decision about where to live is a hard one. We live in a large town and every time I visit the countryside I yearn to move. Then I come home and realise how reliant I am on on all the amenities on our doorstep. I guess you have to go with your heart on this one.
    Ann x

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  6. Wow! I adore the painting!
    Going back to the move (or not) you will come to a decision that is right for your whole family. When you mentioned the teenage stabbings it made me think that the most important thing is that our kids are safe.
    You'll decide what to do when it feels right.
    xx

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  7. A fascinating post which, I am certain, will strike a chord of understanding in a lot of parents. I have lived in a few cities with and without children and I was proud to raise my daughter in Paris, scoffing at those who blatantly told me city children were pale and tired. Not true! Culture on every street corner is an enriching thing.

    Since then we have raised our children by the sea and now near a large city but still in the countryside and I know feel that I could not live without our garden. My opinion is simple; whereever we choose to live we gain something BUT we also have to sacrifice something. I used to miss the openmindedness of those living in a city when we were in Normandy.

    No decision is perfect and so either way you will make the right decision. ;-)

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  8. Love that painting. It's hard to find flower paintings that are just right and this one definitely hits the mark. I am coming late to the 'where you live' debate. But for what it's worth... I live in Manhattan and love it. But we're in the process of buying a house by the sea in England (thanks for your comment on that). We have no children, which I think gives a natural 'in' to a community, and although we love it here, it doesn't feel permanent - like we're just visiting. So the house by the sea is a first step to thinking about putting down roots somewhere. At 40+ it's probably time... C.x

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  9. I've really enjoyed reading your two posts on country versus city and the comments people have left. I am a country girl (and from NZ) so I'm used to wonderful open spaces and freedom to roam, however as a teenager I did find it difficult to socialise as we were 'out in the sticks', plus we moved when I was 16, even further into the country which involved a change of school again, definitely not an easy age to do so.

    This question has been on our minds, mine in particular for rather a few years now, but I wanted my boys to have continuous schooling, where they could walk to school, take part in activities with ease and get into London easily if necessary. With a child with ASD, this was especially important for continuity so stay put we will. I have certainly seen the benefits for my older son although for him of course the grass is always greener ;-)

    Hopefully we will indeed move to the country, with hubby working from home this would indeed be possible, just now isn't the right time.

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  10. Missed making a comment on your previous post, but... I would say when considering where to live, remember in a blink of an eye your children will be teenagers and rural life for them can offer different challenges. Having watched friends and family bring up their children in all locations, I should say it is the family unit that is the critial factor and where you feel happy will be best for them - although they may not appreciate your choice, whatever it is, in a few years time! Love the picture by the way.

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There's nothing like a comment to stop me feeling like I'm talking to myself. If you leave one here I'll pop one back here too, so don't forget to come back and continue the conversation ..

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