things I will miss about living in the peace

Like I mentioned in my first post, my hubby and I are leaving the Peace Region in Northern BC and moving to Haida Gwaii.  Being that we are almost 4000km away from our childhood hometowns in Southern Ontario, the adjustment of living across the country has not been an easy one. Lets just say that I have had a love-hate relationship with this place. To be completely honest, the last two years have been hard and probably the most challenging years I have faced yet.  I have really struggled with living here, which is why at first I found it so confusing that I was feeling so emotional about leaving.

And then it hit me...although difficult, the last two years have also been filled with laughter, opportunities to grow and some pretty amazing experiences. I started to reflect on all the positive things about 'the Peace' that will stay with me forever. I have learned so much about life in general, grown as a professional, learned to me more independent from my family, and have met some pretty amazing people here.

Although often nicked-named "Fort St Ass" (instead of Fort St John) the beauty that surrounds this small city is breathtaking. It is funny how sometimes your own unhappiness makes you blind to something so obvious. At first, I didn't realize how truly blessed I was to live in Northern Canada. It took me awhile. Somewhere, somehow, things changed. My eyes are now wide open, soaking up every possible moment before we hit the road. While there may not be mountains, vineyards or warm lakes to frolic in during the summer months, the land is just as beautiful. If anything, this place as taught me to appreciate simplicity and nature.

taking while driving in the Peace, destination unknown

a beautiful winter morning..I loved when the trees did this.

driving during the summer months when the canola is bright and vibrant. It looks like the sky, but it's not.

beautiful sunset driving home from work; 430PM

a reminder that the sun is almost ALWAYS shining here - something that I will appreciate even more when we're living in Haida Gwaii

I just realized that all these photos were taking while I was on the road. It's ironic because so often when I was driving in the Peace, I'd close my eyes and it felt like I was at home in southern Ontario - radio cranked with country tunes, speeding down country roads, windows down and soaking up all fresh air I could. I hope these memories and images stay with me forever.