Dear Kitsilano Home,
I always thought you would be mine. Built in the early half
of the twentieth century, you’ve patiently waited for me for nearly a century,
and I must say: I’m flattered. While I want to thank you for never giving up on
me, the truth is, I don’t see a future for us anymore. I know it sounds cliché,
but really, it’s not you. It’s me. I’ve changed in the past couple years, and I
really feel you and I have grown apart. It’s not that I don’t love you anymore
– I know that every time I cross your path in Vancouver, I’ll look upon you
with a fond smile. You’re beautiful, so don’t ever forget that.
Since you waited so long for me, I feel it’s only fair that I be completely honest with you. It hurts to say this, but I’ve actually found someone else. See, the idea of you and I always made me feel the way little girls dream of feeling as they watch Cinderella movies before falling asleep in the safety of their father’s arms. The security of that vision is a fairy tale, and the sacrifice that comes with being rescued by the Prince Charming of material success is too great. If I continued on with our relationship, dear Kits Home, I would be giving up on a fundamental part of who I am.
My true love is Writing. I’m a writer. I tell stories, and we live in a world that, less and less, wants to pay people to tell stories. Not that I plan on being broke. On the contrary, I will make a successful living as a writer, journalist, and teacher of the things I love. To that point, I should share this with you: A good friend of mine once said that success is measured not in material possessions, but in the privilege to do what we love. So with that, darling Kits Home, you and I must go our separate ways. I have no doubt you’ll find someone new in no time, and you’ll be very happy together. As for me, I don’t know where I’ll end up, but I know that home is where the heart is, and my heart is with Writing. Always has been. And as much as Writing has chosen me since I picked up an orange crayon and wrote my name for the first time, I will continue to choose Writing. Every day.
Since you waited so long for me, I feel it’s only fair that I be completely honest with you. It hurts to say this, but I’ve actually found someone else. See, the idea of you and I always made me feel the way little girls dream of feeling as they watch Cinderella movies before falling asleep in the safety of their father’s arms. The security of that vision is a fairy tale, and the sacrifice that comes with being rescued by the Prince Charming of material success is too great. If I continued on with our relationship, dear Kits Home, I would be giving up on a fundamental part of who I am.
My true love is Writing. I’m a writer. I tell stories, and we live in a world that, less and less, wants to pay people to tell stories. Not that I plan on being broke. On the contrary, I will make a successful living as a writer, journalist, and teacher of the things I love. To that point, I should share this with you: A good friend of mine once said that success is measured not in material possessions, but in the privilege to do what we love. So with that, darling Kits Home, you and I must go our separate ways. I have no doubt you’ll find someone new in no time, and you’ll be very happy together. As for me, I don’t know where I’ll end up, but I know that home is where the heart is, and my heart is with Writing. Always has been. And as much as Writing has chosen me since I picked up an orange crayon and wrote my name for the first time, I will continue to choose Writing. Every day.
Thank you for the good times, Kits Home. Dreaming of your haloed,
East-facing windows and original hardwood floors has been the source of much
enjoyment. I wish you all the best.
Love,
Tannis
Love,
Tannis
No need to give up on that dream, Tannis. Maybe just modify? I know writers rent beautiful Kits homes. And you can too.
ReplyDeleteI'm just glad you haven't given up on your dream as a writer.
Very nice post.
<3 Mary Ellen
Thanks, Mary Ellen. You make a good point: I can still live in Kits and reap the inspiration of living in a community I love. But giving up on writing to gain something material is pretty foolish, and I refuse to do that. :)
ReplyDelete