"That is how things are. It is in itself splendid that we were able to live out our lives in harmony for so long." - Simone de Beauvoir 'Adieux'
It never occurred to me when I was growing up that I was odd because I dreamed of leaving home. Anyone wanting to further their education had to. The big city of Halifax beckoned with it's top notch Universities and Colleges and our communities needed to replenish it's workforce. What made me different is that I never wanted to be the new blood. I can't say I never saw the responsibility I had to my first home. I was valedictorian, I volunteered, and gave goal setting presentations to junior high students. I guess it's just that my soul knew I needed a different perspective.
Halifax is an amazing playground for someone wanting to the see the world. It's a port town, so the world comes to you. During the time James lived in Halifax a war was ranging in Europe, women were fighting for the vote and trains and steamers were taking passengers in and out of town. When I first started writing his story I became obsessed with how someone decides to leave home. Did he and Sarah talk about it in hushed tones before sleep? Was he like me, always looking for the next adventure? Did he have dreams beyond that of providing for his family?
James journey out of Harrigan Cove was a choice not to work his father's fishing boat but to mine. Mines were big business. Port Dufferin had a nickle mine and it appears James worked there before moving to the coal mines in Westville. It was in Westville that he met Sarah. Between 1914 and 1916 they moved to Halifax. James started working at the Ship Yards when it opened in 1918. He was an electrician when he died so at some point he would have received education, probably within those two years. The next move was to New York City. Another port town and a gateway for many immigrants. What were their dreams for the land of the free and home of the brave?
It does give me a sense of pride to be here. I didn't make the move to accomplish their goals... this is all about me... but it does make me feel a little closer to them somehow.
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Hey Tami,
Roxi in Louisiana here. We're surviving just fine after Gustav, just wish the city would come pick up these dirty tree branches from the street! I didn't know you had a blog until seeing your comment on Wes's. Do you know if you have any ancestors who came down to Louisiana? I know a lot of the Cajuns are from Halifax. I've been studying up on it a little for my dissertation, which deals with the Cajun culture a bit. I wonder if you would be interested in some of the books I've read for it. Anyway, it was good to hear from you. Thanks again for thinking of us for the Gustav storm :)
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