Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Off to Halifax!

Tomorrow, after more than two years away, I'll jet across the ocean and back to where I grew up: just outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia. A lot has happened in those two years: I've got engaged, got married, got British and got two books published with more on the way!

It's the first time my husband will have been to my homeland without freezing his butt off in the winter deep-freeze, and we're planning to hit Price Edward Island and make a sojourn to Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island. I did my Master's thesis -- a radio doc -- on the evolution of Celtic music there and I can't wait to go back!

I'll try to drop in from time to time, but the truth is that I really just want to relax with friends and family for the next two weeks -- and gear up for all the exciting stuff that's ahead! I'll miss everyone, I know!

I'll be back to blogging regularly on October 1. Until then, I've got my September contest running and my Blogsplash -- thanks to TJ Carson and Sally Clements, who've just signed up!

I'll have some dark rum, sing some songs and breathe some fresh sea air. I'm already practising my favourite sea-song: Barrett's Privateers. I'll be at the Lower Deck this Saturday night if anyone wants to join me!


Cheers!

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84 comments:

  1. Natasha15 September 2010 at 12:33

    The country of your birth must be one of the prettiest ones I have ever seen. Have fun, and we'll miss you.

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  2. Theresa Milstein15 September 2010 at 12:36

    I hope you have a wonderful time. I'm glad your husband gets to experience the place in nicer weather.

    Look how much has changed since your last visit. My favorite: got British. It reminds me of the "Got Milk?" ads in the US.

    Got British?

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  3. Matthew MacNish15 September 2010 at 12:44

    Wow. What a lovely coastline. Have a great time Talli!

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  4. Talei15 September 2010 at 12:48

    It looks beautiful! Enjoy! And I have to say I remember Prince Edward island from Anne of Green Gables. *sigh*

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  5. Rosalind Adam15 September 2010 at 12:48

    Have a wonderful time and don't worry about us lot. We'll still be here when you return but don't forget. We'll want to know all about it.

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  6. Brigid O'Connor15 September 2010 at 12:50

    Have a great time, all that mention of the sea, we are all sea-obsessed.
    Yes, as Theresa says a lot has happened for you, go relax, drink some rum and prepare yourself for all the madness to come!!
    Have a great time, you and your hubbie, exciting times ahead for you. !!

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  7. Simon Kewin15 September 2010 at 12:50

    Have fun; it sounds wonderful.

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  8. Kath15 September 2010 at 12:51

    Love that track - I think I might be keeping this page open today and playing that in my breaks. I'm a big fan of that kind of music - it's a bit like Runrig's and their current lead singer, Bruce Guthro, is from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton. Saw them in concert one time in Cardiff and the support was Great Big Sea from Newfoundland, who were excellent. Does that count as nearby Nova Scotia?

    Have an absolutely ace time away, enjoy our time with your friends and family and look forward to seeing you back at the beginning of October - and meeting you again on the 4th in London. Woo hoo!

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  9. Kath15 September 2010 at 12:52

    Oops, that should read Enjoy "your" time with friends and family. Have a brilliant time away!

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  10. Talli Roland15 September 2010 at 13:04

    Thanks, everyone! :)

    Theresa - I know. I giggled as I wrote 'Got British'. It should be a catchphrase!

    Kath - !! I know Bruce Guthro's music well, as well as Great Big Sea - they are iconic in the Maritimes. LOVE them!

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  11. LR15 September 2010 at 13:07

    So pretty. Have a great time and say hi to Anne Shirley! :)

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  12. Jennifer Shirk15 September 2010 at 13:08

    How wonderful! Enjoy your vacation!

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  13. Jan Morrison15 September 2010 at 13:09

    Yay Talli! You are going to have some fun! Remember we have a date for chips on the wall! Let me know when you want to meet up - I'm pretty flexible - email me at mobudgeATnsDOTsympaticoDOTca !
    I don't think I'll catch you at the Upper Deck or Lower Deck or Middle Deck as I'm tooooooooo old.
    By the way - I knew Stan Rogers!!! So, of course, I can sing every verse of that wonderful song.

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  14. Hannah15 September 2010 at 13:11

    omg! I've wanted to go to PE Island ever since I read Anne of Green Gables!! Squee!! I'm so excited for you!! Take lots of pictures and eat lots of food!! You'll be back in time for my contest which started today but if you wanted to join in there will be plenty of time. :) see you when you get back!

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  15. Stina15 September 2010 at 13:11

    Have a great time. My brother and his family live there. I haven't been there in years, tho. It's cheaper to fly to Europe than to fly from one end of Canada to the other. Go figure, since I have to fly over Halifax to get to Europe. ;)

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  16. Christine Danek15 September 2010 at 13:23

    Relax and enjoy!

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  17. Unknown15 September 2010 at 13:32

    Wow, so beautiful. I have to go home in December. Brrrr! Have a great trip. See you back in October.

    CD

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  18. Jane Lovering15 September 2010 at 13:33

    It looks very lovely. Have a fantastic time and don't feel at all guilty about those of us stuck behind here in Britain in the rain! All right, you can feel a bit guilty...

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  19. Mason Canyon15 September 2010 at 13:59

    Hope you have a safe and wonderful trip back to your homeland.

    Mason

    Thoughts in Progress

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  20. Jaydee Morgan15 September 2010 at 14:05

    Have a wonderful time with your family and friends!! - Oh, and welcome back home :)

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  21. Tamika:15 September 2010 at 14:08

    Have fun! You certainly have a great deal to celebrate:)

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  22. Private15 September 2010 at 14:19

    As I've told you before, I'm insanely jealous. I just LOVE that part of Canada! I hope you'll go to Avonlea and see Green Gables! That would be on my to-do list. And have some lobster at one of the restaurants on the pier in Halifax. oh, and have ice cream in that little cafe in the middle of the park in Halifax! Ooooh, the memories! I want to go back! Take lots and lots of pictures, and have a great time!

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  23. Amie Borst15 September 2010 at 14:28

    oh it looks breathtaking! i'd be taking time off too!

    enjoy!

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  24. Luna15 September 2010 at 14:43

    Beautiful! Happy and safe travels to you!

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  25. Anonymous15 September 2010 at 14:58

    Have a lovely time!!

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  26. Gabriela Lessa15 September 2010 at 15:04

    That sounds great! I've been to Cape Breton (9 years ago) and it was just so lovely. I really love Canada. Have a great time!

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  27. Anne Gallagher15 September 2010 at 15:05

    Have a great time and lots and lots of fun. I'll miss you.

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  28. Joanna St. James15 September 2010 at 15:40

    when I saw your title I thot "she is going to the bank" then it hit me, have fun and this time take pictures.

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  29. Jesse Owen15 September 2010 at 15:43

    I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing time. :)

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  30. Unknown15 September 2010 at 15:51

    How funny that the day I get back is the day you leave! Have a wonderful time and know that you will be missed by me :)

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  31. Bish Denham15 September 2010 at 15:57

    Have a WONDERFUL time and don't concern yourself with us. We'll be here when you get back.

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  32. Conda Douglas15 September 2010 at 16:16

    Have fun--gorgeous place.

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  33. Robyn Slingsby15 September 2010 at 16:42

    Wow, looks gorgeous from the photos! Have a wonderful time and don't worry about us, we'll be here when you get back :0)

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  34. Unknown15 September 2010 at 16:44

    Wow, that is a lot to happen in two years. I live in on the west coast of Canada. I've never been to the east coast, but my latest wip is set there. Someday!

    Have a great time!

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  35. Deborah Carr (Debs)15 September 2010 at 16:58

    It looks very beautiful. Hope you both have a fabulout trip and enjoy a well earned rest.

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  36. Talli Roland15 September 2010 at 16:59

    Woohoo! I can't wait!

    Jan - I'll be in touch! Probably won't be next week but likely the week after. Hope we can sort something out - I'd love to meet!

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  37. Vicki Rocho15 September 2010 at 17:43

    Oh, have fun. Take lots of pics because I've never been there!

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  38. Hilary Melton-Butcher15 September 2010 at 18:24

    Hi Talli .. wonderful pictures and so much positive loving change has happened .. you'll have a ball - it will be great .. enjoy, be peaceful, have fun & stay away from us lot - enjoy family, friends and hubby ..

    Happy happy days .. the more I see of the East coast - the more I want to visit .. one day! Have one huge lot of fun .. Hilary

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  39. Hart Johnson15 September 2010 at 18:27

    It looks so beautiful, Talli! I hope your hubby likes it when it's not so frigid (understand why he might have reservations if that is the only time he's been there)

    Have a fabulous time reconnecting and sharing your old life with your new hubby!

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  40. Alex J. Cavanaugh15 September 2010 at 18:53

    "Got British" - I like that!

    Have a great time, Talli!

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  41. Pat Tillett15 September 2010 at 19:06

    Enjoy yourself! Yet another place I've never been to...

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  42. Karen15 September 2010 at 19:47

    Great photos - hope you and hubby have a wonderful time :o)

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  43. A15 September 2010 at 20:06

    Have fun :-D

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  44. Terry Stonecrop15 September 2010 at 21:40

    What a beautiful place and great music. Have a wonderful, relaxing time!!!:)

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  45. Old Kitty15 September 2010 at 22:13

    Awwww adieu Talli!!!! I hope you and hubby have a fantastic and gloriously lovely time spreading joy and love and peace and harmony to all Canadians!! Or maybe just have some rum singing your song and dancing on tables!! Ah go on - you know you want to!!!

    HAVE A LOVELY TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Don't forget to return!!!! :-)

    Take care
    x

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  46. Anonymous15 September 2010 at 22:28

    You deserve a break and Nova Scotia looks divine! Enjoy your trip! :D

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  47. notesfromnadir15 September 2010 at 22:29

    Talli,
    Have a wonderful time there! You'll be missed a lot. When you return, I hope to see new pictures of Nova Scotia! :)

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  48. L. Diane Wolfe15 September 2010 at 23:05

    Enjoy your time away! Wow, you'll only be 1000 miles away from me instead of 3000+ and an ocean!

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  49. Sangu Mandanna15 September 2010 at 23:20

    Hooray! It'll be fabulous for you to have some time off, a really great holiday! Hope it's wonderful and see you when you get back (and if you post while away, of course) :-)

    Those pictures are gorgeous, too, I'm envious!

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  50. Carol Kilgore15 September 2010 at 23:25

    Enjoy your vacation!

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  51. Wild Rose15 September 2010 at 23:26

    Have a safe trip darling and stop by before you go to say bye and bring me a goofy Canadian shirt back on blogger haha...xo

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  52. Wild Rose15 September 2010 at 23:26

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  53. Wild Rose15 September 2010 at 23:27

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  54. Wild Rose15 September 2010 at 23:27

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  55. Wild Rose15 September 2010 at 23:29

    Sorry my post appeared like 4 times i had to delete the other 3, blogger acting up x

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  56. Len Lambert15 September 2010 at 23:32

    Have a wonderful time, Talli! I will surely miss your posts. I'd like to visit your place as well! Maybe one day! :)

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  57. Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy16 September 2010 at 00:02

    So jealous! Have a super time away! :)

    Lyn

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  58. Nicole16 September 2010 at 00:13

    Sounds lovely! Have a fabulous time :)

    http://damselinadirtydress.blogspot.com

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  59. T.J. Carson16 September 2010 at 01:49

    It looks beautiful! Have fun Talli!

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  60. Jemi Fraser16 September 2010 at 02:28

    The Maritimes are lucky to have you :) Take the time COMPLETELY off and just enjoy - you so deserve it! Have fun!

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  61. Cat Lavoie16 September 2010 at 03:59

    Have a great vacation, Talli! :)

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  62. Marguerite16 September 2010 at 06:52

    Bon voyage, Talli! Relax, recharge and have a blast!

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  63. Queenie16 September 2010 at 07:46

    I'm sure you'll have a great time. I'd love to travel to that part of the world myself. Maybe one day.

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  64. Talli Roland16 September 2010 at 08:18

    Thank you everyone!

    I'm missing my laptop already... yikes, that sounds pathetic! :)

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  65. Ellie Garratt16 September 2010 at 09:56

    Have an absolutely amazing time!

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  66. Anonymous16 September 2010 at 14:35

    Have a FAB time.

    I watched a program on TV the other day about sleep and learnt a little about Jetlag - thought this might help you :-)

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7414437.stm

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  67. LindyLouMac16 September 2010 at 17:12

    Have a wonderful holiday Talli.

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  68. Anonymous16 September 2010 at 17:46

    Excellent! Have a restful time. My brother and his family live in Montague, P.E.I. so be sure to say Hi to him. If you happen to sail past, they've got a beautiful old house on the bay. Me? Stuck in Ohio. Give me strength!

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  69. Ann16 September 2010 at 18:32

    Have a wonderful visit.

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  70. Eliza16 September 2010 at 18:34

    Have a great time :-)

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  71. Shannon16 September 2010 at 19:48

    I hope you're having a fantastic time! Can't wait to hear about the trip!

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  72. Amy Saia16 September 2010 at 21:52

    Those are beautiful pictures. I envy you! Have fun and bring back lots of stories!

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  73. Jackee16 September 2010 at 21:56

    I hope you're having a wonderful time, Talli! :o)

    Cheers,
    Jackee

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  74. Jan Morrison17 September 2010 at 14:13

    Hi Talli - in the off chance you're checking this I have a weird coincidence to tell you - I was at the airport last night waiting for a pal to arrive from Iceland when I saw a gal and a fella come in through the gates with a bunch of brits coming in. She was wearing a plaid shirt and although she is slimmer and taller than I thought she'd be - I'm pretty sure it was you! I was sitting in a chair facing the international arrival gate and you looked right at me. I decided not to shout out 'Hey Tallie!' because I might have been wrong and thus embarrassed OR you might have thought you had a stalker! It was a very surreal experience though! See you next week or so - no worries if you don't have time - I've been on trips home before. ;)

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  75. Clara17 September 2010 at 17:45

    I'll miss you!!! Have fun, Talli!

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  76. Writer17 September 2010 at 17:53

    Welcome back home, Talli!
    Those photos you posted are amazing. Your readers will be eagerly awaiting your posts. In the meantime, enjoy your family, friends, and hometown. Have a wonderful vacation!

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  77. Unknown17 September 2010 at 18:03

    It sounds absolutely wonderful. Have a great time!

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  78. Anonymous17 September 2010 at 18:39

    I love Halifax! So many changes with you since you last went. May your old home still bring you much lovely wonders experienced in the past, and new ones!

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  79. Denise Covey 18 September 2010 at 08:29

    Have the best time Talli as you reconnect with your roots. It looks so gorgeous!

    I've blogged about your blogsplash. It will be exciting for you and everyone who takes part.

    Relax while you can..:)

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  80. Samantha Bennett18 September 2010 at 17:10

    Enjoy your trip! Some fresh sea air sounds oh-so relaxing. Ahhh...

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  81. Glynis Peters 18 September 2010 at 20:27

    Have an amazing time!♥

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  82. Jo Schaffer Layton19 September 2010 at 04:41

    You're a winner on my blog. Send me your address so I can send you the book you won.
    (=

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  83. Julie Dao19 September 2010 at 23:27

    Talli, what a beautiful place! Hope you're having a great time!

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  84. Anonymous21 September 2010 at 16:33

    Have a wonderful time off! Now I have Barrett's Privateers playing in my head. Not a bad thing since I LOVE that song!
    -Kim B.

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Coffee and wine for all!

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