Those of you who have been following the saga of Godzillavilla will have noticed a lengthy silence on my part, ever since I went to Nova Scotia instead of Italy for my July holidays this year. It’s taken me all this time to figure out what to do, and say, next.
I went to Nova Scotia because that’s as far as my money would take me. Like many others in the world at the moment, our family is feeling extremely pinched and we’ve been thinking hard about what merits our spending and what doesn’t, since we can’t (alas) have it all. While I was down East, I realized two big things:
1. We can’t afford to complete the villa in Italy without making all kinds of sacrifices that are actually not worth it to us.
2. Thankfully for my emotional self, I dscovered that many of the things I cherish most about our bit of paradise in Italy can be found in places more accessible and less costly for us. Like Nova Scotia. Who would have thought.
I have spent so many years investing in the dream of completing Godzillavilla that the question of whether or not I should be doing so was one I kept pushing off to the side, like the irritation of a gnat while engrossed in a great book. It was a big, wonderful, romantic dream and I loved being in it.
However.
Not every dream can be realized. I’ve managed to make a lot of mine come true, but this isn’t going to be one of them. Like the song says, you have to know when to fold. Still, I had a great time while I was in the dream. It was worth every bit of the effort, time, energy, love and, yes, money that went into it.
I still love Italy, but I don’t need a house there to interact with it. I still love Godzillvilla, but I don’t need to own it any longer. Thanks for the memories, my lovely monster. May someone else get as much joy from you as I have.
Rivolgersi a http://bit.ly/SEaz8L for more information, or send me a note. If anyone is interested but a little wobbly about taking on the project management, I can help.
Godzillavilla 
Wow-I’ve been thinking about you and wondering if you had been in Italy. I am sorry that you have to stop working on the house. It’s hard to give up a dream but you sound like you have come to terms with it. I long to have a place in Italy but think it might be better to just rent and be able to stay in various parts of the country. I was just thinking this morning of our day up on the mountain-what a great memory!
I really admire your courage Shelagh. It can’t have been easy writing this. For me, who harbours dreams and yearnings for Italy most everyday as you know well, it wasn’t easy to read…. But like the title of a post I’ve drafted and not posted just yet “Italy isn’t going anywhere”. Everyone’s time and timing is different and knowing what you really need and truly want for you and your family, in a way, is a gift Italy has given you. Nothing is ever wasted, least of all a beautiful, rich life changing experience like owning a piece of Italy. But as you say there are so many ways to live Italy….You have all my love and best wishes from far away Melbourne. I loved your Godzilla posts and I hope you will keep blogging as the story folds and unfolds again…. A huge hug Shelagh. Janine x
Thanks Janine. As my friend Luca says, I’m currently in mourning but that passes and life gets lovely again. And as for writing…I have a new project I’m very excited about (not a house!), so that will continue.
I’m very happy to hear that Shelagh. I don’t have to tell you, it’s all for a reason. A presto allora!
I definitely understand your decision as I struggle with this myself. Good luck with the sale.
Thanks. The sale could take awhile with the market so terrible at the moment, but who knows? We need someone to fall in love with the place as much as we did.
That must have been a hard one to write…
But what a great idea to offer overseer services to the person who picks up the dream!
What will you call your Nova Scotia blog?
Nova Scotia blog, hmmm. Phoenix from the Ashes???
Very sad for you. But…you WILL have another dream
Indeed, I’ve had lots of them. This was probably the most humungous though!
Sorry to hear that you are selling… but you really had a ball with the project! Best wishes.
Thanks, yes it was a blast while it lasted.
I hope it all works well for you, whatever happens.
I have an excellent track record of making good stuff happen – this is one of my few exceptions. Too bad, but new adventures await.
What a shame – however I know from your posts that it’s not a decision you will have taken lightly. Wishing you every success for the future and for the speedy sale of your much beloved Godzillavilla
Thank you! This decision has been one we’ve considered casually most years, but never seriously until now. So I’ve had awhile to work up to it.