One thing I hadn’t prepared myself for when moving to Shaggy Creek was becoming the newbie in town.
I’d spent most of my life in the town where my family had its roots. Both sides have been established there for over 100 years. My mother’s family had a pub there back in 1857.
The town grew up around me and now it’s a little suburbia but the thing I remember clearly as I grew up was hearing the new arrivals talk. “Oh, you won’t belong here until you’ve lived in Wallan for 50 years.”
I’d laugh to myself with my limited understanding of how they felt.
Well, now I completely understand.
It’s a strange feeling to be a newcomer in a place no one knows you or your family.
In some ways, it’s liberating. As long as I don’t wear my Shaggy Creek t-shirt, I’m unknown and invisible. I can do what I want without having reports of my misconduct filtering back home.
On the other hand, I’ve never lived in a place where I know no one, except for Melbourne where that seems normal!
When you have young kids, you meet people through school or kinder. Mine are grown up and have flown the nest.
So, I’ve taken a big leap out of my comfort zone and started planning a meet up later this month for local Instagrammers in Newstead, the neighbouring town. Of course, you’re welcome to come along, too. Just let me know and I’ll send you the details.
In the meantime, I’ve taken root at Shaggy Creek and I’m thinking it won’t be long before I shake off the newbie tag. Maybe another 30 years or so?
