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The Next Chapter + A Bunch of Good + Unbelievable

The Next Chapter + A Bunch of Good + Unbelievable

Good Morning from Warren Grove, Prince Edward Island

“A lot of people have their big dreams and get knocked down and don’t have things go their way. And you never give up hope, and you really just hold on to it—Hard work and perseverance. You just keep getting up and getting up, and then you get that breakthrough.” – Robert Kraft.

Shirley and I sold our beloved little company yesterday.

Emotions are all over the place. As I write, I grieve the loss of our “business family”  and experience the joy of freedom to come at the same time.

Scott F. Fitzgerald wrote, "Intelligence is measured by a person's ability to see validity within both sides of contradicting arguments."

There has been a pull to change direction for the last few years. After lots of chit-chatting with retirees and talks with Shirley, prayer led my spirit to let me know it was time.

You don’t stop laughing when you age; you age when you stop laughing.

I am channelling a lot of author Scott Fitzgerald's today; many of his quotes seem to resonate.

"I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."

~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

Our company became a favourite destination for Islanders and visitors alike. We were fortunate to be in New Glasgow, one of the prettiest villages in Canada. The company's popularity grew from the hard work and service of such excellent staff; many have been with us 20 years plus, and Lynn marks number 30 in May.

I wrote about the start in the July 2021 blog number six in a seven blog thread of how I met Shirley and the journey to New Glasgow.

We did not arrive to this point without the support of so many loyal customers. It is a family business, and a large part of our family has been the staff and the customers.

We would like to thank all the operators who make Prince Edward Island one of the best Island destinations in the world. Their hard work and dedication to the industry are the envy of many jurisdictions in Canada. As well, the accommodations’ front-line staff have consistently supported us, and we thank them.

Our company grew from a specialty food manufacturer into a food gift store and online retailer, restaurant, small theatre cafe, Gardens of Hope, and butterfly house.

Shirley and I will continue our ministry of serving others through our non-profit Foundation of Hope Respite Cottage. 

"And in the end, we were all just humans...Drunk on the idea that love, only love, could heal our brokenness." ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

We will remain in an advisory capacity to assist the new owners with the transition.  And I will continue writing this blog for the company.

We are pleased to have Adam and Marsha Doiron step in and infuse new energy and heart into the company.

Adam & Marsha are no strangers to the tourism industry. They are very familiar with the Preserve Company, having worked for decades in the motor-coach travel industry where they confidently sent thousands of visitors to us.

The purchase brings much nostalgia to the couple; in 2006, they were married in the Gardens of Hope. We are grateful to them for their plans to continue the company support of the Respite Cottage as well.

Marsha and Adam publicly shared yesterday: “We are excited to purchase this truly unique business. And we are excited to work with the dedicated and loyal team at the heart of the company. We appreciate the years of hard work behind creating this icon and continue the legacy.

We look forward to growing the business with this excellent, strong team.”

What's next?

Not knowing how to write, I started this blog in 2014. After reading my blogs, Betty Morgan (90+) and Althea (80+) would write to me. These two ladies of age and beauty reminded me to pay closer attention to my colons, semi-colons and grammar. 

Their messages encouraged me to try and learn the craft of writing.

"You have a place in my heart no one else ever could have."

~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

He said it; I mean it.

Writing is one of the essential skills in the world. One of the benefits of improving your writing skill is you become a better thinker.

There are a number of reasons, I did not like school and did well to graduate from high school. My education has come from school of hard knocks. 

 

So my new adventure is to read more, learn more, write more and teach more.

"Don't simply retire from something; have something to retire to."
~ Harry Emerson Fosdick

I am starting a daily blog starting real soon. I hope you join me there.

The site is still in the design process, but it is far enough along to accept sign-ups.

Hope you join me on A Bunch of Good Things. Sign Up Here.

To the consistent readers of this blog on Saturdays…

"You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person(s) I have ever known—and even that is an understatement." ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

He said it; I mean it.

Lots of Love from Prince Edward Island. And THANK YOU for being here today.

Bruce, Shirley and Millie

ps. Your Morning Smile

A woman is getting lunch ready when the phone rings.

"This is the middle school calling about your son Johnny. He's been caught telling unbelievable lies."

"I'll say he has," the woman replies, "I don't have a son."

Let's Wiggle, Jiggle, Giggle and Dance


Previous article Desire is Tricky + Pianist Tears + 6-Year-Old Wisdom.
Next article Perseverance, Guts & Hope + Big Eyes + He Doesn't Look Good in Blue

Comments

Ms. Gale Haskell - April 3, 2022

Dear Bruce, I visited your establishment before covid on a bus trip, and have very fond memories of your gracious and welcoming manner. Sampling there was the highlight of the trip, and I love receiving your Blog. I wish you every happiness during this transitional time for you, and long afterward.

Margaret Gordon - April 3, 2022

Best wishes going forward! Sure hope the new owners know they have big shoes to fill if they are going to be successful going forward.

Cheryl Gingras - April 3, 2022

Hi Bruce and Shirley, just hearing your news about the Preserve Company, I had the privilege of having a few tour bus visits with you through Ambassatours. I also have personally been a frequent customer there also. Wishing you two all the best in your future endeavors. I welcome Adam and Marsha and wish them much sucess in their future also. Hoping to hear from you soon with your new Blog All the best. 💕
Cheryl

Murdock Morrison - April 3, 2022

Wow that is a shock of course but a good shock as you and Shirley have devoted a great deal of your life to making the Preserve Company one that many, many love . You , Bruce, were the cornerstone of the company and we have all been blessed with Bruce the Kilt guy standing and greeting everyone one near or far. Yes you picked a great author , Fitzgerald , to give the inspiration that you always had Bruce and we all thank you and Shirley for giving us so many wonderful memories . We are so happy to learn that you and Shirley will be caring for and building the wonderful reputation of the Hope Respite Cottage. All the best and I am sure that we will see you this summer. Murdock and Connie Morrison

Mary Kelly - April 3, 2022

All best wishes as you start this new journey.

Cherie - April 3, 2022

Wishing you both lots of love… laughter and learning 🧡

Beth - April 3, 2022

Bruce and Shirley, wishing you new successes, time to enjoy the family’s company and many healthy and comfy things to do, with thanks for your ongoing commitment to a fabulous venture.

Jennifer Cash - April 3, 2022

Sad news for us but new journey ahead of you. Glad we’ll still hear from you. Thanks for making PEI one of our best experiences ever at your establishment.

Brynhilde Roth - April 3, 2022

Bruce, when you hopped on our tour bus all those many years ago, resplendent in your Scottish kilt, and told us about your preserve company, I knew I had found a little bit of heaven on earth! We’ve eaten your jams for a very long time and enjoy sharing them with friends and family members. We wish you a wonderful retirement and we also wish the new company owners, Adam and Marsha, much success in the future! Hopefully I’ll get back to your lovely land in the not too distant future!

Louise Lowther - April 3, 2022

Change comes to us all. We will really miss you at the Preserves but I’m sure the time is right. We read your blogs faithfully and enjoy them so much.All the best to you and Shirley in your future endeavors.
Harry and Louise

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