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
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