07/01/2026
Two years ago, I was lucky enough to embark on a dream trip to the Maritime region of Canada via Adventures By Disney. For years when I taught 2nd grade in Charles County, I was responsible for teaching the Maritime region. I dreamt of visiting Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and most of all... Prince Edward Island, the home of Lucy Maude Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables.
From heartwarming kite flying on PEI to terrifying kayaking the Bay of Fundy (I did it!!!)...a sobering visit to the Mi'kmaq Cultural Center to the delightful discovery of Halifax...The trip was full of amazing people, whom I treasure, and adventures I'll never forget.
For me, the most profound moment was our visit to the birthplace of Lucy Maude Montgomery...author of Anne of Green Gables. Still owned by her descendants, the homestead introduces visitors to the place that inspired so much of Montgomery's writing. For the life of me, I cannot remember the name of Montgomery's cousin who runs the place... but she is a character...prickly on the outside in a very Marilla-like way... a bit scary, tbh. But, also incredibly kind...
During our visit, I stood for quite a while beside Lucy Maude's writing desk staring out the window at the landscape that inspired her...there was the "Lake of Shining Waters" and I got teary-eyed in the moment. I decended the stairs, still a bit choked up and Cousin saw my emotion. She asked if I was OK, I simply nodded because I lost my words. She hugged me and called me a Kindred Spirit. I'll never forget it.
All this to say... Dreams of Avonlea is my love letter to PEI, Anne, LMM, and the Maritimes of Canada. My deepest hope is to retire and live in such a beautifully magical place someday. ❤️
