Year I, Spring 1
Dear Diary,
when I woke up this morning I was at first irritated where I was but when I remembered yesterday I just smiled. The sun shone through the windows and I could even hear some birds singing outside – I can't remember the last time that happened in my flat back in the city, it just always was so grey there. Outside I saw that Lewis has left me some parsnip seeds so I got the hoe and watering can and just started farming. Although it's quite exhausting it's also fun. I can't wait for those little parsnips to grow. My motto for my new life here is: "Start small, get bigger eventually – you have time." because I don't want to over-work myself again. I hope I am able to do that – Joja has made me into a workaholic…
Then I did what I've been dreading the whole last evening: I went into the town to meet my new neighbours. The good thing: they were all really nice and welcoming to me, no one looked at me as if I was weird or anything, they all seem very friendly. The bad thing: I stick out. I'm the only one with black hair! Well, since I saw girls with blue, green or even purple hair, I don't think it'll be a problem but still.
These are the few I can now remember: Pierre (he runs the General Store), Abigail (she's the one with the purple hair), Clint (blacksmith), Evelyn (she reminds me of my Grandma – she even said I could call her Granny if I liked!), Linus (he is an old, homeless guy who lives in a tent…), Gunther (he owns the museum, where I can donate interesting artefacts and minerals that I find, and the library with a lot of books! I've already borrowed a few.).
Oh, yes, and Penny because she is as shy as me and apparently also a bookworm. I think that we could be friends – if one of us gets the courage to encourage it… I'll try I promise… But I'm pretty sure I haven't met all of the townspeople, yet, so I hope I'll meet them in the next few days (I don't want to disappoint Lewis… And yes, I want to engage more in social life… Again, I'll try I promise…).
On my way through the town, I found a Joja Market (of course…), and a wonderful beach. I've never lived near to the coast before and it is just so relaxing. When you stand there and look out onto the wide ocean – there is no other way to feel completely free. Now I am back at my new home, sitting at the table, writing to you – and it is just so beautifully quiet outside. No cars, no loud neighbours, no telephone ringing constantly; just a little bit of wind and an owl. I love it!
Take care,
Helena
