Live Locally - Choose Danville

Live Locally - Choose Danville

I always wondered what kept my brother in California besides my sister-in-law with her obvious beauty, effervescence, and larger-than-life personality and of course the lack of the five month long bitter Canadian winter (No offence to the warmer climate, but Christmas without snow just isn’t Right! Besides, how could a pasty-skinned ginger with naturally curly hair survive the sun and humidity?) To an obvious introvert and self-proclaimed geek, she was a fascinating enigma. I wish I had her way of getting you to see the truth without causing offence. But, I digress (see...geek). Walking in the beauty of an early morning in Danville with the subtle hint of jasmine perfuming the air, how could I not fall in love?

Danville firmly has my heart in its grasp. If only my Mark Twain book-named husband and the best two kids in the world were here. Danville would then have some more transplanted Maritimers (You may need to brush up on your Canadian geography to figure out where we hail from).

Who couldn’t live a town where the feel literally and figuratively transformed? As sister-in-law escorted me to her hairdresser Nina at Adora Bella after gently pointing out that my hair could use a new look and my well-loved brother charmed Nina into squeezing me in for a last minute appointment, I fell more in love. Which forty-something wouldn’t after having 10 years cut away?

As I enjoy the quiet morning on the bench outside the Veterans Memorial Building, I am awestruck by this simple pleasure and how the city has honoured veterans. As the wife of a former Canadian soldier and a member of a family with a long military history, I salute Danville.

This town loves exercise and pets. Bikers, walkers, runners, and dog walkers abound. On my way home during one of my morning trots, I met Max, a delightful poodle and Mickey, a dog directly from Ireland and born on St. Paddy’s Day. I had a great conversation with their owners, Clara and Georgia. They are 70 and 73 respectively and don’t look much older than me. In fact, Georgia bought her house here before I was born. If that’s what Danville does for you, I will happily age gracefully here.

While I tried earnestly to sell my skills to a winery during our sojourn to Napa, I realized I could happily live right here for the rest of my life. If the winery job doesn’t come through, I have a lock in free rent in exchange for house cleaning. My sister-in-law would let me stay for toilet duty alone. My brother, having lived with me (although I do think I’m the calmest and less drama-queenish of his three sisters), is insisting on top-to-bottom cleaning. I grew up with an Irish Catholic mother. Full house cleaning? Definitely not a problem. Especially if it gets me free room (and board?) in the devine Danville.

The final piece of the pie in getting me to stay forever is the feeling of home. As I explained to my new early morning friends Mitch and Adam working at Starbucks, the people here are as friendly and happy as many Maritimers. The amount of restaurants and bars are an obvious sign that the people here know how to have fun. My sisters and I thoroughly enjoyed a giant margarita at Norm’s. We had to write our name in the wall! The unique drink selection at Harvest is also delicious. My Strawberry Fields was gone in under a minute. And how could a redhead not resist a visit to Auburn? Michelle (Shelly) and Mark may think twice about allowing some crazy Canucks in their bar again. Just kidding, they rolled right along with our zaniness. Finally, the shopping is amazing. Bliss and Francesca’s have such unique wares. Any store that gets me a shirt that says “Happy Mind. Happy Life” is a winner!

Well Danville, I’m converted. I’m staying. My friend Mitch is going to try to have his teacher mom find a job for this middle school French teacher so I can continue my early morning trots to Starbucks. And it’s only Day 3.

Darrah Sawyer, New Brunswick, Canada (A good teacher always helps with the answers - geography test question answered - Maritimers hail from the Atlantic coast of Canada)
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