Hello, My Lovely Friends,
I’m back, albeit at half-tilt. Bless you for your comments. Rather than the lovely break some of you sweetly imagined for me, I was undergoing a traumatic sea-change and I am now living back in Blighty, staying with friends until mid-July before moving to the Isle of Wight where I have bought a 300-year-old fisherman’s cottage.
I plan on lots of relaxation and recuperation for the next week or so but hope I’ll be doing the odd post until I’m back up to speed.

Osborne House is a former royal residence, beloved by Queen Victoria, in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, in 1910 [Wikimedia]
Take care and keep laughing!
76 comments
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20/05/2016 at 13:32
Ellen Hawley
All best wishes for your new start.
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20/05/2016 at 14:17
First Night Design
Thank you, Ellen!
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17/05/2016 at 09:01
First Night Design | Surviving on a Positive Note — An Honest House by Cynthia Reyes | First Night Design
[…] Cynthia Reyes saw my ‘survivor’ drawing (below) when I posted about the reason for my hiatus and said she was going to buy several of these postcards to add to promotional copies of her […]
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15/05/2016 at 23:01
KC Redding-Gonzalez
My condo envies your cottage!
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16/05/2016 at 12:05
First Night Design
Ha! I ain’t doing a swap. 🙂
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13/05/2016 at 13:07
Moon in Capricorn
The cottage sounds charming!
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13/05/2016 at 13:22
First Night Design
It is, it is!
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13/05/2016 at 13:37
Moon in Capricorn
It must be very inspiring, too. I hope to see pictures of it.
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13/05/2016 at 13:51
First Night Design
Very! I know the area well from childhood holidays and have always secretly wanted to move there but when I was still acting, it would have been far too much hassle coming up to London for interviews and auditions. Fear not, I will be posting lots of pictures when I move in in July!
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13/05/2016 at 15:51
Moon in Capricorn
I will be looking forward to seeing the cottage!
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12/05/2016 at 23:02
Silver Screenings
Glad to see you back! And congrats on your “new” Isle of Wight cottage! I hope all these transitions settle down soon, and that your move to your new home goes smoothly. 🙂
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13/05/2016 at 11:40
First Night Design
Having the gap between returning from Crete and moving to the Island is a godsend!
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12/05/2016 at 17:17
Ann McGauran
It sounds like heaven. So good to have you back! x
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12/05/2016 at 18:07
First Night Design
I’ve never loved my own country more!
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10/05/2016 at 14:50
Cynthia Reyes
Goodness, Sarah. I had no inkling. Sending you hugs and good wishes for your healing, and wishing you all the best in this exciting new adventure. I look forward to your updates, my dear.
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10/05/2016 at 15:00
First Night Design
Thank you so much, Cynthia. I think I may have hinted on one of your posts a week ago about coping with an exacerbation of my PTSD! I’m so lucky to be staying with friends who are being so protective. They’re the parents I never had! My new life starts here. Thank you again, Cynthia. x
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10/05/2016 at 15:59
Cynthia Reyes
Yes, and I thought about that when I read your latest post. We PTSD survivors (we’re trying to survive, in spite of) tend to pick up these signals. I’m so glad you are staying with such great friends. I, too, have had close family and friends who protected me through the rough times. You will meet them in An Honest Home — which seems to be coming out sooner than I thought, on Amazon.
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10/05/2016 at 17:51
First Night Design
Can’t wait!
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09/05/2016 at 19:34
Mary
WOW never thought I’d read this news Sarah – moving is hard for many reasons, I hope between now and mid-July you gain a breath of fresh air and acclimated to your new surroundings. Sounds like this place has special meaning for you. Best wishes in the magical Isle of Wight and your new home, 300 years old – just imagine the tales that place could tell. I’m very excited and happy for you Sarah – best wishes my friend.
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09/05/2016 at 22:50
First Night Design
Bless you, sweet Mary. I’m so excited and yes, the Island, and particularly Bembridge, are very special to me.
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10/05/2016 at 03:42
Mary
Sounds like a whole lot of creative juices are about to be unleashed! Very happy for you Sarah.
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09/05/2016 at 16:31
nicknicklambert
Wishing you the best of luck in your next chapter!
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09/05/2016 at 16:50
First Night Design
Thanks, Nick!
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09/05/2016 at 14:16
sydspix
How exciting! Hope all goes smooth on your impending move!
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09/05/2016 at 14:53
First Night Design
Thanks, Syd!
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09/05/2016 at 14:15
D. Wallace Peach
A 300 year old fisherman’s cottage sounds wonderful! Rest up and enjoy your time setting a new course, Sarah.
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09/05/2016 at 14:50
First Night Design
Thanks so much, Diana. It is sublime and I haven’t yet seen it in person. It was weird buying it sight unseen which was the only way I could do it from Crete. Onwards and upwards!
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09/05/2016 at 15:16
D. Wallace Peach
I’m sure you will turn it into a lovely home, Sarah. How could you not? 🙂
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09/05/2016 at 12:37
inavukic
Sounds like a plan I wouldn’t mind getting some courage to do, Sarah – great times ahead I’m sure 😀
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09/05/2016 at 13:26
First Night Design
You don’t know what you’re capable of until you try, Ina. Thanks!
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09/05/2016 at 13:32
inavukic
True, true ❤
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09/05/2016 at 10:12
Hugh's Views and News
Welcome back, Sarah, and welcome back home.
A 300-year-old fisherman’s cottage? Sounds very exciting and I look forward to reading all about it and seeing the photos.
I hope the broadband speed is good on the IOW.
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09/05/2016 at 13:25
First Night Design
I’m sure I’ll post far too much about the Island and you’ll get bored! I hope the broadband speed is good too. It’s soooo much better here in Berkshire where I’m staying compared to Crete. Heaven! Thanks for the welcome back, Hugh.
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09/05/2016 at 08:30
Lottie Nevin
She’s landed! Hoooo-rah! How exciting, Puff! Can’t wait to hear more about your new adventure, your cottage sounds divine. What a lovely part of the world. Xoxo
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09/05/2016 at 13:22
First Night Design
I ‘as! Joy of joys. I bought the cottage sight unseen though my niece and sister-in-law saw it on my behalf. The Island is, for me, inextricably linked to the Puffin Club – such blissful memories of summers reading the magazine on the beach and in the harbour and so forth. Love to you, Puff Junior and to Puff Minor! xxx
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09/05/2016 at 08:19
janetweightreed10
Wonderful to have you back here on you blog and here in Blighty:) I love the Isle of Wight – you have made a good choice…I look forward to seeing lots of new exciting work inspired by your new life and surroundings. Janet. xxx
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09/05/2016 at 13:18
First Night Design
I can’t pretend that in among the heartache (particularly having to leave Pisch behind) I am not very excited by the change. The Island means a great deal as all our childhood summers were spent there. xx
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10/05/2016 at 07:23
janetweightreed10
All will be well…..and as someone once said to me years ago….’none of us is ever creative enough to know how things will actually work out’ – I think that’s when I began to try to live in the present:) A new adventure… Pisch will be fine and who knows maybe he will end up on the Isle of Wight:)xx
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10/05/2016 at 15:02
First Night Design
Maybe! Bless you, Janet. I feel incredibly good and my friends are being magnificent. She and I were at school together and had not seen each other for over 40 years, as I may have said in my email. Masses to catch up on and hysterical memories! xx
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10/05/2016 at 22:19
janetweightreed10
It pleases me greatly to know that you are in such good company and laughing a lot….such wonderful medicine. I look forward to much laughter with you myself:):)xx
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10/05/2016 at 23:09
First Night Design
The best medicine! xx
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09/05/2016 at 05:19
Joanne
A 300 year old fisherman’s cottage – how exciting – congratulations!😀
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09/05/2016 at 13:17
First Night Design
It is rather! Thank you, Joanne.
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09/05/2016 at 04:11
hitandrun1964
I hope you will be happy in your new environment/home. It sounds exciting. Moving can a wonderful thing.
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09/05/2016 at 13:16
First Night Design
Thanks, Gigi!
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09/05/2016 at 03:48
Julz.......artist, blogger, photographer, graphic designer
Here’s hoping your transition goes well and you can relax and enjoy your new surroundings. Can’t wait to see photos of your new abode
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09/05/2016 at 13:16
First Night Design
Thanks! Rest assured that I will probably post more about Bembridge than anything else!
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08/05/2016 at 23:51
jlfatgcs
So good to see this. Love the photos.
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09/05/2016 at 01:12
First Night Design
Thanks. And yes, I was delighted to find those particular photos on Wikimedia.
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08/05/2016 at 23:00
Mary Smith
Welcome back. Looking forward to hearing more about your 300-year-old house. Exciting times.
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09/05/2016 at 01:11
First Night Design
Thanks, Mary. Oh, I’ll be telling and showing lots!
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08/05/2016 at 22:33
Juli
Goodness me, Sarah! Nothing by halves, eh? Glad you have supportive friends around you. Here’s to survival, transition and new adventures! xXx
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09/05/2016 at 01:10
First Night Design
You bet! Thanks so much for your good wishes. xx
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08/05/2016 at 21:50
GP Cox
Welcome back to your blogging family – and look-ee there, we are all still here, no body up and abandoned you!!
All kidding aside, I’m jealous about the 300-year old house!!!!!
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08/05/2016 at 21:52
First Night Design
Ha! Yes, I’m very lucky. Apart from childhood and Crete, I’ve never lived in a house before and 300 year old is a treat. Come and stay when you can fly over the ocean!
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08/05/2016 at 21:58
GP Cox
I will surely keep it in mind!!
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08/05/2016 at 21:03
Violet Hoarder
Gosh, what a change. It sounds exciting and full of promise. Do post about the cottage! Have a smooth transition and a delightful new life!
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08/05/2016 at 21:38
First Night Design
Thank you, Gayle. I will do!
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08/05/2016 at 20:25
historywithatwist
I wish you all the best in your nw home, Sarah
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08/05/2016 at 20:34
First Night Design
Thank you.
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08/05/2016 at 20:13
Rajiv
But, what happened?
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08/05/2016 at 20:17
First Night Design
Ah, now that would be telling!
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08/05/2016 at 20:18
Rajiv
It would indeed!
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08/05/2016 at 20:01
Tish Farrell
Every good wish for your new home and new life, Sarah.
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08/05/2016 at 20:02
First Night Design
Thanks so much, Tish.
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08/05/2016 at 19:57
olganm
Big changes! I hope everything goes well, Sarah (I’ve never been to the Isle of Wight… Now I have a very good reason to). Take care!
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08/05/2016 at 20:00
First Night Design
Yes! Thank you, Olga. A very good reason – do come down when I’m settled. x
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08/05/2016 at 19:55
beetleypete
One of my best friends lives in Bembridge, but I haven’t visited her yet. I was suitably surprised by your news, and hope that you soon adjust to the cold and rain again!
Welcome back, in every sense.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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08/05/2016 at 19:57
First Night Design
I nearly emailed to tell you in advance. Bembridge is where I will be so you and Julie must come down when I’m settled and catch up with your friend and meet me!
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08/05/2016 at 21:17
beetleypete
I really hope to do that one of these days. Much happiness to you and Mr FND in your new home, Sarah. x
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08/05/2016 at 21:39
First Night Design
Thanks, Pete. It’s just me – I’ve left him, hence the traumatic part!
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08/05/2016 at 21:54
beetleypete
Sorry to hear that. I sincerely hope that things work out for you. Given your indomitable spirit, I have a feeling that they will. x
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08/05/2016 at 21:56
First Night Design
Bless you.
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08/05/2016 at 19:53
Candia
Not a million miles from Candia!
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08/05/2016 at 19:55
First Night Design
How interesting. We could meet some time, perhaps!?
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09/05/2016 at 00:23
Candia
candiads@gmail.com
Would love to meet up!
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