Leaving Philly: Starting a New Life in the Adirondacks

Shortly before I left Philadelphia for good, I found myself in a crowded noisy courtroom in City Hall. On one side, the Painted Bride, a venerable art center, and its community of supporters (including me), seeking approval to sell its building, a performance space festooned with an exuberant mosaic by the artist Isaiah Zagar. On the other side of the courtroom — opponents of the sale and friends of Zagar seeking to preserve the building and mosaic. The case had ignited intense feelings about art, community, the built environment and historic preservation.

As I entered the courtroom, Kitty, an acquaintance of mine and friend of Zagar approached me and said, “You’re on the wrong side of this case. And, by the way, why the hell are you moving to the Adirondacks? You won’t have any of this” as she gestured with her hand, taking in a sweep of the courtroom, bristling with the passion and tension.

“This”. I knew what she meant.

I have traded a city for a home in a forest with a view of pine trees and mountains. If I step outside my house, I hear only wind. On this day in January, the dark green pines are dusted with gleaming white snow. A rare plane may pass overhead. The only cars to drive by are headed to the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area to hike or hunt or snowshoe or ski the backcountry.