Stella Reddy's Story

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Hello, August 2025!

The past couple of days have been busy and very rewarding for me. The featured Image above is a Daylily, a flower that is in my garden out front of the house. I took it on Wednesday past when I noticed it was in full bloom! I love the colours!

On a personal note: I am absolutely thrilled to share that my sister—who, like me, was referenced on those websites—has finally moved out of the building where I once lived and worked. For quite some time after I left, she stayed on, mainly because of the sky-high rents in Toronto, but at long last, she’s managed to start a new chapter elsewhere.

Honestly, I can’t express how much relief and joy this brings me. She won’t have to field any more questions about me or my husband from folks still living there—because yes, even now, people continue to bring up everything those toxic tenants put us through. I feel a real sense of peace knowing she no longer needs to deal with the current property owners or be reminded daily of all that went on.

The best part is knowing that with her move, I have no reason to ever step foot in that building again. My sister is free to pursue her own adventures now, and my heart is full just thinking about the journey she’s begun. I am so incredibly happy for her!

Thursday, July 31, 2025: I made my way downtown, drawn by the excitement of the Azamara Quest docking in St. John’s Harbour. The ship, carrying 694 passengers, arrived bright and early on June 30th and slipped away quietly again the next evening. It truly is a stunning vessel—I couldn’t help but stand and admire its grandeur against the city’s backdrop.

As I watched it resting in the harbour, my mind wandered to all the distant places that ship must have seen, the miles it’s sailed, and the countless adventures it’s known on open seas. You all know by now how much a good adventure means to me, especially anything involving the Atlantic Ocean! Taking a cruise like that has been one of my dreams for as long as I can remember. And you know what? I still hold onto that hope. Like I always say, I ain’t dead yet—so who knows what new adventures might be waiting for me just around the corner!

I took a stroll down the Pedestrian Mall this past Thursday afternoon as well, and it did my heart so much good. The weather was hot and humid—just the way summer ought to be—and the whole area was buzzing with people out enjoying themselves. You could see folks laughing, shopping, just soaking up the atmosphere.

I even got a chance to chat with some visitors from the cruise ship docked in the harbour. Their eyes lit right up when they talked about how much they love St. John’s, and they all mentioned the incredible sense of “history” you can feel just walking these streets. I have to agree, there’s a special magic here, with the wonderful blend of old and new buildings all nestled together downtown. And our colourful row houses? They couldn’t say enough about them! They told me they’d never seen homes painted in such bright, cheerful shades before—each one unique, but together, they make up the heart and soul of our city. It reminded me again of how lucky I am to call this beautiful place home.

August 1, 2025:  This was an epic day for me! I spent the whole day filled with anticipation, looking forward to the George Street Festival and the chance to see Kellie Loder and Blue Rodeo perform. The gates opened at 5:00pm NDT, and as soon as my husband finished work, we made our way to George Street together. Strolling along, we caught Kellie Loder rehearsing on stage—such a treat to see that side of the show!

Afterward, we wandered over to Water Street, where we paused to watch acrobats delivering absolutely mesmerizing performances. Wanting to settle in and relax a bit before the festivities, we found a cozy spot for an early dinner. Refuelled and excited, we joined the line for the concert, soaking in the lively buzz of festival-goers all around us.

The evening was simply incredible. Blue Rodeo and Kellie Loder did not disappoint, giving us an experience I’ll never forget. I have to admit, though—navigating out through the sea of people at the end wasn’t exactly a breeze, but it was all part of the adventure!

I have some videos that I will put on my YouTube channel later. (I’ll let you know when they are posted if you want to check them out.)

As I sit here reflecting on these past few days, I feel so much gratitude for the little moments of joy and the big milestones alike. Whether it’s celebrating my sister’s fresh start, standing in awe at the harbour, strolling through a sun-drenched downtown, or soaking in live music under the summer night sky, it all adds up to a sense of belonging and renewal I don’t take for granted. Life’s changes can be bittersweet, but they’re also full of hope and possibility, proof that there’s always another chapter to be written.

Thank you for sharing in my excitement and journey. Here’s to August and all the adventures that still await, because as I always remind myself, there’s so much more living left to do. Today, hubby and I are off for some relaxing fishing!!

Stay tuned for those concert videos, and until next time, be kind to yourself and enjoy the magic in your everyday life. Learn to live in each moment!