I’ve moved from New Zealand to Oxford England

Good to hear from you, Der! Congrats on the move! Say hi to Radiohead for us! :)

Wow! Way to go Derek and best of luck in the UK. Your son is staying full-time with you or commuting between NZ and Oxford (seems a bit long!).
Hope all works out for the best and if you're ever around Sweden - drop me a line.

ATB
Johan Berlin

Perhaps progress=happiness
TheCats.co.uk

Hi Derek!
It's a comfort to me to know that you are always pushing the envelope. Progress favors the bold. Best of luck on your new adventures!
Cheers,
Jeff Weber
805 701 4890
jeffreyweber@me.com

Best of luck Derek. I moved from Jamaica to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, then to New York and now I've been in Toronto since 1995. Living in different places shapes the way you view the world.

By the way, what books are you reading these days?

Congratulations, Derek. Change takes courage. I predict this move will be a stimulating one, good for your writing, and your readers.

How did you choose between Oxford and the equally charming Cambridge?

Right on! I get it.

Hi Derek,
Welcome to Oxford and England -
I have been a follower of yours since early
CDbaby days would love to meet up sometime in
oxford as I am just down the road in Swindon.
FYI I host, with my band Mr Love & Justice, a Sunday afternoon of original acoustic folk/roots music called
Lazy Sunday Afternoon - our next show is
Sunday March 24th - 3-5pm if interested let me know -
its a v chilled and family friendly event v relaxed - damn fine coffee and home made cakes too!

Steve

Cheers to you Derek - I have also had the pleasure of traveling the world with Antarctica remaining on my Bucket list.

So I say to you Go For it Enjoy and experience the wonders of both physical Intellectual and spiritual if you so believe what this life has to offer

As for myself, I am truly grateful for what I have learned and still learn everyday form the simplest place and or person to the greatness and sometimes fall of mankind.

Enjoy it is truly a journey of which I have been blessed

I Have been a small part of your journey in the beginning although we have never met.

Van Taylor

Buffalo New York

Kudos, Derek,

I've never moved! I think you and your son will have a great experience there. If I ever make it out, I'll look for you!

Welcome to the UK Derek

Congratulations on your brave move, Derek. May Oxford feed your mind and soul as it is truly a beautiful place filled with amazing history and enthralling hidden information for you to explore. Look forward to your discoveries. Blessings.

Welcome to Oxford! I live here too. Come to a pop up exhibit of oils my wife is showing tonight at the Blavatnik on Walton St. 6-9, it would be our honour!
www.instagram.com/p/BuvrXKTHo6F/

Wishing you all the best on this new path! Exciting! I know what you mean about changing locations. Although I haven't officially moved, I now consider one of the "music hubs" to be my second home, as I get there once a month, and am completely immersed in things I love to do. Gives me a whole new perspective on everything.

Congratulations Derek. Oxford is somewhere I hope to travel one day.

Hey Derek,

Hit me up next time you're in Amsterdam!

Take your pick:

A) Brewery tour of Amsterdam
B) Bicycle ride through De Hoge Veluwe National Park
C) Stroll through the beautiful Vondelpark

Don't be a stranger!

Guy

If you're missing NZ, pop over to Wales for a day trip. Always happy to meet up in Ludlow where I'm currently based.

Cheers
Matt

Loved this bro. Thanks for the update. God bless you in this endeavor and may you accomplish what is written of you mon ami :)

Welcome to the UK! You’re just down the road from me. Hope you settle in nicely, Derek! We’ve gained a special one.

Exciting. Active and engaged community is stimulating, especially after years of quiet contemplation.

Remember to get enough vitamin D.

Derek, congrats on the move! I'm so excited for you and wish you the best in Europe. I recently returned to the states from living in Paris with my wife and two small children for 15 months. Feel free to contact me if you plan on visiting France.

Another vote for Amsterdam, Derek (see #16). Guy, can I join the bike ride in the Veluwe, that's my hood. ;)

Congrats on following your dreams! I love the suitcase full of lego. That is great. I like the part of searching your diary to make this decision. Good stuff!

Hi Derek,

Moving can be a good experience once all the logistical stuff of the actual move is done. I've moved quite a few times. In the last two years I've been from Mongolia to Korea and a year ago moved to Brunei. I'm liking it here in Brunei. The pace of life is slow and relaxed and the people are very friendly. I don't know when I might be in Europe so won't be able to meet up in Europe. If you happen to visit Brunei though look me up. We have a guest room and the apartment has a pool. I have been in Europe once twice. When I lived in Abu Dhabi we flew into Prague and traveled around a bit by train and bus then flew out of Budapest. If you get a chance Prague is really beautiful and about an hour away there is a Medieval town called Cesky Krumlov that is amazing. If you go there eat at a place called "The Two Marys". I think it's in another language but translates to that. It was the best meal I'd had in years. The guy that runs the place is really into Medieval things. I think he used to organize a Medieval music festival and then he started learning how food was prepared back then and opened the restaurant.

Congrats on the move, Derek! Oxford is gorgeous. I used to live there and absolutely loved it.

Your moves are inspiring, sir. We shape our cities, and our cities shape us.

Love from Nashville, TN

Geoff Little

Congratulations on the big move Derek, in spite of your love and deep connection to NZ. Thanks too for the reminder of how changing environments is a tremendous growth opportunity. I've changed locations many times in my life already and my wife and I are very ready to make a move again. Just haven't nailed down precisely where. Have a blast in Oxford. I wish you many great adventures!

Changes are wonderful! The Chinese has an idiom: move a tree, it will die, move a person, he or she will become alive!
Hope you enjoy this new adventure!

Hi Derek

We have been in contact since the CDBaby days and so I would love to meet up with sometime when I am next back in the UK

Question your thoughts on where the music business is headed ?

And the other trip I did in Europe was to Istanbul. Amazing city, so much history and amazing food too. It's I think the only city in the world that sits in two different continents as you can drive across a bridge and go from Europe to Asia.

Hi Derek, thanks for the update,
your journey is truely amazing !!
Greetings from an ex NZ’r leaving in QLD
Dan

Your life choices are odd, in a good way, and give me a vicarious outlet for my bottled spirit. I would be a creative oddball if I ever really broke out of the mold that I accepted.

Thank you for the update.

Would love to see the list of 51 one places. Always curious about where other's are curious to visit. ☺ I absolutely agree that moving is good. I moved from the Midwest to San Francisco to Hawaii to Texas..... and I'm currently visualizing our next move in a year or so. Good luck with your move!

Hi Derek! Welcome to Europe! I've been camping out here for a bit. I'm actually headed to the UK to June and would love to meet! I'll contact you when my plans are more final. Cheers!

Wish you and yours well Derek. Perhaps you can make an intellectual contribution to the failing UK government. You may well bear witness to the biggest economic meltdown in a long time in the UK as well as Europe in general. We're seeing a lot of Europeans moving to Montreal now. Not to mention middle Eastern Muslims, Chinese (big time) etc. grabbing their share of the lazy confines of Canada. All it takes is lots of cash. We're rapidly becoming a global city much to the chagrin of our native Quebecois.

Awesome! Thanks for keeping me updated!

So happy to hear that you're moving on to bigger and better things (:

Good luck and I look forward to your thoughts in the future.

Sincerely,

Marcel

Wish you best in UK.

Best Regards,

Rafael

marianland.com
www.marianland.com

Livin' the dream and the world is your home! Happy adventures!!!

Wow, was flattered you chose to call NZ home for a while but fair enough wanting to be somewhere else.

Haere ra

Congratulations and good luck on your move to Oxford! In about 2 years you'll have to write a book about your impressions of Oxford. By the way, what is your child's name, if it's alright to ask? Good luck in Europe and England!

That’s awesome! I’m so happy for you. I agree with the New Zealanders, but I understand your motives. Peace.

That's fantastic! I love that you are traveling and exploring the world for both yourself and your kid (son? daughter?). What a great experience for them. I'm feeling the pull for change as well...thanks for the nudge and the reminder that change is good, challenging and inspirational!

How do you spend your days? Someone also asked what books you read - are reading? I'd love to know that as well.

Best to you - and congrats!

All the best for you and your family Derek

Hi Derek,

Missed you in Singapore then in New Zealand.(I was even in Nelson) However,
shall be in Oxford late 2019 or early 2020...Maybe we can catch up..
You will enjoy Oxford...
Regards,
Des.

Yeah New zealand. It is so beautiful. I can imagine growing old and dying there. It’s just...nothing really goes on there. Except rugby. Still, a magical country.
So I am curious; the 51 places in Europe are...?

Sweet! A new page in an exciting adventure with your child. My family and I will be doing Denmark, Switzerland, UK later this year. If it works out maybe we could meet for tea, coffee or a drink. Great to hear from you Derek.

Cheers!

Hi Derek, this is a very touching message and I wish to offer you all the love in the world, I cannot imagine how you must feel or felt leaving a country you loved so much, but as you say the only way to move on is to leave something behind.
My sense is that the whole of humanity is on the move, most of us unconscious of it, but those of us who are aware and awake to the truth of who we truly are, will be making sure our luggage contains the minimum for at the end of the day all we can take with us is our experiences and the love we give and the love we receive.

Are you still interested in music? That may be a silly question for how could you not be. Once a musician, always a musician. I ask because I’m now in my early seventies and have a massive catalogue of songs which I’ve written over many years most of them unheard of by anyone, but beautiful songs none theless. If you feel or are curious about any of my work, write me and I’ll send you a link. I don’t sell my music, I give it away for free as I consider it a gift that is given to me freely and so I share it with whoever desires a copy.

The music industry has changed beyond recognition, I have spent almost 55 in it as a professional writer producer and performer, but I now feel the love that was there in the business for many years has gone and been replaced by marketing strategies that only produce greed and encouragement to the ego minded.

Anyway those are my thoughts and I feel sad as a writer to see the craft of songwriting slowly dying, I know we live in a changing world, but music is part of the language of the universe and we should not allow it to die.

Love and light to you and your kid.

Ed x

Thanks for sharing this. And thanks for the invite to meet too. It inspires me to go somewhere other than staying where I love at the moment.
Good luck with Oxford

Hi Derek, good luck with the move, Oxford is a beautiful place. So though is Edinburgh, Scotland. So, if you get a chance, get yourself and the family up here, it's an amazing place in an amazing country. You'll have a great time.

Best Ged

Wishing you a great time in Europe! I'll be leaving West Canada to Montreal in a month so I totally relate to this post, plus, I hope we can meet up in Europe which I plan to visit and eventually move there next year. Take care Derek.

Cheers to your new beginngs.

Well, I am waiting to see you someday you move to India.

DEREK; 3-8-2019

I AM SOOOO GLAD I LISTED TO YOU WHEN I MET YOU AND BROUGHT MY CANADIAN AMERICAN AND CAPRICE INTERNATIONAL CATALOGS TO YOUR CREATION AND VISION OF FUTURE DISTRIBUTION, YOUR BABY, CD BABY. I HAVE EARNED A LIVING AND HAVE A PLATFORM FOR MY BABIES, MY SONGS AND MUSIC, AND HAVE OVER 100 ALBUMS UP ON CD BABY/.

CHECK ME OUT & listen cdbaby.com/music/joeywelz
WHERE DID THE TIME GO, I AM 80 ON ST.PATRICK'S DAY,
GOD HAS BLESSED YOU ABD I LOVE YOU, THE WELZZZZZ

I'M SO MUCH MORE THAN AND OLDIE BUT GOODIE, I'm a GOODIE that's old

are you mad? now thats not meant disrespectfully... thats just my emotional response... this country is about to inflict one of the biggest acts of self-harm by a democratic country ever. And you are coming here?

You say you like Europe. i love it. I HATE that this PM is saying freedom of movement is about to be stopped. Thats not a good thing - its terrible. If you like Europe then surely goto a county that wants to be part of it- not one that's been lied to and cheated out of a (not perfect) but fabulous benefit.

like a lot of my peers - we've been looking at NZ - if only it were not so far away...

stunned Derek. You have your reasons i'm sure even though i'll be honest - not a lot of those you just said made sense esp when referencing Europe. But still - i wish you all the best and keep doing what you're doing.. love you work...

mart

Congratulations on the move. Your work makes us all more interesting in living a good life. Uncomplicated, too. And, responsible, as well. Your writing makes a great contribution to the well being of others. I'm one of the others. Thank you, Paul Horgen

Good post - as always. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for the update Derek and all the best on your new adventure.

I come up to Oxford most months as I have family in Charlbury, north of the city. Would be great to meet up sometime - or perhaps you might pop down to Totnes (in Devon) for the annual music festival in July/August: www.dartington.org/whats-on/programme/summer-school/

Kia waimarie!

Nigel

As always, I wish you well in all your endeavors. I feel a move coming on also. Arizona is looking good! I've had quite enough of New Jersey!
God Bless!

Reading this makes me want to move to a new country again! I hope you'll meet lots of inspiring and warm friends, and that you'll have an exciting life in the new (old) continent!

Hi Derek! D2 here (woodegg) Nice to see you are embracing another set of perspectives! I'm back in Thailand after 4 years in Canada - when you move back and forth you discover whether it's you, or the place that has changed! (or both) Enjoy the adventure! D2

I lived in Oxford for a semester in 2002 as a part of an undergraduate program to study British/American Media and Culture at Somerville College. It was one of the more trans-formative experiences of my life. (I turned 22 there.)

Wow! So gutsy. I moved from Massachusetts to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. The weather is so perfect here, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Congratulations on your courage.

A wonderful choice of location Derek. I've always loved Oxford.

Welcome to England Derek. BBC Radio 4 will help nourish your intellectual appetite. Keep me posted on your adventure. I live in the north but travel with work, so perhaps a coffee sometime would be good.
Ray

Congratulations on your move. I know exactly what you mean about needing home changes. I'm doing the same thing in June. We're moving to New York from Washington DC. I can't wait! I've wanted to live in New York since my family's plane flew over the skyline when we immigrated to the USA. And now I'm finally going to do it!

I hope your quest takes you on incredible adventures both physically and intellectually.

Cheers!
Izolda

Adventures are rarely comfortable but worth it.
Prayers focused on your new path Derek!

Great perspective, Derek! I love the excitement and re-imagination that moving somewhere new elicits. I also remember always feeling a bit of FOMO for the place that I was leaving. However, those feeling quickly vanished once arriving at the new destination. Safe and wild travels!

Oh , good luck, Derek. What a wonderful adventure for you and your son!

Congrats on the move. Though I have remained in the States, Laura and I have moved 6 different times before landing forever in Austin. Only one of the moves was made to grow my business, the rest were simply adventures.

Best wishes on your new adventure!

It's so cool that your hard work allows you to do this! I only live a 2-hour train ride from London and have yet to make the move. Time to put in the work to make it happen. Thanks for this post.

It's hard uprooting and leaving any physical living space because we also leave behind a laundry list of surrounding people, places and things that are familiar and act as anchors and backdrops to our routines. Enjoy the healthy and life-affirming process of establishing new digs.

I've only been to the North Island but I love NZ - people, geography, culture, big/small of it all - fantastic place! Sounds like your season there is over, though. That's OK. Geaux explore - dig into Oxford, et al. Enjoy the ride . . .

DH

Welcome to England Derek! This is exciting news for all of us in the UK.

I hope you and your son love it here. Not all is great, but some things are brilliant.

Sara

Derek: I applaud your move from the visceral to the intellectual. I'm turning my clock ahead to my 85th year on 04/13/2019. The only real daylight savings time I have is one day at a time.I take joy from hearing of others journeys.Though i stay close to home I'm still writing and producing new songs and videos carrying on in the troubadour tradition that flowered in France,Italy and on to England in the 10th century. Here's one of my songs that speaks to the importance of that tradition.it's a little back porch candid shoot with no studio augmentation. There is a nice chorus of songbirds singing along. I hope you have many wonderful experiences Hiking with your son in the verdant fields and valleys of the UK. Best regards from an Old Troubadour
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzD_d49GG9o

I admire you, Derek! You have always delved in and lived life to the fullest! And, after reading your explanation; I "get it", why you're making the move. I know you will make the most out of this new phase in your journey. Congratulations and we look forward to your updates!

Congratulations on your move. Oxford is a marvelous place and I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Whenever I think of Oxford, my first thought is of a fictional Oxford based in an alternative universe, but still undeniably an Oxford that can be recognised. Have you read Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. Its nominally a children's book but is so much more deeper and more complex than that implies. I would highly recommend you read it while getting to know the city.

The other wonderful book about Oxford that I return to time and again is Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh. Its a classic and a good read. There was a brilliant adaptation of it in the 1980's starring Jeremy Irons that is also worth watching if you haven't seen it.

I hope you don't mind me making these recommendations and I hope you enjoy them!

Regards

Dave

KUDOS! WE just moved from Bend, Oregon to Atlantic Beach Florida. The third time we've moved across the USA. We spent 6 months in the UK 2 years ago house-sitting and really loved Oxford, for the same reasons you mentioned. Actually, we really loved England and Wales and felt completely at home there. One of our house sits was 10 weeks in Betws-y-Coed and I cried when we had to leave there. It's up at the north end of Snowdonia and I'm really hoping to get back one day.Oxford is a little different from most of the places we stayed at - it's SO international. What a buzz! One of my favorite places in the world is almost any old English pub! Have a great time! Russell

Hey Derek,

Congrats on the move and best wishes for this new stage of your life!

What a wonderful and insightful update you just gave us. Awesome things await for you and your kid, and I can't wait to read about them -- I'm absolutely thrilled for you!

Will definitely email you when my hubby and I are in Europe next (we go visit his family in Spain often), and hopefully, we'll get to meet, which would be so much fun. :)

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy Oxford!!

As someone who lives in KY and will most likely never leave--it's thing, apparently. There are actually jokes about having to chain down Kentuckians in Heaven, or else they go home for the weekend--I am always amazed at your adventurous spirit. It is so good to know there is a new kind of frontier for you in Oxford. Looking forward to reading more!

Very cool Derek!! UR such a global thinker. So many adventures in your life and another one to add on. CHEERS!!!

Best to you always,
Boday

Big move! Congrats! You MUST visit Vienna while in Europe. It's the best kept secret!

I pray the move serves your family well. While I agree that geographic change can be exactly what's needed sometimes, I've learned in the last 6 months that all of the most important work I need to do as a human being (outside of loving others wherever I am) I can do with my eyes closed. I hope you and your kid find places to play in the urban wilderness as well.

Welcome to the UK, Sivers family ❤️

Congrats Derek.. I’ve been in the same bolt hole for 40+ years. I’ve dodged the landlord’s solicitor for the last couple of years and have managed to save my 6 floor walk up from the b—tards. I’m currently putting together a new collection of stories set to music with a small band of geniuses backing me up. My main reason for sticking it out in madhattan is my son who is married, living in brooklyn and expecting my first grandchild in September. If all goes well, I’ll be over there before too long barking up a storm.....it’s good for the son to see a bit of the planet as well. I brought mine along on a few adventures a very long time ago.... a

Congratulations!! You are having a fantastic life journey. Enjoy Europe.

Grant

Wonderful! Always follow that inner calling. I just moved to
The mountains in Colorado after fifteen years in Texas!
Life has unfolded in an amazing way musically and otherwise!
Bon Chance fellow traveler!

Always welcome to pop round for a cup of tea and a slice of cake if you are ever in Surrey, Derek. Be good to see you again.

Hi Derek!
Congrats on your move! I’m sure you’ll create some great memories there with your family. My husband Tim aka “Mr Science” and I are still combining music and science for kids around the world. We just finished a gig for a camp in Dubai and received an invitation to Russia! I’m so excited! We are so blessed! Have you considered creating some new music for kids? If so, I’d love to collaborate. I’ve been doing it for over 20 years and it never gets old.
Thanks for taking the time to personally keep in touch with all of us.
Best,
Melany Perkins
Kidstuffmusic.com

Congrats on the move, Derek! Good to see you back in action!

(We met in Phnom Penh, several years ago)

I applaud your move. May you continue to find discoveries, adventure, motivation, and enchantment...maybe even at a greater clip in such a stimulating intellectual environment.
I recently spent 9 days in Australia, and it shook me up in a good way.

I invite you to look at www.songlinermusic.com. Maybe we can mesh at something that deals with music, the spontaneous, and the charm of looking at life as it is, anew. The world needs it now.

Hope to see you down the road. Gary

A man comes to a crossroad, ahead of him is a town in the distance; so he asks an old man sitting on a wall
"what are the people like in the town up ahead"
the old man replied
"what were they like in the last town?"
the traveller thought for a moment, looked sadly down and said
"they were awful, mean and unfriendly... so what are they like in the next town?"
"the same"
The traveller nodded and turned away from the town and kept walking.
Some time later a second traveller came to the crossroad and asked the old man the same question
"what are the people like in the town up ahead"
the old man again replied
"what were they like in the last town?"
but this time the traveller thought for a moment and suddenly a smile lit up his face"
"they were friendly, welcoming and fantastic people"
the old man smiled and said
"you will find the same people here"

Hey Derek, Congrats on the move! i'm a CDbaby artist living not too far in Leicester. I would be happy to travel up an me you in or around Oxford! Would you be interested in helping an independent musician / educator?! Know your a busy guy, but I believe I have some good products that I do very well selling in person, (just finished a 3 month tour in the USA - and have another one coming up in April), but I'm terrible at selling online!! Would be happy to work out very reasonable commission for all that you could help me sell online as a silent partner. My websites are www.saxmastery.com and www.markbunney.com hope you'll reach out and email, meet up and agree! Mark Bunney

Actually scrub dinner let’s go walk up Snowdon.

Immediately thought of your partner. Hope the separations won’t be tough on your son. I’m just a family girl.

I relate to what you said in your article and your changing needs. I have never been to New Zealand and I might have a hard time leaving there. I see and appreciate it. You’re fortunate to be in the position you are, and you appear to be making the most of it with your child and yourself. I wish you happiness health and joy. And I wish you were still running CDbaby because it’s never been as good as when you were in church. I’m glad it gave you this freedom.
Well done derek. Wife passes very quickly enjoy the ride. You have friends you never met. Cheers mate.
Charles Button
caretaker of white and brown buffalo
Whitebisonassociation.com

Waz up brotha! That sounds like a great move for you. I don’t think I’d have the courage and aspiration to leave the paradise you’ve described in NZ for the intellectual challenge in Ox. Probably cuz I’m not too sharp ;)

I wish you all the best and hope you find both, what youu had in New Zealand and what you seek at Oxford.

I’ll forward your email to a buddy who is struggling with packing up and moving but not sure where and why.

Tushar

Way to go Derek! Seeing the world shapes one mind and soul — kee p doing what makes you happy👍

That's awesome, Derek. You're bravery to pack up your life and relocate across the world is inspiring. I wonder if I can convince my wife to move to another beautiful place such as New Zealand. I guess step one is to visit first!

All the best

How wonderful to start a new adventure!

Congratulations to you and your family! If y’all ever get to New Orleans, please look us up.

We are doing a little less traveling now (ages 81 and 66) but if we get to Oxford again we would love to meet you and your family.

Thanks so much for all your contributions to the music business for the independent musician. We’ve missed your hand at cd baby but we are happy you are conjuring new things now for your next adventure!

Sincerely,

Carol Stuckey & Rhodes Spedale
504-810-5685

Derek, welcome to Europe!!! I wish you the greatest life in Oxford - nice city visited once for a few hours. If life brings you to Amsterdam any time soon (it's just a 40-minute flight) I'd be happy to host and show you around :)

Marin

P.S. Kingsday is pretty wild around here on the 27th April ;)

Wow! Congratulations Derek! I know this move is going to be incredible for you and I'm very proud of you for having the balls to move your life yet again! Way to go man!
-Trey :)
http://www.WhiskeyChild.com

Hi Derek,
Thanks for sharing your recent adventures. I am craving a move too. Mexico! We just played music there.
Yes Change is good.
Allison

Thanks for sharing, Derick. Wishing you all the best and many safe & wonder travels!!

Welcome to England!

you crack me up!

Derek. Have a wonderful adventure. =)

In many ways, the United Kingdom or at least the philosophers, economists and entrepreneurs of the UK are responsible (for mostly good and a bit of ill) for the revolutions of progress that created this period of unprecedented abundance.

I'm sure you'll have a great time (per usual) and I'm looking forward to seeing what new things you discover as a result of this move.

Happy to have you here Bruv, I know you're gonna love it and Oxford is an amazing place with an amazing and rich history.
So Glad you're here.

ps. I told a friend about you, can I now officially call you a friend Derek? or is that after we go for a beer or lunch. lol

I await your response.

I enjoyed reading about your light packing .
And I suppose this simple sentence took some deeper thought:
"I usually get where I’m going by leaving where I've been."
Nice ! I suppose that's true of most of us, but I think what you mean is that you like to really leave where you've been. dramatically !

Hey Derek - Welcome to the UK! I hope you and your family are enjoying the transition. If ever you are in London, the IndieHackers London community would love to have you at one of our meetups.

Best,
Stevan

Hi Derek, Glad to hear you're here with us in Europe. If you're coming to the Netherlands and/or Germany, I live right on the border and have plenty of space for you to stay for as long as you need to. Sincerely, Rhonda

Nice one, brother. Oxford is indeed beautiful. I'm still making Classic Soul Music with Big Mac's Wholly Soul Band, doing poetry readings and recording original songs here in South Wales.

Best of luck to you. Enjoy!

Rainy and gloomy all the time?

I recommend your try Pieminister. Enjoy your new adventure.

God, do I love that Dodo bird exhibit!

Fortune favors the bold!! Continued success, Derek, and thanks for the inspiration.

"I believe moving is good for the mind" and "I usually get where I’m going by leaving where I've been." <-- this really resonates for me as I am planning a move away from New York City. Everyone thinks I am crazy. I know that I am the most sane I have ever been and cannot wait for the world to open up. Much like you, I crave what you loved in New Zealand, the grandeur of all of earth, I am here on the planet so why not live in the city for 14 years and then in the mountains for another 14? Isn't choice a beautiful thing!

Derek, I admire the fact that you have created a situation where you can live life on your own terms and explore - and share - these experiences. All the best!

Welcome to England Derek. With Brexit brewing you may not have picked the best time to be here - but Oxford is extremely vibey - so if it has to be the UK you couldn't have picked a nicer city.

I look forward to hearing more about your new life in Oxford.

Derek
I wish you and your son only the best that life has to offer.
It was very brave of you to follow tour dreams.
We are thinking of relocating after 30 years of living in Las Vegas.
Leslie and I are going to Italy next Thursday and staying until April 2ndthen we are off to Cile, Brazil and Peru.
Working with a 12 piece big band doing my Sinatra thing.
Stay healthy and keep in touch my friend,
Rick

Good on you...... align with heart, the earth, the universe of humanity, family, follow your heart, and transform ethereal vision to life ------ sometimes to align with dysfunctional family and heal I too needed to first stay aligned with heart ,and courage in character---life is amazing and transforming----- after 50 years together and a 5 decade dysfunctional
relationship with my sister- I can now call her a good, and wonderful friend - LIFE IS CHOREOGRAPHY!

Hi Derek! I’m really excited that you have chosen to live in the UK - I seem to remember you said in your book that you went to school in Abingdon so you know the area a bit I guess. Would love love love to meet up, you’ve had a big impact on me and my decisions, eg I resigned as CEO of a tech startup because the growth strategy was to raise angel / VC investment and after reading your book I could see another (better) way to go. I don’t agree with all the Brexit hype - I voted to remain in the EU but who knows how things will play out? Good news, bad news, who knows? as the wise old farmer in the fable said! I’m involved in organising some up and coming events in London, one including Steve Chandler so would love to tell you about those. I live near the beautiful city of Bath and would be happy to show you around. Cheers! Andy

Hi Derek,

Welcome to England!

As somebody born and bred (and still living) here, I have to be honest and say that it seems like a curious choice at this point in time, from my perspective at least. That is to move to country in a state of political unrest, and about to make a move to ostracise itself from the rest of Europe, against the wishes of most of the population. Most rational people I know that live here are at least talking about leaving, trying to figure out ways to do so, because they're deeply unhappy with where the UK is heading.

I'm also interested to know, and please don't misinterpret this as a rhetorical question, it isn't, what there is in Oxford for you that holds such appeal? Are there people you're especially keen to meet? Of course the city has an illustrious intellectual and artistic past, but how much of that legacy still continues in 2019? As I say, a genuine question...

Myself I'm one of a large number of ex-Londoners (particularly those pursuing creative or otherwise unorthodox endeavours, and particularly those that are also parents of young children) that have left the city due to rising living costs and house prices, and a general change of atmosphere in recent years that makes us feel less welcome. I moved out to Ramsgate on the Kent coast, when my daughter was born, and more or less on a whim, and found myself part of a substantial exodus of those in similar situations. There's much to see and to learn here - both the natural beauty of the coastline, and the vibrant young community that has sprung up here as a result of these social changes. You'd be very welcome to visit

Raphael

Congrats Derek! What an exciting change! Good for you!

Welcome to the UK Derek!

Oxford definitely has a nice vibe to it. Reasonably quiet yet so close to the madness of London.

Hope you like it here!

Congratulations Derek! I am always happy to hear you are well. I'll have to come visit...maybe I will wake up and find we have a different president than we did the night before:).

Wishing you all the best!
Jenn

Welcome to the UK Derek, Oxford is an excellent choice if I may say so. Give us a shout if you want to explore Devon, we'd love to show you around our beautiful home county.

David D

Hi Derek,
I live in Leeds, and moved here from Canada in 2008. I envy your practical freedom / minimalism. I am a school teacher now, so I'm not sure in what capacity I'd be able to engage you with anything professional, but if I hear of anything or you would like any practical advice during your transition feel free to email me.

Congratulations Derek, hope you enjoy Oxford.

Will you post the list of 51 places in Europe you're curious to get to know?

Hi Derek
Welcome to England, we’re lucky to have you!
I’ve been following you since CDBaby days and am an artist selling my music there.
I read your book a few years back and emailed you an idea, you kindly replied and said to go for it.

So I have been going for it! I have a small social enterprise and we make fantastic songs for children - for fun and for learning. Primary school age children 5-11 so if your child is that age, look me up at www.gokidmusic.com.

I’m applying for some funding at the moment to do 2 years R&D on songs and music designed to help children with additional needs- children who were in care and who have sensory/attachment needs, emotional/social difficulties and struggle to settle at school to learn.

It’s going to be great (when I get the funding!!)

So, if you head down to south coast, Brighton - and you really should!- look me up, it would be fab to meet you in person!

Very best wishes
Al Start 😃

I wonder if this is why I've felt closer to you recently?

Good for you! England is a great country to experience! My family moved from balmy Arizona to Manchester City, UK, for a year in 2014, during my wife's sabbatical, and it was a life-changing experience. I will contact you during the summer when we go to Florence and Switzerland. Cheers!

It's great to experience the world, is it not? After all, we are the world!!
Keep this text in mind. Ps. 119:113
'Order (establish) my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me'.
Blessings.

Hi there. I went to school at Cambridge, and traveled all over England. Oxford is beautiful. I plan to visit again this summer or fall. My closest friends live in Combe Martin, Devon, right by the beach.
Would love to meet up. Will send a message when I arrive.
Cheers!

Hi Derek,
I too have followed you since CD Baby days and BTW, Thanks! I was always very grateful for the doors that my CDBaby releases opened for me. (I'm writing orchestral music now.)

Your life journeys and choices are always inspiring and fascinating to hear about.

I lived in one place New York City for many years, but moved 13 times! Now in rural upstate NY since 2002, where my soul has been nourished by beautiful natural surroundings and animals that cohabit the land with us, but I too am contemplating a new move – hungering to be immersed again in closer proximity to the creative energies of other composers, writers, artists, musicians, etc. Not sure yet where the next destination will be, but have an open mind and heart.

All the best for your new life-residency in Oxford!

Congratulations. I hope you enjoy your new adventure! Thank you for keeping in touch!

Hi Derek,
You have been so kind to me and you don't even know me.
Back in your company CD Baby helped me release my first cd.
It was not a huge commercial success but the project opened
up creative freedom that has changed my mind, my marriage,
my personal relationships and SO much more.

Anyway, that's a long-winded way to say THANKS DEREK for your
kindness and unselfishness.

All the best to you in Oxford!

Brad Tipton
(Stockton, California - United States of America

Heya Derek! Congrats on the move and it makes me put my own more local move into perspective :)👍. If I hit Europe I’ll hit you up — hugs from the Big Sky Country of Montana!

Congratulations Derek! I hope this is a wonderful, stimulating new adventure and home for you and your child! Can relate to that there is always a bit of lose even with good changes! Best always!

I hope you find it as welcoming as W B Yeats found it. Cheers.

Hi Derek,
I like the way you think! Moving to the next experience will be an elevation in your consciousness. Paradise is a place in the heart. I lived in Hawaii and picked coffee, built paths and stairs with lava rocks, and thought I’d never leave. The band I started played so much, we opened for a few big name bands and got burnt out. My mom was sick, so packed up and left. That foam futon was one thing I carried for years. After coming back to San Diego to be with mom, stayed (after she died) and felt that home is where your heart is. I bagan writing music and was channeling those words. This planet is full of love, it is whatever vibration we choose to live in.
So, to me, you are gathering and sharing stories through your experiences and uplifting others. Thank you and enjoy your time with you precious one, playing LEGO’s can put you into the present moment. 💕~ keep us posted and inspired!
Stefani

"without the windstorms, we would never see the beauty of the canyons carvings"...saying by elizabeth kubler ross

great art requires storms.
living the good life is for patrons of the arts..
well thats my humble opinion.

an my fav saying by iceskator toller cranston...

"artists are the tools of the gods. they are driven mercilessly towards goals they are powerless to alter..their lives are not their own..they are the instruments of destiny"......by great iceskator toller cranston

when an opera libretto comes thru my well worn pen...i simply let go let god an as with seeing nature..i am completed humbled. "me" and "I" become "we, us and thee"..

That's great man- the new spot will be awesome as well

Good luck with your journey. I can't remember if I met you. Remind me who you are.

Dear Derek!

You moved to England in a very exciting phase. The Brexit will cause many difficulties, but for sure will cause many changes and reboots. It will take a lot of entrepreneurial spirit to reach a certain standard of self-sufficiency in all areas of production. If it becomes a soft-brexit less, if it becomes a hard-brexit, then it needs open unaccustomed free spirits like you to get something moving in this crusted land. I think you will have many opportunities in England. You will reap gold if you are willing to interrupt your sabbatical.

Best regards and a peaceful, happy and successful future in Oxford.

Hi Derek,
Thanks a lot for sharing all of your experiences while you were living in New Zealand. I know from my own experience what it means moving from one place to another, I've been there on a quiet a few occasions while living in my homeland (former Yugoslavia) and for the last 30 years, I have finally settled down in UK, and the last 30 years it has been the happiest years in my life. Moving from one place to another it was very influential and on this matter I wrote, most probably one of my best songs ever, LEAVING. feel free to visit my profile at Number One Music com, where you can hear the song itself.

http//www.numberonemusic.com/rizobalic

Buy the way, since you are now living in Oxford, not too far from me, hopefully in some near future, we can find a place where we can meet face to face and have a drink and a little chat.
Good luck in everything you do.
Rizo Balic

Hey Derek! Wow! what an adventure!
Thanks for the updates...
Danny

Wow! Good for you, Derek.
I wish you as much happiness in Oxford as you found in New Zealand.
Congratulations!

Abhay

I want to move, but move back to Hawaii, or Buenos Aires. I'm glad for your move, and I also believe you'll return to New Zealand. I always have believed it's good to move TO a place for your own reasons. And you do have them! Best of luck to you, Derek - and Buena suerte - Bonne chance!!!
Dana in Denver

As someone who loves your writing and energy (albeit in your writing) I’m super happy to say welcome to Europe! As a Swede in the UK personally I hope we stay part of the political Europe but whatever the case you’ve selected an interesting time to be here. I hope it is all you’ve desired and more.

David

Billy for you as the locals there might say!

I just came back from vagabonding around Europe recreating I trip I took 49 years ago only going to different places and not with my thumb stuck out. Next fall, I intend to bring my wife and do some vagabonding around Croatia and the environs and to do some sailing. I'll check in before we come to see if you want to go sailing in the Adriatic for a week or so.

Happy trails!

Coming from someone who craves change but has a (might I add, ever so loving) husband who does not, you’re living the life and breaking boundaries for yourself and others. I have always loved the idea my coaches preached to be growing - get comfortable with being uncomfortable, that is where growth happens (and sticks!).

Cheers, mate!

Hi Derek,

Congratulations on the move!
If you have any gatherings and would like some background music just get in touch

Thanks!
Greg
Www.AcousticSinger.com

Gee!.........Derek........what electrifying great news ! Yeah !I read your recent email, with some envy !WELL, to be truthful, a great deal of envy. Reason being , of course , is because at this time in my life, I do not have the guts, to pull up stakes and seek adventure ! HOWEVER ,There have been times, in my past, in which I did change habitats . And there was , as far as I can tell , no damaged done to my psyche . I am the same guy NOW ! As I have always been , just a bit more cautious ....sort of a stay at home guy .

Should you, be fancying about London , give my regards to the folks at Dress Circle ! They were so nice ,to "Introduce" my Broadway USA CD Album Vol.5 "Little Bit Gay" to their cliental . That musical show, was released some years ago, but their catalog , still carries it !

My late brother , loved the English people ! Who graciously enveloped him ,in WW2 , during his brief stay in England , with their thoughtfulness, of his imminent plight ! Which was, the invasion of Germany . Junior , that's what mother called him , survived the Omaha Beach D-Day landing and the Normandy Battle , was killed six months later in Belgium. By a buzz-bomb. He was only 19 years of age!

The English people, like those at Dress Circle , are our friends ! And we , the Americans, are their friends . I am sure....you will be welcomed , with warm and thankful kindness by the English people .

Derek, You are always an inspiration in the way you live your life. I hope to see you this fall on my Europe tour!

Hi Derek,

Wanted also to say thanks for all the help in the past when I was beginning to write and produce music. We have New Zealand on our "bucket list" as it looks absolutely gorgeous. We have always loved our trips to Oxford, London, and the surrounding areas! : ) Enjoy!

Gee, I've been out of touch. Did I miss the move to NZ from Singapore? Yes! I moved two years ago from the Philippines to the USA.
We do need to catch up.
My Best to you Derek.

Wow! What a change! I hope I can meet up one day soon. Sounds like you are ready to be actively involved in something - will be interesting to see what happens. I will be going to Kenya and Morocco in June. Maybe a stopover in England... the history and culture must be amazing in Oxford. I am sure you will miss New Zealand but there is a lot of beauty in UK also.

Brexit?!

Xoxo

Yay to you on taking the leap!! You are oh so far away from us but if ever you make a visit to the USA, I will meet you anywhere. Keep your heart open to God’s voice. You are in my prayers.
Lani

I'll be motorbiking past you to Liverpool on the 3rd of June with my final destination - The Isle of Mann. Heading over to the Isle of Mann TT.

Oxford would be a good spot to stop for lunch. Get back to me if you're free, and we can talk about Australia, coding and Scandinavian symphonic metal on my way through.

Hi Derek, Welcome to you and your son to Oxford and the UK. So pleased to learn your now accessible. Your right in amongst the intellectuals and you should find a good school for your son. I studied in Cambridge years ago but did happen to work in Oxford for a short spell. The last time you came to London I came to meet you it was around China town. When I arrived you were already gone. You sent us a post a little while back asking us if we could give up something we really loved to make room for something new. Well! you've done just that. I hope you are extremely happy and you will make a lot of new friends. London is a great place to meet up with plenty to do. Thank you for contacting all of us. Will be in touch.

Derek, you continue to shock and awe!
I’m trying to to imagine what was in your three suitcases.
This new adventure sounds invigorating! Cheers!

Pam Mark Hall

Wow! Yeah I think it is good to never get to comfortable at one place... :)
Let me know when you are coming to Berlin and need some tips or help (also any German regarded issues).
Have a great start in your new home!
All the best
Heike

Always inspirational! Best to you and your boy.

Good luck in England! When you move back to New Zealand please extend me an invite! 😜

Sounds great and I understand the moving thing!
My wife and I just bought a 100 year old house in Silverlake right off Sunset bl. And it’s so cool to meet new people and enjoy a new culture!! I’ve got a new album dropping soon and I’ll look you up when we cross the pond to play! Cheers! Ray w Roldan

Nice work. I am pondering a move myself, for similar reasons. New place - new culture - new views - new me.

Gary
Nelson, BC Canada

That's awesome! I'm excited for you
and your new adventure.

That picture reminds me of the view from
an apartment in Lugano, Switzerland where
I lived for about 6 months.

I'll be interested to hear about the intellectual
beauties you get to enjoy and your EU
Adventures.

Inspiring!! Will keep on the lookout for you when we tour the UK!

Derek,
Thanks for the update. I’ve been in a lot of places in Europe and when I retired I was trying to think of where I would relocate to. I’m just not a big fan of the cold anymore. While Las Vegas is known for its heat it does get cold in the winter and as you are probably aware it snowed this year. I like the warm weather all year round. I like the beaches, food, inexpensive cost of living and thin women. Every time I return to the United States I’m grossed out about the obese bodies of American women and men. So while it may not be perfect I found the Thailand really is the land of smiles. Bangkok is a world-class city and there’s plenty to do for the simple and intellectual minds. And with 1 TB Internet download speed’s the world is a very small place. I can watch all my American TV shows in 4K, see the best newest movies in IMAX 3-D, flight to anywhere in Asia for small money, and stay warm all year long. I don’t own a car I walk to most places or take public transportation, I’m active, healthcare is very inexpensive and excellent so I think I’m going to stay here for a while.

If you’re ever in the neighborhood look me up
Steve Greenstein

Derek.
I've remained connected to you (albeit loosely) for years. I consider you a mentor and someone I have a ton of respect for. A LOT has transpired in my life over the past 3 years, but this is not the forum for those details. Just wanted to say congratulations on making yet another bold move. You're very brave and adventurous. While I've never lived in Oxford, I have been many times. I am sure there are many treasures hidden there that you will uncover. If I am over there soon I will let you know. Warm regards, peace, health and endless discovery. Brendan Mahar (Vancouver... still).

You will love Oxford if it is still anything like the city I knew back in the 1970s ☺
I was at Christ Church in the centre (1972-1975) and later at Westminster College (up the hill from the centre) (1975-1976) and loved almost every moment.
As regards Christ Church do have a look at An Amble round Mercury which features the famous Mercury pond in Tom Quad there
www.youtube.com/watch?v=clqARXFAgew

They just don't make 'em like you anymore, Derek. You are living your life and making a contribution to millions in the bargain. Not many of us can say that. I hung up my microphone two years ago, Dec 6, 2016. I lost my edge and was running out of money besides. I still play at home to my cocker spaniel. It's unlikely I'll get to Europe but if I do I'll email. All the best. You are a model for us all about how to live life.

Hi Derek! U r leaving a beautiful place and people - apart from the world. But if there is a moment when u would like to SETTLE down, maybe it will be New Zealand, after u have traveled the world. Get and read ur posts whenever I can. Ur fan, Carmen

Great stuff Derek. Hope your move all goes well for you and your family.

Malc.

Welcome to Oxford!
I'm a expat (brazilian) postdoc here.
If you'd like to experience an authentic Brazilian Churrasco, just hit me in the email! I invite your family to the next one (pretty much every weekend as long as it's not raining!).
Best,

Keep searching and enjoying the ride!

Good luck with the move. Some music to listen to on your travels:
SOUNDCLOUD
soundcloud.com/adammurphymusic-1

Last album Out of the System on Spotify:
open.spotify.com/album/6WhWUY2r0kCvJ7fiMjBzlu

BANDCAMP
adammurphy.bandcamp.com

BALCONY TV
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb6LDpbSh4E

CITÓG
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMGHKVYrOTo

HALF-WAY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T6Pg9LpbDQ

OTHER VIDEOS BY NORA DUGGAN
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Nora+Duggan+ADAM+MURPHY+HALF-WAY



OTHER LINKS

WEBSITE:
http://www.adammurphymusic.com

CdBaby:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/adammurphy

Welcome !

Let me know if you ever fancy a look around Cambridge, so you have the full picture ☺

I've been following your journey since the beginning of CD Baby. We spoke when you first started it. I just copied & pasted this into my "Favorite Quotes" collection:

"I usually get where I’m going by leaving where I've been."

Thank you for the years of inspiration!

Best,
Steven

Welcome to our crazy country. I'm not impossibly far away, on the Isle of Wight. When you want to see something else apart from Oxford, try the South Coast! Apart from the main IoW Festival, Rhythmtree was good last year and is very child friendly.www.rhythmtree.co.uk/

Bravo Derek! It takes a certain kind of courage to pick up and move. My late Pop was like that, but I can't seem to even venture out to a neighboring city nowadays :/ Cheers to our music - Bob

Nice to hear from you, all the best with England and keep in touch !

We miss you here from New Zealand!
I believe moving for good too. Will move abroad this year. UK or Australia.
All the best Derek!

Welcome to the UK in a time of turmoil! Bonkers Brexit. Anyway great to have you live quite near me - I look forward to maybe meeting up. Do let me know of things you're attending and enjoy our fab weather atm!

Ah, the dreaming spires of the city contrasting sharply with the roadworks and general traffic mayhem of the ring road, both inspiring and maddening at the same time. However, I'm sure you're going to love it, from the array of renowned Theatres and the O2 Academy (I played there once, never got invited back, strangely) to the endless list of pub venues where you can find raw talent before it hits the big time. Of course, Oxford offers much more than just music but you'll find all this out for yourself. Welcome aboard!

Meant to add how about Parkrun - 9am every Sat morning at lots of places throughout the UK as well as the rest of the world. I've done the one in Oxford and there's lots of others to do - if you or your son are runners of course!

Hi Derek! Always great to hear from you. I’d love to meet up with you sometime but alas I am in California with no trips planned to Europe at the moment. Wishing you all the best in your new setting!

Enjoy the journey.Life and our world has so much to offer anywhere you go. People are people and music is universal so we are able to connect no matter where we are. Wishing you great intellectual, emotional and spiritual success on your journey. Maureen

"I believe moving is good for the mind. I like seeing the world from different perspectives. I usually get where I’m going by leaving where I've been." Thanks. I so needed that!! You continue to inspire me...ever since I met you at the very first Indie Music event in NYC the 90s. Cheers to you in your move! I love NZ too, and recognize the effort it took to leave. As someone wise once said, "People, like plants, need to be repotted from time to time."

Dear Derek,

Good to hear from you!
I can understand your feelings about leaving New Zealand.
Coincidentally, I was in New Zealand last month for just a few days and absolutely loved it. When I returned to Seattle, every night I would dream that I was still there in New Zealand. The dreams lasted a whole month!
The connection with nature that I felt there also made me cry. A magical place for sure.
Wishing you the best and great new adventures in Oxford.

Geisa Dutra, M.M.
www.geisadutra.com
Brazilianpianist@Instagram

Congrats Brother! I'm so happy for you. All the best to you and your son on your latest adventure...

I lived in Oxford for 6 years in the 90's, it's a very good place. I bet you will love it!

Sorry you have left NZ Derek, I sometimes wondered where you were here and if I would run into you! Enjoy Oxford and exploring Europe and look forward to hearing more about it from your unique perspective.

Derek it's been a long time, thanks for contacting me i appreciate it, please keep in contact, Stanley, Peace!!

I'm so excited for you!! and thank you as always for writing such simple but inspiring notes. It reminded me today of how much I've moved in my lifetime... a LOT!! Germany, Australia, America and I've lived in 60+ abodes. I feel like I am very adaptable to change, and with running my own business I need that. I just love your attitude to life!! Wishing you a very awesome experience I hope you will share with us. xs

Very happy for you.

Thank you for the update Derek. I think that your philosophy on moving from time to time is really interesting. Enjoy.

congrats on the move, Derek!

I think Hermoine Granger from harry potter lives in Oxford so maybe you will run into her! xD

Cool man. I'll have to come check out Oxford. It must be really good if you decided to move there! I've been to London, Manchester, Cambridge thus far...

Yes Derek, things change....from when Alexandra and I met you in Matakana and our thoughts of New Zealand, about a year and a half ago we sold a home in Columbus Ohio and I suggested to Alex we do a road trip back to Naples, with visits to Nashville (of course remember my music background) , a place called Highlands North Carolina, Charleston , and then Fla., when we arrived in Highlands the next morning, my wife said “ this is it, we need to be here”. Remind you neither of us had been there. So sold home in Naples, now we’re living pretty much on top of some mountain. ...things change.....we are blessed. Guitar is “interesting” again, learning flatpicking, clawhammer, Dominic Miller, John Mayer, and even James Taylor to name a few interests. Water and homeless children are on the radar, and occupy the “what are ya gonna do now” space. We will continue to regularly visit NZ , matakana and Te Hapu capture our interest. Keep in touch , Michael and Alexandra

Sorry we never got to meet while you were here. I remember being really excited that you were living in Gods Own. Still Oxford is cool, best of.

Jolly Good Luck! Let us know what the music scene is like in Oxford.

HI Derek good luck with the move and as a kid i grew up in Oxford, and it is a great city. Port Meadow and the Trout Inn - a couple places you must visit and walk :)


Enjoy


best Peter

Hello Derek
Had no idea of where zest for life had drawn the the CD Baby creator. I moved from Portland to Seattle almost five years ago... a short distance, but have enjoyed extensive travel, most recently to Mayan archeological and cultural sites in Guatemala and Honduras (fascinating country; no concern for safety in tourist areas). I was a graduate student at Oxford (in social anthropology) eons ago; have returned numerous times. Lovely place to be... for a while. Can't imagine that you won't begin to miss open spaces and fresh breeze. Please thank your correspondent John Winn. His rendering of Leonard Cohen's
"Hallelujah" is very moving. All best, Joella

Derek,

Two friends of mine pointed me at your blog - two days apart. They are huge fans. We all share the objective of being able to live (and work) anywhere. I love your articles!

Just wanted to say.

Scott

I visited Oxford two years ago while on a trip with my daughter. Looks like an interesting place to live. Our next trip might be to Scotland.

Take care

Harold

Derek, as usual and once again, you inspire me. Thank you. Making this move when you felt so much tenderness in doing so, and clear that there's more you want to experience, see, be, and be a part of. These are my words, of course, as I reflect on what you're up to and why. For many years I moved regularly. It fed my brain and spirit and sense of connection to All that is in doing so. Have now lived in the same place for 13 years. This has its own gifts, too, of course, though I yearn for more experiencing that only happens when there's a chance to be in a novel place for more than a couple of days at a time. I expect there will be a tenderness, a tearful thankfulness, if, when I move from here, too. And for now, what's next is not entirely up to me, so we'll see! I have family and friends in England, so when I'm headed there next, I'll drop you a note and see what you're up to - talks, events, etc - and how I can play along. Best and much love to you and your fam in your new home!

JoannaTheAmazon;)

Welcome to England Derek. I hope you are very happy here. Best Regards. Michael J Ramplin

Derek--great to learn of the next step in your adventure! This bit really resonates with me:

"I like seeing the world from different perspectives. I usually get where I’m going by leaving where I've been."

I haven't packed up house, but have been spending time in new (to me) corners of the globe lately and have startled myself with how much more vital I am feeling as a result. Good for the mind, yes, and spirit and body, too!

Cheers,
Stephen

Hello Derek,

Hadn't realized you had moved to New Zealand, thought you were still in Singapore! Amazing how time flies!

The family and I are now in Egypt, we try not to stay more than 5 years in one country and it has been working out for us. We just make sure that the kids stay connected with grandparents, uncles and aunts on both sides and we try to include stopovers during holiday trips so the kids can reconnect with old friends. Clearly that may prove difficult in your case! :) However we did live in the South Pacific for a couple years and though we haven't made it back we and our kids have been keeping in contact with friends via Skype, facebook and WhatsApp which with videochat included and prqctically free is awesome.

Will keep you in mind for some of the events we are planning later this year, after all you're just a 4.5 hour plane ride away!

All the best,
Paul

Dear Derek, Just in time for Brexit! That's the spirit.
Erica

Embracing change takes tremendous courage. Which you humbly pass off as no biggie. But I know better. I hope this moves exceeds your expectations and hopes and dreams. Change is good ☺

Beware the commas. They're insidious.

Hello Derek: always great to hear from you and read your thoughts.

I too recently moved, after 32 years living a block from the Pacific Ocean in Marina Del Rey, California. Now I’m a quarter block from the shores of Lake Erie with a gorgeous mile long beach and 30 mins from world class symphony, art museum and beautiful old churches and cathedrals. Loving the seasons again too despite having to learn to drive in that winter white stuff again. I gave up lots of stuff before I moved, but not my son’s huge LEGO collection. 😁

After 16 years at UCLA in neuroscience research, I took early retirement (but probably will work at least part time starting in next year) and am learning to give up my perfectionism, although it did help my long successful career and academic achievements. Speaking of that, here’s my favorite quote from Leonard Cohen. “Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That is how the light gets in.” Wishing you find many treasures with lots of cracks in your new life in England.

Cheers and Light, Candace

Cheers and best of luck!

Aloha Derek! Exciting ride this life eh, all the best to you!

Good luck !
1. Science museum in Oxford has great selection of shrunken heads from south america
We really enjoyed seeing them aged @ 10-12😊
2. Parents sent us across the field to a really good prep school called Cothill (late 1970s)
I was at Bangkok TropicalMBA meeting you were at a few years ago
We live in chiang mai but i work in eestern Australia
Cheers
Ben

Hey Derek - always great to hear from you! I hope you'll make it over to Portugal at some point. There's a strong connection (particularly Port wine) with England. My wife is from Tras os Montes - in the Northernmost part of the country. Beautiful, if remote. I love to visit in the Summer when small-town festivals bring the area alive. Stay well - and I look forward to hearing about your Oxford adventure.

Best,
- Gary

Derek,
Congratulations in all you do!
I am trapped in the beauty of my home & gardens. You are an inspiration.
Time to look outside my box.
Maria

Derek, Great to hear from you. Sending you some love from Trinidad. I trust you'll be responding to all who sent you messages! LOL! Look forward to hearing your thoughts. The only constant in life is change. So I'm dealing with it in joy and fortitude. Would like to share ideas with you if you're amenable. ANDRE

If you are in Cambridge and like good coffee, visit Dom at 84 Mill Road.
www.instagram.com/rubiaceaecoffee/

Wow Derek... your updates always inspire me, and this one especially as I've been considering a move and love your perspectives! The idea of choosing a place (or career or person or whatever!) because of intellectual beauty was something really profound. I'm inspired by you, and perhaps I'll find you in Europe as I find my way around the world in the coming years too. Cheers to you!

Happy for your happiness!! Thank you for your sharing of knowledge and life events. "We" ("we" as in your 'fans' or 'friends from afar') wish you the absolute best in terms of lifestyle, peace of mind, family, and the journey you continue. "Haere Ra"

Derek good stuff! Just when I’ve forgotten about you pop back into my life. I feel I am a better person for it. Your always fresh and enthusiastic about living. England swings with music, one of your loves. Enjoy, be happy & safe!
Larry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

We'll miss you, bru! I just moved nearby to the Oxford of New Zealand -- Dunedin. I understand the craving for intellectual stimulation. I hope you find there's some wilderness left in England!

Congrats Derek! I love hearing about your journey and the reasons for your choices. Our mutual friend Jeff Cohen says hi :) ...he's actually in London right now for a couple of weeks writing songs and playing shows in case you're gonna be in London soon. I don't think he knows you've moved there.

A song for your travels:
BLOODLINES - youtu.be/Hq8nlR7SKCI

How exciting! Adventure is the spice of life.

Yep, you’re crazy - but that’s why we love you. Best wishes Derek.

So inspiring. Thanks for expanding my views of reality. Reading your post was like a big exhale. It's good to be alive.

Interesting! I left L.A. for the “land of the long white cloud”
thirty-five years ago. For the last ten years, I spend November to April here, and then Spring and Fall based in L.A, and the northern summer in Scandinavia and Europe. I follow the sun, and swim all year round, as it’s my favorite exercise. My life is based around family & close friends, I, too, need the vibrancy, perspectives, and
opportunities of different continents. However, each time I return home to my ‘sanctuary’ in NZ, I know that I’m truly blessed 💕
It would be a pleasure to catch up one day.
Cheers mate!

Hi Derek,

If you're in Germany sometime, let me know I'm at home in the whole country, but my base is the beautiful city Kassel. My second base is Munich.

All best,
Jerry

Congrats and way to go!! The linguistics must be ear candy!! I offer the perfect Mexican-American-Engish accent!!!

Best of luck, Derek!

Thanks for the update Derek. Yes keep growing and exploring new possibilities!
Peace & Light,
Alex

Derek, I'm sorry we did not meet up when you lived here in NZ as I would have enjoyed chatting about your early band days and the formation of CDBaby. However, only you know what's best for you and your kid and I wish you all the very best with the move to Oxford in the UK. I hope you continue with your informative and wonderful Newsletters when you get settled over there.

Bill.

Your good vibe goes with you wherever you go ... not so much where you are but rather who you are ... keep on truckin' sir and thanks again for creating CD Baby! !

I totally get where you are coming from. As you know, we emigrated from Bath in the UK to New Zealand ten years ago. We had had enough of sophisticated culture and craved the space and raw ‘do what you want’ attitude that NZ provides so well.

I have a feeling that Oxford will bring about some fabulous writing in you Derek, and can’t wait to read everything you have to say.
If you ever visit Bath or Cornwall and are looking for that wild energy that NZ provides, send me a message and l will send you to some beautiful remote getaways that only lonesome creatives who crave space know about!
Thank you for keeping us informed and I’ll keep your seat warm in NZ until you come back to us.
Liz

I wish you all the best on this new adventure. I moved around the West Indies a lot in my high-school years, and around the USA during my college years. I'm married with two kids and a mortgage. No major moves in the last 17 years.

Dear Derek,
Congratulations on move. I've been to England 4x. Definitely go to Cornwall which was my favorite area.
You could always go back to New Zealand in the future. Good luck and keep us posted.
Truly,
Karen

I really resonated with your feelings re NZ. It’s so free from pretense. Living and working in LA is just about as opposite as can be. It shows how group dynamics can shape an entire country or city’s feeling. Sometimes we are the medicine that promotes change in an east and positive way and sometime we are more like a splinter that is not readily embraced. As long as we are authentically ourselves it all promotes growth for ourselves and those around us. Have a wonderful experience!

Good for you man. I hope it is everything you want it to be. Thanks for the update. If I ever make it over there i'll reach out.

Yeah. I'm going to visit! Safe travels good fella! Cheers.

Hi Derek!
Thanks for the update, congrats on the move.
Ahoi from Hamburg

Hope you have a excited time in your new Europe adventure! I absolutely love this sentence and I'm going to copy it into my notes to come across for years to come

" I usually get where I’m going by leaving where I've been."

Cheers!

Is Weed legal in Oxford? A lot of really smart people that wear glasses live there. I think they invented penny loafers and IZOD shirts.

Hello,
I think it’s great for the mind, body and soul. We’re not meant to stay
Still. We’re meant to dream and prosper and along the way meet people, places and things. So enjoy each and every money
with all that you’ve dreamed of, blessings to you and love ones🎈👍🏾😀.

😃Sory for typo. That was live every moment ❤️❤️🎈

Thx for the inspiration. Best of luck

Wish I could be as mobile as you! But it's tough with so many things to move & a grand piano! I'm planning a trip to Italy in September; if it goes through I will let you know! I hope to visit the Vatican City and nearby San Marino.

Derek, I believe moving will be worth your while. I, personally, have learned a lot from traveling Europe. When I was working, I used to go to England every year to visit a host of friends. I haven't been there in 19 years and I've been chomping at the bit to go there again, and my British friends have been nagging me to make the trip. I will be going there in the near future, however, I'm not sure how near that might be. I'd really love to meet up with you if you happen to be in town at that time. I always stay for three weeks.

Thanks for this. I'm going to be moving cities in a few years and that already fills me with dread. Your post gives me hope.
I used to move cities and countries quite regularly, but I think this time there's a feeling of the "sunk cost" of the home I've made here, fear of splitting my young kids form their local school friends, etc makes me very nervous. The benefits are very clear, but it's hard to leave what I have behind.

Aloha Derek! I've been a big fan of your blogs, writings and inspirations. I tallied that I've moved 15 times in 20 years because of work. I've been back in Hawaii now for ten years!
The longest stretch in one place since leaving Hawaii in 1984. Congrats on the London move!

I lived in San Francisco and experienced the dot com 1.0 to 3.0. I even took a swing at a start up launch. The insight you provide by sharing the experiences you've lived through, provide
optimism for me as I continue to conceptualize viable business ideas and stay on being creative.

Have an awesome weekend.

Dave Cruz

Thanks fotr the update Derek; always love hearing about your adventures..... beat of luck in Oxford. I get across the pond a biit; when I get your way I’ll reach out!

All the best-

P

Congrats Derek! Europe's a great place to be -- I've lived there a couple of times throughout my schooling (once in London and another time in Berlin) and travel there quite frequently for work. I'm actually looking to move back to Berlin sometime in the near-ish future -- will definitely connect with you if I make it there!

Good luck on the new adventure. All the best, Kait

"I usually get where I'm going by leaving where I've been"
Profoundly simple and brilliantly put.
Thanks for sharing your journey--beautiful photo.

Be well and enjoy the tim tams :=)

Cat

Congratulations on the move and for inspiring all of us with your journeys and experiences. ☺

Good that you are feeling more mentally stimulated. This world needs more of that energy!

I am so happy for you, Derek! It is wonderful to pursue learning, as you do so
passionately! I am sure your little boy is going to be very bright, and a challenge to his teachers, because he will be so far ahead of his peers due to
his Father's insatiable need to experience new things, new cultures, etc... I hope he knows how lucky he is!!!!! Wish I had done what you are doing, when I
was still able to do so, physically! Can't wait to read your articles on your new travels around Europe!!

Love you my friend!!!
Carole

I just left the US (5 months ago) for Portugal and couldn't be happier! Change IS good :)

Thanks for keeping in touch.

Great read, thank you for sharing with us some of what you have been going through. I too have been wanting to travel again recently. Well best of luck in all of your endeavors, and thank you for all of what you have done for me as an artist.

Awesome, change is good. My familiar has me content. Will you ever move back to New Zealand? I don’t think i could have given up my peace. Real peace is hard to find. Good Luck

Hi Derek,

Sorry to hear you're leaving our part of the world (I'm in Australia) but I also understand the desire to move. That may change the longer you live, who knows. Whatever happens you'll get something out of your system.

Cheers,
Nicole ☺ ☺

Won't be going there but would love to see you back in Santa Monica. Are your parents still doing ok?

Derek - I've known of you for about 20 years now via CD Baby - I've been very impressed with your insights and your ability to adapt to new places and circumstances - you've lived in many of the places I've wanted to live - I do travel extensively however have to return part of the year to earn the money to do so - I was actually in New Zealand for 3 weeks last August - it is indeed a beautiful country and culture - I am a physician, a psychiatrist actually, and I enjoy meeting different people from around world - it seems to validate my core beliefs that in general people are trying their best and we're all much more similar than we might think - I'm in the process of utilizing the technology we have at our grasp to transition to telemedicine so that I can live and work from abroad - the lifestyle that you have lived is very much what I have desired - Europe is a beautiful place and there are many wonderful cities to explore - I have my eye on Madrid, Paris, and Berlin - I may be there by the summer or fall - do keep in touch and perhaps we will find ourselves crossing paths and sharing a beer on the other side of the pond - keep enjoying life - regards - Josh

We've met a few times, Derek. I'd be very surprised if you remembered me, but I've followed your life and career with great interest, both before, and especially AFTER, CD Baby. And I have to say, I'm really impressed with your determination to live purposefully! So I wanna say Thanks, for continuing to keep us apprised of your doings! And Good Luck in your new Oxford home. I expect, you will find meaning there, and re-purpose it to whatever it is you need at this time. And then, as you have in the past, please share your insights with us! I look forward to hearing from you, next time you're moved to send out a communication!

All the very best to your family and you, Derek. What are your upcoming projects in Oxford? Wishing all of you joy, success and fulfillment!

I wish you and your son the best of everything in your new location. Oxford sounds like an amazing place! (Not that NZ wasn't, too!)

Awesome man! Enjoy! I'm a big fan of your lifestyle, which has really inspired me. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

Congrats on the move, Derek.

Hope you're enjoying our Indian curries already, but if not, get on it. :)

Nice!! Great to hear. Enjoy!!

Congratulations on the move! Good to hear from you! Best- Alexandra

I think it’s fantastic the way you live. Reading your emails always reminds me that it takes a certain kind of courage to live a good life. Thank you.

Amazing!

Hi Derek,
Wishing you the best in Oxford. It seems New Zealand was good for your soul. That is fantastic and you very much deserve it for the grind you put in so long with CDBaby. You are one of the rarer truly "good people" that I've met in the music business over the years.
Take care,
Jimmy T

I love that you keep us posted.
So happy for your continuing adventures of living life to the fullest.
I guess it was time to answer that heart call.
If I'm ever in Europe, I'll let you know.

In the meantime,here's one of my songs in honor of your awesome internal listening.

enjoy...

soundcloud.com/julie-rust/its-time

Great Derek! Although I live in the US I have visited Oxford and loved it. You will find many great minds there to stimulate you I'm sure. Best of luck!

Thank you once again for sharing your daring. It is inspiring and positive! It helps me to put things in better perspective. I know that you and your son will thrive in England and Europe; wherever you go, there you are. That’s how I know. Please continue to share your journey.

Thank you for always staying in touch Derek! Wishing you and your family the very best of adventures in your new surroundings. England offers layers upon layers of info from the past. It's a special place!

I love hearing about your journey through life. I literally can see everything that you write about! Congratulations to you and your "side kick" :)! Keep exploring the great gifts of this world!!! Blessings!

Oh good! You've helped me here to make the decision to definitely go back to Europe again on my way back to the states - after I am finished doing my thing here in Asia.

I have no idea when I will start heading back to the west, but after being gone from the states since 2010, I assume sometime later this year is most likely.

I have close, personal contacts in Malta and Spain, and professional ones in Germany, Lithuania, and perhaps Italy too.

The Mediterranean is my favorite area of the region, but working for a while Lithuania would be a different experience for sure!

Best,
Terry

Best of luck going forward, Derek! It sounds as if you are creating the best possible environment for your child to grow up through; timeless memories of New Zealand's environmental beauty to start from, growing into a dynamic and stable intellectual context in being immersed in the Oxford milieu. I hope everything works out well in your new home!

Tom at #117 has a single line, "rainy and gloomy all the time?" (Yes, do let us know) My advice is: you can have rain without gloom.

In my case I grew up in a rainforest playing soccer (football) in the rain, and as an adult I would walk and sing in the rain, and that meant lots of happy memories associated with rain. Not gloom. That was back when the radio played "Raindrops keep falling on my head."

It's like how last month, with snow all around, in early February in the Canadian province of British Columbia (Kelowna) I met a man using the hotel propane bar-b-que out in the back parking lot. I said, "You must be from Alberta!"

"No, Manitoba!" (Next to Alberta on the prairies/Great Plains) He added, "Summers are so short there, you wouldn't have a life if you never bar-b-qued in the snow!"

My advice is: make all your plans "rain or shine." (And set a nice cheerful example for your kid) That's what my Boy Scout troop did, and we never regretted it.

Great move, Derek! The brain loves the music of variety, traveling. Much to learn and enjoy! Best of everything to you and family and the Legos. They will surely enjoy London, especially the swaying bridge --oh, they fixed it.... KUDOS!

Hi Derek, congrats on your move and thanks so much for sharing your emotions.

I think many people feel what you felt but are too afraid to write it or say it.

Know you make a difference.

Sara

Nice to hear you've moved to my home town. My aunt used to live in a house right next to the park in your picture.

I don't know how it happened, but I already commented on this somehow, before you published it. I was very curious to know the why... Oxford (not London?), why no more NZ... And now I know... Yes, Oxford is the perfect fit for you and your son! (How did I overlook something as obvious as that?) I am really happy for you both that you're now settled and at home after being unanchored. Sure doesn't seem like it's been six years already!!! Showers of blessings...

This sounds like a great move for you. I wish you all the best!

Best of luck Derek,
We will miss you in NZ...

Hello fellow traveler, if you plan to visit Hamburg let me know.
Never settle

Good for you! It takes discipline to move away from something you love so much – no mater how much you know it might do you good. Oxford would tempt me too.
A change of perspective is very enlightening. I moved from a large city to a very small town – and I’ve learned a lot. (Especially since I’m an outsider or ‘from away’, as the locals say). Thanks for sharing your journey– it’s always enjoyable and thought provoking hearing from you!

I don't play with The Beach Boys as often as I did - and maybe never will again - so I don't end up in Europe as often, but I was there twice last summer. Being a sideman was honest work, but I'm appreciating being with my wife and kids as never before and spending a lot more time recording our music and playing it live. Gratifying. I appreciate being kept in your loop. Good luck in the new environs; we wish you peace and joy in whatever it brings.

Great to hear from you Derek. I hope we can get together some time. Also I just signed with AMG Sony. I had to take down my cdbaby site, 20 years with them.
I started up when you first started I think. Have a great time God Bless my friend.
DK Davis

Hi Derek

Enjoy your time in Oxford; Wellington will always be here if you feel like returning.

I can recommend spending some time in Cambridge as well, if you haven't yet had a chance to visit. Another charming English town with an amazing history.

NIgel

Fantastic Derek.

Last year my wife and I moved from Perth, Australia to just near Marbella, Spain.

We love Perth (probably even more so now that we've moved), but it's fantastic soaking up all the experiences in Spain and Europe that aren't available in Perth.

We love to travel, so it would be great meeting somewhere.

If you're ever near Malaga or Marbella in Spain, let me know :)

Cheers,
Michael

Derek, you are an inspiration to us all. Enjoy the journey.

Fantastic - now I have all the more reason to keep myself in Europe vs going back to my home country of New Zealand.

Thanks for the update Derek, I hope you really enjoy it in Oxford.

James

Hi Derek! My husband joe laugher w Joy as I read your letter to him (havinf travelles q lot over the years as a minister and understanding the Beauty and feelings surrounding your touching experiences.

Mazol tov and praying for an excellent and fulfilling transition

Messianic recording artist, and long Time CDBaby member
(We met when CDBaby first began in nyc and maybe also nashville)
Michelle gold
Www.michellegold.com

Derek,

I lived in Oxford for a few years where I attended grad school at Wolfson College. I found the educational system to be stratified and stultifying, rife with empty rituals and institutions—not at all the thrilling seat of learning of which I’d dreamed.

Outside of the traumatizing English educational system, the dichotomy of gown and town was even more pronounced than in most university cities.
I couldn’t wait to leave at every opportunity to go back to Paris which had more of the freethinking and engaged socio-political climate I craved. I ended up living there for over 10 years.

That said, I made some lovely lifelong friends, It was a remarkable experience, but not one I would care to repeat. I hope your experience will prove more positive.
Xoxoxo
Jenny

Great to move to see all from different perspective is a way to live the planet and human existance.
Me and my group Dogon - Godwin Noya and Jürjendal have been acting in Europe to get to know and experience the west civ. Creating Musics and doing some actis in different parts.
As for myslef recovering my european experience. Last year had the chance to go to London 3 times to visit my relatives there and am very curios about actually experiencing the Island in all senses. I have home base in venezuela and can undserstand you connection to New Zeland for the maajor act in this country is the wilderness and ladnscapes of a very powerful nature. Hope we get to meet in Europe this 2019, wish you the best time in Oxford.

Miguel Noya

att Paul Godwin

miguelboya/com
godwinoya.com
www.dogonsound.com
www.soundcloud.com/miguelnoya

That was especially beautiful.

Thrilling to know that you will soon be in 'Lyra's Oxford'.
(And if you do not know what that means, Derek . . . you SHOULD.)

That aside I, and all who are attracted to your thoughts and your way of expressing them, very much look forward to experiencing your learning's and experiencing vicariously via your sporadic updates.

May you move be everything you wish for . . . and more then you imagine.

Bon Yoyage.

Welcome to Europe Derel!

Europe is special ànd youll discover so many different places.

I am Paris and willbe happy to show you around when you come over.

All the best

Giuseppe

Hey Derek,

Love the move. Welcome to Europe! I'm just across the North Sea from you. Enjoy life in Oxford. :)

Welcome to Europe, Derek!

Welcome to England Derek and 'kid'..:)
I know the feeling of leaving a place you love..my first place outside of England was Amsterdam which was a great city for a young man! Not for its vices I may add but for its contrasting people and culture..
I lived there four years then went to live in London four years which I also loved...but the country I felt settled for life was Japan.
I was not immediately in Love with Japan but connected deeply and drawn to an moved by its people and culture..
After ten years I was getting what I know now were 'signs' that it was time to leave..I gently ignored these signs and eventually felt kicked out!
I do not miss Japan now but it was like dying and being reborn leaving..In later years I did not see my self as English but felt part of the place..I used mirrors very little so my self image physically was not strong , I could have been Japanese for all I knew! Despite never rising above basic conversation level in Japanese I felt I fitted in seamlessly and had no part in expat life...
I believe some places we resonate with and need to be and other we resonate strongly because of a past life connection...I spent a week in Istanbul on one trip with my then wife who was a belly dancer..so I just went along to support her buying garments and always open to new places.I did not expect the strong feelings if connection when we arrive late evening and such excitement for exploring the next day...it was a truely deep connection and fantastic stay which led to other avenues of travel for another week totally unexpected..
Well Derek seems like you need to be in Oxford now and I wish you all the best...
Robert

Dear Derek,

you are an inspiration to me ! Great that you moved to the U.K. because of your inner voice. I invite you to Germany ... to meet or to join a workshop about the" Psychology of Inner Perceptions "with Master Zhen Qinqchuan , a Chinese Qi Gong Master , who became a close friend to me last year and who is teaching NOW in Bad Zwischenahn, close to Bremen ( look: www.bodyandmindfactory.com) . I am going to be there next weekend. Would be soooo great to meet you there :) Or would you like to know when he is here in Germany again ...maybe when I arrange an course in the end of 2019 ? Zhen is the founder of a new branch originating from traditional Chinese Medicine ... he teaches a very profound , quick and effective way for the heart -mental and physical . It is ground breaking !!! Love to hear from you, Therese

Now I see why you left New Zealand...I asked in an email, but should have read the post first....

I get it now. I moved to France for much the same reason, and have been soaking it up for the last 9 years. We just finished (almost...) building a small house here in the mountains, and I have a sense of awe every time I walk in the forest behind us. It's magical to see the kids hide themselves in the leaves in fall, with natural beauty all around us.

Oxford is a very cool place. I have colleagues who teach there (in partnership with our school), and they love the town. I did an agricultural training in Somerset this past spring, and that was equally wonderful--incredible fields of green bordered by huge trees that seemed to stretch on forever into the English countryside. I highly recommend a visit!

If you want to see the Vercors here in France, I'd be happy to show you and your family around and experience our wonders here. Here's the website to the village I live in:

http://www.stjulienenvercors.fr/

Enjoy settling in!

Gordon

Enjoy the move and more power 2u

All the very best for this next chapter in your lives. May the adventure be fulfilling and uplifting.
I hope you will still send your blogs.
Kindest regards
Denny

Good for you for making the move OS and exiting your comfort zone. Coulda shoulda wouda does not apply here!

Such a nice gesture. You're such a loving person compassionately connected with the world. I'd love to get an opportunity to meet you in person and have you speak at an event. I will surely stay connected and i will love to hear you lecture. A great learning experience for many.

Rev Tina Redden

Good for you Derek! When you travel you live - so very true!

Such a move, great one & on you two for braving half the distance of Earth for refreshed perspective. I got a lot of similar questions when returning to North Texas from Northern California... life's a sine wave & you gotta ride it! Next time we're over I'd love to meet. Glad to hear others think of Munich centrally as well. Haven't been to UK yet! Cheers. -¶

A brave move indeed. Maybe you can help sort the Brexit chaos!!
Welcome to Blighty!
Craig

Well done Derek!!! Great move and looking forward to hearing how it all goes!!! Make the most of it and experience many wonderful places....

Enjoy it.
Keep in touch.

Good for you Derek. Your description of carrying three suitcases and just doing it, reminded me of my situation when I left the Army in 1970. No job, no address to go to, and with only one suitcase to lug around. But it was the first step on my song writing ambitions that I have never regretted, or looked back on. Sometimes you just have to do things that come from your gut instinct that seem crazy to other people.

Well hello Derick,
I would luv to meet you but I'm in North America and have yet to get a pass port. I'am working on it though because I want to travel as well as perform in different countries. I wish I would have had the resources and the idea to come up with cdbaby back when you did. You were ahead of the game when you did that. Peace and good will

Thank you for the update. Seems like the timing is exactly right.

Wow Derek,how cool is that!Way to go.
I've always wanted to visit Poland, where my roots are but life is beating me up with busy-ness.
I applaud your courage and willingness to explore. Good for you.
I'll raise a cup of tea to you later on.
Peace,
Bob
bobthesaxplayer.com

Wellcome to europé. I hope Oxford will bring interesting or mindblowing experiences to you.

Best wishes! Oxford has so much to offer and is such a change from beautiful NZ. I look forward to keeping up with the challenges of your new life, Derek.

Damn, one of my ToDos on my list was to visit you in NZ if you were interested ;-) But now I can invite you to Munich to meet ☺

Hey Derek,
Congrats on your being able to have insight and perspective in your life choices. I believe if everyone was to grow up being able to experience other cultures and regions of the world their fears of the unknown would be greatly reduced and make the world a more civilized place. In a small way I guess social media is helping bridge the gap between people's of the world, I hope it has a lasting positive impact on young minds. I have traveled some to other countries and no matter the living conditions of humans the same basic rules seem to always be observed, treat others as you wish to be treated, give and receive love graciously and their will be happiness. Keep enjoying each moment because that's all we got.

Hi Derek,

My Mom was a war bride, so I've been to England a few times to visit my relatives. I'd be happy to connect you with a couple of my cousins. The Lake District is one of my favorite places on Earth. I've had a longing for many years to visit (and possibly move) to New Zealand. I'm looking to enjoy the nature, not tourist traps or big cities. All I need is to be steps away from a lake or river for kayaking, with a good internet connection to work from home. Do you have a summary of your NZ posts, or some advice regarding living there? I'm planning my first "bucket list" trip in Nov 2019.

Thanks, and good luck to you!
- Judy Lunn

www.judylunn.com
judysings@judylunn.com

(A loyal fan since having my CD "Songs That Speak To Me" produced by CD Baby in 2005)

Welcome to England Derek!

I'm living in another beautiful city, Winchester. If you like Oxford I'm sure you will like Winch and the first weekend of July is a brilliant time to enjoy a the city culture with the Hat fair!
I am sometimes in London too. Tomorrow I'll be there singing with a jazz infused tango band (and dancing some tango).

Your writings have always given me food for thought and I would love to make contact with you on your travels.

Excited to see what this transition and onward journey brings you!

Best wishes,

Funke

Derek, Lisa and I are excited to hear that you have made the move. We have a few vacation destinations in Europe in mind over the next several years, so, hopefully we'll be able to line something up with you.

Moving always signifies a new beginning, but also the end of a chapter. It brings with it excitement for new adventures and nostalgia for the past you're leaving behind. But I have always found that to continue reading a story, you have to turn the page. Sometimes, that brings you to the next chapter in a story. Sometimes, it's to a new book entirely.

Here's hoping this new story will bring exciting new characters into your life and possibly a few others which had seemed long ago written out entirely.

Good luck with your travels and your endeavors. You will find success in all you do because you have the heart for it.

Ed and Lisa

I enjoyed living in Oxford for six years. The one thing I'd change if I had a do-over would be to purchase one of those sunlight-replacement lights like they have in Scandinavia, because the weather can be very dreary and depressing especially in winter. A bicycle (and a strong bike lock) is essential if you live in the center. Otherwise use the Park and Ride because there is literally nowhere to park if you go into town. Check out the Ashmolean Museum especially the Eastern Art department.

Derek Sivers doesn't move. New places come to him because they've heard such nice things.

You know what they say. Never meet your heroes. But they're updating the phrase. Never meet your heroes unless your hero is Derek Sivers.

Most people tell stories of adventure. Adventure tells stories about Derek Sivers.

Excellent move Derek! I just returned to Canada from the U.K. last week. The weather was blissful. I have lived also in many places. England, India, Italy and now Canada. You are right that different places of residence change perspectives of the world. Enjoy your time there with your young one. He will be grown before you know it!

Congratulations on your move Derek!
This is so synchronistic to hear from you as your book caught my eye a couple days ago leading me to contemplate your journey starting CDBaby, your move to NZ and feeling deep gratitude for all your experiences you have shared following your passion for life.
Thanks for this new update and being so transparent. I am preparing to do a spiritual pilgrimage flying to Paris April 19th and then walking from Versailles to the Chartres Cathedral. There has been a desire to walk the labyrinth there and like so many things in life that cannot be explained this needs to be experienced. My son brought a book about the Chartres Cathedral to me when he visited France as an exchange student in high school about 30 years ago and it has stayed in my consciousness. I am so happy to be able to make this trip. The plan is to be in Paris for 4 days to recover from jet lag but will not be traveling to England. I look forward to hearing what unfolds for you. It would be so fun to actually meet you someday.
Keep shining your Light!
Lisa

Good luck Derek x

Congratulations on your move! I like: 'moving is good for the mind' Whenever I need to shake things up just a little (without a move), I'll walk down by the lake at a different location. Here in Chicago (for me), it's about the neighborhood/apartment culture. I hope Oxford brings you some cool music inspiration, I'm interested in what you create next. Dublin is on my bucket list next!

Enjoy! Christina

Congratulations. I wish you the best !!!

All the best Derek & Family and the lucky people
of England who shall get to hear from a true
ROCK STAR of the human space.
My life has been impacted by your work and
business, family, self-realization strategies.
My children’s album Puppy Song Party is still
selling to this day. Released in 2005.
Your TedX talks are enlightening as well.
What’s the next Hell Yeah Project ?
Johnny Hurbon - Arizona
www.mustangjohnny.com

Derek,

I am so excited for you and extremely jealous.

What courage you have is dynamic.

Thank you for including me on your list. My wife, daughter and son will pray for you.

Most people are unaware of Christianity's disciples missionary journeys into Europe after Jesus Christ's crucifixion.

Galatia during these times also received a migration of Celtics into their Greek and Eurasia and Judaic population of that day

There is much history past present and toward the future that I know will aspire you.

I pray in Jesus name for you and your son during these historic times we are living in; I pray restoration, safety, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord, in Jesus name.

Johnny Gonzales
Wedding Guitarist
Discoverer and Author of "Numbers 21:14 The Book of the Wars of the Lord Is The War Scroll and The War of the Messiah Scroll From the Dead Sea Scrolls."

Hi there,

Just thought if your son enjoys legos then perhaps this will be something creative and wonderful to explore also.

www.knex.com/ (no affiliation at all)

enjoy the journey!

Karen
K12PlayGround.com

Congrats, Derek! You're an inspiration to me. I want to travel abroad playing music.. but haven't yet made the leap further than safe ole' USA.
Hopefully soon! Would love to meet up one day. Peace and love
-T

Congrats on the move and next chapter of your life Derek. I really enjoy your sights on the importance of. I I g every so often.

As always, I hope you find the very best opportunities for you. It has been many years since I was in England, but I still remember how wonderful it was to attend live theater and music in London. They have such a long tradition of producing great theater, I hope you have the chance to enjoy some.

Yep, I get it. Being forced out of a good, but now old and tiring, gig in Mongolia. Time for a change! Overwhelmed figuring out next steps. All the best to you!

Congratulations on following your dreams. Oxford I have never visited but having a passion to be free and explore the new is always good. I have felt that way about Sedona Arizona and also a glorious freedom when I fly internationally. Currently I am in Minsk Belarus and on my way Lviv Ukraine on Monday. Not places one would like to live perhaps but certainly culturally fresh.

If per chance I do go to England I will look you up. Keep up the good work. Also tell me more of your child.

Cheers.

Jody

Congratulations ! Fabulous , just marvelous darling ;)
Will let you know when we play in London. Your adventure awaits . May the stars guide your way

Enjoy your journey Derek :)

Congratulations!

Sounds great!
when will you come to Hong Kong?
Then we can meet there)))

Very good Derek, and it's nice hearing from you. We need to make changes sometimes in life, but never forget where were we left off! Keep up the good work Derek, and I hope to hear more thanks.

Derek, good to have you nearby. Loads going on in Oxford, and Newbury and Hungerford interesting also. I cared for the brother of an ex newspaper employee who was on duty the day of the Hungerford massacre. Happened by mistake but will tell more when you're free to meet up.
. Welcome to England.
John E

Hi Derek. I hope you have settled down in England. I have a sister in Manchester. I owe a lot to her and her husband, Thomas. Hope your family is well, and thriving. I won't be traveling to England any time soon. You are more than welcome to visit me anytime. I am in Virginia for the time being. I set up a live video studio, in addition to my regular studio. I am not a video expert, so it may be a while before I put together any live performances. My time is pretty much my own. We are pretty much alike, in that we are both self contained units of operation. It's not the easiest way of seeking our way in this world, but the intense yearning for looking things that we might overlook, to me is a fascinating way to spend my life. I know you do not take things for granted either. It is our destiny without reservations for what we will find, Derek.

Happy moving to Oxford, Derek!
Six years of battery charge is good ample time. Now you can dive into the "intellectual pool" and enjoy your "swimming". On the other hand, you haven't totally left New Zealand behind. It will follow you wherever you go.

looking forward to the future meet up!

Cheers!
Gong Qian

What you say about leaving NZ I can use to tell how I feel after having left New Mexico over a year and a half ago! Honestly, I'm ready to leave again!
I don't know how I could invite you, which I would like to do, because I don't have any official position, I don't work anymore! If you wish to visit and discover Northern Italy I'll be happy to escort you or give you a long list of things to see and do!
What do you do now?
Write to my email!
Ciao

How wonderful to hear from you Derek! I was actually just talking about you with a Young musician and telling him how much I have learned over the years from your blogs Etc. Myself I have been away from music for years as I got married and now have a stepson with duchenne muscular dystrophy that I've been advocating for. I was actually just about to start recording my third long overdue album when he had a terrible accident and almost lost his life. So music is still on hold for me but this young man Josh bergmann and his brother Jared are amazing and they have a band called Rose Valley thorns. They're from Southern California like me, in the Ojai Valley. Anyway great to hear from you I have always really valued everything I have learned from you as a young artist just getting established. I'm sure all those early blog posts are somewhere huh? I told him to look around but I haven't had a chance myself. Certainly if I ever get my buns out to Europe I'll be calling you! Be well brother. Your friend, Rachel

Goodness... You really aren't afraid of change. Congrats. Cant say I'm in the same boat, but love the idea of location independence. I've got a looooong way to go with it, but started the brentseifert.com website for this very reason. Would love the option some day of being able to travel on a whim... maybe even to Oxford. That being said, I'm an hour south of Portland, OR. Should you ever make it back over this way, I'd jump at the opportunity to meet you. Best.

Many blessings on this new part of your journey, Derek! Yes, Europe is awesome!

Now’s the time to read Brideshead Revisited, by Evelyn Waugh if you haven’t. Not only does it evoke a quintessential Oxford and deals with some very British themes - it is a masterful reflection on love, loss, travel and growth - and what the ravages of time do to all those things, and from what you’ve said therefore very topical. Enjoy oxford, it is a wonderful place. Best wishes Derek, Will - Australia.

Aloha Derek!
As a native of London - arguably the most cosmopolitan place in the world and a hub of intellect, politics, science and art of many kinds - who made the 'hermit-like' decision to live in Hawai'i, I can relate to this choice (albeit, you've just made it in reverse!). Hope it was the right choice for you and your family.
:)

Lucky you, Derek! You act on the desires of your heart! I wish that were
possible for me as well, when it comes to where I reside I mean. One thing I did do last year that pleased me was to have two new CDs (in May & July) released on CD Baby. Shown there and on my website (judywelden.com), they each have 20 songs (25th Anniversary) and are titled "Best of judy Welden" & "Judy Welden Gospel". A sad thing that happened was that my then German manager (also a DJ there) loved making videos and made 77 videos of my songs within a few months (she's very fast) found out that most of them had pictures that were not available for use and she insisted I delete them all. What I did instead was to make them private, but I was/am really frustrated over the whole scenario. Thank heavens, CD Baby has all my songs there (nearly 100) with just the album cover, but still wish folks could see the ones with pics! I know you'll always stay true to yourself and priortize the time with your son. They grow up so very fast!! Enjoy all life has in store 4 U, Blessings 'n hugs, Judy Welden

Congrats on your new move. I hope to leave this place (LA) in the near future, after I find a place I can afford to live and create. Be well.
Mitch

Hi Derek - sounds quite life altering. I hope all is well with you and your family.

Cheers,
Luke Samuel.

envy you as always. And i believe your decision to move to the UK must be the best. Particularly if the BREXIT come true. Cheers to your new life!!

Hope that you had a smooth transition. Best wishes in your endeavors.

Always such a deep pleasure and inspiration to hear from you Derek! Another strong move, full of integrity and clarity as usual. Thank you for the update.:)

I can understand the sadness of leaving a peaceful and serene home in New Zealand. I hope your stay at Oxford will be one which is a good trade in exchange for New Zealand. Oxford's dreamy spires should inspire you to your greatest levels of intellectual and fulfilment. Best wishes to you in your new home.

Hopefully someday you can plant your roots. The good ole U.S.A might be a good choice.
At the end of an experience what is left? Does experience lead to fulfillment? Oxford might be a good place to study creation.
Frank

Hey Derek, glad you had an great time in NZ, sad to see you go but think it's cool you're going to experience another part of the world. Have a blast in the UK - livin the dream!

Good luck from Tel Aviv!

Welcome to the UK Derek!

Thanks for allowing me to live vicariously through your adventures, leave nothing undone! Quick question, do the LEGOs connect from the other side of the block?😂. Have a blessed time in Oxford, I’m sure they’re delighted to have you! And, thanks for all the positive feedback, partially due to you, I’ve been full time 🎹player these last 18 years!! Something for your Monday! www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxsxjxVaERE

Great to share the journey with you. Thank you for sharing it.

Awesome!! Congrats on your move Derek!! All the best in your new
home!

How I love you, you keep me inspired to do more and live my best life.
Hope all is well and keep us informed. Will be over soon. Will think of a way to finally meet.

"...But while New Zealand has a physical beauty that’s more visceral, Oxford has an intellectual beauty that I was craving."

this. so much this.

That's so cool! All the best to you, my friend!
I'm still going strong with CdBaby.. you sure did us good there!

Hello Derek
Europe is an interesting place. I'm still in Mali - Westafrika and Italy. So if you are fed up with the british food, you are welcome to Italy. I'm near Genova from April to July.

Greetings Marco

Great hearing from you! All the best on your move. Continue to be AWESOME.
Keep in touch!

Jacey

Congrats on your move and for fitting your life into 3 suitcases. That alone is amazing. :)

Best wishes and hearty cheers.

Best of luck to you, Derek! My kid loves legos too!

Congratulations on the move and I am looking forward to hearing more about your new adventures Derek!

Cheers!

N

Bon Voyage Derek! I admire your mobility and you reasons. Thanks for the update and best to you and your son.

Appreciate the updates. Enjoy Oxford. Since the early times of CDBaby you always have provided valuable insight. Best wishes

Wow! That's so inspiring Derek. I live in Galway, Ireland, but I'm originally from Portsmouth, UK, and I have been to Oxford multiple times. It's a lovely place and I totally get why it appeals to you.

I would love to meet you when I'm next in Oxford and you're always welcome here in Galway. Just a short plane ride away :D

Hi Derek,

I hope your time in Oxford is amazing.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts on your son moving.

I assume you split time with his Mom?

I have a 12 year old son and my wife is worried about
our upcoming move... him starting another new school while
leaving friends behind.

I, on the otherhand, feel that his move at 12
years old to a new state and school will build
resilience and character, by getting him out
of his comfort zone.

We always want what's best for our kids, and
I've always looked up to you for your perspective
on things (which I always find helpful)

Do you feel a 12 year old moving to a new
state/place is good for character and development?

Hi Derek,

I recently read your book, and I liked it so much. I took many notes. I have three quotes from your book in a place where I have to read them frequently. This is one of those:

"We have all heard about the importance of persistence. But I misunderstood. Success comes from persistently improving and inventing, not persistently doing what is not working. We all have a lot of ideas, creations, and projects. When we present one to the world and it is not a hit, don't keep it pushing as is. Instead, get back to improving and inventing. Present each new idea or improvement to the world and if multiple people say: yes, I need this, I will be happy to pay you to do this!. Then you should probably do it. But if the response is anything less, don't pursue it. Don't waste years fighting uphill battles against lock doors. Improve or invent until you get that huge response."

So, first of all, thank you for writing that book. It has been very helpful to me.

I see in your twitter that you came to Europe and I see in your site that you have a list of places in Europe you want to know. I am in Girona (a beautiful small city near Barcelona). If you ever want to visit or I can be helpful in any way, I would be happy.

Welcome to Europe anyway and thank you for your work.

Narcís Mirandes
marketing and front-end dev
narcis@mig-marketing.com
www.mig-marketing.com

I’m happy that New Zealand was such a good experience for you and you child and can feel in your words the eagerness to start anew in Oxford. Having just a sense of the person you are I’m sure it’s the beginning of an exciting new adventure.

Always a please to hear from you.

Best wishes,

Bruce

Inspiring as always, Derek!

Just read your book on CD Baby and found this website. Lovely that you are traveling around seeing new sceneries. Will keep updated with your whereabouts. Thanks for sharing your life journey.

Welcome to Europe! And welcome to the Åland islands, too, should you ever want to see some islands in the middle of the Baltic sea!

Hi Derek, Thanks for staying in touch with me...are you on Facebook?...I have a new song video which is going to touch the world major... TV exposure coming up.Check my facebook page Judith Nicholls World Healing.

Cheers for now

Judy Gale

Wishing you well in your move. Congratulations. I continue to chase from state to state and country to country for programs. But I continue to return to my "normal" home in little Normal, Illinois in the center of the USA to rest between trips. Best regards, Mike

www.mikelockett.com

You continue to inspire us...Safe and happy travels.

Hi Derek, great to hear from you as always. Just watching you go for it over the years has been very inspiring to me, thanks for sharing your process. Best with the new digs!

First, congratulations! Excited for this next adventure for you.

Second, I’m curious? What are two favorite or “must have” essentials that made it into your three suitcases?

I’m writing from Mandalay having a beer at the hostel roof top bar. Tomorrow, I’m floating the slow boat to Bagan down river for 11 hours. I’ve been traveling since September with time winding down until I return to the US. Awesome experience!

I look forward to hearing of your new insights. I imagine some things have become clearer to you through the move and integration process!

Blessings!

Larry
clothes, computer, camera, headphones, microphone, backup hard drives, and essential documents. “When in doubt, throw it out” is my motto. (Though I always give it to someone who wants it, not actually trashing anything.) I keep as little as possible. Thankful I can afford to replace it if needed again some day. — Derek

Change is good for the soul. We are here to learn, not just be stagnant. but ultimately, the search ends up where it started...inside f you. Blessings on your journeys. May the world continue to benefit from your wisdom and example.

Good for you Derek. Thank you for staying in touch all these years.

I sold my 55' Chevy pickup to a guy in New Zealand last year. I'm helping another friend launch his Route 66 Radio station out of New Zealand as well.

Lori and I may visit Europe next January. I'll keep in touch. Would be nice to meet you face to face sometime.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Joe

Fucking England ! Love the music Fans,but all that crappy fish,those ladies at Tea time with extended pinkies talking like men who sound like men dressed as women on Monty Python. And they hate Trump (I am a Trumpanzee).They hate George Bush2! And they fucking drive on the wrong side of the road,almost wrecked myself too many times tho the cops are nice unlike LA's Finest. And the crappy roads with property owners putting bricks,or fences 1 inch from the edge of the road so we feared,and hit fencing and bricks. Freeways that run 4 miles then end,and no turnaround to go the other way.It takes Americans to build a good road. And nobody has a car ! Stayed at a Hostel one night with about 25 others. 5 Americans owned more cars than the whole room combined. I own5 cars myself ! And their so called free healthcare,broken leg stepped on a nail ? Great fix u right up. But that swollen knee from your soccer injury 5 years ago we'll put you down for October of 2021. Get in line the bureaucratic healthcare worker is in no hurry. And if you are 75 forget it your appointment will be after yer dead. Buckwheat Catapillar Channel on YouTube. Rockn til I drop ! Go Trump !

Hej Derek!

Nice to hear about what's happening in your life and that you're doing good. I live in Tronheim where I study music right now. This summer will be spent in Thailand and Japan and in the autumn I reckon I will come back here to start studying engineering.
It would be really fun to meet up. Just tell me if you've got plans of visiting Norway!

Ps. I think you would love the Faroe Islands. I don't live there anymore but would love to share tips of how to best experience the country if you're going!

All the Best!

Great article Derek, definitely resonated deep and struck a chord for a “new perspective”.

I emphasize with your connection to place too. After 20 years outside of a small town in the Nevada desert, my wife and I relocated to Maui, Hawaii. That move had it’s deep severance but we were excited for the change. We spent five years discovering island culture and lifestyle, enjoying the paradisiacal weather, and of course, experienced life’s inherent struggles. Then, we returned to the mainland. We cried, we mourned, but realized how fortunate we were to experience such an enriching opportunity.

Fast-forward to today, now 2 years later we’ve moved back to Maui. It’s still amazing and we appreciate it immensely, however it’s like when you wrote, ”I like seeing the world from different perspectives”. It’s as if we’re seeing the same perspective again, and as awesome as it is, we’re yearning for a new one. Perhaps intellectual over beauty or the beauty of discovery in itself.

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in the manner you do. And I appreciate the many entries from the tribe who continue to post in the article’s Comments section. It must bring you great pleasure to read the thoughts that your writing evokes from thoughtful people.

Many kudos to you for making the move and I look forward to hearing about your new discoveries. Good health to you and your son.

With Aloha,

Thomas

Congratulations! It seems that New. Zealand was feeding your soul. But your mind wanted to keep discovering! Hoping your bonding with your son continues to flourish.
Thank you for keeping me in the loop. It good for me in many ways!
Tommy

Congrats and good luck!

Congratulations
May be we will meet soonly.
Take care of yourself and your family.

Hey Derek....I've enjoyed your "work" for years. Oxford's a great little town and close to London if you want to get the big city fix in. I think I played a gig at Zodiac back in 2002. It'd be amazing if that club is still around. My wife and I lived in LA for 16 years and have been here in Jupiter, Florida (one of the BEST little beach towns ever..come visit) for nearly 10. We are thinking of moving to Europe in the next 5-10 years. We have much traveling still to do in our own great country.

I'm curious as to what town you think would be good to live in that is best for traveling Europe. You mentioned Munich. We were thinking Spain (lose a little center for warmth!!). Any other opinions of yours on the subject?
I have too many thoughts on this for a tiny comment here. If serious about it, email me and I'm happy to help. — Derek

What a big surprize to read you are now in England. When you get the cloudy damp windy days you may miss New Zealand. England had a hot summer last year.
I am hoping to make plans to see my relatives this summer in Norfolk county, some live on the north Norfolk coast Cromer where I was born and grew up.
I take KLM to Amsterdam from Toronto then a short flight over north sea to Norwich. Nice city thousand year old cathedral and 900 year old castle, and river runs through city. The outdoor market is the longest one held in Britain.
Hope you enjoy. You will notice the small roads and lots of traffic.

Wonderful news that you are embarking on a Europe phase!

If you come by Geneva let me know.
Best
Helen

Congratulation! I have read most of your articles , the way you see the world, the way you think about of life, about self-improvement influences me a lot. Hope I will go to Oxford England someday and meet up with you.

Thanks for update, and best from Oz. -M

Derek, ride the wave. All the best.

I'm envious.

Nothing like a bit of old world charm... Enjoy tea time!

I am tempted to cry, "Help! I don't have a life!" as I was saying just last week, talking with three fellow (hobbyists).

But now I can remember that "Hey, I do have a (hobby) life, one that requires my daily attention."

Right now, I have enough vacation-life (as I have earned job seniority) that I can squeeze my (cool-unusual-something to write home about) activities into my vacation time, while still having a (hobby) life.

And if I put stuff in brackets, it's because I am encouraging everyone to fill in their own blanks. I guess we all have the life we want, right now.

What a beautiful letter/post/article, whatever these are labeled these times; capsules of essence. Not everyone's posts are capsules of essence, but yours are, everyone and I am grateful to have them.
I am envious (in a good way), that you are in Oxford England now for it has been my choicest destination since I left my former life and ideology.

It will be enriching in old and in new ways, I am sure. Expansion of the heart is beautiful and it also hurts the heart; a good hurt.

Viviana

Hmmm. Life is a balance, and there are tradeoffs. Oxford is the right place for intellectual pursuits. And there's a lot going on. The world view is changing. Science, technology, enjoy the learning environment. Your child will benefit too of course.... Take care.

Good luck in Oxford. You most likely belong there for now. Thank you for all of your articles and inspiration over the years. Wishing you and your son the best.

"I usually get where I’m going by leaving where I've been."

This quote seems like it's right from the mouth of Winnie the Pooh!
You're the first one to catch the reference. ☺ — Derek

Hi Derek, sorry for not replying sooner, you really are a man on the move. I've never been to New Zealand, just one of a variety of distant places I'd like to see. That your in Oxford now should you visit Dublin Ireland let me know, we could meet up. likewise if I'm ever over there for some reason. I'm still at it with my music, its what keeps me alive. Give me your address (will be kept private if you do) and I'll send you one of my CD's. Okay Derek thanks again for getting in touch

Best Regards Michael

Awesome Derek! I think that's wonderful and I hope you are enjoying your new home. From the sound of it (Diary 2007) you have come full circle with Oxford. Time sure flies doesn't it? Enjoy your journey and most definitely keep us posted! 🙂

Hi Derek
As always good to hear from you.While I envy your stay in New Zealand,I more than understand the draw and stimulous of travel to new places.One of the best forms of education and undestanding.Oxford is a well of intellectual opportunities and a hub on the great wheel of knowledge.My own path is somewhat more mundane,though filled with good.Just won an election that will help over 50 individuals have a better and more self determined life.And that was done with 100% voter participation.As President of that group I am proud of that accomplishment,especially as it is a positive reinforcement of their rights and fair treatment.Also have the opportunity to manage and represent Irish musician Damien Connolly and his new band Flagstone.Will be producing 2 albums of them soon.Family and friends going very well.Offer of restaurant partnership,but got to work out finances.

WOW! Good for you Derek!

Change is almost always hard, even if we believe it's the right thing to do.

If you make it over to southern Sweden and/or Copenhagen, let me know & I'll buy you a beer/coffee/beverage of your choice.

Also, consider Kiev Ukraine and/or Moscow for at least two weeks each. They will give you a somewhat enhanced perspective of these people.

Go everywhere and bone up some on Russian. I walked and took the metro everywhere with a friend or native escort who spoke English. I learned some of the soul behind their music there.

God Speed, Derek (from the CD Baby days)

Clint

Good for you! How inspiring! Now I want to move too. I was just telling my husband, we are where we are because that's where we've put ourselves. Put yourself someplace you want to be. When you're done being there, move! Congrats! It takes courage to live a full life. I know you won't regret it.

Tooo darn cold for me Bredda!
I hope it all goes your way there!

Derek: Congrats on braving the "change"! First, I hope we continue to hear from you despite the move! As a reminder, I joined CDBABY a very long time ago (and have been with them ever since) - after a variety of email correspondences with you! You were and have always been the FACE(or Name) of CDBABY to me. There was something very genuine and trustworthy about you - and I will never forget those thoughts that allowed me to sign up with a company such as CDBABY (especially when I have always had such difficulty trusting companies I don't know very well). The company was much smaller back then - but one in which has showed its stamina and trustworthiness over time. You obviously had a huge impact on those you left behind. So, with your new adventures and scenery, please continue to write to us whom have followed you over the years. It's always good to hear from you!

Great to hear from you and traveling and moving is good sometimes and life is scheduled anyways for all of us and good luck!

Pete

Congrats! I Love this! I’m moving too. To Cambridge MA. So, we can throw ivy at each other :)

Always with joy and always in learning,
Melissa

Derek,
You amaze and inspire me! Good on you. Enjoy the next chapter!
🙏 Bliss

Glad you enjoyed your time here in NZ Derek! Come back soon.

So glad you are at peace and discovering worlds previously not experienced.

Take Care

If you're ever up north and want to be shown around Manchester, let me know! Manchester native here so know the city pretty well

Apologies for getting back to you so late.
I'm thrilled to hear of you move and how happy you sound.

Apologies for getting back to you so late. I'm so thrilled to hear of your relocation. You seem to be very happy.
I like what you said about leaving where you are.

"I usually get where I’m going by leaving where I've been"

Boy is there some Wisdom in that.

Just to update you. I'm the person who was attempting to start a Flamenco Rock Band.
Like I said I would give it 2yrs and if it didn't work out..... As it turns out I was unable to find qualified musicians
(save-one a bass player) who could see how this could be done. ( no vision I guess they would all rather play Mustang Sally L👅O👅L.) Anyway I'll move on and have to decide what's next. Disappointing but I learned a lot along the way.

I'm glad to hear you're doing well. Thanks for your encouragement and
and as always I look forward to your next communica.
Be well and God Bless
Vail Hayes

We've discussed it before, so I'm going to guess that Andorra is one of those 51 places in Europe.

If you ever plan to drop in, get in touch. I'd love to show you around.

jaserodley.com/living-in-andorra/

Great to hera about this move Derek. Have you run on Oxford Running Track? What are you loving about the city? I hope you and your family are enjoying the life there!

you are smart！

Hi Derek
Thankyou so much for your insight into life and business. For a man who
Finds it hard to say no your “hell yeah” helps me but still at 52 I still fight the if I say no I won’t get asked again

Anyway just want to Thankyou

Regards

Craig

Hi Derek I just heard your book in Audible and it was great; I live in Barcelona, and would love to show you around here anytime.
Best,
Jordi

Hi Derek,

I hope you're well! I just listened to your podcast with TIm Ferris and it made my long Bay Area commute one of the best yet. I love the ideas you shared-- especially around knowing what your audience is there for and giving them what they want and the idea of documenting books/ quotes to remember and share distilled nuggets. I really appreciate that you've done this and shared your notes freely. On a slightly different note, I read your "now" page which is a very cool idea. I actually spent a year at Oxford. I have lots of recommendations if you're looking for delicious restaurants, bars, or just fun things to do and see. Let me know! It's truly a magical place.

Best,
Jamie

Was in Singapore for 12+ years, it is the noisiest city in the world and no one seems to even notice. Now I Paris and it's the pervasive smoking, especially every third person you pass on the street blowing it in your face, that gets to me. Incredible.

Just watched your talk and loved the billion dollar idea bit, the online dating with music bit just cracked me up.

Good luck and keep the music coming.

Paul

Derek, congrats on more fearlessness. You are a true warrior on so many levels. I’m passing your email onto my younger cousin Jessica Gorse. She is in her mid-30’s and has some pretty cool ideas involving farming - which is odd considering she got her degree from the Art Institute. She is a super infectious human and your name came up when she was talking about her appreciation of TED talks - specifically yours on starting a movement. She has patented a few nifty ideas that are building momentum and I’m sure she would love the chance to get any guidance. Thanks. - Jack

Be well my friend.
Safe journey.
:)

If your son likes Harry Potter, or if you do, you should take him to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Tour www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/ . I think he would really like it.

Definitely peaked my interest to revisit my born city sooner than later. Galapagos is insane.

Hey Derek!
Today I heard your talk with Tim Ferris "whole 2+ hours".. When you mentioned you live NZ, I was going to find you and meet YOU. But sad to learn that you have moved.... Quite enjoyed listening to your perspective.
Also to learn that women love sex lol 😂

Hi Drek,

I've been following you for a long time.

It's awesome what you do to grow. It inspires me.

Thanks for your work.

José

I'll print this:

"I usually get where I’m going by leaving where I’ve been."

So intentional and thoughtful. I've moved too throughout my life and am thankful for different perspectives. Mine may have been more circumstantial than intentional, although without my decision they would not have happened. Sometimes I wonder where I will end up(in old age) and what might be the next catalyst.

Hello Derek. I'm delighted you found solace in Oxford. I can't wait to read the new Music book, of course. We have some songwriting camps at Karma coming up... I would love, at some point,to welcome you here one day. Just if you get the musical creative itch again.. keep well and I hope your son is enjoying the UK aswell... I miss it sometimes. I had some very happy memories in Thame nearby...

Just getting around to seeing this. What an exciting decision! You've selected an awesome neck of the worlds woods. Enjoy Derek, you will be (and I'm already sure you've already been) pleasantly surprised by the mind-set and good nature of the folk in Oxford. Read you soon.

-Jim

Congrats on the move. I will warn you about this though, if you stay there 12 years, there is a very strong possibility that you will stay there for life.

Why do I say that?

Because of your child.

You son will go through school, form numerous relationships (including romantic ones), and will not want to leave what will have become - to them - their "home and all of their friends".

If there he does have a serious romantic relationship, your importance - although huge right now - will not seem nearly so huge to them at that time... or ever again, I'm afraid.

Think about yourself when you met that special someone who made "your" heart go pitter-patter. Did your devotion to your dad even register a blip compared to that special someone, lol.

Well, enjoy Oxford for 12+++ years. It is a great place to live, maybe even a great place to raise a family, enjoy grandchildren, and - maybe - stay forever... ☺

Hey Derek. Best of luck in Oxford! All the best from Sweden (one of the countries you might consider too? ) (.-D Raimund

Hi Derek, I did exactly the same thing.

I'm originally from London but my mum is a Kiwi and I lived in Wellington for 5 years in my early 20s.

I moved back to London last year as I needed a change of scenery, partly because I broke up with my girlfriend. I cried and I cried in Wellington airport.

You really notice the fresh air as soon as you get off the plane there. Damn I miss it.
☹ yeah. still. — Derek

I pretty much make a move like that every year, it’s an incredible experience! Best of luck in Oxford, it’s my favorite spot in the UK. Every single street, garden and book shop seem magical, like a character from one of my favorite books will pop up randomly to say hello

Great to hear you've moved to the UK - if you're still here and want a tour of London post covid by a "Local" email me 😊
Sorry I should update this to say I moved back to New Zealand in July 2020. — Derek