I took a one-week break from Journey, American, and went to Atlanta two weeks ago. I stayed with my wonderful friends Leigh and Rich, who were gracious and patient hosts (forgiving the gallons of PBR spilled on their kitchen floor).
It was a restful vacation. I left Atlanta satiated - I had visited the past, eaten the familiar foods, and had a comforting lunch with my brother and sister.
The visit also left me wistful. Leigh and I, who had not seen each other since we were students at Georgia State University, visited a wonderful antique mall. This reminded me of the person I was when I was in my young twenties, curious about the world and fascinated by furniture I could only wish for.
We strolled through beautiful Art Deco pieces and wonderful mid-century modern that still leave me dreaming. We stopped in front of a full-length mirror and turned toward it. Those two young, sort of lost, people were old now.
Life.
I had an entertaining lunch with my family. I had not seen them in years and it was something I needed to make happen. We took a group photo after. I am the youngest. My hair is the whitest.
Life goes.
There were moments when I wanted to stay and cling to the comfort and happiness I felt. Atlanta has changed immensely since I left it 27 years ago. The sprawl has bled into the North Georgia mountains, which was the range of hikers and hillbillies when I grew up east of Atlanta.
The city is beautiful and clean. The roads are good (great when compared with crumbling Santa Fe). Beer and gas are cheap. What’s not to like?
Atlanta is not home, though. Santa Fe, for all her doddering faults, is. We watched Woody Allen’s Manhattan one night. His friend’s wife wants to move to the country. Her philandering professor/writer husband says, “I can’t leave New York. It’s where my stuff is.”
Thus, Santa Fe. It’s where my stuff is.
Life goes too fast.
Hello ty for sharing. Atlanta, and your younger years sound fascinating. I've been mulling through my late teens, the time just before I had my older estate daughter...just Before the end!
The end if my innocents, as if I'm Nothing more than the Fierce mama Bear, that I am, then i am nothing. I had her, 1 month before I turned 18. She is almost 35. I'm a Proud mom. She is The activities director at an affluent retirement commonunity and makes a negative, but handsome wage.
I would not change my hearts hips while caring for her, or any of the things I had charge of. I'd do it Again. For I know I've had a hand in Atleast 3 beings that are deserving of their oxygen! Ty
I hope you are all Well, if not I hope you ate today 😊 peace and Love Blessings to all!