Oh wow, these pictures! The Nissan. The open road. How, how can it have been 20 years? I'm so happy for you that all of your moves have worked out so well for you. And so grateful that through mostly your efforts, we've been able to stay close over these years. All your visits, thoughtful cards to the kids, never a birthday missed. I'm so grateful for old friends but I'm more grateful that I still just LIKE you so much. You're still one of the most delightful people I know - who now has married one of the most delightful people I know. Every blue moon I'll hear that David Meade "Nashville" song on 100 or on a playlist and it brings me back to those teary days in May. It's so brave to blow up your life to make a better one someplace else. xoxo
Yes, moving away from Nashville (after 25 years) was a huge leap of faith...like, the literal kind of faith where you can't see anything ahead. I just knew I need a new perspective on my life, one that had been thwarted during my time in BNA. These kinds of leaps are not for the faint of heart, but for me, has brought about the most beautiful new life, filled with more mystery and uncertainty and love than I ever hoped for. When you rip the band-aid off, you'll find you are a lot stronger than you ever imagined.
I moved to Amsterdam (from NYC) at 33 after going through a divorce. Best decision ever! It was a great way to reinvent my life (and myself?) after the loss and shame I felt from having a failed marriage at such a young age, although I'm sure I'd feel it at any age! It was like a reset or refresh, just me, 2 suitcases, my laptop, and no clue about my future. Nearly 6 years later, I have an amazing group of friends, a sweet boyfriend, I own an apt here, and I managed to build a decent freelance business too... Divorce led to a better/happier life for me! I suppose the courage to leap into the unknown also helped! ;) Loved reading about your experience!
Sometimes the hardest times of life result in the best changes, both internal and external. I'm glad your move turned out so well!
On another note, though my grandmother immigrated from the Netherlands to the U.S. when she was a girl, I have never been there. However, hoping to go this fall with my mom so we can see where grandma lived when she was young. Can't wait!
Great backstory! Inspiring. Yes, I had an 05/05 and it actually involved Mexico, southern Mexico to be exact. We, my husband and me, also departed San Fran heading south. But we’d had a romance going with MX and a sweet little pueblo on the MX Caribbean for over 10 years before we jumped ship. It’s quite a thing to do, liberating, adventurous, a bit scary, oh, and wonderful. We’d built a house in that decade and decided to open a bookstore in our town. Quite a ride!
Thanks for this, Michael! I hope Milan is living up to your expectations—if not exceeding them.
I carry a September date in my heart from almost 17 years ago. I’m deeply grateful for that big move, though I’m still navigating the journey of belonging. I didn’t expect it to take this long.
Thank you, Natasha. I love Milan and am very happy to be here. I wouldn't say that I feel like I "belong" per se, especially since I'm still struggling to learn the language, but little by little I'm finding my places and my people (and my vocabulary).
Oh wow, these pictures! The Nissan. The open road. How, how can it have been 20 years? I'm so happy for you that all of your moves have worked out so well for you. And so grateful that through mostly your efforts, we've been able to stay close over these years. All your visits, thoughtful cards to the kids, never a birthday missed. I'm so grateful for old friends but I'm more grateful that I still just LIKE you so much. You're still one of the most delightful people I know - who now has married one of the most delightful people I know. Every blue moon I'll hear that David Meade "Nashville" song on 100 or on a playlist and it brings me back to those teary days in May. It's so brave to blow up your life to make a better one someplace else. xoxo
(blushing) Thank you, friend. The feelings are mutual. Can't wait to see you again! XX
Yes, moving away from Nashville (after 25 years) was a huge leap of faith...like, the literal kind of faith where you can't see anything ahead. I just knew I need a new perspective on my life, one that had been thwarted during my time in BNA. These kinds of leaps are not for the faint of heart, but for me, has brought about the most beautiful new life, filled with more mystery and uncertainty and love than I ever hoped for. When you rip the band-aid off, you'll find you are a lot stronger than you ever imagined.
I think that is beautifully stated!
I moved to Amsterdam (from NYC) at 33 after going through a divorce. Best decision ever! It was a great way to reinvent my life (and myself?) after the loss and shame I felt from having a failed marriage at such a young age, although I'm sure I'd feel it at any age! It was like a reset or refresh, just me, 2 suitcases, my laptop, and no clue about my future. Nearly 6 years later, I have an amazing group of friends, a sweet boyfriend, I own an apt here, and I managed to build a decent freelance business too... Divorce led to a better/happier life for me! I suppose the courage to leap into the unknown also helped! ;) Loved reading about your experience!
Sometimes the hardest times of life result in the best changes, both internal and external. I'm glad your move turned out so well!
On another note, though my grandmother immigrated from the Netherlands to the U.S. when she was a girl, I have never been there. However, hoping to go this fall with my mom so we can see where grandma lived when she was young. Can't wait!
That’s so true… hardest times = biggest growth. If you need any Amsterdam tips once you plan your visit to the NL, please don’t hesitate! ;)
Great backstory! Inspiring. Yes, I had an 05/05 and it actually involved Mexico, southern Mexico to be exact. We, my husband and me, also departed San Fran heading south. But we’d had a romance going with MX and a sweet little pueblo on the MX Caribbean for over 10 years before we jumped ship. It’s quite a thing to do, liberating, adventurous, a bit scary, oh, and wonderful. We’d built a house in that decade and decided to open a bookstore in our town. Quite a ride!
Wow! Quite a ride indeed.
A fun one!
I enjoyed reading this. Thank you! Those long drives across country can really be meditative. I’m glad SF and Italy had/have been good for you!
Thank you, Billy!
We all find our way Michael. Eventually! Great post!
Thanks for this, Michael! I hope Milan is living up to your expectations—if not exceeding them.
I carry a September date in my heart from almost 17 years ago. I’m deeply grateful for that big move, though I’m still navigating the journey of belonging. I didn’t expect it to take this long.
Thank you, Natasha. I love Milan and am very happy to be here. I wouldn't say that I feel like I "belong" per se, especially since I'm still struggling to learn the language, but little by little I'm finding my places and my people (and my vocabulary).