I came to this place almost 1 month ago for a two-day visit. I was on a quick mission to get a few household things in order, so I could list my Florida home away from home, on Airbnb.
Well, Happy Monday.
It's been 4 weeks and I still have not returned to my real life. I don't know what happened. I fell in love with the place that I ran away from, because of its simplicity. There was no traffic here when I was a kid. It's an, "In a box," kind of town. Where everyone here still knows my name.
You know. A place where you stop at a red light and people actually wave at you. If you walk out of your front door neighbors, a whole street away, stop to chat for at least an hour. Recently, my air-conditioning system was not cooling correctly. I called the, "AC," man, and he showed up the very next morning just as he promised. He had just gotten out of the hospital. That didn't stop him from having someone drive him to my house to see what was wrong with my AC. And no, it was not Uber. I told him that it was hot in my house and I really needed him to come. He fixed the problem and said, "Just send me a check when you get a chance." Either I've gone back in time, or I'm dreaming. This small-town charm has taken my breath away.
My summer vacation use to consist of international travel. I would go to places far, far away that were exotic and luxurious. But, this is the best vacation ever. If I had more time, I would build a pool in the back yard, and import some of my must have favorite folks to sit around to just kick it with me for the rest of the Summer. But, I have grown-up responsibilities and a job that I love. I'm not certain, but eventually, some of the people that make up my world will start to miss me. They have already been imported here to entertain me by playing design on a dime, and weekend front yard crashers. I call myself a Gypsy because I'm always looking to find purpose, passion, and creativity. I believe that in order to forge ahead in life, you must purge, clean your palette, and reposition yourself. It is what Gypsy's do, it is how I create and maintain an abundant amount of energy to share.
Here's to the summer of 2017. I have learned that kids really need to play outside. Boys need to fix things so they can become great men. I learned that girls will never become great women, and mothers without an understanding of self. I learned that protocol is the sentiment of respect. I learned that I don't like waking up early. I was reminded that my childhood molded me more than anything else in my life. It helped me to define my philosophies, my morals, and most of all my truth.
Maybe life really does stand still and we are the objects that move. Perhaps, small-town life is big business. It is certainly good for the soul.
This is the best gift that I have ever given myself. I made sure to share it with anyone willing to make the drive. I showed them.
I'm convinced that Gainesville is going to be a better place when I leave. It's a place that can transform a mindset. Not just because I returned, but because Gainesville welcomed me with open-arms.
To the guy that passes me by on his bike every morning, and stops when he sees me fixing the fence, or sweeping the steps; Thank you for always asking me if I need your help. You saw me struggling. Lol. To the lady that beeps her horn and pulls in the driveway to remind me how my mom cheered for her; I am humbled by your kind spirit. Thank you for taking the time to remind me how great my Mother really is. I could go on and on but, I'm not. In closing, I just want to share my sentiments.
Gainesville, Florida hasn't changed much. Sure new buildings have gone up, and more students have come and gone than I can count. What has remained, is the most beautiful trees that I have ever seen. The kindness of strangers, and the famous Leonardo's Pizza. Mom's kitchen is now a food truck, but the breakfast is still the best I've ever had. The Water Tower still sits next to my old family home, and all of my memories are all still in tact. This is the beginning of my adventures back home. Stand by! In 2018, I'm building a pool, having an adult Summer Camp, and sharing my space with you. Are you coming to visit me?