I have never felt more accomplished in my life!
I really did it for her, but somehow I resurrected the best part of me.
I saw my Mother dreaming in this picture. It was taken years ago in front of our old family home. Her Mother lived in this house, she grew up here. And, My Mother raised me, my sister, and my brother here.
This Summer belongs to making good on a promise to my Mother. I can finally go back to my home away from home in Atlanta. But...I have earned two weeks of sitting on my old front porch with nothing to do!!!
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's what Gypsy's do. it's 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 Fameos Leonardo's Pizza. Mom's kitchen is now a food truck, but the breakfast is still the best I've ever had. Thank you George for being my Angel and watching over me from your house down the street. 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?