January 23, 2010
rainy day
I usually don’t write a whole lot about what I feel, like, personally, on my blog. However, I will make an exception today.
I moved to Arkansas about a year and a half ago. And, as luck would have it, Arkansas turned out to be exactly what I expected it to be. The “artist” community consisted of those who can make fun Razorback Gear for the loyal University of Arkansas sports fans. Sure, there are others out there who are creative and, I am sure, have a lot more to offer than the stereotype I just described. But, I have not encountered those people since arriving in good old Arkansas.
But, what is my point?
I realize now how important it is to surround yourself with people who are similar to you… those who are creative, those who inspire you to do more and be more. People who can push you and laugh with you. People who don’t look at you like you are crazy when you want to paint your walls black, or cover an arm chair with bright blue velvet. People who get your quirks.
I took those people for granted when I lived in Springfield, Mo. There is a certain sense of comradery felt among those whose goals in life include finding ways to make the world a bit prettier (and perhaps a bit more offbeat). I miss drinking massive amounts of coffee while rambling about the latest trends in design. I miss talking about growth and fears and religion and dreams for the future while sipping homemade lemonade on a porch swing on Elm Street.
It’s funny, the smaller, seemingly less important things that I have experienced in my life are what have now shaped me into the person I am today.
However, I am so grateful for those friendships that I made. I feel a certain amount of joy in knowing that no matter where I go, I am still connected to people creatively.
People move on. I got married, had a lovely daughter. Relocated. It is raining today, so I am feeling a bit melancholy.
Arkansas, you had better be worth it. Show me what you are made of.
I lived in Arkansas for 7 years, and there are *definitely* places to go to and people to find who love this as much as you.
But man, it took me a long time to find it.
Whereabouts do you live? NW? In a Little Rock suburb? Closer to Hot Springs? Maybe I can tell you my favorite shops!
You are eloquent, and I cannot appropriately reply. But i can say that the Stacie-less hole in my world only gets larger. You are appreciated beyond belief … no matter where you are.
It will all be worth it. And if it’s not, we can just burn it all down and start again … or just go eat at Tea Bar and Bites ; )