Dear Austin-
It’s crazy to think four years ago, I was in a similar place
back in Orange County. I embraced
the situation and the timing. I
knew something better was on the horizon.
Never did I think it’d be you.
But, I’ve got to say, it’s been an incredible chapter in my
journey. You’ll always have
a fond place in my heart and life… and there are so many moments, places and
people that I know shaped who I’ve grown to be since our relationship
started. Someone asked me before I
left what would be the top five things I would miss most about Austin. Without further ado…
1. Town Lake Running trail – never would I have
dreamed a dirt trail would provide me so much solace, perspective, happiness
and tight IT bands!! From the
moment of awe as I’d cross the pedestrian bridge and see the skyline, to
running beneath the tree canopy just past the rowing dock. Thank you for welcoming both me and my
new best friend… and bringing her more joy and happiness. Without you, she would have never
learned…”Keep, right! Keep
RIGHT! No squirrels!”
2. There’s only one City in this world where you
could see Willie Nelson, Run DMC, Dave Matthews, Green Day, Kendrick Lamar, The
XX, Eddie Vedder, Ice Cube and Stevie Wonder all a year – I’m going to miss
this about you, Austin. Your
ability to provide live music is directly proportional to the A.D.D. of my
musical interests.
3. The eclectic-ness of your people is
refreshing. A sense of acceptance
of all humanity exudes from your people.
Where else do you get to put all of the most conservativea politicians
in the most liberal city in the state… and they get to mingle with pro-choice
people, the LGBT community, and a thong wearing bicyclist, artists, musicians
and beer bonging co-eds? Everyone
co-exists. It’s possible people…
it really is!
4. The food.
My god…. The food!! Before
I left Michigan, I’d never eaten a Brussels sprout… now, I can tell you at
least three places with bomb.ass Brussels. My palate and perspective has changed because of the
creative culinar-ies roaming these streets.
5. The acceptance of (wo)man’s best friend is
something truly remarkable about Austin.
It didn’t much matter until Big Whiskey found me… but in a community
occupied by a lot of very hard working, single folks… it actually means
something that you can leave work late, pick up your pup and still get to meet
your friends for drinks. Everyone
gets attention, everyone gets love – everyone is happy. It seems weird to me that dogs aren’t
allowed on ANY patio. Who’s making
these rules??
While, I’m writing about my time in Austin… and what I’m
taking away from my time there, I think it’s prudent to highlight express
gratitude for the a few of those who shaped me in my time in Austin.
1. To those really wealthy folks who I nannied for
when I first arrived – thank you for showing how being out of line with your
personal values will directly effect your internal happiness. While I never understood your
wastefulness of money, material items, and god-given gifts – I’m forever
grateful for putting this into perspective for me. I’m also very grateful for the beautiful handbags that were
“trash” to you.
2. To my first Internet girl friend – I don’t even
know where to begin. Thank you for
being the sister I’d always wanted.
For accepting me, as I was.
For being the one I could tell my ridiculous stories to… and who
wouldn’t think less of me. Thank
you for helping me train for the Austin Marathon… and running me to the finish
line when I didn’t think I’d do it fast enough on my own. Thank you for my nieces and the joy
they bring to me…and who else get’s an “Auntie America” Thank you for holidays,
dinners, Boxing Days and letting me be cheeky…Because… I’m definitely a cheeky
little bender.
3. To the tall, handsome guy with a fancy title in
a badass industry – thank you for accepting my random invitation to get coffee
so I could hear your story. My
time in Austin forever changed when we agreed to be friends after that
coffee. Thank you for showing me
true, authentic, non-judgmental, easy, fun friendship. So many of my favorite memories include
you – I know that our paths were meant to cross, because I can’t imagine my
life without you in it – it’s like you’ve always been there.
4. To the other tall, handsome guy – thank you for
keeping me in check. For knowing what
to say…and when to say it. Thank
you for your honesty, and pushing me to pursue my happiness. Thank you for your amazing hugs. Thank you for telling me, “people like
us don’t set the bar…we are the bar!”
We’re going to do amazing things; kid… and I wouldn’t be about to do
what I am without your support and encouragement.
5. To
my business partners…thank you for your friendship, inspiration, perfect timing
and believing in me. We’re gonna
rock this.
6. To
all of Kitty City – thank you for being you. We’re a motley crew of folks, but we’re neighbors turned
friends. Thank you for being there
for me in the last year… when things were bad… you were the net to catch me, to
pick me up. Thank you for
friendship, your amazing wine drinking abilities, your sense of community and
taking care of me and my fur babies.
7. To
my favorite mid-westie. Thank you
for all things casseroles. For
being my live music, traveling, happy houring, crawling under
trains…partner-in-crime. I
appreciate your drive, to be more, do more – and the collaborative thoughts you
bring to the table. Thank you for
caring for me and laughing with me.
8. To
the one person I can tolerate being predictably late…all…of…the…time, there’s a
reason we were both in nearly the same thing at the same time. Thank you for relating, for inspiring,
for listening and being honest with me.
Sunshine Market’s sales will surely go down now that we’re not
tag-teaming the wine aisle.
There’s few people who could pull off walking into a sold out Pearl Jam
show… you’re one of them! Use that
good fortune, to go, do and be amazing.
It’s your time to shine – I mean, what would Jeff Lewis say to you??
9. To
that friend I used to have, I thank you for showing me what friendship was not…
so I could realize what friendship actually was.
10. Finally,
to the person who abandoned, dropped off or lost the sweetest, cutest, most
loving puppy dog – thank you for knowing that she’d find her way to a person
who would love her more than she could have ever imagined. That puppy has changed my idea of love,
friendship, happiness and acceptance.
I’m a better person because she’s in my life.
It’s been a crazy, wild, amazing adventure here in
Austin. I’ll forever be grateful
for my time here, the shows, festivals, nights on 6th Street and
Rainey, the food, sunshine, the memories, the laughter and the growth. You’re part of my story Austin… and I’m
so glad that I get to brag about that time I lived in this amazing little
city!
Much love,
Anna
