A Year in Review, or, a Year of Firsts
I adore formalities.
The pomp and circumstance of a Cotillion.
The detail of a fancy dinner’s tablescape.
A traditional tea ceremony.
But I’ll gladly turn a blind eye to formalities for a sense of home.
Many moons ago, a sorority sister and I worried over where we’d each live. Nothing seemed to suit our desire to connect with many cultures and find a place that felt like home. Did we want some place to remind us of the South that reared us? Or were we just looking for like minded individuals?
Ultimately, she settled in DC and I planted temporary roots in Los Angeles. I’ve found temporary roots are a gift and a curse. I view myself as a citizen of the world, needing to adapt and do as the locals do, when I travel. It’s left me yearning to find an ideal place to call home, but it’s made for some great adventures.
Last year brought great change. It was the 35th year of Elizabeth and, like always, I was on the move. By August 2019, I’d accomplished a “firsts” that I was proud of.
First trip to Cuba
First corporate job
First time living in Florida
First trip to Hawai’i
In September, I transitioned out of one role and into another and found myself back on the road producing, as I had in my previous freelancing world. However, this go-around, I was reduced to a crew of one and traveling almost every weekend. The traveling doesn’t bother me; I quite enjoy it. I had done this so many times before— work trips to Las Vegas, Canada, Corsica, England, Ireland; personal trips to Hawaii, Europe, Cuba — and each time I wish I had documented the trips better. I’m not sure what my excuse had been on the personal trips; however, during those work trips, I was usually preoccupied with the small crew I’d travel with. But now, I’m solo and I have no excuse. This detachment has given me a fortuitous license to explore and reflect on each voyage.
By the end of the year, I’d add a few more firsts— mostly associated with college football games. I vowed to display my football season better, next year, and thought why not all of these interesting places I roam? So, I’ve set my intentions for 2020 to lose weight, eat healthier, read more and explore with fervor. In turn, I want this site to house a dash of inspiration and a load of storytelling. I want to share stories of the places and people I encounter, food recommendations that spark joy, and work projects that I believe in.
Welcome.
