Two months ago (01/29/2016) today, a Friday, Jason and I rolled down I-40 West in a 26′ long Penske pulling a U-Haul trailer, arriving in Flagstaff, Arizona at the Little America Truck Stop. Prior to that we packed for days while sharing tears with friends. Then we bravely pulled onto 290 West for the long 18 hour drive to Arizona. Leaving an amazing community of friends, a sweet house of 12 years, chickens, majestic Live Oak Trees, dear neighbors, and a spirited city.
Getting a fresh start, setting forth on a new adventure, changing it up… that was the catalyst and that is what we are doing in Northern Arizona. I have been thinking about the last two months and how it feels a bit like the two month mark with a new baby. Mama and baby are definitely out and about, feeling sturdy, a little less raw, ready to venture out in the world, reconnect with friends and dig in to resuming a normal life. ‘Homesick tears’ come and go and there is still the lingering feeling if one will feel ever return to their normal selves.
Of course I had a real sense of urgency to create normalcy for the kids and the family at large by creating a tidy and organized home, happy school situation, and revolving around our Flagstaff family, but it has taken some time and required patience and gentleness with all involved. My family (Dallas, Tucson, Flagstaff) and friends’ (Austin & Flagstaff) support has been infused with such energy and love along the way it still brings me to spontaneous tears just thinking about all that they have done for us.
We now have the amazing fortune to be embraced by the neat folks up at NACET and their extended network of Local First Arizona & Womens Innovation Network of Flagstaff. I need to take this opportunity to thank Heather Malloy for being a guardian angel and connecting Jason and I to some key people that have really made our transition to Flagstaff in the professional realm dynamic. These folks have made a big difference in our confidence and sense of empowerment with the business ventures we are undertaking.
Annie’s Omnium has come home to roost! Stay tuned for more posts and announcements about upcoming services (Fresh Configurations), events (Business grand openings), and daily observations (Instagram)!