Leaving is bittersweet because Austin is the only place I have ever really felt at home. Growing up in California I always knew I needed to get away. I refer to SoCal as "BMWs & Boobjobs" for a reason...they're everywhere. I prefer to spend my money on travel, massages and other people. Neither are right or wrong; neither are better or worse; they are simply two different styles of living and I prefer the latter. When I arrived in Austin, I immediately felt the slower pace, the friendlier demeanor and the shift in priorities. Austin is a cool, fun, eclectic city with so much to offer.
In my year here I see more than anything that I have grown in my relationship with the church and in my view toward my finances. Both were severely lacking prior to 2010, so I am eternally grateful for this growth. In the spirit of closing out this chapter of my life, I thought I'd do a little year in review Molly style...in photos.
January: Me, CarolAnn and Michelle before heading out for New Years
February: Me and a mask in Fredricksburg
March: Amy and me at Rodeo Austin about to see Lady A
April: Kristin and I take a moment for a photo during a Music for the City event
May: Me just before the Bun Run starts
June: Courtress and me just before she becomes a married lady
July: Georgia and I enjoy a day at the zoo
July also: My Nonna and me, the last time we saw each other
August: I move into my new apartment and start painting
September: Me with my mama at our annual Cecilio & Kapono concert
October: Amy, Emily and me hanging out for my 32th birthday
November: Me and Jesse posing at the Getty
December: The gang at my "I've been in Austin a Year/Going Away" party at The Speakeasy
This year has been full of goods and bads, blessings and curses, births and deaths, healing and injury, ups and downs, rights and wrongs, joys and sorrows, new friends and old. This year has changed me from a rootless wanderer to a shallowly rooted adventurer. I became part of my first church family this year and learned more about the Bible than I ever thought possible. I got to positively influence young lives, feed the poor, feel like a part of a real community and get to know some of the best people I've ever met.
I know I'll come back to visit, I know I'll never forget this year and I know, without hesitation, that I am blessed to have been brought to Austin. Even if it feels a little too short lived.
Thanks for making this year amazing, Austin. Follow me on my new blog from now on.
Love,
Molly
