Six years ago, I moved to Austin. I timed my arrival to correspond with David Byrnes performance at ACL. I had been living in Los Angeles for close to five years, and I was ready to leave. Granted it took eight months of near misses and panic attacks until I left, but finally, one day, I filled what possessions I could fit into my car and beelined it to Austin. The journey was terrifying and liberating, soundtracked by the odd threesome of Oingo Boingo, Kings of Leon and MGMT (it was 2008; dont judge). I remember looking at Los Angeles skyline in the rear view mirror and crying for all the lonely nights, forgotten dreams and friends I left behind. I didnt know anyone in Austin, save for my moms high school sweethearts daughter, Ariel, who was kind enough to welcome me into her home. I had no job in Austin, no friends or acquaintances and $500 in my pocket. My car held my clothes, a synthesizer and my notebooks. There was no plan; I gave myself three months to feel out the city, and if we didnt connect, I would continue heading east. Needless to say, I never continued driving east. Though Austin has changed dramatically in the six years Ive lived here- a quick evolution that is both fascinating and maddening to watch- this city gave me everything this lost twenty-something was never able to find in Los Angeles. I found a strong community, one that still continues to bring tears of happiness to my eyes. I discovered and accomplished my dream of becoming a writer. I made a movie, which took leaving Hollywood to accomplish. I found the man I would write about in my LA notebooks, this unnamed person I imagined driving through the dark desert with. Twangy and desolate guitar would play on the radio, and I would look over and think he was the most beautiful person I ever saw. When I first moved here, people assumed that I left Los Angeles for a man or moved to Austin for a man. I assured them that I indeed did it for myself, and it would be many years until I would meet Geoff. Though Im glad I finally found him, I wouldnt trade all those years of solitary questioning and wandering for anything. I dont know if Ill be in Austin forever, but Im thankful for the woman it helped me become. And even more thankful for the incredible people it breeds and welcomes.
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 21:32:42 +0000
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