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Sep 5, 2022Liked by Spike Gillespie

I just passed my 45th Austinaversary on August 22. I no longer have a village here - my 3 adult kids fled the state during the pandemic. Only 2 friends remain. I loved Austin for many many years, and after growing up in Houston, Austin was a welcome relief for my hippie soul. But the State of Texas has become more than I can bear. I’m in the 12 month countdown until I move to mid coast Maine. Signed my final lease last month. Why Maine? I have always been fascinated with the rocky shores and crashing waves. The ocean has been my happy place. (Spike - I had tentatively signed up for the Maine trip with your group when the pandemic shut it down.) My oldest son and his wife bought a house in New Hampshire, so I’ll have some family relatively close. Only visited once about a year ago, but it felt right. If I’m wrong, well so be it. I have to take a chance. I am excited and terrified, but I need a new setting for this next chapter of my life.

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I moved to Dallas for a few years immediately after undergrad and I remember my best friend's (Catholic) grandmother always referring to the city as "where they killed the Catholic President." Texas, land of dodgy distinctions...

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I'm so glad you're still here.

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