Nashville

Ever since I was about twelve years old I have had this fascination with Tennessee. It rolls off the tongue so sweetly, doesn't it? This quickly turned into a healthy obsession. I would study the cultural depth and colorful arts and music of Nashville, the universities of Knoxville, the history in Hermitage, and the blues in Memphis. Growing up, my love of music, especially country music, progressed, as did my growing admiration for Nashville, Tennessee specifically. Initially, I became aware of the experiences and opportunities in Tennessee as solely a vacation spot one day. Maybe it would be a two week road trip one summer, or a winter break long weekend getaway with my family. I quickly realized, though, as time was approaching to get shot into the real world after graduating high school, that I needed much more than a long weekend there. I was going to move there. Once this thought was implemented into my mind, it never left. I have tried; believe me, I have tried to count it naive or impossible or useless. I got to the point where I would hear the sting of the word "Nashville" on TV, or country radio, or read the brutal words "Nashville, Tennessee" across an article, and I would skip a breath and would feel my eyes slightly well with a tear. I wanted it so badly. 

The other night I sat down, looked up plane tickets, and found a great deal. I impulsively jumped on it. I am going to Nashville. I still cannot believe it myself. I feel like I'm still dreaming. It doesn't feel like I'm planning a trip, it feels like I am fulfilling a dream. It is as if my whole little life so far in its mere entirety has led up to this. The countless times I tried to get it out of my mind or become content with the thought that it is "too hard," I always got pulled back to Tennessee. This and all its emotional attachment it holds me with is enough verification that Nashville is a God thing for me. It is where I am supposed to be, even if just for a year or less. I am so certain I need to be there. So, this dream in its entirety isn't quite fulfilled yet. It turns out I am going to Nashville in March for a long weekend to prep and scout before I make the move. And I get to experience this first step with my momma! I cannot be happier, and could not be more restless.