It has been a year since I moved to Wilmington, NC, and I absolutely love it here. The people are friendly, the climate is pleasant, and the access to the ocean is fantastic. I live directly across the street from a city-wide walking and biking path that stretches from downtown to the beach.
Currently, I am freelancing for a local business newspaper and a women's magazine, while also working in retail at a home goods store. I haven't purchased a car since I left Europe in 2023, and honestly, I've come to love not having one. I walk to work, to the grocery store, to the dentist, and to most places. For longer distances, I either ride my bike or take Lyft. Not having a car means no monthly payments, maintenance costs, or insurance fees, which is quite nice.
I made a few friends and joined a church, but I eventually quit because it felt too liberal for my liking. Now, I have settled into my daily life. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would like it here, as I had never visited before making the cross-country move, but I believe I made a good choice.
I am writing this between two eclipses and right before the fall equinox, and many changes are afoot, although more endings than beginnings.
An old friend visited town and then left my life just as quickly. I suppose I’ve changed and finally saw her for who she really is: a narcissist. She criticized almost everything I enjoy, believe in, hold dear, and do. From the wine I drank to the fanny pack I wore, nothing was off-limits for her criticism. It was definitely an eye-opening experience.
When I finally refused to tolerate her treatment after a few pointed exchanges, she asked me to leave the beach condo she had rented. The night before, I had offered to go on my own but ultimately decided to stay. I was more frustrated with myself for lacking the courage and not listening to my intuition to leave than I was with her. After that, I blocked her number and removed her from Facebook because, as the old saying goes, “when someone shows you who they are, believe them.” But she’s always been the “sour grapes” kind of friend. If you have it and she doesn’t, it sucks. However, this time being older and wiser, I saw her for what she was: bitter, angry, and hateful.
I am far too old to put up with that kind of disrespect from anyone, especially not from someone I once considered a friend. However, I realized she was never really a friend; she was just a temporary escape from my toxic family during my teenage years. C'est la vie, as they say.
Anyway, onward and upward. On more important life issues, I decided to take my website down after nearly 10 years and opt for a digital portfolio on Blogger, which is free of charge. And the great part is that it actually looks better and is easier to navigate than my website.
The apartment complex asked me to take down my bird feeder for the second time this summer. I had moved it to the back of my patio, but having birds around bothers some people. Oh well, another ending in a series of endings.
I recently heard back from the managing editor of the magazine and newspaper where I freelance. She informed me that they are currently only looking for full-time writers in the finance and tech sectors, which are not areas where I have expertise. When I worked as a trade magazine editor in New York, I always assigned those types of stories to freelancers because I had no interest in those topics.
What’s next, I ask? Still seeking a remote writing gig covering hospitality, tourism, or travel. My contract gig for Majestic Resorts ended at the end of January. I’ve had a couple of interviews, but nothing materialized from them.
Awaiting the partial Solar Eclipse on September 21st to deliver its magic. Blessings to all. Much love and Light!
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