On The Eve of 34
I just looked over last year’s birthday post.
So much is the same and so much has changed.
I’m moving out of my house- my first place on my own after my divorce, in a few months. My first time living alone and also with a roommate- briefly- since college. Since I was 23. So much changes in a decade’s time.
I don’t work for The Southern Weekend anymore, they cut me out shortly after my birthday last year with a really crappy contract extension offer. That was when I realized how popular it is for some to make money off of Southern stories.
I’ve had my heart broken some more- and did some breaking of my own. Love can be such a fickle thing.
More friends are moving. It breaks my heart- but I’m so super happy for them. I’ll talk more about that later.
My mom and I are going into business together. We’re making these awesome candles and you can buy them right here on this website next week. It’s scary, but I believe in it.
America delivered me a huge blow, but I’m praying, and so many of you reached out when I said I was scared to let me know you were praying for me, too. THAT GIVES ME FAITH. Many were ugly but many more weren’t. You help me to feel strong again.
I’m writing this from Robinson Home’s Fork & Key, one of my new favorite spots downtown. With a glass of Americano, and the option of good wine, a chicken salad sandwich and grapes and chips. But most importantly with people here who I love and are laughing.
This year, I’m working for The Cannonball House. A group of people who aren’t a bunch of carpet-bagging Yankees trying to sell me on their version of the Southern dream. They’ve lived and loved here and aren’t leaving.
I’ve made new friends. It feels like I’m losing many but I’m gaining more. I’m getting better and better at rebuilding my little village.
My kids. My sweet, adorable, amazing, priceless, beautiful and brave children are growing up. My awesome kiddos who walked right up to Representative John Lewis and asked for a photo without hesitating. They are brave. They are strong. And I’m going to make sure they stay that way. That they love everyone and fight for those who can’t fight back.
Happy Birthday to me, I suppose. But even more than that…
Love to all y’all,
Molly
