19 Comments
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Jenn Woltjen's avatar

Just read this post on Friday morning after our Zoom with Sarah last night. I hope your transition is getting better.

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Ali Lopez's avatar

thank you Jenn! Slowly.....

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Jess O'Brien's avatar

I just stumbled across this post on my home page and it resonates so much! I've been feeling a bit lost in life myself lately, and it's nice to know I'm not alone at least. The bittersweetness of moving is so real - I went from MI to KY last year and while I love KY there are some days I miss our family/friends/life in Michigan a lot.

Anyway, here's to some new adventures!

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Ali Lopez's avatar

So glad you stumbled here and thank you for reading and commenting. Hoping your new adventures as sweet as well!

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Heather Johnson Durocher's avatar

Welcome back to northern Michigan, Ali! 🩵 This is a beautiful essay. I’m enjoying your newsletter very much! I hope we can see each other sometime soon!

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Thank you so much Heather! It means a lot as I enjoy your writing as well! Let's get a coffee and/or run date soon!!

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Liz Lancashire's avatar

Ali, you’re back? Let’s connect!

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Paula Gregorowicz's avatar

What a beautiful and descriptive musing on this change. This sentence is always at the forefront of my mind: "I wondered if we were running away or running towards."

With my desire to wander and experience living elsewhere, I ask this question a lot.

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Thank you, Paula! So glad you got it.... and yes to wandering....

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BRENDA NEUWEILER's avatar

Enjoy the new adventure!!!

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Isiah Smith, Jr.'s avatar

Wow! This is such a powerful and descriptive account of how life can change in what feels like an instant. You wisely chose to ride the waves of the inevitability of change, the one constant!

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Thank you Isiah! "Ride the waves of the inevitability of change." Love that..... hope you are feeling better, hope to see you soon!

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Barry Wein's avatar

Incredibly, vivid, authentic and intimate musings on transition and its consequences. My heart goes out to you. To show our parents influence on me, I’m going to quote a very popular John Denver song that captures how you described your feelings about Vermont. “Coming home to a place he'd never been before….” I wish you both all the best wherever your next chapter unfolds. “May you “find the key to every door”. If you stay long enough, maybe we’ll finally get our asses up to Michigan. Love, Barry

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Oh Barry! Love this and love you ... and I hope you do get your asses up here or is it just over here?

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Barry Wein's avatar

I’m a big fan of George M. Cohan, so I’ll say “Over there…”

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Susan T's avatar

OMG- I knew you were in town but didn’t realize it was a long term thing! Look forward to crossing paths with you!

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Yes. Thanks Susan! Looking forward to catching up with you as well!

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Joe M's avatar

😢. But the lake looks nice!

Thank you for sharing. We miss you already, but I am sure you will make the most of this quest!

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Ali Lopez's avatar

Thanks Joe! The lake is lovely and reconnecting with friends is as well. Always making the best of things.... and really truly treasure ALL my friendships!

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