From ‘Da Beach’ to the Birches: Misty’s Relocation

From ‘Da Beach’ to the Birches:
Misty’s Relocation

In early February 2024, I have recently made what is the most courageous, life-transformative shift of my life thus far. Taking a multi-day road trip across the United States from the west to the east, I have relocated from Long Beach, California to a wooded small town in North Carolina, near the city of Charlotte. While the items in my old apartment were transported on a freight truck to my new home, I traversed the country in my 6-speed Ford Mustang, with a cooler full of food, as well as clothes and other items for the next several days. My last morning seeing ocean waves crash on a California shoreline was on a beach in San Diego. After that, I was off to the desert sceneries of Arizona and New Mexico. It was fascinating to see the landscapes gradually shift in hues from brown to green, as I continued my travel through the massive state of Texas. This was also where I began to experience what it’s like to drive in the dark evenings on country roads, with minimal support of roadway lighting. As I traveled after twilight in Texas, Alabama and the Carolinas, I realized that using my car’s high beams more often would become a regular part of my life. I was happy and relieved to finally make it to North Carolina.

A lovely view from Sentinel Peak Park – Tucson, AZ

Prior to this trip, while residing in Southern California, I had been going through a handful of months of stress, struggle, and hustle, especially in regards to career (I’ll save those details for a future posted writing). A friend that I’ve known for many years offered me a room in his home, which just happens to be hundreds of miles eastward from the Golden State. This warm-hearted gesture will aid me in getting back on my feet, and beginning again, in a direction that aligns more to me—in regards to my career, creative and artistic talents, and sunny disposition. This road trip was the vacation I needed—or perhaps even, a Spiritual Pilgrimage. I definitely felt some energetic releases as I drove away from an old life, conversing with the Creator in between songs or intuitive downloads. The spirits of my Mom and Dad were also strongly nearby, enjoying my journey with me.

Recycled Road Runner Statue, by artist Olin Clark, in Las Cruces, NM

A handful of people have expressed to me, in various ways, how “brave” I must be to make this physical shift. Some found it kind of wild or weird that I would leave the beautiful beaches and year-round, relatively warm weather for the South(east). I could feel a “real” general question behind the statements: “Who the hell leaves SoCal for the South, especially one who lives within a lovely, walkable beach community?” I initially asked myself that as well; however, my heart is leading me out of what has been the “same ol’ shit” for a handful of years now. I am a Long Beach, California girl at heart—and always will be. However, there are communities, opportunities, and newer energies awaiting me in the Southeastern side of the U.S. And since I have recently experienced the Biggest Road Trip Ever, I can see myself taking excursions up and down the eastern states, exploring places I have imagined to visit, for years. And yes, I even see myself flying back to Southern California to visit friends and engage in cultural events.

With family at Cypress Park in Houston, TX

It is my intention that this post or newsletter to be the first of more to come, as I rebuild myself in this new cycle of life. Ideally, I’d like to continue building a business as a solopreneur, using my hybrid of talents in the artistic and technical realms. I hope that the paragraphs and images here inspire you somehow to trust yourself to make the shifts and movements in your life that your soul is calling you to do.
-Misty Rose

Visiting the parsonage home of Dr. King – Montgomery, AL

Misty Rose

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