I have been living in Atlanta for twenty years. I was a young mother of one when we arrived south of the Mason-Dixon line. It took me seven years to finally say, with a lump in my throat, that the peach state was home for me. It was at this turning point that I knew I would never move back home to Boston. In those early years with small children and limited funds, a quick trip back to Beantown was nearly impossible.
There is not a day in the last twenty years that someone has not commented on my accent. “Where are you from, New York,” they would say as they mimicked the lack of R’s in my vocabulary. Can you say, Paak the caaah in the Haaavaad Yaad? Please, nobody says that! NOBODY! I remember feeling so alone. I never saw anyone I knew when I went out to eat or to the mall. Back home, wherever I went, I met up with old friends or family. I felt like E.T. So I phoned home daily to get my fix and be sure my accent stayed strong.
After twelve years, we moved from what I now refer to as New Hampshire, Woodstock, to Atlanta. Aaah, traffic, restaurants, nightclubs and lots of concrete gave me a sense of security. I started to explore my new “hood.” I found Atlanta had so much more to offer than I imagined. There is culture, fine dining, philanthropy and fabulous people, not to forget SEC football.
Now, everywhere I go, I seem to meet up with friends and acquaintances. I enjoy frequenting my fav dining and night spots where I have made some great business connections. I have found great spots to write in the city where people watching gets my creative juices flowing. Luckily, I get to go back to Boston more often for accent maintenance. Atlanta is now truly my home. Yes, I still stick out like a sore thumb, and I will nevaah blend. At the same time, I leave a lasting impression with those I meet. That is comfort enough for this Boston girl gone south.
Tell me what’s going on in your life. I want to hear from you!
Wishing you love, balance and peace.
Amore & Baci (love & kisses),
Just Steph
