When I left Amarillo, I meant it! I didn't miss the flat, brown and yellow landscape. I didn't miss the never ending wind, the 110 degree heat of summer, or the bitter cold of winter. I didn't miss constantly running into someone I knew or who knew my family, everywhere I went. Leaving gave me anonymity. I liked it. I wasn't going back.
Amarillo is not a bad place by any means. It's a place for families, conservatives, and conformists. I think it's a great place to be from. Everyone knows a song or two about Amarillo but most people I am around these days have never been there and never intend to go there. OK by me.
It was not a great place to be perpetually single or, God forbid, a divergent thinker. I was raised there, but in the end I believe I didn't really belong there. Leaving gave me freedom. I liked that too.
Four years ago, Dad sent me a ticket home. I had not been to Amarillo in 13 years. I had no desire to return and only did at my father's insistence. I saw two friends but other than that I stuck to family homes and did not venture much. I had no desire to run into ex-boyfriends or bosses, former students or classmates, or anyone who used to play ball or be in Toastmasters with my dad. I didn't need to talk about my life in Oregon. It was my own business, and I was not sharing.
I will venture back to Amarillo once again this month and my mission is different this time. I want to find everyone I can in one week. I am going to do it this time like I'm not ever coming back. To anyone who knew me in Amarillo: If you have something to tell me, something to show me, or you just want to find out for yourself how the great NW transformed me into a tolerant tree hugger and crazy dog lady, find me. I will answer your questions and tell you the truth.
Peace! lw.
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