Aventures de Lavande: 2014

If you've spent any time with me within the past four months, you've more than likely heard a story or two (or a thousand) of my European adventures. To emphasize even more, it was an unexplainable experience full of laughter, pain, love, beauty, and incredible memories. I learned a lot about myself, others, and culture. When we were leaving France and saying our goodbyes, my friends were sad but so excited to go home and return to their lives. Although feeling guilty, I could not bring myself to miss my home in Atlanta. It wasn't that I didn't have wonderful people to go home to, because I did. I also had a great apartment with a great roommate. My family was less than two hours away. I was studying Interior Design, something I loved (although busted my ass for). On paper, life was pretty great. But something was missing. I didn't want to go home. I could have stayed in France the rest of the year, and been completely fine. In fact, I still wish I was there. But what is the point of being 20 years old and not being completely in love with where you are? I couldn't answer that; but I can now: There is no point. I'm not tied down here; I have no job or significant other to keep me from moving around and finding my niche in the world. Atlanta is only two hours away from where I spent my entire life. Savannah is four hours further and, frankly, it's still too close to home. I was tested in Europe, and that's because I was out of my comfort zone.

I'm moving to Savannah. I may love it, and I may hate it. But I will give it a fair shot, and more than likely move on again after two years. From there, I'll go wherever my heart (or job) takes me. I'm young, I've lived in two places, and I am in no mindset to settle down now or anytime soon. I don't plan on losing any of the friendships I've made. I only plan on continuing to live with an open heart, ready for more relationships, memories, and experiences.

A dear friend of mine, Emalee, has taught me that life in really too short. That is the most cliche thing I could ever say. But after an accident took her life, my whole perspective on death and time and life changed. You really can't plan for these things, and I would rather be chasing something I love (even if I'm not sure what that is yet) than wondering "what if?" and waiting for something to happen.

So abientot, Atlanta. Until next time. I'll miss you and your memories.

Emalee Riane Formica.

When I first met her, she was introduced to me as "Eve" by Adam, so I called her that the first couple of days. She decided to have a nick name for me as well, and called my "Bridgy".

After spending months in Europe and returning home, Emalee told me it was the best and most unforgettable summer of her life. We talked constantly of the precious moments spent there, and I am eternally grateful I had the chance to be a part of them. These are most of the pictures I have of her, and I'll cherish them forever.

I can only hope to live a life as beautiful as Em did in 22 years. Rest easy girl.

"Do not live for the day, that would be materialistic — but treasure the day. I realize that most of us live on the skin — on the surface — without appreciating just how wonderful it is simply to be alive at all."