By Jenn DeCuir
I grew up in a small town on the coast of Maine. One
of those everyone-knows-everyone-else’s business type of places. And much like
my character, Cady Eaton, in Trapped in Tourist Town, I couldn't wait to get
out.
I met my now-husband over the internet (through a friend who had actually
met him in person, so I knew he wasn't an ax murderer), dated long distance for
a year and then decided to join him in Los Angeles. I packed up my car with as
much as I could stuff in it, brought along my cat and his prescription downers,
and I was off. Los Angeles, was an amazing experience. As was San
Diego, where we moved about a year after we were eventually married.
I thought
I’d be thrilled to see the last of my hometown. Instead, I pined for it. Especially
when I had my first child. I wanted her to have the kind of childhood I had.
The safety of riding a bike all around the neighborhood, joining other families
at the local swimming hole on a hot evening, picking blueberries in the woods
behind the house and not knowing whether you’ll encounter a skunk, a porcupine
or a deer on this particular outing.
So we were beyond excited when the opportunity came
to move to the Pacific Northwest for my husband’s work. Driving toward our
temporary rental, I marveled at all the evergreens. It reminded me of home.
It wasn't Maine, but it would do.
My kids might not be able to explore miles of
woods behind our house, but there are TONS of forested areas and state parks
really close by where we do explore. Every 4th of July we attend the
town parade. Not everyone knows us, in this slightly bigger town, but that’s
okay. Downtown is still one charming two lane road full of family run
businesses. We might not get the more exotic wildlife out here, but the rabbits
and possum that stop by to visit in our yard are more than welcome. |
| Jennifer DeCuir |
Learn more about Jennifer at www.jenniferdecuir.com
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