I know I focus a lot on the tech and startup scene, but like it says in the tagline, we're also "all things Southern" over here. So when I read Donna Weber's lovely Instagram post on the anniversary of her move to Atlanta, I knew I had to share it. She kindly consented to letting me cross-post it here; enjoy! ~ Aly
PHOTO: Donna Weber, artist unknown
Oh hey friend,
How's it going? You know you're pretty great, right? Yeah, I think so too. That's how you convinced me to stay for the past ten years. (Yes, in real people terms I've lived here for eight years but the beauty and hardship of summer stock lets me count those two summers as 10 years.)
I find myself this week filled with ALL of the thoughts.
When I moved down here, my greatest fear was to be stuck down here. I thought obviously I would be here for three years and then move back north.
I was so misguided.
In you, my dear Atlanta, I have found a home. I have found several communities and I have found a tribe. You are my home. You found me broken, confused and searching for something. You helped me grow into me.
You are quirky, lovely and sometimes misguided, but I love you in a way that I don't know how to explain.
It's been ten years and I'm still worried about being stuck and not living up to my potential. But it's not about you, it's about me. You are this growing wonderful place that fits me like an elbow-length glove.
I am so grateful to be able to walk down the street or walk into Target and run into people that I know. You have taught me so much about myself that I would never have learned if it wasn't for you.
I am so grateful that every time I leave you, I still want to come back. I am so grateful for every person I have met and become friends. I'm grateful to be Southern.
All of this has made this journey complete.
Atlanta, you are a beautiful, quirky, brilliant city and I am so thankful to be part of you.
Happy anniversary, dear friend.
<3
me
Donna. She's into glitter and bass drums.
Donna Weber has never met a stranger. Originally from the First State, Donna has adopted the South as her home for the last 10 years. She's a firecracker full of joy and optimism with a deep love for glitter, bass drums and coordinating events. Donna is the manager of Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, volunteers with The Giving Kitchen and spends her days working in Big Law.
