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Goodbye, California

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photo by Greer Inez

Goodbye, California.

Goodbye to the place where I spent some of the most important years of my life. The place where I became a wife and mother. The place that taught me about myself – who I am and who I want to be. The place that sustained me through hard times and mistakes, but celebrated my strengths and accomplishments.

The salty, ocean air, warm sand under my feet, and bright sun always served as a refuge for my soul and will always be fully imprinted into my heart. I won’t forget.

However, sometimes the magnificent ocean and welcoming sun aren’t enough.

The photo says it all. The four of us surrounded by natural beauty and a stunning sunset, but.

But.

Life isn’t just about a perfect backdrop.

Three months later, our lives already feel so much fuller in Oklahoma around family and old friends. It was the right move.

But we will never forget you, California. A huge space will always reside in our hearts for you.

……………

Before we left, the talents Shawn Corrigan and Aurelia D’Amore shot a video of us in our element, and I will forever cherish having this to remind me of our life in California. I hope you all enjoy it too. (Click the bottom right full screen icon to enlarge.)

Goodbye, California. from whoorl on Vimeo.

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19 comments
  1. Brian B.

    October 27, 2014 at 9:05 am

    “Turns out not where, but who you’re with that really matters”

    -DMB

    • Tonya

      October 27, 2014 at 5:12 pm

      Best song ever. <3

    • whoorl

      October 27, 2014 at 8:27 pm

      So, so true.

  2. Mina

    October 27, 2014 at 10:10 am

    That is so beautiful! I am so happy for you!

    Mina

  3. kelly

    October 27, 2014 at 10:19 am

    wow, what a beautiful video.

  4. natalie

    October 27, 2014 at 10:39 am

    I’m celebrating for you and your family. Family and friends cannot be beat. xox

  5. Stacey

    October 27, 2014 at 11:09 am

    What a beautiful video of your family. Oh, I miss Crystal Cove already. Just like you, I just left Cali to return to a place where I’m surrounded by friends, and what you said is so true—the perfect backdrop isn’t always enough. It really is the people who matter.

  6. [email protected]

    October 27, 2014 at 11:19 am

    OH! That video. It was just so perfect! I understand all of this so much since we moved from our home in Massachusetts back to our family in Indiana. It is so bittersweet. What a treasure to have that video footage! xo

  7. Brie

    October 27, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    Not sure if d shared a moment he shared with stan and pop pop during pumpkin carving ( the kids were running around) but it was about having these moments this is why you moved back. Well pop pop shared it with kk who shared it with Mille and me, needless to say we all cried. So glad you are here. It made me think about how upbeat and light ( even though i know you might be in pain) you have been recently.

  8. Jennie

    October 27, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    What a beautiful video. There’s something about being near family, though, isn’t there? I may end up living in Texas forever, if we can guarantee our little bubble of family is always here. (And, we’re heading to Broken Bow for a little getaway soon. The pictures look amazing, so I’ll let you know if you need to plan a road trip.)

  9. Giselle

    October 27, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    Sarah.. Wow. That was beautiful and so emotional.

    I just made the same move. I lived in Tulsa for a decade, and I loved it. I didn’t think I’d ever leave.

    But now, being back in Florida with my family.. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. The weather and traffic are a pain, but it’s where I’m supposed to be.

    I’m happy for you and I hope Oklahoma is everything you hoped it would be. I really loved it there. It will always be in my heart.

    Best wishes for your family.

  10. Tonya

    October 27, 2014 at 5:13 pm

    Beautiful video. I can only imagine how hard it would be to say goodbye to this amazing state.

    Best of luck in your new surroundings. xx

  11. Marissa

    October 27, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    This video is GORGEOUS!

  12. whoorl

    October 27, 2014 at 8:27 pm

    Thank you, everyone! xoxo

  13. Mary

    October 29, 2014 at 7:15 am

    From where is the green desk chair in your son’s room? Love it!

  14. Patrice

    October 31, 2014 at 6:53 am

    I’m about the go the other way. Moving back home to California after 10 years in Virginia.

  15. Katie

    November 1, 2014 at 8:28 am

    Wow – what a treasure. That was beautiful!