Yesterday, a girl by the name of Kaitlyn Shrove sent along an email talking about how Buffalo inspired her to pick up from the West Coast and travel across the country to live – to join her mother who fell in love with this city nine years earlier. I love reading these types of stories, because I can’t help but imagine what it would be like to experience Buffalo with fresh eyes, as it continues to evolve. Over the years I have watched it slowly rise, but now there is magic in the air that is undeniable. From Toronto developers looking at this city, eyes wide with opportunity, to a soul searching photographer making her way across the country, looking for a place that will captivate her imagination, the Buffalo story begins again…
My story idea may seem slightly unconventional, as it’s a personal story.
However, I just drove over 3k miles from San Diego to Buffalo and after such an inspiring, long journey, I feel I’ve got a lot to say.
You see, my mom moved to Buffalo about 9 years ago simply because she fell in love. That 9 years I’ve lived in San Diego and visited Buffalo yearly and each time I fell in love more and more (though I admit, I haven’t come in the winter and that has me slightly worried).
So, 4 months ago I was a photographer trapped in the corporate world of paycheck living and I was stuck in a very high paying job that left me flat at the end of the day. I wasn’t creating, I wasn’t motivated, and I wasn’t living.
Needless to say, that job came to an end and it took one long swim in the Pacific Ocean for me to realize this was a gift. I needed to relocate and I needed to do it now.
I applied to Artspace as I knew the only way I was going to do this was if I came here to pursue my photography and living at Artspace was the first step. I shipped a few boxes, and I packed my car.
Now I sit here, on the final leg of getting approved for Artspace and I am exploring the nature surrounding this area, and attempting to get settled. Alas, I need to network and get out in the town and open doors that have been shut for far too long.
Maybe it’s a long shot, but I figured hey, if you don’t try, you’ll get nothing in return. Yes, folks, I left “paradise” for Buffalo. (If only I had a dime for every long, drawn out and disgusted look of “whhhhhy” I got when saying I was leaving San Diego for Buffalo).
So here I am. I am wildly creative, passionate, and a lover of this city that has quickly become my home… perhaps that’s a decent story?
It’s a super decent story, and one that we wanted to share with BRO viewers this morning. From my own experiences over the years, I find that one or two people can easily be a part in shaking up this city. Whether it’s a couple featured on American Rehab Buffalo (see premiere), or another couple creating spontaneous happiness on Grant Street, there are so many people doing their part to carve out a happy living, while helping to grow the city at the same time. Personally, I can’t wait to see what Kaitlyn’s own role will be, as her new journey begins in a city that has been eagerly awaiting her arrival.