a parting note, hello

Hi all!

It's me again. I know it's been awhile. I've been through a lot but things are getting better. Right now, I'm getting ready to move to New York. This post is a cathartic release for me. I haven't forgotten about writing, and I assure you that it certainly hasn't forgotten me. Life took my voice for a while, it's true. But I'm still here growing and healing and becoming more Me. More Life! has always been a calling card of mine, ever since I first read my favorite author, George MacDonald, first penned them. I'm going to call people and things out here, so if this isn't your jam then move along.

The name change:

As you might have noticed, my website says Anne P Freeman now! That's because I'm a proud trans woman and it's who I am. Don't worry - it's still me behind the keyboards and pens :)

And now, into the lore for me the past few years...

I was kicked out of my church, Payson Christian Church, by Pastor Dennis Gartung, for being trans because of hate.

My wife, Stephanie (now Reynolds) divorced me because I'm trans.

Most of my family doesn't accept me and purposefully uninvited me to the family holidays.

And, to top it all off, my beautiful Victorian home burned down last July.

Since then, I've had a lot of time to think.

If you follow my TikTok, you'll know that I've been on a journey for awhile now, both literally and figuratively. Last fall, I journeyed across the country, camping as I went in my old blue jeep affectionately known as Jiffy. During my journey, I realized so much about myself, who I am, and the sort of life I want. Some things I realized included wanting to live where I'm not demonized for existing. Where Culture and Freedom are a bit more prioritized than old Hannibal, Missouri. Somewhere where I can continue to day-job in marketing making what I'm worth, while writing and continuing to pursue my creative activities in peace with the continued promise of new life and new opportunities.

I'll miss my found family here. The people who actually show up and help, without agenda, when I need it. I'm proud of founding The Hannibal Writers Guild and know that it is in good hands and growing. I'm proud of the Good and the Light I have done and continue to do and strive to reflect. In the end, that's what you can do that matters, I think - grow in your own Light and Truth. Allow yourself new beginnings. Never fall for thinking you've figured yourself all out or that you're certain. Life should be about questions, learning, play, hard lines, and love. And sometimes, that means standing up for who You are in the face of everyone and everything, literally embracing the flames when it all burns down, trusting that Life is a blessing and not a curse.

Until next time, I love you all,

-Anne :)