Paul G. Newton

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Leaving the Hills Behind

Eureka Springs was an experience. Andrea found it peaceful, grounding even, but for me, it never really clicked. The hills, the quiet, the pace of life—none of it felt like a place I could settle. There were moments I appreciated, sure, but I always felt a pull toward something else.

Moving back to the city felt like the right step, but getting here wasn’t easy. The move itself was grueling, and somewhere in the middle of it, my knee gave out. Overuse, the doctor said. For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been stuck in recovery mode, unable to do much more than watch boxes pile up and plans wait. It’s frustrating, to say the least, but there’s no way around it—healing takes time.

The new house feels like a fresh start. It’s bright, open, and ready for whatever we decide to make of it. There’s an energy here I didn’t feel in Eureka, and even with my current limitations, I can tell it’s the kind of place where ideas and ambitions can take shape. Andrea has been keeping things moving while I rest, and we’re finding our footing together in this next chapter.

Looking back, I don’t regret leaving Eureka Springs. Andrea and I saw it differently, and that’s okay. She found something there that spoke to her, but for me, it always felt like a temporary stop. The city feels alive, connected, and in line with where we’re headed.

This injury has been a hurdle, but it hasn’t changed what lies ahead. There’s work to do, plans to realize, and a better life waiting to be built. This move is a step toward something bigger, something brighter, and I can feel the momentum building. Hopefully this injury doesnt take much longer to heal, then it’s off to the races.