By Eileen Spatz

Has it really been 1,000 days since I moved here to beautiful Columbia, Tennessee from California? Wow, that sure flew by fast! One thousand days is a good chunk of time, allowing my new surroundings and community to really sink into my bones. So, earlier today, while on a Sunday drive in the country with my hound, Morgan, I pondered this milestone.

What follows are some musings of things I’ve grown to love about living here in Columbia. Honestly, there are so many positives it’s hard to know where to start, but “paradise?” How on Earth can a small town in southern middle TN nicknamed Mule Town possibly measure up to a descriptor like paradise? Well, allow me to explain why, in my eyes anyway, Columbia is paradise indeed:

• I love the slower, quieter pace of life here. I now have more time to process my thoughts, to take action, and to just breathe. That constant tension in my shoulders and clenched jaw that plagued me in California is now gone. Living here is, in a word, peaceful.

• I love the four seasons, and how you can literally feel the upcoming season deep in your bones. When you sense the subtlest changes in the air, the sunlight, the foliage, you are reminded that God runs the nature show on a strict schedule and it’s time for a new sensory experience. Here in Tennessee, each season is very distinct so I do have my favorites (spring and fall).

• I love my location, right off the cute town square. Whenever I am on the Square, you can bet I am smiling. I can’t help it, it’s just so charming! The little shops are inviting and the restaurants are fabulous. I appreciate the many live music options we have right here on the square, as well as a full calendar of fun festivities to enjoy. And on a practical note, I am located just five minutes away from EVERYTHING - grocery stores, hospital, medical offices, dental office, eye doctor, library, auto shop, Walmart – it is a great location.

• I love the historical vibe of this old town, which was founded in 1825 (or thereabouts). I love its mule identity as having been the go-to place for landowners to purchase mules for decades. I have developed an affinity for these handsome beasts when they come to town every April. Columbia has many beautiful old historic homes and buildings that you just know if the walls could talk there’d be some dang juicy stories. A house doesn’t last 130+ years without having some drama holding those old walls together.

• I love the birds! Every day, a bevy of beautiful birdies visits my yard, singing their songs and adding a dash of color to my life. I even talk to them! The view from my dining room chair is directed toward both bird feeders, so the Tennessee bird directory that sits on my table is regularly referred to. Which reminds me - I am almost out of bird seed … must order.

• I love southerners. The men are sweet as pie, so friendly and low key. And the gals, I can tell they are a little spicy under that cool exterior. The southern accent? I find it soothing listening to southerners immersed in conversation. There is a rhythm to it. They each fully understand what the other is referring to, whereas I, the eavesdropper, have no clue. When I interact with a local, I just love how they ask “How you?” (minus the “are”), and when I am worried about something, they’ll reply with a reassuring, “ ‘tsawright” (It’s alright) or “ ‘tsawgood.” (It’s all good).

• I love the sheer beauty of this region. Since I can’t walk my dog for at least a few more months (already been 5 months since my fall ended our twice daily walks), I have been taking him out for little drives instead. Being fairly new to the area, this has been great for me, too. I am exploring the beautiful surrounding areas I had no idea were just 10-20 minutes from my house. This town is set up like a wheel with the town square as the hub. There are multiple “spokes” that radiate from the hub, each of them featuring a glorious expanse of rich countryside. Truly, there are no words. Sprawling acres of lush green, green, green landscape interspersed with cool old barns, and cows, chickens, goats, and horses roaming about. Right now, wildflowers of every hue add colorful little touches to the greenery. I drive around and sing songs and smile. Morgan seems to be smiling, too.

• I love the people. I have been so very blessed to make many new friends here in Columbia. I live on a street with lots of nice, friendly people who I’ve formed close bonds with. The social groups I am in, the community choir, the local Trivia group, and my church family, have provided me with a bumper crop of new friends. The funny thing is, most people I meet here are also transplants – from Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York (gasp! Yankees), Louisiana, Florida, and of course California. In fact, my Trivia group’s name is The Transplants, lol. Columbia is a little melting pot.

• Now … the practical stuff. Tennessee is a very user-friendly state. Being self-employed (10 years now), I no longer have to grit my teeth with worry trying to cover my nut every month like I did in California. There is no state income tax here, gas runs about $2.60/gallon, and property tax is 1/6 the amount I was paying on my 2-bedroom condo in SoCal. I still enjoy my work and do not plan to retire anytime soon, however at least now I feel like I can retire someday.

By far the best part of living here for these 1,000 days is living only 13 minutes from my daughter and her beautiful family. I am so blessed to be a part of their lives, to see my grandkids play ball and act in local plays, to tag along with them for events around town, to sit with them at church, and to spoil them rotten when I babysit. Now, another precious grandchild is on the way, and I will be right here to experience this one growing up, too. ‘Tsawgood.

Eileen Spatz is a content creator and author who's made her home in the beautiful slice of heaven called Columbia, TN.