* 2147Miles.com *

     SEATTLE - It was 2007 when I first sat down to write in an empty journal; to put everything I've ever wanted in life down on paper. I'd just graduated high school, moved to Seattle to live with my dad, and was the most confused I'd ever been in my entire life.

    I knew what I wanted, the options on which direction to take to get there were endless, and I wasn't exactly sure where to start. It was with this empty journal that I changed my entire life. Goal after goal was written down; from small to gigantic, and somehow it made me feel good about myself. It made me feel strong and as though my life was meaningful.

    Moving to Seattle changed my life in ways that I couldn't have possibly imagined. Not only had it opened my eyes, but it allowed me to really sift through the options that I had. It was also during this time that I first really got to dabble with photography.

     SALT LAKE CITY - In 2008 my mom and I traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah for my second American Idol Audition. And though my audition didn't amount to anything, the trip pushed me to continue not only competing, but traveling. Yes - it was a long drive, it was unbelievably hot staying out in a tent, and the beach was salty and covered in dead birds... but BOY was it a trip to look back and laugh about. This was also the trip that gave my mother and I the idea to travel to Nashville, Tennessee.

_   NASHVILLE - June of 2009, I was over the top about road-tripping to Nashville, Tennessee for the CMA Music Festival. This was the place I'd always dreamed of visiting, the place that housed all of my dreams - and it was everything I'd ever wished for and so much more. This was the trip that changed my whole view on how strong I really am.

    Along the way, we experienced two storms - one with golf ball sized hail and another with incredible winds. (I was panicked my Honda Element might not make it!) We saw Memphis and the Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, and so much more. But my most favorite part?! Seeing nearly 30 of my favorite singers for $200 some... four nights in a row... in downtown Nashville. It was during this trip that I realized the long drives are worth it, the heat is worth it, and that the experience is something everyone should have the chance to feel. It's liberating!! It was also during this trip that I promised myself I would move to Nashville in 2010.

     It wasn't until January of 2010 when I realized that I wasn't living my life for me. Nothing had been accomplished and I'd devoted myself to friends who constantly needed me, but were unable to give themselves. It was the final straw, and I started moving on with my life and taking risks that I'd never considered taking before.

     L.A. - HOLLYWOOD - COEUR D'ALENE - The year 2010 was the year of ultimate change. Not only did I complete the most goals I've ever accomplished in one year, but I learned more than I've learned this entire lifetime. January was the month that I went out on my own to really take risks, March was the month that 2147Miles.com was created to inspire other people to push forward, in May I visited a friend in Los Angeles to audition for a musical, in July I met the love of my life ~ Lucas, and in October of 2010, I move to Nashville, Tennessee. (2147 miles from North Idaho.) - Alone.

    NASHVILLE LIVING - After first arriving in Nashville, Tennessee, with the contents of my car holding everything that I own, I was in a state of pure panic... By myself? Over 2000 miles from home? Alone? ALONE? ... To say the least. My dad was with me and he was trying to get me to calm down, but it was a scary deal.
   
    Before dad left for home, I'd found myself a few possible job options, one of which I wanted so badly it hurt: working downtown at a boot store. I remember calling my parents crying often; scared, worried, not sure what to do next... and I'd completely lost my appetite and had to constantly remind myself to eat. And when I finally got the job, I remember almost crying in front of my new boss when he asked if I was home sick.

    Somehow, the days started moving by and I was pushing forward. I had my own place, got cable, started making bracelets and was eating regularly again. I was even making friends and having fun getting two know my coworkers, Donnie and Britton. Lucas came to visit me early in November, and then my mom for Thanksgiving and my Birthday. - I was actually doing it! I was living on my own for the first time ever... 2,000 miles away from home!! This was such an amazing accomplishment to me.

    Sometime in between when my mother visited for Thanksgiving and when I was about to visit home before Christmas, I started realizing that I was rather 'paralyzed.' I'd come to Nashville to pursue a music career not knowing guitar and not having any songs written; and I'd also learned quite a bit about how difficult it really is in the spotlight - even in Nashville. Not to mention the fact that I was missing my family and my new boyfriend... I was emotionally all over the place.

     In January of 2011, after three months of living in Nashville, I moved home to North Idaho. This decision was the most difficult decision I've had to make so far, but I still feel that it was the best decision so far. Moving there had made me immobile with a great deal of my goals. I continue to pursue them all to this day, with my biggest goal of 2011 being to put out my very first single - to debut on 2147Miles.com.

     To all of my readers: You need to know that every story is worth writing, that life is all about going the distance, and that anything truly is possible. The only reason the word impossible exists is for those who are unable to believe; for those who need an excuse to let go of something they know they'll always regret. Don't stop pushing forward and remember that certain things need to be pursued by creating your own path.

     All of my love,
    
     A.E.C ~ Amy Croson