Leaving the West Behind: Why Maine Is My New Beginning
Sometimes, life offers you a chance to come full circle. It’s subtle at first—a fleeting memory, the familiar rhythm of old haunts, a conversation that stirs something deeper. And then, like a tidal pull, it’s undeniable. You realize that the place you thought you left behind has been patiently waiting for you to return. Not because you’ve failed to find yourself elsewhere, but because you’ve gathered the pieces of who you are and now know where they fit. For me, that place is Maine.
Today, I’m thrilled to share big news: I’m moving back to Maine. After twenty years away—years spent living in San Diego, Arizona, and Australia, and crisscrossing the globe—I’ve decided to return to the state where it all began. The decision feels monumental, and not just because I’m ending my cross-country road trip early to make it happen. This isn’t just a move; it’s the start of an entirely new chapter.
Coming Full Circle
Maine is where my journey into creativity and technology began. As a teenager in Falmouth, I immersed myself in multimedia and web design classes, first dabbling in HTML, Photoshop, and video production. I didn’t know it at the time, but those high school projects planted the seeds for the career I’ve built today—a career centered on creative, community-driven technology.
Returning to Maine now, as an adult with two decades of professional experience, feels like rediscovering a beloved book from childhood and seeing all the layers you missed the first time. Maine hasn’t changed much in its essence—the dry humor of its people, the close-knit community, and the charm of its towns are all intact. But I’ve changed, and so the way I experience this place has, too. There’s a richness here I couldn’t see before, a sense of belonging that feels earned.
Finding the Perfect Home
The first step in this new chapter has been securing a place to call home. I’m excited to announce that I’ve found an apartment in Falmouth, just minutes from where I grew up. It’s a cozy one-bedroom cottage attached to a beautifully restored 150-year-old house, with a fire pit in the yard and bay windows that let in soft, natural light. The chef’s kitchen, with its granite countertops and gas stove, feels like an invitation to create something wonderful—whether that’s a new dish, a project, or simply a moment of peace.
The space reflects what I want this chapter to be: intentional, inspiring, and grounded. I’ve already begun imagining how I’ll arrange my work area, situating my desk near a window to let in the Maine morning light. The living room will be a place for relaxation and connection, filled with friends, family, and laughter. It’s a place that will fuel both my creativity and my sense of purpose.
A Network of Connection
One of the most exciting parts of returning to Maine is the proximity to friends and family. My brother Ethan lives just down the street, and we’re already planning long board game nights. I’ve also reconnected with my lifelong friend John and his wife Ashley, who just welcomed their first child, Finn. Meeting Finn was a profoundly moving experience—it felt like stepping into a new role as an honorary uncle, a role I’m eager to embrace.
Beyond personal connections, I’m eager to dive into Portland’s creative and tech scenes. Maine has always had a vibrant arts community, but it’s grown significantly in the years I’ve been away. I see endless opportunities to contribute through Microweb LLC, the company I founded to tackle creative and technical challenges. From developing immersive museum exhibits to helping local businesses enhance their digital presence, the possibilities feel as expansive as the Maine coastline.
Lessons From the Road
This move comes at the end of a transformative cross-country road trip. Each stop offered its own lessons, but the overarching theme was clear: follow your instincts. The road trip was about exploration and spontaneity, and deciding to end it early to start this new chapter feels completely in line with its spirit. The journey showed me that the best opportunities often come when you’re open to change.
That said, it’s bittersweet to leave San Diego and the West Coast behind. I’ve built incredible friendships there, and the laid-back yet dynamic culture of California has left a lasting mark on me. But with modern technology, staying connected is easier than ever. I plan to continue collaborating with my network in California while building new relationships in Maine.
The Vision for Microweb LLC
Microweb LLC is a cornerstone of this next chapter. I see it as more than just a business; it’s a vehicle for creativity and impact. Maine offers the perfect backdrop for the kind of work I want to do—projects that blend art, technology, and community. I imagine collaborating with local museums to create immersive exhibits, working with libraries to develop user-friendly digital archives, and partnering with creative professionals to tell compelling stories through multimedia.
Portland’s growing tech scene is an exciting frontier. With my background in digital production, asset management, and community-building, I’m uniquely positioned to help organizations navigate the intersection of creativity and technology. I want Microweb LLC to be a company that bridges gaps, solves problems, and inspires.
Looking Ahead
The next few months will be a whirlwind of activity as I prepare for the move, finalize my lease, and settle into my new home. I’ll continue to blog about the journey—both the physical move from San Diego to Maine and the emotional and professional shifts that come with it. This isn’t the end of “Miles with Micro”; it’s the beginning of an entirely new adventure.
Maine is where I started, but it’s also where I’m starting again. It’s a place that has always been part of my story, and now it’s where I’m choosing to write the next chapter. This decision isn’t just about returning to a physical location; it’s about embracing a sense of home, community, and purpose.
Closing Thoughts
As I stand on the threshold of this new chapter, I’m reminded that life isn’t a straight path—it’s a series of loops and returns, each bringing you closer to who you are. Maine feels like the right place to continue that journey, not because it’s familiar, but because it’s where I can grow in ways I never imagined. The next steps are uncertain, but they’re filled with promise. And isn’t that what makes life exciting?
4 thoughts on “Leaving the West Behind: Why Maine Is My New Beginning”
Welcome home, Jared! Look forward to seeing you more often.
I can’t wait to see you and the whole family more often!
Jared , what a wonderful uplifting … hopeful blog entry. I would ask you 2 questions … can you see, with all your tender feelings about places, people and things… how your temporal (earthly road trip) completely mirrors your spiritual road trip back home to Heavenly Father… can you even imagine the joy of reuniting with Him and all of your family, friends and associates on the other side of this world ?
Question 2: is it really necessary to make the journey back to west coast …( earthly and spiritually) to pick up objects from the past ? Do you really need those things ? Is it profitable for you to look back or go back ? … you have been constantly moving forward with gratefulness , joy and incredible spiritual growth … is there any reason you really need to go back in any sense of the word…? Might it be a “set back” ? Lots more than 2 questions to ponder 😳. On a lighter note , so glad you are staying and I would move into that apartment “in a New York minute! “ sis waller
Thank you for the profoundly deep perspective. While I will return, my return is about celebrating new beginnings, and the friendships and connections I’ve made along the way. Also, I think my cat would appreciate being picked up! 😆
I am so grateful to be coming back home to friends, family and the community that makes Maine, Maine. I absolutely see the spiritual and physical elements of this trip like intertwined roots for my journey.