This will be my last column for the Southeast Missourian.

I'm moving to Clarksville, Tenn., where my local -- who's been elevated to fiancé -- has landed a new job. Though I'm happy to be engaged, I must force these words of goodbye upon the page.

Leaving is hard.

Thank you for joining me here each Friday to learn more about art, music and events in Cape Girardeau. I appreciate the feedback you've sent over the years. Please keep those lines open with our new SE Live editor, James Samons. He's passionate about music and journalism and will do his best to meet your entertainment needs.

I've truly enjoyed bringing you the best attractions -- and distractions -- I could find.

The bands and musicians I've had the privilege to talk with carry such ardent appreciation and passion for music.

I am happy to have given them a stage on which to convey their message and goals.

The artists I've worked with over the years see the world in such vivid colors, and they put their views and themes on canvas hoping to let the rest of us see a new world. I heard a quote once that God gave us imagination so we could have roses in December. I believe God gave us artists so we could have a new image of roses. And December.

When I need more energy or fall into a reporting rut, I plan a story about the theater. The dancers and actors involved in community and university theater productions devote immense amounts of time and effort to their performances but always seem happy to be twirling across the practice floor or reciting dialogue in their car.

I've never met a tired dancer, a bored musician or a dull painter. They inspire me to exhibit the same amount of exuberance in my daily life. I hope our stories over the years have inspired or interested you to take part in the arts.

Thanks for reading. Now go enjoy the culture Cape Girardeau has to offer.