Only the Essentials: My Journey from West Virginia to Oregon
Hello, Ren here!
I get lots of questions, so I want to share a little bit of my story that might give insight into the process of moving from West Virginia to Oregon, where, in partnership with Elise Wagner, I opened Pier 11 Studio.
My little house on the hill in West Virginia.
As I approached my 50th birthday, I felt an undeniable urge for change. After years of serving as a Disaster Operations Officer and Service to Armed Forces Director, I found myself at a crossroads. The adrenaline of those high-stakes environments had taken a toll on my health and relationships, leaving me to ponder profound questions: How do I get off this high-speed hamster wheel before it flings me into oblivion? How could I possibly walk away, and then what? What if I’m no good at anything else?
Karen Allen of the American Red Cross takes a call at the Putnam County Emergency Operations Center during Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's press conference Jan. 12, 2014, in Winfield, W.Va. Residents of Kanawha, Boone, Putnam, Lincoln, Logan, Clay, Roane and Jackson counties were told to stop using tap water after a chemical leak contaminated the West Virginia American Water company's system in those areas. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. De-Juan Haley/Released)
I’ve always thought of myself as a multi-faceted person. A musician at heart, I play multiple instruments, record albums, and tour. I’ve also worked in a studio providing technical support, immersing myself in the world of sound and creativity. Yet, as I looked around my life in West Virginia, I could see the path ahead of me, and I didn’t like it. I felt stagnant, trapped in a life that no longer resonated with who I was becoming.
Ren Allen Trio Performs at Bluegrass Kitchen, WV. Photo: Kevin Jack, 2018
The decision to move to Oregon was not made lightly. I knew I needed a fresh start, a new venue to explore my identity and my passion for music and creativity and to test my metal, so to speak. But first, I had to confront the daunting task of downsizing my life. I was determined to shed the weight of my possessions, so I began the process of donating, selling, and gifting nearly everything I owned. It was liberating yet emotional as I parted with a whole house and office full of stuff.
I kept only what could fit into my red Hyundai wagon and a plastic “burrito” strapped to the top of the car. Each item I chose to keep felt like a reflection of my past, a piece of the person I had been and the seeds from which I hoped to grow the new version of me.
The cross-country drive during the pandemic in May 2020 was surreal. The roads were quieter than usual, and I found solace in the solitude, which allowed me to reflect on my journey. As I drove through the changing landscapes, listening to community radio stations, I felt a powerful sense of freedom and possibility. I was leaving behind the familiar and stepping into a new chapter of my life—whatever that was going to be.
Arriving in Oregon in May 2020 was both exhilarating and daunting. The lush greenery and vibrant culture welcomed me, but I also felt the weight of uncertainty. Who would I become in this new environment? Would I find the community and creative outlets I craved?
Living the new dream! July 2021, Stage managing at Seattle Zoo Concert Series. Just 14 months earlier, I moved West, never imagining I would be doing something so demanding and having so much fun!
As I settled into my new home, I began to connect with fellow creatives. I discovered that Oregon was a place where creativity thrives and is valued, and I felt inspired to dive back into my music and found incredible joy in helping other artists tell their stories. Through website design and development (a new skill I picked up during the pandemic!). The journey of self-discovery was just beginning, and I was excited to see where it would lead me.
Moving across the country with just a few belongings taught me an invaluable lesson about the connection between our physical possessions and our sense of self. By letting go of the past, I made space for new experiences and opportunities. I realized that I am not defined by my possessions but by my passions, relationships, and the courage to embrace change.
See my band, Stunning Rayguns perform at KALA in Astoria, OR on Saturday, March 15th, 2025. (tickets will be on sale soon!)
As I navigate this new chapter, I am reminded that life is a continuous journey of exploration and growth. I may have left West Virginia behind, but I carry its lessons with me as I forge my path in Oregon. Here’s to new beginnings and to all the music and art yet to be made!