I feel that. It may be hard to believe but the breakup was amicable. It’s just really hard to make a 7 time zone difference work, especially almost 20 years ago when video chat was not what it is today. The few times we had together I really do cherish, but it was not the right time or place. We’re now only 1 time zone apart and haven’t seen each other since her wedding, but we do still keep up with each other periodically.
It is possible to be happy for an ex and really wish them the best.
Working on the ren fair circuit is exactly what you’re describing. You’re there for a week or a month depending on the ren fair, with the same group of people almost always in warmer weather because ren fairs are no fun when they’re cold. And depending on the job you get, you get to heckle paying customers.