Ann Arbor- August 22-24
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| A much needed walk in the woods in Huron National Forest. I am sure I was the only one for miles around. |
- Being in the woods has stopped being exercise and started being about being in the woods. I'm slowing down to feel what's around me, attempting to be here now.
- On the other hand, it's okay to relax and not be here now- just let my mind go.
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| And of course there was a lake to go with it. |
- Water is the very best grumpiness annihilator I've found. One dunk in a lake or river and I am born anew, ready for the road or the camp.
- There's A LOT of water between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic, at least in the northern states. Even in dry, hot Montana, there are so many upland lakes and beautiful rivers. It's safe for this Pisces to move about the country.
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| A roadside attraction installed at a gas station in the 60s to stand out from every other gas station. Worked for me. |
- It's hard to let go of a lifetime of 'shoulds', despite my attempts. There is sometimes someone in my head (ultimately me) telling me to do things in ways other than I'm doing them. I have the ability to choose otherwise.
- Always go a little further than you think. When I think I've lost my way, I just have to keep the faith and go further. Works every time.
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| I found an awareness of the need to protect milkweed as I traveled, with the reward of attracting a satisfied customer. |
- Being a guest in a near-stranger's house can be delightful, has been delightful. Four homes now have welcomed me and it has been amazing fun.
- Traveling is excellent memory practice. Where did I put that chapstick/can opener/$500/wet bathing suit? What state was I in three nights ago and where was the campsite? What's the name of that really good Wisconsin beer I had? (Spotted Pig)
- Having your dear friend in New Hampshire keep you company for an hour by phone in the car, and act as virtual navigator scratches the companionship itch.
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| Yup, the real McCoy. Renoir, Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, so many of the masters were represented at the Chicago Art Museum. |
- Campgrounds are, 1. sites of the most polluted air, with so many smokey campfires, 2. some of the safest places you could possibly find, and 3. most often filled with the sound of happy children and loving parents.
- NPR signals don't reach far enough.
- Swearing, a practice to which I have become accustomed, is now ubiquitous everywhere. I realized that my love for the 'punch' of a curse word now lacks any punch what-so-ever. I am going on a swear moratorium. I will have to find other words and strategies for making my points have swagger.
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| The boat tour to see the Painted Rocks of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. |
- It is possible to leave fear behind. I truly haven't found anything to be afraid of for the past month.
- There are a lot of people in this country trying very hard to do good things and make a difference. It's nice to see that and feel it. I don't want to forget.
I see a Japanese landscape, what do you see?
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