learning to fly

Several years ago I found myself stuck in a moment, unable to move, unsure of how to get myself back in forward motion ever again. And so I ran away. I decided to go on vacation alone, ostensibly to see some good friends in two different countries that I hadn't seen before, but mostly spending two weeks on my own to clear my head.

I spent the first week with a wonderful friend, exploring his city by day, and getting to know his very lovely family at night. And they were so sweet to me, they made me forget that I was far from home and on my own, and by the end of the week, I couldn't help but cry at the airport as I was leaving them. They had become part of my heart.

But my very sweet friend at the second destination, greeted me at the airport terminal with a bouquet of flowers, which I kept in my room all week long. And after a few days of wandering around her city, taking photos, exploring and catching up, she was wise enough to realize that I was hiding out within her family. And so, as all good mama-birds will do, she pushed me out of the nest. She picked up the phone one night, and found me a room at a small hostel, literally in a tiny goat village on top of a mountain. And so I packed a small  backpack, and the next morning I took something like 4 trains, a bus, and a cable car, and arrived up at this beautiful, amazing mountaintop village. Alone... But no more than a few minutes into walking around this village, I met some fellow English-speaking travelers. The first person I met had an easy smile and we immediately laughed that we were both carrying the same travel guide, opened to the exact same page. We went back into the hostel for some lunch, and joined a nice couple from Colorado at their table, and made two more friends. People just kept inviting me in, it was so heart-warming.

By the time I hopped off the train, arriving back at my friend's home, I felt so alive, so encouraged, so independent and strong, and so warmed by the openness of all the people I had spent time with. I was proud of myself for taking that first brave step, just in starting that journey on my own. And so thankful to my friend for helping me to find my wings.

This new year I'm going to stretch those wings out, and really learn to soar.

(as always, click photo for full size)

the sun came up this morning

Another couple of long days and nights spent on the highways lately... One drive spent watching the sun set, low in the sky, all oranges, pinks and purples.

The other road trip was during the day, the sun was shining brightly, with the rays of light breaking through the clouds. I always find that so inspiring. And just as I was contemplating reaching for my camera, to photograph the light, a circular rainbow halo appeared around the sun...

And I was breathless.  

(click photos for full size)

man in the moon

Some of you know that I like to drive, a lot. I spend many of my weekends on the highway, usually driving to and from Chicago to spend time with friends, and to hear my favorite Chicago musicians. I see a lot of things on the road. Mostly trucks, oh so many trucks. Construction, orange barrels, and squiggly newly-painted lane lines. People texting, talking on their cell phones, and some really horrific driving. I see a lot of sunsets... and sometimes I even see the sun rise.

I've seen a car completely engulfed in flames, the heat from which literally pushed me back in my seat. I've seen at least two cars smash right into the concrete barriers. I most recently saw an old man lying in the road, he had just been hit by a minivan, most likely already dead or dying. It's frightening, and it gives me a lot of time to think.

But I also see things that I find interesting, even funny. I remember one night, seeing five tanker-trucks driving in a row, and it immediately brought to mind that "Die Hard" movie where the bad guys drive through the tunnel into Canada. I laughed out loud, to no one, alone in my car. I also see hawks, eagles, birds which I think may be falcons, so many deer, and sometimes wild turkeys.

The one thing I love the most about driving late at night is the moon. Always over my shoulder. Following me. Watching. Lighting my way. Making sure I get home safely. I've tried to photograph it so many times from my car, but it's just a blur. Lately I've been trying to photograph it from home, with a slow manual shutter and my remote shutter control, but so far I can't get the photo that I want. But I'm going to keep trying, and hopefully he'll keep on following me home...

(the moon, as seen from my driveway)