Newton, Massachusetts
In 12 hours I was transported from my cross country adventure in California to the grayscale mundanity of New England. As I re-entered my childhood home on the busy suburban street of Newton, I felt that the last 5 months as a horseback guide, traveler, and newly created backpacker had vanished. I'd returned to my starting point quite literally, and I had to remind myself that this is only the intermission, and the show will proceed in about 10 days. California is still back there, it is not Neverland.
I haven't written a blog since I arrived at Yosemite in June, and I need to admit that the reason for that is I've been Living. I have begun to realize how much or little I am Living my life by the lack of writing I'll do, or the lack of reading, or the lack of painting. Living by my definition is a return to a more primal, more survivalist mode. When I produce knowledge in myself by reading, or oil smeared on canvas, or a journal entry such as this, I've noticed my life is usually a trickle in a stream bed. The 5 months I spent in Yosemite and traveling about the mountains, lakes, and coasts of California have been a flash flood.
The amount of flow in my life are neither good nor bad, they are similar to the ebb and flow of the waterfalls at Yosemite. People on my trail rides were automatically disappointed by the lack of water coming over Yosemite Falls this summer. I'd just turn in my saddle and smile, telling them that the summer is the dry season. Yosemite needed a break, it isn't able to turn on the water full blast all the time. I need a break too.
Now I don't want to brag, but, in California I got scratched up constantly by hay poking into my skin. I was usually lethargic from lack of sleep. Mules became my co-workers. My hair was usually tangled and my nails always had a layer of filth under them. It was the best thing I've ever done for myself.
My next adventure will take place in the high desert on a Horse Ranch. I believe that this will be a lonely experience save for the interaction I'll have with the horses. I plan on writing about these interactions come December. Please tune in if interested.
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