Midwestern Endeavor

As the odometer settled into the final mile of our trip, I found myself contemplating the dichotomy of anticipation and completion. The speculation and excitement of the unknown saturated my thoughts for the months leading up to this Midwestern endeavor.  And even in my most optimistic moments I never , ever, anticipated the awesomeness that these two weeks would hold. I don't use the word awesome here lightly. In fact, I truly do mean that this adventure inspired awe.  Searching to express the gravity and  impact the past 14 days have had, I have been stumped —the words are elusive.  I'm inclined to think the exact vocabulary  to express the magnitude of the moment doesn't exist in the English language. 14 days, almost 5,000 miles, and overwhelming gratitude for the life I am fortunate enough to live, underpins the appreciation and renewed faith I have in the people I know —and the creative community.

The asphalt paving the way to the middle of the country was a road directly into my heartland. Revisiting places where skeletons and shadows lurk —and  to have them resurrected with a profound respect for even the darkest times that have shaped who I am, was surreal. Those places that were once sinister and looming are now illuminated by the glow of new memories and growth of friendships that will be cherished until I depart this earth.

Death and rebirth, the phoenix of my soul rises between  the painted lines of the interstate where the road meets the sky.  The freedom and potential of the open road has always been a siren song to my spirit, and this adventure has done nothing to quell my desire for uncharted territory.  This journey created a paradigm shift that it will leave grooves in my life deep enough to change my course. Standing at the edge of the cliff of completion is bitter sweet. With the miles and memories tucked away, there is an empty space where the anticipation lived inviting me to plot my next adventure.