LESSONS FROM AMERICA

"You road I enter upon and look around, I believe you are not all that is here, I believe that much unseen is also here." - Walt Whitman, Song of the Open Road

It can be so easy to get swept up in the pressures and dredges of the world, to get lost within our own lives, that we often lose sight of all that is around us, especially the good, simplicity that surrounds us. One sure way to reconnect to the heart of things is to spend some time in what is deemed "the heartland of America." While it may not be a place I myself am inclined to call home, it certainly holds a place in my heart for its ability to hold on to the basic important matters of life. Traveling the open road from Virginia right through the middle of America to Washington I encountered Southern hospitality, small town pride, countless homages to history, moral and family values, strong work ethics, and my own love of varying landscapes. From the refreshing sight of a closed up downtown on a Sunday in Paducah, Kentucky, to the kindness of strangers asking to take a picture of my mom and me in front of the St. Louis Arch so that we could both be in the picture; from the unsolicited yet welcomed car advice from a fellow traveler at a rest area in Kansas, to the home-style cooking at the small diners in Limon, Colorado and Snowville, Utah; the simplest of things have swelled my heart and reopened my eyes to all that is good and right in this country, and in this life. In this season of transition, while I still battle with all that it entails, I'm very grateful for what the open road brought into my life and mind. It didn't hurt any that to top the trip off I was able to partake in one of America's favorite past-times as well.

The heart of America has reminded me that it is the simple things in life that can create the most joy and happiness and I am going to cling to that as I head into this next chapter of life, whatever it turns out to become.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Living the life of a vagabond, my last few days have looked a little something like this:

More to come. . .

TRULY RANDOM RUMINATIONS

Recent Frustration - How am I supposed to verify that I am not a spambot if I can't even read the letters that I'm being asked to type because they're all squished together or curve in abnormal ways? And no, I don't appreciate having to attempt 5 times to authorize my identity because of it. I promise I'm a real person. . . and literate.

Interesting Tidbit -
I hung out in a landfill the other day. Okay, so it used to be a landfill and is now a park, but still. Mt. Trashmore is pretty neat because something that was once, literally, full of crap has now become a beautiful gathering place. I, for one, am appreciative of its transformation since it provides for a great place to go for a scenic jog, not to mention, most recently, it also gave me a chance to play with my new camera.

Truth -
Exactly a week from today I am moving out of my apartment. . . at which point I will be a couch-hopper for two days before taking kids to camp for five days. . .after that, only time will tell where I'll be.

Pertinent -
These lyrics (courtesy of Fernando Ortega):
"Take heart, my friend, we'll go together,
This uncertain road that lies ahead,
Our faithful God has always gone before,
And He will lead the way once again."