Virginia Beach, VA: Day One and Two

Arriving on the east coast, yesterday evening, I was disappointed. RAIN was waiting to meet me as I stepped off the plane. Ironic isn't it, that I leave Seattle as some of the most beautiful weather is hitting the Northwest. Ah well, I suppose its a good reminder that there truly is no place like home.

Finding adventure even in the midst of rain, I joined the throngs of vacationeers on Atlanic Avenue in Virginia Beach and wandered through the shops. Yes, Simon, you were correct. Each store has exactly the same thing. All along the strip for miles, selling the same cheesy t-shirts, "free hermit crab with the purchase of a cage!", shot glasses, sun umbrellas and seashells. One unexpected and enjoyable part of the evening was the many live bands and theatrical acts that were stationed at different places along the street, all posting this sign: Entertainment Provided by the City of Virginia Beach. Thank you, Virginia Beach! What fun to hear everything from Sting covers to drumming on trash cans and some good 'ol Lousinana music. Did I also mention that I found a wonderful (covered) beach cafe with fish n chips, Heineken and live music--guitar and electric violin?

This morning, I ventured out into the downpour to explore a little, find my bearings and basically find something to do other than sit on the beach in the rain. I looked for a Starbucks knowing that sometime today I had to work on my papers that are due tomorrow. I found Regent University, (Wow. quite impressive--Jami, I teared up a little! :P--or was that the rain just stinging my eyes?) downtown Norfolk, a large mall, a ghetto library, but no Starbucks. I just want my coffee and internet!!!

I found one, with the help of the aforementioned librarian (sort of) and just by driving around for a long, long time. Ah, home sweet home. It's sad, isn't it when a Seattle-ite feels so at home in a Starbucks! But truly, the east coast is a much different animal than its western counterpart.

Homegroup BBQ

St. Edwards State Park

Imagination

First time around this morning, I saw a dump truck sitting on the track with the driver's door open, no one around. I jumped in, shut the door, hotwired the thing and drove all over the football field.

Second time 'round the track, the gentleman who operated the truck was sitting inside smoking a cigarette. Seeing my opportunity, I grabbed a two by four, opened the door, whacked him on the head, pulled him out and hijacked the truck, and drove happily off to pick up some fill dirt for my parent's garden.

The third time, I was really making my stride, when I saw the dump truck driver leaning against the front wheel.
"Hey baby, what's shakin' "
"Not much," I said.
He pulled out two cigarettes from his carton, put them in his mouth, lit them both, then handed me one. We spent the next ten minutes talking about the Iraq war and the rising price of gasoline.

Last time around the track and as I passed the dump truck, I yelled out, "Hey Dude! Jesus loves you and wants you to surrender your life to Him!"
The driver was instantly knocked out of the cab by the power of God, fell on his knees, crying out to for mercy on his life.

The early morning walk does clear the head. The sun rises and usually there is an interesting cloud formation over Nike Hill. This morning, while listening to my iPod, I wanted a head scrubbing, the kind where all the remaining thoughts from yesterday are erased, violently. Swinging my arms, and pushing my legs to stretch longer, move faster, I felt it all ease off and there I was, just enjoying the moment. Usually, this is when the Almighty Creator of the Universe says something. I don't always know what to do at this point, except stop, listen, smile, take a breath and keep walking.

You know, sometimes it is best to leave it to the master. Good Job, Jack.

When Lightening Strikes

“Q’est ce qu’un tes basiers?...Une langue de feu”
“What is your kiss?...A lick of flame.”
--V. Hugo

It marks the black clouds;
floating on my back in the pool, watching.

The sharpness, the light and I’m breathless,
remembering that you spoke to me,

about groceries and dreaming.
I felt the sweat, sharp and quick,

It shocked me. Unexpected and unsure
of why or how, I knew that marking,

putting my hand in the flame,
sticking my head under water.

Reading On Writing by Stephen King has not only gotten me laughing out loud, but also I am challenged to re-think my method and approach to writing. He stresses that all important aspect of being a writer. The necessity to read. A lot. "If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time to write. Simple as that" (147). Voracious reader. That's what I'd love as an epitaph. Yep.

Another quote from King, "...the big question. What are you going to write about? And the equally big answer. Anything you damn well want. Anything at all...as long as you tell the truth" (158)

Brilliant. Whenever I try to write dishonestly, it's never very good.

Thanks, Stephen.

William loves coffee.

Goodbye to an old friend

Hand and Foot Canasta

Seattle Rain

It is always good to be reminded of who you are. Life trolls along just so normally, but it's too easy to get caught up in circumstances. That's when I forget who I really am and fall into this kind of what am I doing with my life, this is mundane and boring, blah blah blah. Then I get into a funk and oh! all I see is my navel. But then. I am reminded by a conversation or an unexpected adventure of who I am and why I live.

And as my Uncle said this morning..."100 years old with 5 bucks in their pocket and not enough skills to put in a thimble."

If you ever want to know what that means, ask me and I'll send you a CD entitiled "1992."

A few days ago, I went on a walk around the area where I work. I found the colors of the basketball court to be very appealing.

The light from candlelight is so elusive, but pretty and elegant. With the light relfecting on the glass, it makes for a beautiful picture.

Candlelight, Rachmaninoff, and wine. There is definately something about atmosphere. When the days seem so long and full of frustration, a little music does so much for the soul. So do the stars. Looking at the stars and realizing how small I am and how big God is---that's overwhelming in that lovely chill up the spine kind of way. And He loves us! Whoah.

Yesterday I was challenged on my writing. Write more. Write everyday. Yes, I know this. But do I do it? No.

I must. I have to get it in my blood. I'm reading a memoir by Stephen King on writing and it is so useful and pratical. Out of my life, no matter what the circumstances, there are poems and stories.

poems and stories.

Wishes
When the little wishes come true, I think that it's more miraculous than when the big wishes do. Can this past weekend be any more perfect? Probably. But I will say that this weekend has been one of the best that I have had in a while. The reasons WHY:
1. The moon tonight is waxing crescent and low to the horizon.
2. I got a new Ryan Adams CD.
3. Friends and family around a bonfire.
4. Chocolate fountains.
5. Drinking wine and eating expensive h'ors d'ouevres.
6. The joy of a new camera. Digital.
7. Sunday Afternoon nap.
8. Receiving lots of flowers.
9. Being asked to dance by a younger man.
10. Seeing two yellow Ferraris on the freeway, one following the other.

Zion

Suddenly copper roses glow on the deadwood.
I am these because I see them and also see
Abolition, the white smock on a girl
Eating an apple, looking down into
The valley, a small train steaming there.
I go to the uplands to join death,
And death welcomes me, shows me a trailhead,
Foot-tracks overfilled with standing water.
Man has never owned another man here.
Aglow in the shade hang apples free for the taking.
I'm saying that death is a little girl. The apple
There in her hand is God Almighty where the skin
Breaks to her teeth and spills my freedom all over
Sunlight turning deadwood coppery rose.

Donald Revell
Pennyweight Windows: New & Selected Poems
Alice James Books

The days grow longer, the older I get. Maybe it's because this is the first time I really haven't had a summer. I want to keep looking for the small adventures that keep me motivated and sane. What will it be today?

There is always wonder.