One Year

One year ago I flew out of Seattle with nothing more than a razor scooter and an overloaded backpack. I had abandoned most all of my possessions, my home and my job. Due to a variety of circumstances and incidents, I made the decision to travel, explore and experience as much new life as possible. I am beyond pleased to say that I have done more than I could have imagined when I boarded that plane to Nashville last June. 

At the end of my first night in Nashville, I wrote this:

"To be quite frank, I was freaking out after I arrived in Nashville. I don't know how many of you have abandoned all possessions, all familiarity and ventured out on the road ENTIRELY ALONE, but for those of you who haven't, it's fucking terrifying. At least it is to me. 

Terrifying in a healthy way, I suppose. As I spent my first evening alone, it was rather surreal. This last month has been a whirl wind of time spent with pretty much everyone. Not a moment alone. I'm a lucky lady in that regard. The shock of suddenly being alone- I mean ALONE really hit me hard as I was wandering alone in search of food. I'm alone. Just me. Out on the road, new cities, new states, new people, no partner in crime, no one to whisper to that I'm secretly freaking out. Don't get me wrong, this is good. I know it is, but the transition from familiar to unfamiliar doesn't just happen without notice. At least for me it hasn't."

That was a beautiful night. I was fortunate enough to spend that night at a hostel where I met dozens of people from all over the world. It was truly foretelling of the year to come. The initial goal was Maine and from there I had no idea. No time frame, no agenda, just pure and simple freedom to explore and experience. Without a doubt the best decision I've made in my adult life.

To recap the year, a quick list of the places I've been/things I've done:

Explored Nashville.

Laid next to the Potomac in DC on a warm summers day.

Spent time with my childhood best friend, Crystal.

Lived in Maine.

Picked wild blueberries and ate lobster at will.

Met and befriended an amazing group of folks in Maine.

Worked at a magical toy store.

Swam naked in the Atlantic.

Made multiple middle of the night swims in Atlantic.

Traveled Italy.

Swam in the Mediterranean.

Explored Dublin, Ireland.
Spent a couple months in Seattle/Anderson Island embracing old friends and family.

Rode my bike from Seattle to San Francisco.

Spent a month in San Francisco. 

Spent a month with Amy Anderson!

Moved to a farm in Texas.

Spent 3 months farming outside of Austin, Texas.

Fell in love with growing food and creating delicious and nutritious meals.

Killed a chicken with my bare hands.

Danced my heart out in Boise, Idaho.
Got ordained!

Not every moment was magic. I've met some creeps, called the cops, had the cops called on me (be ye careful whence climbing abandoned buildings), slept on a sidewalk, had money stolen (twice), experienced small town rumors, seen the real (sad/unkind) side of some folks I considered friends and observed some physical confrontations (fights!), to name a few of the less than magical moments. But I know it can't all be rainbows and puppies. Yet, in the midst of this endlessly adventurous year, I have easily met hundreds of people and have become friends with at least half of them. I have new friends from all walks of life and of all ages. I met many beautiful men and have had many most perfect and movie worthy dates and romantic encounters. 

There have been some friendships that have ended, many new ones that have grown, multiple tragedies, multiple joyous moments and I have learned more about myself in the last year than I have in at least the last five, if not more. I am very settled with who I am; happy, unconventional, loud, pensive, extemporaneous, sarcastic, evolving, inappropriate, suspicious, independent and driven by passion and love. I've no qualms about who I am and the perception others have of me. 

Currently I am in Boise, Idaho. It has been just wild here. I reconnected with an old friend, made many new friends and am spending some well needed time with my aunts and cousins. In review of this last year, I conclude that I am undeniably fortunate and infinitely loved. I have a total of $20 to my name, but feel like I am the richest gal in all of the galaxies.  "A cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing." I strive to never be a cynic, just sarcastic :-)