A year ago I was in Brazil, reveling in post-Carnaval, attempting to enjoy the chill summer vibes but worrying about my fulbright project & getting myself together. I had funding, I was anxious, the future was a blank slate.
A month and a day ago I landed in the US, greeted by a perky customs official who barked “welcome back to the US! now go get a cheeseburger or something.”
A month ago my parents celebrated 30 years of wedded bliss, hardships, and triumphs. Obama was inaugurated, ushering in a wave of hope in this weary country. I felt as if a red carpet of warmth was spread out for my arrival.
Three weeks ago my best friend and I jumped in a car and drove two days south, through lots of plains, wonderful flat nothingness, laughter and music, sonic burgers on a saturday night and neon crosses at dusk.
One week ago I drove down to El Paso with Noe, via intrastates, cotton fields, preanut processors, oil riggs and fancy irrigation equiptment, the stunning southwest texas desert, guadalupe national park, and into the beckoning twinkle of the el paso friday evening lights, unclear where the states begins and mexico ends and the states ends and mexico begins, oh except for the big mesh iron wall, but then juarez and el paso and sunland park a sea of jellyfish from hundreds of feet into the sky, says the outlook at the mirador.
Tomorrow I travel to Boston and DC, formally for interviews but mostly for old friends.
The nomadic wanderings continue, and I feel ironically more rooted then ever. Knowing my place, content with my place. I feel significant, an aura of love sprouting from the circular motions of my hands and closed eyes during kundalini yoga last evening.
Unrooted in place but rooted in love.
joy said,
February 23, 2009 @ 1:15 am
very nice. i can see a memoir coming along
Andrea said,
February 23, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
shay, you write so lovely! love you!
mommy said,
February 27, 2009 @ 4:25 pm
so happy your happy!
T said,
July 17, 2009 @ 7:31 pm
love!