awareness

-
Driving on 71 North. January, 2013.
Yesterday I drove to Berea where I spent four years as an undergrad. I didn't even notice the rain, the traffic. Only the good vibes coming out of my radio, the way the road felt like home beneath my tires, the comfort in my spirit at being on the road and going to a place familiar.

I took this photo somewhere between Columbus and Cleveland because I was happy. I liked my bracelet and my outfit and being on my own.

My destination was Kamm 215 where I once went to a sorority meeting.  I may have had a poetry class here too. Neither with the likes of Dr. Param Srikantia. Once I'd gotten over his foul mouth and unapologetic style he asked if we'd ever driven somewhere and, upon arriving, not known how we got there. That, perhaps, in "knowing the road like the back of your hand" you lost awareness and let that little creature on your lap take over while you went somewhere else.

It was obvious I was in the right place. And so for the next five hours as I listened to his lecture on "Why Life Sucks" I chose to EMBRACE AWARENESS.


Listening to Numb by Airborne Toxic Event.
Location: Baldwin Wallace College, 275 Eastland Road, Berea, OH 44017, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

names

-
Image
Yesterday my sermon was about the importance of names. Matthew 1 begins with a list of names, the genealogy of Jesus. Mark 1 begins with baptism, when our name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Luke 1 begins with an angel telling Zechariah he would have a son, to be named John. And John 1 says "In the beginning...", reminding us of Genesis when God called things into creation, named them, and gave Adam his first assignment--to name all the animals. And because we are celebrating Jesus' birthday this week, we talked about His all important name. Jesus, which means "God saves." And Immanuel, "God is with us." Not "for" us. But "with" us. Dwelling among us. Walking the earth. Filling our hearts. I also shared that Katie means "pure". A name I've always been intimidated by. A name I never thought I could live up to. But through this year of self-exploration, of embracing fears and family and lessons ...
Read more

No Purpose in Pie Town

-
Image
Life is always changing. Sometimes it feels like a long process, sometimes it happens in an instant, and other times it just sneaks right up on you. A year ago, Randy and I were in the middle of nowhere ( Pie Town, New Mexico ), 100 percent sure that it was our next move. His mom was told she only had 6 months to live , so our plan was to care for her in her final days. During our visit, I envisioned putting my office in the loft. And already anticipated being irritated by the television and phone calls and visitors below. Randy made up the plans to convert the garage into a master suite for us. We even picked out our flooring. I researched getting certified to teach at the local elementary school and Randy had scoped out the local diner where he planned to "sling hash." We were excited about the hiking and bouldering opportunities in the area and even bought special shoes. But as the months passed by, mom seemed to be as stubborn and healthy as ever. An...
Read more

shortcomings

-
Image
I am a terrible housekeeper. I never remember to dust and I haven't seen my kitchen table in months. Yes I do eat at said table. And if you want to join me you are welcome to put your plate on a book or magazine of your choice. I have zero willpower. Every 3 months for 10 days I do a "cleanse" and only eat lean meat, fruits, and vegetables. I am yet to make it to day 5 without cheating. I am very wasteful. I waste everything. Everything. I had never heard of Saint Nicholas Day until yesterday (even though Wikipedia says it is popular in Cincinnati). And it sounds really scary. Kids getting butchered (on a similar note, did you hear they are going to make a movie out of the books Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark ?). Demons kidnapping naughty children. Giving presents to unmarried women who "need" to find a husband. (Maybe it's not such a shortcoming to have neglected to put my shoes outside Thursday night.) Typically when we talk about shortcomings ...
Read more