The Conversation you ask...

(i am not a fantastic speller or have the inate actuation of punctuaion....get used to it)

nic refered to all that is written as the converstion before us. and that is what it is. in my college english classes, where in masses we studied the "CLASSICS" my questions to each and every teacher is "WHAT IS IT THAT DEAMS IT A CLASSIC" how are we to tell now what will last forever. why in the world does e.e. cummings ...(i love how nothing is ever capitialized!!!!!!!!!!!!) why did everything HE every write last to be studied to this day. (btw, by reading his poems and sonnet, i have always perceived him to be a woman, not a man, hmmm)

and yet back to the conversation...

Reminiscent commentary of personal experiences


As I stood there letting my dad’s angry voice flow over and past me on the wind, the reflection on the day old snow held my attention. It looked as if the sun had glazed the snow into a smooth and creamy sugar treat. I could feel the heat from the rays of the sun, as the tepid air caressed my face. The earth was still cold, draining the energy from my toes and making them feel pain from the true temperature. As I shifted my weight, trying not to think of the cold or my father’s curses, I became aware of another car approaching us on this isolated road.




Synopsis –my mother was a drunk, my father unemotional, i become a unit in a transient family, settling in LA,almost drowning in the culture of drugs and free will, travling back and forth to the midwest in what we call now a custody agreement, and then finding myself in my 40’s a school teacher, searching for karma, happiness, contentment, knowledge.

This is like reading the end of the book isn't it...

Day 105

So, I thought about creating post by back blogging, but that wouldn't have been fair to you or me.

I should have been journalling and creating along the trip and I have and have not......

Transition is such a different thing between each individual and their journey. Some thrive, some stress, some can not sync until all is settled. I feel I am a little of each of these, as we all are a part of each other, sharing the same likes and differences.

Not long ago I read a book, imagine that, me reading a book, I know....

"Tweak, Growing up on Meth" by Nic Sheff... If you haven't read it, give it a whirl. It spoke to me as a book hasn't in a really long time.

I have never been a writer, nor claimed to be one ever. Although, at one time in my younger years I yearned to write, write a book on the level of "Gone With the Wind" I think all readers have this within them. At some point in my life I decided, I was just a reader and not a writer.

Back to Nic Sheff and "Tweak.." at the age of 14, I as the opening lines of tweak proclaim, guzzled whiskey without a care or residual effect.... there are so many things about my life that I often take for granted, as if, everyone experienced what I did.

I can remember reading the definition for "Dysfunctional Family" for the first time...i have the most funtioning dysfunctional family that one could ever imagine.

If one were to actually read, the Epilogue and notes at the end of Tweak, I surmounted the reason why I am hesititant to expose all that is within me and write as free as one could.

For what lays within me, is connected to all others, and to expose to myself and my indescrepancies, in itself will expose interactions with all those around me.

Is it fair? Perhaps, my perspective, does not sync with theirs....and yet I have the audacity to put as perspective to each situation as if it were fact.

With that said....

There is still the voice inside me that chooses to add to the conversation...

Day 5

Saturday

I get behind the wheel of a car and just can’t stop. I am not sure, but I think I drove almost or more than 900 miles today. Didn’t walk in Memphis, didn’t see where the King of rock and roll is laid to rest. But, that is okay; I rationalized, that in reality, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed a tourist-y attraction like Graceland. I began to envision, masses of rednecks, wearing sweatpants carrying 7-11 Big Gulp cups full of soda pop (diet of course) ooo-ing and awe-ing Over Elvis’ possessions. Less is more.

On a positive note, in my attempt to be at Graceland, I did accomplish the goal of physically being present in all of the states west of the M.I.S.S.I.S.S.I.P.P.I River at least once in my life so far. I love to drive across the United States, I have done it, I don't even know how many times in my life so far. The beauty within the lanscape never fails to put me in awe of each and every region I travel through. Today I stood on the edge of a cornfield and in the distance I could see a combine work the spring wheat field. As night fell, I was able to distinguish the fires across the countryside as the farmers prepared the fields for planting, burned off the stubble left from the combines work. The smell of fresh dirt and sweet grass is intoxicating. Just as stimulating to the senses as the smell of the sea.

States I have been to-

Washington
Oregon
California
Arizona
Nevada
Idaho
Utah
New Mexico
Colorado
Wyoming Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Oklahoma
Texas
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
Arkansas
Louisiana
Mississippi
Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Tennessee
Kentucky
Illinois
Wisconsin
Michigan
Indiana
New York

States I have not been to (yet) -
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Connecticut
New Jersey
Rhode Island
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Maryland
Delaware
Ohio
West Virginia
Virginia
North Carolina
South Carolina

Day 4

Friday



Elvis has left the building. (or Gibson is outta Florida)

Oh my, what a day. Alrighty, I finally got started on the road about 10ish. It was hard, to leave, my car wanted to go south on CR1, but, I didn’t, headed out and away I went. My biggest fear was that the mechanical of my New (old) truck would fail me. Since I left Tampa I have had in the pit of my stomach kind of fear. But, once I got going all of that fear melted away, oh, that is until I ran into bumper to bumper road construction traffic on the west side of Tallahass. And yes, I was stuck off the road in the middle. Down to one lane slow and go and then my clutch got a vapor lock. Putting on the gas and going NOWHERE fast. The guy that was kind enough to let me cut in front of him was then my Good Samaritan pushing my car with me across the yellow line so that traffic could get by. I was shaking so hard, and my heart was pumping in my ears (my aerobic work out for the day I guess). Anyway, I sat there for a few, called the brother, he said “Don’t panic, let it cool down and it will be fine” and he was right. and yes, my cat and dog and I all got very very hot waiting in the sweltering heat of a balmy June day. So, with that fear out of my way, now I know, I know how to handle that whole thingy, “it’s all good”

It is late; I am tucked down in a crackhouse like edition of a motel on the west side of Mobile. Cheap, clean room, and they always allow pets. But….the parking lot is to busy at midnight and I am just saying, the people here and their behavior are suspect…I really need to up grade to a better class of hotel.

Day 3

Thursday

I really want to be gone on the road, but here I sit, in this cozy little trailer, all to myself. Watching all of my favorite videos and DVD’s (I am leaving them here) Rain Man, Pulp Fiction, Saving Private Ryan, When Trumpets Fade, Rooster Cogburn, High Plains Drifter…

Got up early and went to “Sail Honeymoon” grabbed a kayak for a couple of hours, not to long, but just long enough to really make myself melancholy. My soul has been wrenching for a month with the angst of having to leave this area and travel far far away. I don’t want to go.



My friend Kristina asked me “Why do you move so much?” As I answered, I actualized what I had figured out months ago, why I choose to move so much. I have more or less been on my own since I was 15. I never had a family around, except my older sister, never had a place to call home. Somehow along the way, I lost what it was to be me, if I even ever had it. I think I really have never l felt completely at ease with myself, I have always looked for a place or a feeling to make me content. But finally, I figured out "Wherever I go, hey, there I am" I have learned what it takes to wake up positive and ready to face everyday. It’s not really a difficult; meditate until all the questions that run around through your head are silent. By meditating I just like to be outside doing stuff, like fishing or kayaking, running, walking, biking and I let all of those questions, feelings and ideas play through until I can feel that I can let go, or figure out a solution to whatever it is bothering me.

I think the answer to happiness is learning to let go…..

Day 2

Wednesday

This day is dedicated to Honeymoon Island State Park. I frolicked all day at the island. It was a real delight to walk along the shore at Honeymoon Park once more before I leave, shelling and playing in the surf, lying on the hot sand, walking to the point and back again, trying not to pick up to many shells. I have to admit, I have been across the United States and even around the world and this place is absolutely, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Honeymoon is the reason why I convinced myself to move to Florida. I suppose it is apropos to end my stay here just as I began it. I used to take the time to come up here every two weeks at least, and then…..it just seems to take up to much of my time, traveling back and forth, such a long way and, I always thought I would do it some other time. The trouble is, I always thought there would be time…….and now my time here is gone.

Day One

i pulled out of my driveway at 9:30pm last night. as i drove away with my truck loaded down, filled to capacity including Startoes (cat) and Mel (dog), i began thinking of all the things that i didn't do "OneLastTime," conscienciously knowing and being aware that the act at that moment would be the very last time that i may do whatever it was that i was doing.

Things I didn't do......

• ride my bike up the beach.


• have fun with Mary


• Veterans park and watch the boats.


• eat at the Hurricane.


• botanical gardens in Sarasota.


• Key West.


• walk Mel at night around the neighborhood.


• have a martini with Kelly at Carrabba's

Things I did do.....

• walked Mel out on 161st ave. causeway


• Clearwater Marine Aquarium (the only thing that has made me melancholy)


• ate at Sloppy Joe's and went to the Drum Circle with Kristina and Nancy.


• walk on the beach at night barefoot.


• Tarpon Springs and Hella's.


• Honeymoon island and walk to the point.


• Kayaked on Boca Ciega Bay with Nancy.


• Ran my 3 mile loop.


• said my last goodbye to my Dad. not sure if i will ever see him again, at least, not alive.


• took Mel over to Madeira Beach Middle to run around.


• fished with Johnny at Pass-A-Grille.


• ate breakfast at the Seahorse.


• had Laura do my hair.


• went to the beach with Tiffany.


• gave Joann a big hug (and told her not to smoke one more time).


• walk to Redington pier.

i am not sure why we can't enjoy the things that we do with as much pleasure as thinking it may be the last time. to live in the moment all the time.......

by the way, i am still in Florida. my sister asked me, "you really don't want to leave do you?" and the answer is NO. i love it here. i am going to hang tight up here in Dunedin for a day or so. visit Honeymoon Island (one more last time). have a little vacation and take in some sun and sand before i hit the road.

Hakuna Matata. I have no place to be at no particular time.

It is late, but i just wanted to send this in from my phone. Tomorrow i move my stuff into my new storage unit. Finalize other preparations and then i am ready for the first stage of my journey! Road trip out west. Thinking of stopping at the field of dreams in IA, almost 8 hours out of the way so not really sold on that plan. But I do plan on stopping at the biggest ball of string in KS. The Devil's Tower in WY.

Anyone have a suggestion on a roadside attraction to stop and see between Tampa and Boise?



~Charrie

moving

so i am laying on the couch instead of doing what it is that i am suppose to be doing.....packing. ugghhhh!!! i love to move, i love the excitment, i love the purging of the old and the anticipation of reinventing my style. unfortunaltly the process to get us there is so tulmultuous. i feel like i have been packing forever. one time, i packed and moved all of my furniture and household stuff in five hours, (don't ask). this is better though, i really am getting rid of everything. i like the idea of become a minimalist.

i swore to myself when i got rid of my storage unit, that i would never ever ever get another, guess what i am going to do tomorrow. see i have a little bitty truck and a lot of stuff. i am going to end up sticking everything that is mine that i want to keep forever, in a storage unit here in sunny Florida. i am just hoping that a hurricane does not blow through and take everything that i own. i have always feared that here in Florida, and now i am basically abandoning everything that i value leaving it here. hmmmm, maybe i should rethink this, and take everything with me.

The end of an era

Madeira Beach Middle School 1959-2009

"In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, we will understand only what we are taught."

Baba Dioum, Senegalese conservationist,
in The Diversity of Life by E.O. Wilson, 1992

Rain

i miss the rain today!

my ability to do anything, or i should say my motivation to do anything is gone. i hate the thought of moving. i don't wanna go. on the same hand i dread the thought of even staying. so it is a catch 22. i am looking forward to moving somewhere new, and getting out of here. i am even a little excited about a new job. not really, but a little.

i read the paper everyday....

and sometimes, i get to the point where i just can't read it anymore.

today, i sat and reread the headline over and over, i just couldn't get past it. couldn't wrap my mind around the situation laid out in the story. "only one survivor" "the other three never found"

"PROVIDENCE"

what does this mean? (go ahead, google the definition, i did)

funny, but, i was thinking the exact same thing the very night before, when i heard how he had been found and the others had not. but now, my thoughts are brought together in just one word ....... providence.

there has to be a reason, a reason that this man lived and the others did not. somehow, i hope he uses his good fortune to touch others lives, to bring others to a destiny that they could not achieve without help and guidance. in the long run, isn't that really what we are here for? to help each other achieve to the best of our ability the purpose of our lives? whatever that purpose is. "The sky's the limit."

How your life revolves around your thoughts....

yeah, like the secret is, how YOUR thoughts MANIFEST into what ACTUALLY happens.....

Thought Choice Action Deed

it's the secret of life..................... pass it on.............

..

You are the best...

Everyone does something better than anyone else. What is that one thing that you feel is the best thing, your favorite thing, the thing that comes easiest to you?

For me, I guess the best thing that I do, is teach. I love it. I love teaching 8th graders more than anything else. I don't really feel I connect with younger kids and as far as older kids, I know I like the ones that I have already taught but......

What is it that you excell in? What comes so easy for you, that you do not even have to think about the process, it just flows from you without thought or effort?

Lazy.......

i know that i am lazy and i love being lazy. there is nothing better than spending the day laying in bed and watching TV. the definition of LAZY --- inactive; slothful; slow; sluggish YEP that's me today.

i do wish there was something better to watch on TV though, like a HOUSE marathon, or a good movie, but, no. i will take what i can get though.

okay, this blogging is to much work so...........

Anxiety about .....

What is it that makes you nervous, anxious, fretting ???? Most of the time, I am calm, cool and collected. But, other times, I am stressed to where I snap at everyone and everybody. The last couple of weeks have been like that. I have a lot on my mind. Changes in my life that make what is going on inside my head kind a crazy.

That is what stresses me, to much going on inside my head. If I am thinking about twenty things and trying to do five, I can't, I just can't hold that coolness that I usually attain with ease.

Actions always speak louder than words though. So as long as you can keep your actions within sanity level, then your words can be overlooked........or can they.

i am so sick

tis the season to share the germs.

i really thought i would not get sick this year. but, i took my days and nights to the edge one to many times i guess. you know how you can feel like you might be getting sick but, you decide to get a little more rest or maybe, go buy some orange juice and drink it ALL. then, you are fine. yeah, well, i did all that......and then, the next day came, and then the next day, less and less sleep, more and more stress. HA. i am sick and boy, i can be a real cranky monster when i am sick. not because i am sick, but, just because i am so tired. i do not do well when i am tired.

oh, how i wish, i had a bowl of grandma's chicken soup. it is true you know, what they say about soup and being sick. warm from the inside with the scruptious joy of chicken and pasta.

Read and Run Everyday

I was watching Will Smith one night on some talk show, and he said "Read and run everyday, that is all you need to do, and everything will be okay."

Pure gospel, right there.

When I am running (or walking) everyday and of course, I read everyday, my life and outlook on life is so much better than when I don't.

Walking the dog.

I love to walk my dog. We go everyday, twice a day, all over. I like it especially when we leave early early in the morning before any other dogs are out. She is a barky little one when it comes to other dogs so I have to either avoid them or get after my dog and scold her for barking. When we are walking a lot, we can walk up to ten miles a day. On an average day we walk about five miles or so. Here lately I have been up really late every night, so then, I get up late. I don't get to walk as much in the morning and I hate it!! I gotta have my morning walk, it helps me clear my head and start the day right. I don't know what I would do if we couldn't walk. We even go in the rain, she has a cute little raincoat, kinda like the Santa coat.