Chapter 19, Verse 2: West out East

So I went on a brief road trip over the weekend to West Virginia for my Grandparent's memorial. I decided to record the trip to and from halfway there.

Enjoy Space Travelers.

The Good Die Young.

Hello Space Travelers. I'm feeling pensive right now as I sit in my living room installing kubuntu onto my old machine.

We're told when we are young that our folly is that we think we are invincible.
For years, I simply nodded and agreed that we do "think" that.
It's only as I get older that I am challenged to look back and ask:
"What if we were?"

When are born we are shapeless and with infinite potential.
We love every face we see.
The sky is more blue when it's just magical,
before we learn about refracted light
or because mother says so.

As a child, no dream is too large.
Hours spent drawing the spaceships we'll explore the galaxy in was more than a good use of time
It was our occupation.

When they imply that we think we are invincible,
I know what they mean.
They mean to assert that we fail to grasp how fragile life is,
that bones break,
hearts skip a beat,
and fire burns.

What I'm saying is that there are far worse dangers in this world than injury or death.
And that while life is precious,
It's the not the vitals that define "being alive"

Something truly dies as we age.
We are born trusting and loving,
We learn to fear and hate.
There is always someone there to tell you that your dream is too big.
If when we are young, we think we are invincible,
then when we are old, we think we are weak.
If I have to pick one, I made my choice long ago.

Don't be eager to get old Space Travelers. You don't need someone else's permission to start being invincible today. Live and dream big. Love, and wear your heart on your sleeve if you goddamn please.

Take a chance. Take every chance if you must.
Do whatever it takes to make yourself free.

Anyone can get older on a birthday,
If you want to impress me,
grow young.

You are invincible, and I thought you should know it. You aren't weak, and damn anyone who would even allow you to think it.

Goodnight Space Travelers.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking, so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us it's in everyone, and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
~ Nelson Mandela

vLog #2

Chapter 19, Verse 1: From the Palace to the Church

Hello Space Travelers. I thought I'd tell you about the trip out here to DC. First, I should stop and admit that technically speaking I'm not in DC, but I'm in the greater DC metro area. Whatever, we all get our bread stolen by the same guy in the end.This picture of me looking like you did something wrong was taken as I crossed the MO-IL border. Things became very real at that exact moment. The notion that I was not on a trip this time; that I was leaving. As I crossed the river, I could see the arch off in the distance, and I began to wonder when I would again be back in Missouri.
I drove late into the night and stopped in a hotel just after passing through Indianapolis. The long days drive gave me a lot of time to think about what I was leaving behind. Behind me was family, friends, my favorite foods, and the easy comfort that comes with the familiar. However behind me was also the weight of my old habits and the baggage I was so desperately trying to give myself permission to let go of.

I woke the next day and got on the road promptly. I drove with determination to arrive in Virginia and claim my new home. As I entered the area, I feel directly into evening traffic and I was met with the reality that this was now something I would deal with. I began to laugh out loud in my car as I turned my music up and took in every little detail of the area. Perhaps the traffic was the perfect catalyst for me to slow down and welcome myself to the area.
When I got off the capital beltway and pulled into my little corner of the city, I saw the sign above. I was not aware that the artist from toothpaste for dinner also did math and reading tutoring. What an absolutely perfect way to enter my new place.

Welcome to Falls Church.

I had been driving a lot, and I had made good time too. I decided to record my stats for the future, just in case I found myself doing the drive again.
I parked my car, and got my keys from the front desk concierge. I decided to take a walk around the area. Below is a photo of the front of my building. It will be a lot cooler once the stores start moving in downstairs. Right now they are all vacant. My hope is for a mutha-fuckin-badass sandwich place.
Well Space Travelers, more to come in the future. I'm still getting into the swing of things here, but I'll make sure to keep you updated with details as they fill in. Remember to wait 30 minutes after you eat before swimming and don't forget your towel.

vLog #1