There's white stuff on the ground and sun in the sky!
I'm not sure how it all happened, but I'm in Boulder, CO. A constant state of delirium has been clouding most of my thoughts and days for the past ten.
The five days I spent in San Francisco were some of the craziest. First of all, the train was awesome. I made lots of friends and had SUCH a fun time being social and sing-along-ing and learning. There was even one friend who rode the train back on the same train as me... lasting friendships. It's rare that there would be opportunities to have fun and laughter on a 17 hour overnight train ride, but I did it!
Once in SF, I was pretty tired, but didn't want to sleep. It was sunny, and beautiful so I walked around and found a hotel by noon. That afternoon I spent time by the water lounging in the sun and soaking in that air. Just another day of freedom. That night I had a great dinner at this little French bistro on Market St. Nights in a hotel for me usually consist of a little bit of wine and a lot of Comedy Central/History Channel, so I had a great time!
Saturday morning was filled with mild anxiety, I was going to Lovefest all by my lonesome. Turns out, I had so much fun... Go figure. Besides the underage kids and scantily clad everybody, I found the music beyond captivating. Mostly electronic, I just danced the day away into the evening, into the night. Truth is, I don't really need anyone if all I'm going to do is bounce around to different stages weaseling my way to the front and getting down.
On Sunday I checked out of the hotel in thoughts that I would be meeting up with Clint later, but I left my bag here so I didn't have to lug it around. A nice morning walk was perfect for my hung over self, not to mention the hot sun and fresh air. I went to brunch at a really nice place, Zuni, recommended to me by the chef at Sarducci's. Tasty. On my way out, I inquired about the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, yes, it was free, and yes, it was at Golden Gate Park, and yes, music played til 8. Well DUH, I went. I won't bore you with the spiritual details, but just imagine listening to Little Feat live in the front row, standing with to 55 y.o. deadheads and having a guy screaming "Free Marijuana!" while plunging nuggets into your hands. Surreal.
I lost my phone sometime before that show ended... Without being able to get in touch with Clint, or anybody, I took a cab back to the hotel I had been staying at and slept. The next morning I called my phone again, and someone finally answered! Yessssss, so I spent the morning bussing around to some rando neighborhood, but someone out there is looking out for me. I got my phone back safe and sound and finally made my way to Clint's. Clint looks great, he's still the same as he's always been, just way more pleased with his lifestyle. He's shaggy and scruffy and full of ideas. That afternoon walking around the sunny, bright campus at Berkeley we talked and talked, it was really nice to see him again. His house is so nice and chill, and after a sunset hike on the hills, I realized my comfort. Some things really do never change, Clint and I can still kick it, even after two years and a change of coast.
Tuesday was my last day in the city. Exploring the booths at the Ferry Building farmer's market I bought some stuffffff, some grubbbbbb, and spent the afternoon in the sun. Between the parks and the outdoor patios, it's easy to pass time in SF. Back at the train station that night, I at least had company to look forward to. It's hard to leave somewhere so great, especially knowing that it was the beginning of the end of my journey.
Seeing Ann and family on Wednesday night was so nice, we went out to dinner and just hung out, caught up. Thursday, the driving began. We drove to Hood River to pick up my Subaru, met the owners fam and off I go. The first day was 12 hours to Salt Lake City, where I spent the night with one of Ann's friends. Driving has felt great so far. I'm listening to 'Outlander' which is 33 discs... I'm on 13 now. Friday I made it to Boulder. There was snow coming down on my drive and stuck on the mountains, awesome.
Eli has been great. Friday afternoon we went on a scavenger hunt around campus and the neighborhood, lots of exploragating. Not to mention the insane snow that was falling from the sky all night long. Pretty Dope. That night we went to his buddy's house. beer pong.
Yesterday was the day. We went snowboarding. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! I can't believe it even now. Only one run, but snow and sun and happiness. Another feeling of pure bliss and freedom surfaced and shined. Also, we piled five kids into one Subaru, so it all felt right on. Exhausted on the ride home, we got back and I cooked dinner for all of us. YUM. Then we partied last night. Straight up college party. King's Cup and Pong.... It was fun. I was a little nervous, but I pulled this one off as well. Another college party, really is just another college party, so no prob.
Walking home last night we were just hooligans. We threw snowballs at strangers and ripped down caution tape. Sliding down the ice on sidewalks and making friends with enemies. I'm so happy to be here... but I will be leaving, either tomorrow or the next day.
Things are going well for me right now. I'm starting to get nervous about going home, but not giving myself enough time to think about it. Soon I'll be in the FL sun with nothing to do but think, so I'll go back to my meditation then... There's lots to be processed. Taking it all in, and I'm holding on to it, too. I don't wanna lose this.
Love you all.
Snowflakes and Sunshine.
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