As it gets colder, and darker faster, so does my mood. Some call this seasonal depression. I refuse to have that. Especially around the holidays. I needed a real holiday vacation. Everyone seems to be traveling, so why shouldn't I?
And at that same moment I had that thought, Dawnley's name popped up via chat. Inviting me to come down to Ephraim.
And nothing appealed to me more.
To spend time with someone who I share a lifetime of memories with, and to escape to a small town. Where it is still cold, and is still dark, but in a quaint way. In a silly way. In a lovely way.
The decision was made. I packed cupcakes, buffalo wings from Wendy's (which later I came to find out, that the smell of buffalo sauce would not leave my car for at least a few days), and music for the road trip.
On the road I had quiet time for myself. At first I was tempted to turn on the music, but the lights and windmills lulled me into a coma. Where I was greeted with thoughts of my own, louder than my radio. Some what more entertaining. Nothing of great importance. Just silly thoughts of what kind of people were in the cars I was passing, how much I miss the stars, and thoughts of infatuations and beats.
It wasn't until I hit a small town, when the speed limit went from 65mph to 35mph, I found how quiet it was in my small car. I reached for my music, and played a band that has sung to me through out the snow and cold. NightNight started to play. The singers voice filling my car with warmth. Even the recording did not do its justice. NightNight live is one of the most subtly powerful things you will ever hear.
"nightnight"quick sketch by me.
And at that same moment I had that thought, Dawnley's name popped up via chat. Inviting me to come down to Ephraim.
And nothing appealed to me more.
To spend time with someone who I share a lifetime of memories with, and to escape to a small town. Where it is still cold, and is still dark, but in a quaint way. In a silly way. In a lovely way.
The decision was made. I packed cupcakes, buffalo wings from Wendy's (which later I came to find out, that the smell of buffalo sauce would not leave my car for at least a few days), and music for the road trip.
On the road I had quiet time for myself. At first I was tempted to turn on the music, but the lights and windmills lulled me into a coma. Where I was greeted with thoughts of my own, louder than my radio. Some what more entertaining. Nothing of great importance. Just silly thoughts of what kind of people were in the cars I was passing, how much I miss the stars, and thoughts of infatuations and beats.
It wasn't until I hit a small town, when the speed limit went from 65mph to 35mph, I found how quiet it was in my small car. I reached for my music, and played a band that has sung to me through out the snow and cold. NightNight started to play. The singers voice filling my car with warmth. Even the recording did not do its justice. NightNight live is one of the most subtly powerful things you will ever hear.
"nightnight"quick sketch by me.
The music followed the still town, the warm pearly lights, and the mountains of snow, the edges rising and falling. The yellow passing lines on the road matched the beat. The large trees loomed over casting a magical feel that even Disney would have a hard time bottling up.
I pulled up to the house I had directions to and met some great new friends. We talked, danced, and giggled until 4 in the morning, where I crashed asleep on a bed I didn't recognize. It felt good to get away, even just for a night. Sleep in a new bed, leaving my old bed behind, pillows filled with past dreams and nightmares, stress and tears. The new bed was smaller, stiffer, and smelled different. And sometimes a break is nice. When I wake, I know I would love to climb back into my own bed.
The morning came, and Dawnley and I cleaned from our night before, took showers, and made crepes for the four of us. We packed up, filled the car, said goodbye to my new friends, and jumped back in the car, where I shared my music, and she shared hers. We talked of art, boys, more art, and more boys. It had been a busy year for both of us.
Again, that night, we stayed up till 3 am. This time, not many words were exchanged. Just soft music and our own minds wrapped up in our own projects. Dawnley was creating a marionette, a Christmas present for her sister. All hand made (Even the hooks and eyes), hand painted, and glued. At the same time, I was able to sit down and sketch. The first for a long time. Before I knew it, it was no longer night.
Dawnley-Wiring away
Half way assembled.
...a quick sketch... by me.
I pulled up to the house I had directions to and met some great new friends. We talked, danced, and giggled until 4 in the morning, where I crashed asleep on a bed I didn't recognize. It felt good to get away, even just for a night. Sleep in a new bed, leaving my old bed behind, pillows filled with past dreams and nightmares, stress and tears. The new bed was smaller, stiffer, and smelled different. And sometimes a break is nice. When I wake, I know I would love to climb back into my own bed.
The morning came, and Dawnley and I cleaned from our night before, took showers, and made crepes for the four of us. We packed up, filled the car, said goodbye to my new friends, and jumped back in the car, where I shared my music, and she shared hers. We talked of art, boys, more art, and more boys. It had been a busy year for both of us.
Again, that night, we stayed up till 3 am. This time, not many words were exchanged. Just soft music and our own minds wrapped up in our own projects. Dawnley was creating a marionette, a Christmas present for her sister. All hand made (Even the hooks and eyes), hand painted, and glued. At the same time, I was able to sit down and sketch. The first for a long time. Before I knew it, it was no longer night.
Dawnley-Wiring away
Half way assembled.
...a quick sketch... by me.
The next day I dragged Dawnley Christmas shopping. She was a good sport to put up with me. I hope I made it worth her while. We bought pesto chicken sandwiches after wards, and visited, yet, another old friend. After all, the holidays is about love, friendships, family, and gingerbread chai tea. Is it not?
I am grateful for my parents. They have always supported me. Even in stupid decisions. I know when I have my own kids, they are the best role models around to learn great parenting from.
I am grateful for my brothers and my sister. Each one for different reasons. Each one I have a special string attached to them, from my heart to theirs.
I am grateful for the friends I have. The old ones, and the new ones. The ones, that I don't see that often, but always bring warmth into my life.
I am grateful for my parents. They have always supported me. Even in stupid decisions. I know when I have my own kids, they are the best role models around to learn great parenting from.
I am grateful for my brothers and my sister. Each one for different reasons. Each one I have a special string attached to them, from my heart to theirs.
I am grateful for the friends I have. The old ones, and the new ones. The ones, that I don't see that often, but always bring warmth into my life.
