Tightly wound

Yesterday left off at the beach --

--but my day by no means ended after I lunched on cold potato soup, fresh bread, hummus, and carrots. I splashed through the water a bit on the way back to my car, the last wave breaking over my knees and soaking the hem of my skirt. No matter, it's an acute memory of the day that makes me smile.

I made some "bad" highway choices on the way back, knowing the general direction of home and the freeways that would take me there. The traffic was horrendous, but I generally don't mind such things, and spent a nice hour nestled between awe inspiring and gorgeous hills.


(hm, looks like I need to clean my windows!)


(and give my camera a talking-to)

One of the roads I took was the 91, which is notorious for being packed with cars. It was, but slow traffic and unfamiliar freeway together spun the tumblers of my imagination and unlocked my idea vault, and I jotted down some ideas during moments of "stop" in the stop-and-go. The hills got me thinking about islands and continental drift, and also dinosaurs. The masses of wedged together cars even brought to mind a tale about an intergalactic ferry being hijacked and stranded in unfamiliar space.

I miss my husband

The 91 led me to the 15--

I seem to think that if I say this at random intervals and write it wherever is handy when I feel the urge, that someday Reagan will find the notes covering our walls or filling notebooks, or etched in the memories of our friends, and realize how important he is to me.

-- so the 91 to I-15, a very familiar interstate. Familiarity leads to comfort, and sometimes it's easier to be creative when that part of my brain isn't comfortable. Once I knew what was coming physically, I started thinking about what was ahead of me in other ways. Planning and fretting, those kinds of things.

The freeway I was on, however, did take me to a shopping area that had not one, but two camping stores, both of which enriched my day. I spent money at the second, not the first, but at the first an employee chatted me up as I walked by. After patronizing the second, I returned to the first and asked said employee if he wanted to continue our conversation after he got off work. I amazed myself with my boldness yesterday.

Lou (making music as Voice on Tape) agreed, adding that it was his birthday and he had no plans. ANNIE TO THE RESCUE!

Going out for dinner... initially he mentioned Olive Garden, but changed his mind mid-drive and directed me to an Indian place ("Yoshinoya! Sorry, but no. I have to draw the line somewhere")... that catered part of my wedding reception (next to Yoshinoya). Very tasty food.

After dropping him off, I stopped in for a bit to view the art of Jon Carling and listen to music, some of it Lou's. (another link to his myspace profile). I dug it. Quite lots.

I'm sad that I'm leaving the state so soon for so long and won't have another chance to hang out with him, or any chance to hear him play. Kicking back with the artist, listening to their music in cool blue light is one thing, but nothing matches the vibe of a live show. WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE MYSPACE.

Another beautiful moment: he plugged my iPod into his stereo and put on some Phillip Glass (Changing Opinions). I was blown away by hearing it on real speakers instead of just headphones.

--

Today was less groundbreaking, but another jam-packed day... Lunch with Carol (great salad from a local Portuguese/European cafe), then a bunch of shopping for various crafty things. My bag has a zipper now, and I made a new pair of yoga/workout pants. Both of those things were accomplished (the pants were cut down from larger pants using a pair I know fit as a pattern) while hanging out with Draco later in the day.

Now I'm exhausted, listening to Hannah's music and trying to work up the ooo-rah to do some cleaning, or at least yoga.