The impact of dawn

So it broke today. Shortly thereafter, I dropped off my friend at the airport and now — quiet. On the inside, I’m still in that dawn moment of light within grey and awakening. It’s nice to have some moments linger.

But dallying too long is not permitted by time. Birthday celebrations later this week for Shelby. Lots of preparations to be made and then on the road again. It has been quite a year for travel and looks like the end of the year will be no different.

Wishing everyone shrouded thoughts on this Halloween day. Enjoy a moment of disguise.

NOLA and the farm

Meeting people has been difficult for me in my past. Overcoming shyness and insecurity to peel through to layers of human spirit and arrive at the core of understanding which leads to friendship means that if I count you as one of my friends, then you are one of a few. Sure, I’d love to change this about myself, but it does mean that the friends I have are the best there are out there. While taking Luigi out to meet the Padgetts, I became aware this is not a problem for others. Yes, he seemed quite at home in the chaotic vortex of farm life. If anything, I was the one nervous. After going to the fair and touring the livestock, rickety rides, and meeting some of my old acquaintances all seemed fine to him. Me, a fidgety wreck — not so much as a ruffle for the stranger in town. But then, I remembered when I was in Italy I experienced the same sort of comfort in the overwhelming unknown. Maybe we should start everyday as if it is still unfamiliar. All in all, it was fun and the term “Southern Bliss” is part of his vocabulary. Mom’s cooking, pecans, the porch hammock and natural setting probably have a lot to do with it.

After such a serene pause New Orleans was in order. We had just a day and night, but made the most of it. Bourbon Street was rowdy (we witnessed a fight within 20 minutes of walking down it), the people were friendly and the food was wonderful as usual. It seemed colder than ever, but something about that place warms you up (spicy food and alcohol maybe?). It was a success, but another visit to the farm was in order for mom’s birthday. I do realize that I didn’t post anything fantastic for mom, but I will get around to it. But in the meantime, know that one of the world’s originals is now 65 and only just now getting into her full energetic force and peace of mind. What that means for the rest of us? Well, enemies tremble and friends take heart, because she is certainly someone not to be stopped.

I’m back in Tally again. Saw some of my spring students last night for a few minutes which confirmed my suspicions that I really miss my job. Maybe soon?

Sorry about the scarcity of posts, but life is full right now and I’m having too much fun soaking it all in.

PS. For those keeping up with Padgett politics, my dad really did have to kiss that pig. Was there ever any doubt?

Yeah, I get it

Too tired to really go into it, but as most that know me expected, New York was very comfortable to me. I helped close a French restaurant down at around 7 a.m., walked around Battery Park in search of Whitman quotes, went to night clubs, shot pool at 3 in the morning, met people, slept, fell totally in love with Central Park(I still think it is NYC’s best asset), ate Vietnamese cuisine and really, really loved the range of pleasure.

There may be a decline in civilization and made clear to me while looking at the skyline from the Jackie Onassis resevoire in Central Park. Compare the Chrysler Building to anything built there in the last 30 or so years and you will understand what I mean. Yet, even so, a decline can be enjoyed and surely it will not be a permanent one.

Life was good. This was in large part due to the generosity and friendship of Larry — a fantastic host and wonderful stroller of night streets. Also the New York knowledge of Lauren and Kyle helped us find debauchery and great food. Luigi’s ability to abandon plans in the face of spontaneity and his love of everything Big Apple led the charge to my fantastic virgin tour of the city.

Anyway, I’m back now and will try to be good about writing again. I have the odd and enjoyable task of introducing an Italian to Southern life. There may be a “kiss the pig” contest at the fair that I can take him to. Maybe chitlins? Expect updates.

Wake Forest

Fall is here. Well, it is there anyway — back in Wake Forest. Finally, I had a chance to see Shelby’s lovely home and new town. It is very cute; old houses, turning trees, very much the North Carolina place I envisioned. And naturally, it seems fitting for her.

We did go out a bit Friday night and I was able to dance for the first time since coming back to the States. Thomas is a great dance partner and not afraid. Topping adebaucherous evening off with a 3:30 am breakfast was a stroke of genius on his part — or mine, hard to remember.

But the soul searching part of the trip involved Miche, Shelby, and I sorting through boxes and boxes of pictures. All of this is in preparation for Shelby’s 40th birthday bash in November and even though they were pictures of her life, we are all in it. The past ten years flickered by. All of our past (and current) loves, crushes, parties, forgotten friends and lost family loosened something in the three of us. I guess tripping down memory lane comes with a little bit of pain. Seeing so many faces illustrates the point that we are usually on our best behavior in front of the camara. Always reminded to smile, rather than be honest. Maybe that is why my favorite photos catch you unaware — the person just there, being who they are and not showing a gentle facade.

And like all great road trips with friends, this one came to an end with a little bit of nostalgia suitable to the Fall air and more laugh lines created from the presence of great friends. Thank you all for a great 2 weeks — Irene, Steve, Lori, Darryl, Michelle, Shane, Will, Shelby and Thomas. If you are curious, I drove a total of 1,861 miles. Fun! Now I have to pack for New York and am off for more adventure Wednesday. This time by plane.

Road trip — Greenville

Winding down the mountain, 7 hours to Greenville, NC. Stop.

Michelle and Shane’s house, met Gwennie, re-united with Callie, Pip, and Addie. Comfortable, relaxed, friends—met some new ones. Then yesterday (Tuesday) became centered again while walking in Beaufort, NC and along the Atlantic. Maybe I’ll return there one day.

But then the evening. I love good food and wine. At times, if you watch closely, I perform a happy food dance while sitting at the table. And last night Will cooked for me. Well, he cooked for Miche, Shane, Brent and I, but, really I think just me. Pork tenderloin, pears with Gorgonzola and honey, asparagus. He actually stilled me with his food. I did ask him to marry me at some point, but I’m not his type. And how do you follow this meal? Well, with the generous offering of Brunello that Shane has been waiting to appreciate with me. (Our Miche likes birra, but wine for her hubby and I.)

I gotta say — lovely evening Greenville style. Next stop — Wake Forest and the debaucherous Shelby. I’ll let you know what happens next.