Disengaging Alaska

                                                                       

                                                                     

                                                            

   I guess you can say I've been in the act of preparing for this move since, well... for about three focused years. I've fashioned a reason why this isn't a negative thing. I mean, how does one say good-bye to a landscape such as Alaska in say, a couple of weeks ?  For me, that would compare to a domestic violence charge. After all, she has given me opportunities that no other state could. Shes' given me unique employment, a twist of fate in some cases where growth was the by-product. Alaska has punished me in various ways, penalized me for making the wrong choices... and in doing so, my survival tools aren't as dull. Tough love. Most of all, she has given me her beauty. I was taught how to open my eyes and see gifts and not as things, objects. So yes, I've been saying good-bye for three years and I feel that the separation is healthier. Not to mention I'm also separating from another lady in my life....she too has loved me like I've never been loved before.  I'm selfish and I'm hurting her and I'll have to come to terms with that, but most of all, we're accepting of what was and what is.

                                                                          

   As these final days of design become reality.... I see that the transition has to be earned. February has rebirthed the winters of the 70's.... daily snowfall. My vehicle had its studded snow tires removed in exchange for 'All Weather' (yeah, right) tires in order to appreciate Washingtons' roadways and laws. This nagging obstacle of daily snowfall has delayed my travels to Anchorage for about two weeks, where a barge awaits my van.  A van full of my nomadic possessions that will be sailing to Seattle. The only word I can come up with is, 'apprehensive ?'  I mean I'm shooting for tomorrow or Friday to get this thing going. Let me ask you. Would you drive a stud less van (except for the driver) 50 miles on a snow beaten icy highway? With all your personal effects inside ? 
   So...... it snows and I've been shoveling, yes, shoveling part of the driveway daily because my lady friend doesn't like exhaust fumes. I admire her respect for the earth. Since living with Judith I've become a student to recycling everything that we buy and use. From cardboard toilet tissue rolls to, well,...you name it, we recycle it. So,.... I shovel. Sometimes I think she's trying to repurpose me into an empty casket, as I huff and puff every shovel toss.

   But I see good in this delay too, for if I ever become homesick or question my decision to leave, all I have to do is look at the video below and remember....... I missing what ?

                                                                         
                                         Alas......I shall visit and we will be one again.