summer summer summer time

I always thought the summer was supposed to be the best time of the year. I never knew why, i never asked. I kind of just assumed it was and went with it. Now that I think back, I can't recall a summer like this one. This time around, I think I've finally got it right after 27 years. Summer is time to be care free and just love life. Not making excuses, trying new things, doing things on a whim, living like there is no tomorrow. Going for broke at a moments notice, every moment. Finding myself, finding good friends and keeping them. Keeping it real, and seeing life for what it is. Theme for the summer, you only live once. Starting new relationships, keeping old ones alive. Being on top my life, but not really thinking about it. Just doing whatever it is at the time that makes me happy. Being happy to be alive, to live, to love everything around me. I hope I can take this new found glory into the rest of the seasons of my life. Damn, what a great perspective. Where did it come from? I have no idea, but I'm not gonna ask questions. Why did I never live life like this before? Who cares! Stay up late, get up early, don't miss a second, sleep in and be happy about it. If you think you should be doing something, just do it. Don't ask questions, just live. Be genuine, be real, be happy. Love yourself. Love life. Don't take anything for granted, embrace all that is, for what it is. Don't try to change a thing. See things for what they are, and then look again. They're always changing. Find new perspective, but don't hold on to it. Be excited that it might change tomorrow. Strive for new experience, live in the day baby!

Vacation: A step in the right direction?

Returning from the wilderness where Mother Nature truly rules, I find myself in a place that has always been explained, but never quite understood. I spent but three days in the hills, ridges, hollers of West Virginia, and I can truly say I have a better perspective of where I rate in this world of ours. Very low in the scheme of things. We take for granted the world we live in. I do at least. I always knew there was so much out there to see and do, but new experiences and people really bring my thoughts into perspective.
Some may call it the simple life, I call it true compassion and understanding of how to be happy. I found that being genuinely nice to people and enjoying life no matter what it gives you are two very important keys to enjoyment and happiness. I learned that Mother Nature is not out to get us, but that she simply is bigger than we are and we can live with her if we respect her.
When we arrived on Bug Ridge in Sutton, I was anxious. I was at a family event and out of my Ann Arbor element. It was not my family, and when I go on vacation, I'm usually not too far from a city. I've always appreciated the great outdoors and nature, but I've never really the opportunity to experience it like I did this long weekend. I've always thought myself to be a pretty laid back guy and generally friendly.
I don't think it's possible to explain in words the demeanor of people in our Mason-Dixon friendly states, but I love them all. Some of the nicest people in the world. I was adopted into a group of friends and family that will remember my name and accept me into their homes forever. They didn't tell me this, but they don't have to. They really just care about other people that much. Wish there were more of those kind of people here in Ann Arbor. Oh well, at least I have something to strive for as far as my own human interactions go. Thanks WV!
As far as being out in the wilderness goes; there are entire worlds out there that many people are not fortunate enough to experience. I'm very happy to have been able to fully take in the outdoor adventure experiences I've been a afforded, but I know I haven't even seen the the tip of the iceberg. Maybe an icecube. Maybe a half melted icecube. Either way, I want more. I want to live simple and be outside in the rain, in a lake, on a river, in the woods, on a rock face, in the mountains, in a holler (valley), amongst the most pristine and raw nature. Simply beautiful. The West Virginia Department of Transportation is spot on their license plates. Wild! Wonderful!

I'm feeling smooth?

I'm not sure what I'm feeling. Actually, maybe I'm feeling really comfortable and I don't know why. Am I getting used to, or rather, okay with the way life is? Not worrying about what happens on a moment by moment timeline? Who really cares what I'm feeling? The only one who knows is me and I guess I'm alright with that. I'm feelin' smooth then. There, I said it. Yeah, smoooooth. Like creamy Nutella. Like cold enough, but warm enough cream cheese. Right before it gets sloppy on an overly hot bagel. Maybe I'm hungry. Maybe it's just that I came inside from a brisk summer night. I had a good time talking to friends about randomness and nothing and having it all mean something. Telling stories and relating to each other and none of it mattering, but just the fact that we enjoy each other's company. That might be what cool is. Nice.
Should I be in bed or just sit up and think about all that I should be doing? When is the point at which someone decides that they are going to make a change, and then does it? When the action becomes the word. That is where I'm at right about now. So, I gotta go. Make a change and do it for no one but yourself. Make yourself happy, then share that happiness. Love yourself, then you can share love with someone else. Right? How about; 'Give without cause. Love without fear.' ? I'm gonna try it all and maybe I'll live to tell about it. Till then...

a holiday from life