New Beginnings

The next chapter has begun. After 11 months of global wanderings and 6 months of re-finding my place in California, I'm following my heart and what feels so absolutely right...I'm moving to Charlottetown, PEI to be with Vibhu. His presence makes my heart flutter and sing. His voice brings a sense of reassurance and calm. He loves me so deeply, so purely, and despite the fiercely independent woman in me, I have taken a blind leap of faith and am moving 4,000 miles away from home to be with him. I have no job waiting, only $50 to my name, and no more possessions than those in a handful of boxes. I bring with me credit card debt, student loans, and an expensive promise of education and athletic support to girls in Tanzania. But he doesn't seem to care. All he wants is to love and care for me, grow old with me, and explore the world with me. I can't imagine a better feeling than being in a loving partnership with a person who thinks I'm perfect just the way I am.

Blogging Once Again

With the encouragement of family and friends and the inspiration from Mike's Hiking and Photo Blog, I've decided that today is as good day as any to resume blogging. In excited anticipation for an adventure to kick-start this new dedication to writing, I outfitted my iPod with my favorite music--Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Rebelution, The Grateful Dead--gathered a few snacks, filled my CamelBak, and hit the road. Fingers drumming to the classics singing from my speakers, lost in thought and happiness, I sailed along the back country roads of Winters and Capay. 45 minutes later I parked at the trail head of the Canyon Creek-Blue Ridge Trail, inhaled the sweet, fresh, California air, and with a feeling of absolute freedom, set off down the 5 mile trail.

The top of the trail provides stunning views of the densely covered hills surrounding the Capay Valley and Lake Berryessa's calming green waters. The distant green hills fade to blue under the cover of December clouds. The sun's rays illuminate the gold and red leaves of the few brave trees trying to change color with the mild seasons. The occasional hiker passes me by up here with friendly Hellos!, as I continue to marvel at the beauty of my surroundings and how impossibly good my peanut butter and jelly tortilla sandwich tastes. With the occasional raindrop falling on my bare legs, its time to head down, lest get caught in an unexpected rainstorm.