The Pay Off

Shift in attitude. That was my goal when driving up to San Francisco, and my aspiration on my return trip.


I'm not yanking my own chain, or anyone elses, when I say that I think I'm doing pretty good. The trip to and from were both pleasant. In fact, the trip back was beautiful.


I said I was going to notice. And I did. I noticed that there's little wild life to speak of anymore on the 5. Except for the cattle near Bakersfield and Coalinga, the occasional Red Tailed Hawk is about it - very occasionally.


The heat on the way up was horrendous. I found myself at a liquor store, just before I the 405 becomes the 5 - water break. It was so hot, all I could think of was cold water. I didn't care that water was $2.29 a quart (Thieves!), I was thirsty. The thought of the 5 without cold water was not exactly my idea of pleasant.


But after getting my water needs were met, the ride was good. I enjoyed myself, sang most of the way up - a little bit of Salsa, a little bit of Italian music, some Stevie Nicks, Eros Ramazzotti, and all the way up took notice of things - anything. I noticed the bleak, barren fields and wondered if it always looked like this. Research is needed - I need to know what this area was like before we stripped it.



Anyway, after I settled into myself and the road, next was settling into the music. One of the CD's I listen to a lot on the road is my friend, Carlos Lopez' Echo Park Project, a CD of New York big sound salsa - the old stuff. It's a tight, old school, booty shaking CD - there's no dozing off with this CD.

So the trip down was just as lovely - snow capped hill tops. The wind was brutal, but made for an exciting ride. No dozing, both hands on the wheel.

In noticing, I'm saddened by what is not there. But I have to remember that even still, there is beauty. I have to create the moments, but the beauty is there. I just have to open up and let in in. Even if it's just the beauty of time to give to my learn my third language - Italian.

The coldest day I ever spent...

...was not a summer in San Francisco. The coldest time I ever spent is tonight, Saturday, February 14th in San Francisco.

No, not because it's Valentine's Day and I'm alone, with no chocolates, cards or dinner date to speak of - no it has nothing to do with that. I've got better things to do -- I'm working.

The wind is so brutally cold right now. It is whipping the trees, batting at windows, battering the house foundation - already chased all the clouds outta town. It is bone chilling how brutal this wind is right now.

Anyway, just had to get that out of my system - warm my fingers on the keypad. Now, back to work -- for there is much to do before I head back home tomorrow.

ci vediamo.

On the road again

Well, here it is. Another Wednesday and I'm packing up my bags for yet another trip to San Francisco.

I'm thinking I need new bags, some pretty, colorful ones that will add excitement to this process. Until now, I didn't understand the fascination with beautiful luggage. To my way of thinking, luggage was luggage --a utilitarian, hand-held vehicle to you help get your from one point to another all. And nothing says this best than a practical, often black, nylon mesh on wheels.


Not so. Boy was I myopic - there's always a bigger picture, even when it comes to luggage.


In keeping with Joan Didion's guiding principle, Why not? Everyday is all there is, I am adding beautiful to describe what I need from my luggage. That's a shift in my thinking. Instead of merely utilitarian practicality, I now have a need from my luggage. Why not? This road trip is all there is.


Since luggage doesn't come cheaply, I'll have to satisfy myself with adding beautiful things to my luggage pieces - scarves, handles, stickers (ah, maybe). At least to start with a dash of color.


So, keys in hand, luggage at the door, I am off.


A presto tutti.