How does one create a new home? Well for me, it boils down to a few simple things.
Get a coffee maker and some rock solid New Mexican Pinon coffee; hang a pretty sugar water filled hummingbird feeder, just like my g-dad used to have; join an organic CSA (free delivery to your doorstep) and stock the fridge with loads of fruits and veggies; buy a lime tree at the farmers market; get a cute little bag to haul things around in; make a big bowl of butter drenched spaghetti; purchase a lovely wheatgrass colored desk so I can finally, finally get some order to life; hell, I even went and bought a new truck (love, love, love the older midnight blue Land Rover). My friend Chez said to me the other day, "Who the hell goes and changes their entire life for absolutely no reason....?"
Ah, but you see, there was reason...there is always reason to shake things up. For me, it was and is all about making my life easy. That is something that in all my years I have never done. Por que? Well, cause what fun is an easy life? Why not live a life full of dead chaos, mail all over the world, solar trailer in Mexico, sailboat in TN, NGO in Indonesia, work in whatever country is paying the good dinero...it's hectic, it's a rush and frankly, it's just exhausting. That's really it. I've just grown incredibly weary of living out of a suitcase, of always being on the run, of living my days in a constant, bewildering unknown.
I've discovered recently that I dig waking up at 5 am and going to the gym--a routine, if you will. I'm happy to have a waxing lady who knows just how I like it done. I like my mail (magazines, really) coming thru the big slot in my front door. I am straight enamored by my parking space (never had one of those either--and now I have 2). I set up a little office in my 2nd bedroom and I love just staring at my desk plotting my next trip. I'm happy in the kitchen, whipping up some crazy creation (believe it or not, eating out can become awful). And, when I get my boat here in April, that will complete the boat/home/work trifecta I've been wanting to set up. Imagine a wild sailing excursion down to the Sea of Cortez (see top photo) and then just when you hit a wall...coming home and tucking your boat into your slip that is 20 paces away from your front door? That is just crazy good livin'....
Point is, I think having a homebase that is 100% set up like I need it to be will help me. It'll make my last-minute travels deeper, more intense, smarter. I wont be on the road always searching longingly for a home--instead I can just enjoy the ride and know that I have a super-cute little place (with some insanely high thread count sheets) to come back to...all the better to plan my next trip and the next trip from.
Sprinkle in a little work here and there and I'm in a good spot, you know? Now, all that said...I can't wait, I mean CANNOT WAIT to hit the road! I guess old habits die hard...
that's a beautiful pile of food....
Posted by: wade | March 17, 2009 at 01:19 PM
How did I get this while looking for something on Chicago travel? I dont know but as soon as those food pictures loaded I could even get the smell. Whatever you are doing keep doing it
Posted by: Chicago cheap hotel | March 17, 2009 at 07:58 AM
Still got the place in Chi -- I love that little place...I just work out in LA too much to not have a home here. Life is still a little complicated, but not as much. Baby steps.
And, Nancy...as for Isla---what would have happened is I would have set up shop there and then had to leave to come work in LA.
So, instead I can work here a bit and then jam down to Isla and take a few months to relax. Just makes more sens in the end, you know?
Posted by: Misty | March 16, 2009 at 02:02 PM
What about your place in Chicago?
Posted by: Christina | March 16, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Congrats on the sweet apartment. It looks great. I love the patio! That spaghetti looks fantastic.
I guess you're not moving to Isla after all?
Posted by: Nancy | March 16, 2009 at 07:42 AM