back to seattle again...

This last month since I decided to divide up my trip into two expeditions and came to Iowa has been busy. I've been kayaking at Big Creek, hiked through the tallgrass prairie at the Neil Smith National Wildlife Refuge, stalked butterflies at Reiman Gardens, powerwashed and painted a deck, helped with preparations for the celebration of my grandmother's 80th birthday, biked the Ankeny, Des Moines and Indianola roads and trails, read books by the pile and enjoyed spending time with all my truly amazing family out here in Iowa. I've enjoyed the bounty of fresh raspberries and good ol' Iowa sweet corn (some from Florida too!).

After so many days on the road, it's been refreshing to step back and enjoy the familiar, but I am looking forward to what comes next. This last week I've been feeling quite desperate to be able to make music again. A couple of hours at the violin shop helped, and I've been playing the piano whenever I've been able. I can't wait now, to start practicing in earnest and to be able to speak my heart through my violin once again. I have regained my passion and my love for the music...one of the purposes of this year, and this journey into unknown places. I am joyful!