SNAPSHOTS: Madison and the Twin Cities
SNAPSHOTS are short, diary-entry style blurbs from my time on the road. Authenticity & connection are two of my core values, so I hope these honest thoughts, musings, experiences and insights help to create just that!
8/1/21: Spent 7+ hours on the road today traveling from Detroit to Madison. Took a pit stop at Indiana Dunes State Park half way there. Felt so good to stretch my legs and be surrounded by trees, sand and waves. Read about “Diana of the Dunes” - a free spirit who left Chicago in the early 1900s to make a life in these dunes that captivated her. Left me with more questions about how and where I choose to live my life. Here’s a quote I read on a sign:
Alice Mabel Gray (Diana of the Dunes)
“I wanted to live my own life - a free life. The life of a salary earner in the cities is slavery, a constant fight for the means of living. Here it is so different.”
8/2/21: Had the intention of “making space for space” today and planned to wander around Madison and then sit in a park and take some time to journal and reflect. As I was walking I put out the intention - “Universe… please introduce me to those I’m meant to meet on this trip.” When I got to the park I ended up in a 5 hour conversation with an intriguing stranger. Not exactly the solo reflection time I had intended, and grateful for the serendipities that occur when there’s more SPACE.
8/3/21: Took a walk to Picnic Point today to see the sunset over the water. As I was taking pictures and admiring the view I remembered the sign I passed on the path: “Sacred Indian Burials. Do not walk or drive on the mounds.” Had me thinking about all the people for who this was and is sacred land, and now it’s full of trail runners and picnic-ers. Sat on a bench and spent some time researching American Indian history and wondering if I ever learned anything useful in school.
8/4/21: Went to the Namastay and Dance event tonight. Almost went home early because I felt awkward and didn’t know anyone. Managed to get into conversations with a few people and marvel that once we’re able to break the ice, how easy it is to have REAL conversations with strangers.
8/5/21: Cooked dinner tonight for Glen and Madeleine in the co-housing community kitchen. Was inspiring to hear them tell stories of their decades being activists and the stand they’ve taken to support the women’s movement and climate change. Really glad Madeleine said yes to being on the podcast - I’m excited for others to hear her stories. She said I’m really good at drawing stories out of people… nice to hear.
8/6/21: Danced with my mom to Maria Broom tonight over zoom. We talked about ancestors. I told her I didn’t know what land I belonged to. If my ancestors aren’t native here… and if I don’t feel like Cooper City, or Miami or Baltimore is really where I “belong”… and if I have an Italian passport, but still don’t feel like I belong there… then where do I belong? While I’m on the road people keep asking me - where’s home? Where do you come from? I’ve been asking myself the same thing…
8/7/21: Salsa all day today!!!!! Felt so good to be dancing again and to feel welcome even in a community of dance strangers. Really grateful for how Isa led the workshops today and that they were less about technique and more about expressing yourself through dance. Glad I pushed myself to introduce myself to her and invite her to be on the podcast. Excited she said yes and looking forward to learning more about her story. It’s getting easier to talk to strangers…
8/8/21: They had a community dinner for one of the resident’s birthdays today at the co-housing community. Instead of singing happy birthday, everyone gathered around and sang “You are my sunshine” (grandma’s favorite song) while a few of them played guitar. Just the act of everyone coming together and singing like that gave me goosebumps, and I couldn’t help crying when I heard the song. I could feel grandma’s presence and love with me and took a min to marvel at the sign.
8/9/21: Wasn’t feeling up for any kind of intuitive practice for the Lion’s Gate Portal new moon yesterday so I pulled an oracle card spread today. The messages that came through were all about surrender, trust and don’t be afraid to let parts of yourself die that you need to release so that you can make room for what’s next. Also got the message that nothing is a mistake and bless all the experiences in your life no matter what. Grateful for this practice and it’s power to help me reflect and leave me feeling reassured.
8/10/21: I lost the set of keys on my keychain today that had Christyn’s house key on it, along with my host’s house key (Christyn if you’re reading this don’t worry I found them! LOL). What’s that all about? Metaphor to let go of feeling like I need the “keys” to a physical home in order to feel grounded or “at home?” Just a reminder to pay more attention to my keys before I lose the key that’s REALLY important right now… my car key??
8/11/21: Went to a car show with my hosts Michael and Malune today, along with one of their previous Brazilian couchsurfers. Spent the whole car ride learning and practicing words and phrases in Portuguese, Spanish and English. We were easily the most multi-cultural group there and stood out in a sea of white skin and blonde hair. Thinking about the impact of communities that lack diversity vs the richness that’s present with a melting pot of different cultures.
8/12/21: Took a tour of St. Paul’s cathedral today. It was definitely a gorgeous space and has a sense of the sacred - even though I’ve never felt comfortable in churches. While I don’t feel connected to Christianity, or any other religion, I do crave the rituals, traditions and connection that religion seems to provide. I don’t know think I know anyone my age who considers themselves “religious” or goes to church on a regular basis. Are moon circles the new mass for my generation?
8/13/21: After exploring Taylor’s Falls today with Michael I was definitely feeling the need for some downtime. This whole week actually I haven’t felt as motivated to go out, explore, connect. Maybe it’s because the past month was so full? Maybe it’s because the house is a 30 min drive away from the Twin Cities and everything requires more driving? I reminded myself I am not on a year long “vacation” where every day and every week has to be packed to the brim. I am traveling and this is my life and to embrace the ebbs and flows.
8/14/21: Life Lens virtual retreat today!! Great to make space for reflection and marinate on the core values that are really driving me right now. At one point felt frustrated that I didn’t have all my values and intentions “figured out” already in perfectly packaged words and phrases. Reminded myself that this trip is all about exploration and discovery and to not wish for the end, but to enjoy the ride.