Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Beginnings

I have contemplated and resisted keeping an online journal for a long time. Attracted to the more traditional means of pen and paper, I am still not sure that I am ready for a new format and public audience. However, it seems that my correspondence skills are waning, even in the digital age, and my network of family and friends remain my vital support system and connections to the world. As I continue to wander, I’d like to wonder aloud as I share my journeys here. So, without further adieu, Welcome! Bienvenidos! Vitajte! Bine ati venit! Tere!

I suppose that we all have many intentional and not-so-intentional journeys that begin and end at seemingly arbitrary points that we are often unaware of until we’ve passed far beyond the initial reticent steps, sometimes quaint and tranquil scenery along the way, subsequent electrifying harrowing twists and turns, or breath-taking surprises that sneak up on us when we hardly expect. Whether epic journeys we consider significant leaps forward or smaller side trips that we hardly stop to consider journeys in their own rites, everyday is a muddled set of overlapping beginnings, middles, and endings.

Through these illustrations, I attempt to convey a sense of renewal or beginning in the middle of ending and middle-ing (really all of these should be action verbs!). Today, I move away from my summer home(s) in Wyoming and Montana and towards another new start in another new place and people … The University of in Tartu, Estonia, and whomever might cross my path there.

The range of emotions I carry inside is diverse. Curiosity… What awaits me in this new place? Excitement… Who will meet me in this new life chapter? Apprehension… Am I prepared for the challenging job that awaits me? Exhaustion… After a busy summer, am I rested enough to handle this? All of these things wage a confusing sort of frenetic war in my racing heart, but they are comforted by knowing that a sort of super-energetic bunch of cheerleaders – my precious family and dear friends – are out there everywhere in support. Thank you!

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