...and steadily headed down the road where, up ahead, I spy deciduous trees choc-full of flames of color enhanced by the pungent aroma of cinnamon, spice and everything that's pumpkin-y and nice. I anticipate the feel of crackling bonfires and the eventual rank smell that soaks into your hair and clothes after a bon-firey night of downing libations and smores.
But I'm not quite there yet.
I linger at the proverbial rest area, waiting for Fall to make it's full presence known. And so with this season of "limbo", let us all take a moment to reflect on the summer of 2012.
The AC is still cranked on to a steady 73. I still apply bug spray in the mornings before my hour of hard-core zen running and traipsing along the river. So while it may still feel like summer, I know that it's end is within view. It's not that I wish to rush this one out for the new to come. Rather, it's the anticipation, the electricity in the air that, for Rachel, has always been a part of the Autumn experience.
Let's begin this reflection with this: The Garage.
I was able to witness the completion not only of this seemingly small and unobstrusive structure, but also the big final sign off and &*%@ you to Bank of America. With a refinancing of my humble abode upon it's coat tails, BofA no longer serves its purpose as a wart upon my existential perimeter. It was a "weight" of an entirely different nature, lifted not only off of my shoulders, but also off of my heart and mind.
Sealed with a kiss and stealth middle finger, I must ask for the forgiveness of my more sensitive readers. It's honest. It's true. And I flick them off still. Buh bye BofA. I never say never... for this I make an exception. Never again.
I discovered a whole new level of resolve and motivation by completing a six week bootcamp with X-Team Fitness. I was challenged, cheered, humored and accepted by a whole team of folks who helped me do crazy things like scale walls, swim in the river, run in and around all of the beautiful hidden places within this awesome river city. I fell and got scraped and bruised. I flipped my own mind to believe that I can do anything. I have founded myself a whole community of people as diverse as diverse can be who all work toward a common goal... getthing through this hour alive and in one piece.
And now, having been donned with a shirt that reads "X Team Leader"... I'm all the more humbled and excited about how I am able to encourage my team mates as they have encouraged me. Reciprocity. Yes please.
I spent some quality time with the Outer Banks, falling all the more in love with my nieces and nephew... not fully able to comprehend how much my heart skips a beat at the sight of that 13 month old mini-me. Even when she is fussy and cranky... I just want to eat her up. And the time with my cousins and those other people I'm related to too. Did I mention I have a 13 month old neicie?
Knocked a few things off my bucket-list with a quick jaunt to the Big Apple. Experienced the sensory overload of Roger Water's Wall and the all the theatrics involved in said display. Got hit on by a drunken local who talked like "The Situation" and acted like a really terrible side-character from a no-name sitcom.
Spied the Empire State building and Lady Liberty. Paid homage to John Lennon's memorial in Strawberry Fields. Posed with a half naked cowboy just cuz. Actually touched and attempted to absorb the genius and depth of Carnegie Hall... I could just feel the brillance. I ran my fingers along it's outer brick wall until we reached the end of the sidewalk. Almost lost my life in a NYC taxi cab but atleast had my wine in a to-go cup complete with lid. And lastly, visited the somber site known as "Ground Zero", and touched the only remaining tree that survived that day.
It was a tree-hugger's dream.
The summer concluded with a beautiful and Corrolla-like bang, complete with Gin and Tonic's, sun burns, wild horses and home-made light shows care of creatively intoxicated friends. Whether Tool, Bats For Lashes or Lisa Loeb, I know a wonderful group of folks who not only exhibit musical prowess beyond delight, but a certain humor and quirk to boot... making it seem all the more "artistic."
I take a deep breath, eased by the utter enjoyment that this summer has brought. Sure puts last summer in the shadows... I was happy to have it over with. I'm ready to move on this time too... except, with a belly full of contentment rather than angst.
I continue to learn and grow. I continue to participate in the sometimes tedious work of being self-aware. And I have acclamated a certain liberty and freedom that I've never had before. Perhaps it's because I now embrace my flaws? Perhaps it's because I am no longer afraid of communication? I don't know.
What I do know is this: I'm pleased with Summer 2012. Let's see what new adventures are in store with the advent of my most favorite season. It's Autumn 2012 or bust.
Bitches.
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