It was a long, dark drive home this morning after dropping SG off at the airport for his outbound flight. I gave myself about five minutes to cry, then wiped my tears and headed West. The middle part of Washington State is amazingly stark. The trees thin out and disappear about 20 miles out of Spokane and then its rolling hills, scorched cheat grass and sagebrush interspersed with a few cows, a way station or two, and approximately three gas stations all the way home. Oh, and the state corrections center, let's not forget that. (Note to self: No picking up hitchhikers in Connell)
Its started to freeze at night here, and after I took the south exit from I-90, the first gray light of dawn started to appear over my left shoulder. Not too many cars out at this time of the morning, and there were long stretches to enjoy watching the light slowly creep up the sky. On the right side the sky was still velvety and dark, and out where there is no city glare, the stars are breathtaking.
After the whirlwind of the last ten days, the peace of this slow and graceful sunrise was so welcome. My brain has been going full tilt and dragging my emotions right along with it. The long drive and the quiet landscape rolling by provided just the respite my tired eyes and ears needed. The chaos has been so joyful, but I can't sustain the energy without some sort of respite.
At some point I've got to pick up the threads of being an adult with responsibilities again and attend to work issues and school conferences and dental appointments. Today, though, I'm just taking it slow and letting myself relax. The roller coaster will beckon soon enough.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, whatever you are doing.
