This blog was pulled just before I went.  I am reposting it now that I am back in the States.  Originally posted 11/29/09

Sitting nervous, questioning my actions, I had a small moment of clarity this morning watching the sun rise at 32,000 feet.  The small pinkish orange orb was just rising above a dense cloud layer that lay below us looking like a thick, comfortable, white cotton blanket.  I have no idea where the life I am living at this moment will take me, but I am positive I am living the extraordinary life I wanted.

I am flying to Germany today to see the woman I fell in love with.  Together we’d decided weeks ago it made no sense for me to make this trip knowing I’d only leave again to return to Jargo.  We were trying to avoid one more goodbye.  Somewhere between Cartagena, Colombia and Springfield, MO I decided unilaterally that we’d made the wrong decision.  I am a good salesman and a few minutes on the phone with American Airlines and my cancelled ticket was reinstated.  Unless she reads this, Maria has no idea I am coming and I have no idea what I’ll find when I arrive.  I only know I won’t let the fear of what might be prevent me from finding out what is.

Meg, the boat/dog sitter, emailed me that Elvis the mechanic has finished up and Jargo is ready for sea.  When I return to Cartagena on Dec. 22nd I’ll have to make a decision.  Continue as planned through the Panama Canal or explore some other options I’ve been playing with.  Either way, there will be some big miles to cover come spring.

The photos are my family and I on our land outside of town.  We go out there almost every year for Thanksgiving just to walk the place.  As I’ve learned to live simply the idea of living on this place continues to dance in the back of my mind.  How’s about a John Deere and a hay bail for a little Americana?