OMAHA RULZ

The guys here are really awesome, and we're having a good time. Good people, good food. People do tend to stare here and shout weird things at us, but besides that its nice and easy to travel around the city. The only problem is you definitely need a car to do that, walking around through most of Omaha is looked at strangely.

Mel and I got bored and I cut our hair. Mel just got bangs, I hacked mine to pieces.

We're leaving for SD tonight- we're gonna try and do an all nighter. Lets see if we make it! We just want to make sure we can get a free campsite.

Anne Carson: Excerpt from Anthropology of water-
"I packed my rucksack with socks, canteen, pencils, three empty notebooks. I took no maps, I cannot read maps--why press a seal on running water? After all, the only rule of travel is, Don't come back the way you went. Come a new way."


My Journey's Journeying
By Kenneth Patchen.

I am descended from a traveling people. Nothing would do but they go! They would travel any time of year, anywhere. "Let's go...Get going!"
A kind of fermentation, a rash to the feet. But all I like about travel is getting out of places; the better the place the better I like scramming.

OM A HA!

It's turning out to be pretty dang awesome. Tym hooked us up with some sweet dudes to shelter us in their wonderful punk house. We bought them some beer and hung out til the wee hours of the morning.

Aaron, one of the guys, wrote us out a "Stuff to do" list for here. I have a feeling we're going to be spending tons of money, but I'm ok with it. I've been wanting to come to Omaha since high school, and it feels good to be here.



Theres a ton of food, plenty of shops and record stores, and Tyler might leave work early and come hang out with us. We're gonna go by the riverfront and maybe check out Lewis and Clark park later.

We're at a cute coffee shop called the Blue Line in the Dundee neighborhood. I'm a fan of right here. We'll see how downtown is. Its a strange feeling to be smack dab in the middle of the country right now, almost halfway done with our trek to Portland.

South Dakotee later this week...

The Hunting Song

http://www.myspace.com/tinysheeps

We just recorded it. Sang it in front of a group of wonderful East Winders, who asked if they could have the lyrics to sing it at campfires.

Enjoy!

North of Kansas City

We have departed the commune. Unfortunately we couldn't quite handle the tight living space and desperately wanted to be on the road again. We've both got quite a case of the wanderlust and hate to be tied down.

Driving through Missouri today was really wonderful. We encountered a few rude people, including one 6 foot tall cowboy at 7:30 this morning who declared we must have been lost, but also were reminded of the extreme hospitality of some. One man at a gas station south of KC showed us how to check our oil, and other people were just very wonderful and cheery.

We're about 3 hours south of Omaha now, and will most likely be heading towards there tomorrow afternoon. We'll camp somewhere if we can't get in touch with Tym and check the city out. I'm compiling a list now of things to do in Omaha.

While East Wind was a wonderful experience, I'm glad to be out of there. There was some serious baby mama drama going on this weekend, and the tension was greatly felt. Babydaddy ended up with a black eye, and confrontations were rampant.

After the first few days at East Wind people were finally very friendly to us, as we were respectful and proved to be hard workers. We tried to get as many hours in the garden as possible every day, and learned a ton from our managers Richard and Lauren. Both were extremely interesting characters who were very passionate about their jobs and the gardens they had to tend to. Not many East Winders helped them on the farms, so thankfully we received some positive reinforcement for our work.
For the most part we weeded one overgrown part of the garden. We also harvested tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, garlic and basil. Harvesting is time consuming, but definitely one of the more enjoyable parts of gardening/farming. We also helped pickle 70 jars of cucumbers, where I ended up seriously hurting my right wrist/forearm. After a long day of weeding, I attempted to use my wrist while ladling brine into the jars, which made me realize my wrist was getting sore. But, stupidly, I attempted to pick up a heavy bucket of cucumbers and ice water, and ended up pulling the muscle on my wrist that had felt sore. Its gotten worse the past few days and I plan on going to a doctor in Omaha to get it checked out, just so I can get some suggestions on what I did to it and how I can quickly allow it to heal, since not using my hand is out of the question.

We are currently at Mel's uncle Phillip's house just north of Kansas City. We had a lovely dinner outside in their great backyard, hanging with their 4 dogs. Missouri is without a doubt an absolutely beautiful place. The Ozarks in the south are filled with tall trees and rolling hills, and the north is flatter but much more spacious.

I'm incredibly excited for Omaha tomorrow. I've been waiting to go to this city since high school.

Sayonara East Wind

Our home sweet home for one week.

Us giddy to go!

On our way to Kansas City.

Hit the wall...

And its begun, I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed.

The more we befriend people here, the more we get mixed up in its politics and gossip. Communal life is definitely frustrating, and I'm feeling it right now. There is virtually no space to be alone in, and people are very nosy.

I love gardening though. It feels good to work in the dirt and help plants grow food. Today we took care of some seedlings, weeded paths and rows, and harvested some garlic. When I'm in the garden, I'm totally there- my mind isn't wandering and I don't wish to be elsewhere.

The schedule we're on is nice for me though. We're both morning people, and have decided we aren't going to drink while at East Wind, so we go to bed with the sun and wake up with it as well. We get most of our work done early, after a long and relaxing breakfast, before the sun gets too hot. The morning is when I'm most efficient.

We're trying to stick through this. I'm anxious to get on our way to experience new things, and find comfort in simple things we're missing here. Like ice cream, or a flushing toilet, or deodorant. We have 8 more days, and I will try to enjoy them as best as I can.

Last night Melanie and I stayed up late making up simple songs. We probably wont be able to record them until we find another guitar [since I left mine at home :( ], but once we do I'll be sure to post them!

East Wind, East Wind!

Edited from an e-mail sent to my family.

So, I'm at East Wind Community in Missouri. Its a commune that was started in the late 1960s, some of the founding members are still here. We work in the garden and should start on the ranch tomorrow, but not many community members work with us. Most of them work in a nut butter factory that supports the community financially.

Its nice here, we're staying in a tent underneath a mimosa tree where little hummingbirds hang out in. There's a river to go swimming in, and plenty of hammocks to rest in. We get every meal for free, and they're pretty plentiful. We make breakfast and lunch on our own, but dinner is made by a group of people for the whole community. Last night there was quiche, a few nights ago there was pizza. Its always tasty.

For the most part Melanie and I have just been weeding a garden that is very overgrown. We've harvested beans, cucumbers, tomatoes and today we should be gathering some basil grown in the garden. Like I said, not many people work in the gardens because its pretty hard work, so most of it is done by the managers and the visitors.

We've been finding out more and more about the community as time goes on and people are more willing to open up to us. Originally East Wind was an offshoot of a community in Tennessee called Twin Oaks, and they both made hammocks sold at Pier One. But after 25 years of hammock making, P1 pulled out and East Wind began to rely on their nut butter company, which quickly expanded.

People are definitely hippies here, but, for the most part everyone is very accepting and friendly. I'm having a good time! I haven't worn deodorant in days, I'm rolling around in the mud all day and constantly using my body. I go to sleep at 9:30 and wake up at 6:30. Life is good down here in the Ozarks. I'm like a child again.

East Wind Community, Missouri

I lied, we're in south central Missouri. Its beautiful here in the Ozarks. The trees are tall, the hills are rolling, and the weather isn't bad.

We weeded all day, ate tons of nut butters and I've never been so filthy. The managers are friendly and very few people work in the actual garden so there is plenty of work for Mel and I to do.

There are hammocks hanging freely all around, and a creek we can go swimming in. The people are opening up to us more, and I think I'm going to enjoy myself here. Its definitely an experience, communal living is very different from other forms of life.

I'm fairly tired right now so I think I will write more later.

East Wind Farm

We're leaving for East Wind Farm today. Its in southeastern Missouri, in the Ozarks. I'm really excited to see what it has to offer- we will be tending to the gardens, a ranch, and working in the kitchen. We have to work about 40 hours a week, all on an honor system. They say that all the people who live there are very social and nice, and the more we talk to people the more they can tell us about commune life and farming.

This will be a great adventure!

Memphis- New Time Zone!

We've made it to Memphis, TN! But not before hanging out in Durham, NC and Asheville, NC.

We stayed with Mel's friend Camila in Durham. Their house was absolutely amazing and extremely comfortable, but Durham didn't seem to offer too much. There was a whole foods and a local movie store that her brother worked at, and a neat recycle/exchange center. Camila took us to the beach, which was absolutely beautiful and relaxing. By the time we got there it wasn't really sunny but the weather was hot and the ocean was warm. Swimming in the Atlantic felt absolutely wonderful. I'm definitely going to miss spending my summer by its side.

We left a little after noon on Friday to head over to Asheville, NC where Mel's uncle Mark lives. To get there we drove through the Blue Ridge Parkway, which was amazing. We drove so high in the mountains we went through clouds, and along these deep ridges and through rock tunnels that must have been blasted with dynamite to have been created. It was really special. We listened to more CDs from high school that both helped to reconnect our friendship, singing very loudly along the highway. Winding around the curves and bellowing lyrics was an exhilarating experience- just what we needed to keep us going for the rest of the night.

We made it to Asheville around 6, and Mark met us in town and took us to this huge street fair where everyone was drinking beer and a bluegrass (I think- they were playing the washboard) was playing on a big stage underneath the highway overpass. He took us out to dinner at a great vegetarian restaurant named Rosetta's. Afterwards we met up with his wife Monica and her lovely family who was also visiting and had a drink outside by the world's first mall, by a haunted former hotel where people jumped to their deaths due to misfortune during the great depression. As we were walking to the restaurant for a drink we came across a group of people playing drums and dancing around a square- Mark told us that they meet up every Friday and play their percussion instruments and dance, just for fun. People should do that more often- just make noise for fun.

We headed back to the Bastin's beautiful house in the countryside and went to bed. This morning we went with Mark, his son Ryan and their Giant Rhodesian Ridgeback pup named Koda for a walk to a stream. It was beautiful- and, amazingly enough I didn't have any allergies up there in the mountains. Ryan picked us blackberries from bushes and trees and told us stories of wild animal encounters in the North Carolina woods.

I loved Asheville, and am definitely keeping it on the list of places I'd like to relocate to.

The ride to Memphis was long, but we've made it. We're staying at the Pilgrim Hostel which is part of a very liberal church in the center of town. Its cute, clean and quiet. Its nice to finally sit and just enjoy our surroundings silently.

Tomorrow we head to East Wind Community to farm for two weeks. I'm unaware for the most part about what it will be like, and I'm anticipating the best.

I'll post pictures and more later. Ciao Ciao!

Durham, North Carolina

We've arrived in Durham today. Its beautiful here.
The drive wasn't so much fun. We were dehydrated and it turns out the air conditioning doesn't work in the car, so we had to blast it just to feel somewhat cool. I had to peel my jeans off they were so sticky. It was gross.

We're here though, safe and sound. Camila's house is beautiful- its very modern but very comfortable. Her parents are both from Spain and philosophy professors, so you can see the influence in the way the spaces are designed. Its wonderful.

They fed us wonderful sandwiches and I have drank about 2 liters of water since we've got here. We're just going to relax for the rest of the night, I think. Melanie and I are both pretty pooped. We're hoping to just watch a movie and sleep well tonight.

Tomorrow we're going to the ocean, it will be our goodbye to the Atlantic before we officially head west!

More to write later.

Ted's backyard party

Mel and Ted

Ted's lovely backyard. They make their own honey.


The first pepper of the season :)



Yesterday we hung out around Ted's, did about an hour of yoga, and then later on went to Richmond to see Eddie and Cathy. It was wonderful seeing them and playing with their new puppy. They took us to a local foods cafe called Ellwood's Cafe-it was delicious and the environment was comfortable. We chatted about family and Richmond and past lives. It was really great- I love being away but seeing people who matter to you. Its like a pit stop back at home before the long road trip.

Today we're going around Charlottesville sightseeing and going to go out to "the country." We might go swimming in a river, which I haven't done (I don't think) since Mel took me to a pig roast in the Catskills when we were 10. Funny how life works.

Virginia

We have arrived in Virginia! Mel and I began our trek around 1:30, waving goodbye to my parents and dog- the quintessential road trip farewell. Our car is packed with plenty of room, and we're attempting to name her now. Right now its Roberta, Bertie for short.

In the picture above we're at a gas station in Southern PA right off I81. We both are getting pretty good at navigating the map and maneuvering the car. We snacked on dried fruits and nuts and drove straight to Ted's house. We arrived at about 10pm.

The whole time we listened to CDs from my old booklet, blasting Fiona Apple and various Saddle Creek artists. Its funny how you remember every word to songs you havent heard in almost 4 years, and old feelings from how you felt when you used to blast those tunes creep up in your chest. This trip is definitely going to be a nostalgic one.

Its beautiful here- the weather is warm, and the house is surrounded with trees. They have two gigantic dark dogs named Lexi and Sam, who are very intimidating late at night but are in fact giant teddybears. Ted's parents are wonderful and extremely hospitable. I couldnt be more happy. Later we're going to a Bikram yoga class with Ted's mother and then going to watch his soccer game. We've been promised a tour of UVA and could quite possibly head out to Richmond later this evening to have dinner with Eddie and Cathy. Its all up in the air!

I shall post more tomorrow or the next day and let you know how our adventure is taking off! Wednesday morning we leave for North Carolina to see Camila, and we have to be in Missouri by Sunday. Weeeeeeeee!

THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO.

Did some math yesterday, and gas should cost us approximately $500 to get to Portland. Considering prices rise in the summer, it might cost a few hundred more, but I'm crossing my fingers that it should be cheap.

As of right now our first destination is Virgina, to see Mel's good friend Ted and my family's close friends, Eddie and Cathy. Ted lives in Charlottesville, VA and E&C are right outside of Richmond. It seems like there are awesomely cheesy tourist attractions around that area that I've been taking note of in my "America" tour guide.

After that its straight to Durham, NC! We'll be visiting Mel's friend Camila and attending a wedding down there. It should be a ton of fun, I'm very excited. It looks like there are a few state parks around the area, and Durham is where Duke University is, so there will be plenty to observe.

We have to be at our first farm in Missouri by July 19th. Its called East Wind Community, they have their own orchard, various gardens, a ranch and an Ozark forest they take care of. There are a number of other aspects of the community where we can offer our services. It seems that there is never a set mandatory time where we have to work, just a quota of hours that have to be filled throughout the two weeks we will be there. It should be quite an experience.
Here's the link to the website!
http://eastwind.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=29

Everything Sucks and WEEDHOUNDS tonight! Before hand I should be finishing up packing and then my father should be showing me how to successfully build a fire. I tried a few days ago and failed quite miserably. It was more fun dangerously swinging the hatchet around than actually doing what I was supposed to!

T minus 2 days.

P.S.

Bring the ukulele and the guitar? Hmm....

I have a feeling I'll be posting a whole lot...

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Miracle of miracles: A pointless pain in the butt will soon stop bugging you. Meanwhile, an annoying itch in your heart is subsiding, and may even disappear. As a result of these happy developments, you will be able to concentrate on a much more interesting and provocative torment that has been waiting impatiently for your loving attention. Actually, it’s an ancient torment dressed up in a new package. But as before, it’s a torment you’ve never had the right name for. That’s about to change, however. You’re finally ready to find the right name for it, and when you do, you’ll be halfway toward a permanent cure.


Free Will Astrology is the only astrologist I'll listen to- I don't know what it is, or if I even believe in most of it, but this guy has got his stuff together. He gives advice, whether it has to do with the stars or personal interpretation, you might as well take his advice and apply it to your life- it can only help.

I have no idea what this could mean, except maybe the pain in my butt is my lack of direction, and I'm going to start finding it?

Today is packing day- I don't have a lot of time left. We leave Sunday and tonight and tomorrow I'll be at shows. (http://lihc.us/forum)
Check out WEED HOUNDS: http://www.myspace.com/weedhounds
and Agent: http://www.myspace.com/agentli

Also, Mel shall be seeing Dark Dark Dark on Friday- check them out! http://www.myspace.com/darkdarkdarkband

I'll be making CDs over the next few days, and lists for bands/artists to listen to- does anyone have any suggestions as to what we should be bringing along with us?

So far I have:
Neil Young
Joni (duh)
Elvis Costello (just came out with a new album I shall be obtaining)
Eric Clapton
Bruce Springsteen
The Weepies
Alison Krauss
The Shins
CSNY
Hank Williams
Willie Nelson
Beirut
Rodrigo y Gabriella
B.B. King

Its a pretty eclectic mix- I'll be bringing my laptop along to make more CDs but I want to make sure I have an idea of what to collect, and to see if anyone has any more suggestions.
I want to make a list of all the Public Radios in the areas we'll be traveling to- its a great way to hear about more music from different genres than I'm used to.

Preparations!

I've been running around trying to get things in order for the trip. I wasn't able to get a steady job after graduation so I've been saving what I can from random family/temp jobs and internships. I want to get together as much as I can before hand so I can be as frugal as possible on this trip.
Thankfully, due to the hospitality of friends and farmers, we won't have to pay for much in terms of food or housing. It will mostly be gas, entertainment and camping expenses.

I've been practicing setting up our tent and using other random camping supplies so we don't look like total newbies when we're out there traveling. I've been making lists, unpacking and repacking our supplies, and practicing with the knives we were given so I don't slice myself when we're in the middle of the woods. I've got to waterproof the tent and my boots and practice using the tarp successfully and we'll be all set!
I already want to start sleeping in the tent.

My parents don't know it (yet) but I've been wandering around the yard weeding every once in a while [which is why the glass of water was by the garage, Dad], and I'm trying to help this little maple grow in the backyard. I don't know what happened to me that made me desperate to be outside and working with the earth, but I can't make myself slow down!

The picture above is me walking into a lavender labyrinth at a local organic farm in Riverhead, NY called Garden of Eve. Its a great spot to hang out, buy some organic veggies and eggs, and pick up vegetables and herbs to plant in a personal organic garden.

I'm feeling great about the spot I'm in now- I've never had an experience quite like this, so I'm anticipating only the best.

Adventure awaits....

This will be a blog documenting my trip across the United States. I'm a recent graduate of Simmons College, jobless, and desperate for adventure and lessons in practicality.

This is a trip to learn to survive, to learn skills and ideas that have never been taught to me, and most importantly, to learn firsthand about organic farming. I, along with my close friend Melanie from childhood, shall be touring the United States visiting friends, camping and working on organic farms.

I don't think this will be a blog solely based on what I'm doing- I'll write about those around me, offer drawings, photos, music, books and recipes. I'm quite scatterbrained and constantly entertained by a variety of mediums, so I'm sure this blog will reflect that.

So, this is what I anticipate! We leave in 5 days. Adventure awaits....