DAY 35
05.09.07
TREE 41I realize that most of the trees I’ll climb for this project are going to be on the Mount St. Francis property, so when the opportunity arises to climb elsewhere, I jump at the chance. Tonight I went to Norman’s parents’ house for a dinner party. I met some amazing people, ate wonderful food, and had good conversation. I also swam in the lake. After dessert it was starting to get dark and I wanted to climb a tree. I had had three glasses of wine and was a little nervous, but I pushed through. I chose a poplar right near the edge of the lake. The climb was a really good upper body exercise and I can tell I trust my grip more and more. I got up there, almost to the top. Norman’s brother-in-law and nephew came by to say hi. I spent a lot of time up there looking out on the lake. I love that property… they are so lucky, and I realize that I could live, or I would want to live in that kind of setting. I really need to take the time and realize what’s important to me, and work towards those goals. An eye-opening climb tonight.
5-9-08: Norman’s family really knows how to put on a party. It helps that their property really is amazing. Also, Norman’s sister, Ada, is a dessert chef and always makes very good treats for all occasions. I miss living at the Mount and seeing Norman everyday in the clay studio.
I think I need to get out of my parents’ house. I guess you could say I did decide that I want to stay in the Louisville area. But I am ready to be out on my own. It’s about time.
I hung out with my grandma in Upper Sandusky, OH yesterday till about 5:30 pm. Then I drove through some nice rain to go home. The weather finally cleared around Dayton and I didn’t stop till just south of Cincinnati to go to the rest stop and climb. A nice buckeye tree called to me as I was driving in. It was perfect because it was far away from the building and any watchful eyes. The sun was setting and everything was cool and wet and clean. I love those few hours after a rain when the new green leaves of spring are so rich and the bark so black. Though the tree made my hands black and my pants dirty, it was an amazing climb. I took some pictures and a video. Here they are: