When I Come To It

I must have been thinking about traveling a lot in the past several years. I wanted to name my private practice Waypoint because it represents a point to stop and rest, to regroup for the remainder of the journey, or to get oriented on the path. It can also be a goal to reach. I got the idea from Geoff as he used a GPS to designate waypoints for our travel destinations. I had no idea exactly what my journey would entail. I thought I was on a straight path that would take me through the rest of my life. To my surprise, this year feels like the beginning of a regrouping process. At this point, the trip seems like it's going to be an extended one. I'm reconsidering everything I used to take for granted. Kind of feels like I'm driving at night without any headlights.

When I do travel, I like flying for the convenience of it but I think I prefer driving to my destination when I can. It feels disconcerting not to see everything that lies between the two points, especially if I'm going to a place that's very different from where I started. I like "experiencing" the change process from point A to point B. With this life change stuff, I'd just as soon get on a leer jet and zip across time to the next waypoint, knowing more quickly how things turn out. Am I happy? fulfilled?

Given the metaphor of travel that's been creeping up in my vision of life right now, it's not surprising that when I went for a walk several days ago and wanted to make some sketches, I chose to capture a bridge crossing over a creek. I feel like I'm stepping onto a bridge right now in my life. I'm not quite sure what's on the other side. It looks harmless enough. As I step onto the bridge, however, I begin to feel excitement and trepidation. I've never been so aware of crossing to the next place. Endless questions nag me -- is this the best direction for me? can I handle what's on the other side? what exactly am I crossing over? will the bridge hold my weight or will I tumble into the chasm of death and destruction underneath? Sorry, just a little bit of an exaggeration.

When I first made this sketch, the perspective was WAY off. I can see that it is still a little bit off but with a little correction, it got better. I guess all I can ask of myself right now is to take whatever time I need, make sure I have as clear a perspective as possible and cross each bridge as I come to it, trusting that what's on the other side will be worth the trip. Wish me luck!