Yesterday, I bartered on the phone with Mother by promising to spend the first week of August with them. She accepted my promise and I fully intend to make good on it and spend that week of the writers' workshop driving 23 & 80 between Pikeville and Hindman. It's worth the drive in my book; I may be a little more on the tired side of life for the week, but the love I get at home combined with the stimuli I gain from a week of writing with other passionate people pays off in the long run. Guess it's sort of ironic that I broke my own tradition today and declared my own independence and stayed in Lexington, but that thought deserves a little more thought and more space than I'm willing to commit right now.
I've been traveling and working too much lately and those tribulations led me to the bartering session with Mother. Today was the first year in I don't know how long that I haven't made that trip to Pikeville for the 4th of July holiday. Even though I would have loved to have spent the weekend with family, I couldn't face getting behind the steering wheel today (maybe even this weekend). I need some time to relax and to rejuvenate my soul, mind, and body...and that's exactly what I intend to do this weekend. This morning, I awoke early and tended to chores around the house - laundry, cleaning, straightening, watering the plants - all the mundane daily chores that lose their luster in the hustle and bustle of the workweek. Then, I walked downtown for the 4th of July parade which proved valid entertainment for my voyeuristic, people-watching fool personality. Luckily, I had with me my small jotter to capture some thoughts and my cell phone to capture some images. I'm sure I will share some ramblings (and maybe some photos) at a later date, but I just felt the urge to jot down my tasks for the day.
Now, I've returned home to cool my slightly sun-kissed (more aptly, sun-burnt) skin and rehydrate & nourish my body. Maybe I'll wander back out later tonight; maybe I'll stay in. But now, I'm committed to visiting and updating my blog more frequently. Once every few months is not enough - I need to be here at least once a week - so that's my new promise to you (whomever you may be) that stop by on a random visit to read.
In closing, I just want to say Happy Independence Day to everyone. Please take some time today (or tonight) and remember your family and friends who have given of themselves in your own independence. Today, I remember, most recently, all my uncles who served in the different branches of the armed forces - and, most distantly, my several greats back grandfather, William McCoy, who fought in the great revolution and gained a land grant for Kentucky which brought my family to this wonderful place I have always (and will always) call home. Today, I remember many of my friends who have passed but played such an important role in my own personal independence - thank you. Today, I wish you a good night enjoying your neighborhood fireworks - be careful - and see you soon!
