Tuesdays with Talon

It seems like a long time since I've posted anything, and that's not because I haven't written. I write almost every day, but those journals probably won't ever make it outside. I've never been a huge fan of putting my life out on social media, but I do understand the importance of my family and closest friends wanting to know what's going on, so I let you know here; on this electronic little journal we call a blog.

Talon is 4 months and a monster. He's well over 20lb, a solid 8lb heavier than his cousin, Carter, who is the same age. He loves dancing with his mama, eating his toes, slap boxing, and singing to himself. He's laughing pretty much all the time, until he's not, and he turns hangry and Frank the Tank comes out. 

Been hanging out in Georgia for the past 3 months. Not sure if we're going to stay here or head west, maybe to Oregon. Talon and I went on a solo mission out to California so my family could meet him, and I could meet Carter, Stacey's son. They are only 5 days apart. Carter on the left, Talon on the right. 

It seems like a blur, and ages ago that we arrived in Georgia. We left Montana at the end of May and 12 states later, we landed in Georgia. These are some long over due photos of our trip along the way, and why not a poem I wrote while driving through eastern Iowa.

Open land and empty spaces
Small country towns and friendly faces
Over the plains, maybe wildlife unknown
Livestock and crops are all homegrown
Some never left; others just passing through
Old timers tip their hats when they bid someone adieu
Metal silos and water towers
Countless rivers and wild flowers
No billboards here, only American flags
You won't find "Gucci" on any clothing tags
Always a "yes, ma'am" when they serve your plates
Welcome to the midwest of the United States.
_______________________________________

Montana

Wyoming

Stages of Talon's road trip....

 Howling practice

Georgia

I have to admit, I'm still in shock over the fact I have a son. Being a mother was something I always wanted, and at some point, told myself I didn't want it. It was during that time when I found out I was pregnant, and I was in a whirlwind of emotions, but my God. It happened and I'm a mother.

Every day brings its own set of surprises, smiles, blowouts, snuggles, habits, meltdowns and milestones. Every day, I wake up and choose this tiny little butterball of a human. Every day, I get to look at this child, and find myself somewhere in his eyes. The best part is, he looks right back at me. And as Morrie Schwartz always believed, the purpose of life is to love and be loved. I might wander around a bit geographically, but I'll always find myself right here. 

"Let yourself be silently drawn to the strange pull of what you really love." -Rumi

Montana Livin... in a Yurt Down by the River

A lot has happened since Easter and in short, I left Alaska to live closer to Nonnie and place roots somewhere besides the road. I now live in a yurt in the sticks of Montana where all my neighbors grow what you buy at the farmer's market. "Farm to Market Road" is literally the name of my street. I drive 30 minutes to work down country roads with views of the mountains and wildlife. With visits from a black bear, deer, faun, and millions of mosquitoes, life is good in the mountains (even if I no longer have a view of Mt. McKinley). 

Some photos of life in Montana. 

Wherever You Go, There You Are

Heading home tomorrow, even though I'm not sure where "home" is. After the past six weeks, I found my heart in several different places.

I left Nonnie and Richard in Whitefish and ventured south to Missoula for a few days to visit my friend, Kelly. We drank beer, played in the hills, and I shot my first gun. Great success.

From Missoula, I went to Jackson, Wyoming and I am definitely living there some day. Brandi and I met in high school at our first job and I hadn't seen her since then. It was a short visit, but we crammed in a lot of great sights and conversation while Danny, our tour guide, gave his best efforts to recruit another southern California transplant. More local beer, homemade brownies, bison and tetons made it hard to leave this place. Somehow, I didn't get ANY photos besides the first ones coming into town, so I stole the others from Brandi so you can see how amazing this place is and how adorable these two people are.

After 17 hours of straight driving, I was on a mission to make it to Yosemite in a day. I made it, and it's been non-stop goodness. Andrew and I did a two-night back packing trip into Hetch Hetchy where we caught some fish, played in the wild flowers and saw some epic waterfalls. Then we had a crew on a day hike up to North Dome and hopefully I'll have more pictures to come soon.

"Keep close to nature's heart... and break clear away once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." -John Muir