Keeps Me Turnin' Home

Just a few days ago I touched ground again in my hometown. One can have all of the glitz and glamour and adventures of far-away places, but sometimes it is good to remember that place where you came from. I will admit that I often think about other places and how magical they sound, but then when I am in those places I defend West Michigan like it’s my job.

Last night when my family and I got back from the cottage up north, Jessie and I debated for a couple of hours of where we would go watch the Fourth of July fireworks. We already had our annual (22 years for me!) cottage July Fourth celebration, and usually on the actual holiday we are with friends spending time in good old Grandville. Things are now more complex because yesterday we had the option of either going to the beach to watch the fireworks, go downtown and watch a display in the city, or go to our usual spot in the grass at Grandville Middle School. Honestly, the thought of going to Grandville’s fireworks did not inspire me, just because it was Grandville…my hometown. And I mean given the choice of an expensive show on the beaches of Grand Haven or sitting on damp grass along Wilson Ave. which would you choose? However, after much debate, we decided we would just go to Grandville’s.

As we drove around town, stopping at my favorite gas station to get pop, I was able to really check the town out again for the first time in a long time. We drove past my high school where I saw those beautiful tennis courts where so many matches were played. We passed the mall where I remember spending my middle school weekends with my friends and waiting outside the movie theater for my parents to pick me up. Then we drove along Rivertown Crossings where Rachel once drove on the wrong side of the road and almost got us all killed. And of course we went by Panera Bread where my mom and I would stop nearly every Saturday morning for coffee during the long and cold winters and where just this year I met Sara to warm up in the -22 degree bitterness. Then we passed the boy’s house that I had a crush on since sixth grade and I remembered how in high school my friends would pull into his house just to make me nervous. And Steak n’ Shake where we all went after prom until 2 am laughing until I couldn’t breathe. Then going down Barry and being reminded of the first time I drove my white minivan through a blizzard down that hill right after I got my license. When we finally got to Wilson and saw the American flags lined along the street with family after family walking down with lawn chairs and lemonades and firecrackers, I felt good to be home and was proud of Grandville; a place where not just a season of my life occurred, but my whole life. The place I grew up in and came back to over holidays and long weekends in college. The town that really did build me and helped launch me into the real world. Even though the fireworks were probably not as great as the ones along the beach, and the same band that’s been playing for years that plays the same songs year after year was there, and the same elephant ears and walking taco stands were up, it could not have been a better hometown Fourth of July.

I think it’s really precious how people talk about their hometowns. In Florida as we would all reminisce about the place we left behind so far away, each would describe it as something incredible. I would hear them all speak about Maryland or West Virginia or Georgia and so on in ways that made me actually want to visit. Each town held something special to each of us, and not because of the sites or the things in the place, but because of the memories stored there. I mean, who can really say if Michigan or Georgia is better (I personally say Michigan, but I guess I am not being objective)? It’s all in the memories. And no matter how far away I go or new places I fall in love with, my heart will always be warmed when I see the “Vernor’s Ginger Ale” sign on the pop machines like I did for the first time in a long time yesterday…because, let me tell you, in no other state I have been in yet do they have the choice of Vernors on the vending machine.

The lyrics to the song below are some of my favorites. Whoever wrote the song did an amazing job because they make me feel like I am back home even when I am far away, and it reminds me of how wonderful it is to remember where you came from. It’s true, the memories on each corner of the street in Grandville, and being able to drive along the old roads and pass the Rainbow Grill and know that your mom and grandpa have been going there for years just like you is something that does keep you turning home.

Turning Home –David Nail

Usually take one last pass through town, stop the car, touch the ground

Watch those street lights swayin’ in the breeze. Decorated storefronts. Rusty ol’ gas pumps.

Try to fill my mind up with somethin’ ‘fore I go.

Picture postcard memories, well, they always make for good company.

I don’t know no town like the ol’ town, even when the miles are many, I feel like I’m still around.

Deep inside me like a ring’s through an oak tree, there’s something ‘bout a Sunday when I’m gone

That keeps me turnin’ home.

Standin’ here beneath these billboard lights, takes me back to those autumn nights.

Hometown bleachers packed real tight as we marched down the field.

My feet would swing from a dropped tailgate, out on Airport Road real late.

No one could walk a line too straight, but usually made it home alright.

And glory days I can’t relive, stories I’ll never forget.

I don’t know no friends, like the old friends. I never seem to laugh now, like I did with them.

But deep inside me, a piece of my history, I hear their voice even though they’re gone

And it keeps me turnin’ home.

Never twice the same way does it start, sure enough she stole my heart. On that ol’ gym floor spinnin’ ‘round and ‘round one night. And though we both tried real hard to wait, we sure did love the taste of the sweet love bein’ made, and prayin’ I got it right.

Graduation came and went, along with all the time we spent.

I don’t know no love like the first love. When I think about the best times, she’s the one I think of.

Deep inside me, oh the taste is bittersweet, I see her smilin’ even though she’s gone

And it keeps me turnin’ home.

Laughter

Lately I have been thinking about just how much I have been laughing. I know that sounds weird, and to many of you are probably thinking, “You laugh a lot, why would you think about that now?” But the past couple of months I have just been laughing a lot; and I mean the deep kinds of laughs that cause you to go to a separate room to let it all out and the constant giggles that spring upon me whenever they so desire. I don’t know exactly why, but I do know that this feeling of always having a smile on the inside is something I always felt this growing up, but in the recent years my carefree spirit was somehow shadowed briefly by little stresses, worrying about silly things, and this strange feeling of unrest and always wondering what was going on somewhere else. Of course I had some amazing times and laughed until I couldn’t stand it on so many different occasions, but inside I often felt anxious and as much as I read my Bible or prayed, my faith in God’s next steps for me in relationships or a career was not really there and I always felt a slight inner turmoil.

And now, I feel such celebration. Not necessarily because of the place I am living right now or that the people are better than the people at home. But for the first time in a really long time I feel such a peace and such a deep laughter. Laughing is probably one of my favorite things to do and in the past few weeks between checking guests in and spending hours getting burnt on the beach that spirit of life and giggles came back for real.

Somehow I have relearned the joy of being happy in the moment I am in right now. I felt completely content making a shell frame at 11 pm without wondering or worrying what else I could be doing. Within the hours of work and getting mosquito bites and driving too fast on the golf cart I was taught again about laughter and love. I know that may sound weird, but it’s true. I love that I have new people in my life who forced their way in and took the time to laugh with me and who told me their stories despite the fact that we may only be together for a short time. I like that I know again the wonderful feeling of someone making sure they spend time with you and telling you that they want to see you without being cocky or masking it with a, “Well I have to head that way anyway so it was on my way to see you, that’s why…” I like that things move slowly here and people talk slower and time moves at its own pace. I like that I can spend hours upon hours with someone talking on a dock along the Bayou, or on a picnic table in the middle of the hot night, or driving off island passing trees with blowing Spanish moss, or on the sand, or behind the front desk at work and feel like there is nowhere else in the world I would rather be. And I like how I don’t feel inhabited or closed off anymore.

It’s funny that in these months of experiencing true independence, I, in fact learned the meaning of dependence. I have always been so independent and stayed a good distance away from anything that I thought would get in my way. But now I have learned just how beautiful depending on people is. My mom from the time I was little would always read me that story The Rag Coat. In the story, the dad tells his little girl, “People need people.” It’s a beautiful story, and I highly recommend it, but that quote, more than anything else in that book is so true. People do need people. As much as you try to push them away, or not get too close, or worry that if you allow yourself to love or to laugh too much or to make too many memories with someone you might have to leave just leaves emptiness. People are what make this world so beautiful. Those great memories stored in my heart are never of the times I chose to be by myself (although, I do need my alone time), but are rather the times when I danced and laughed the whole night away with with my friends, or when I got up at 6 am to collect shells with Liz, or when a bunch of us got ice cream and just walked around aimlessly. People need people. You can’t do everything on your own. I like doing things on my own, but this journey has taught me that I can’t. And guess what? That’s okay; because I will tell you this: if you are floating in the ocean by yourself during stingray season you sure as hell better have a good handful of people who will get to you in a drop of a hat. And when you finally learned and became ok with the fact that you are no good at cooking, you want someone by your side who knows the best place to get take out calamari and who can help you bake the pizza rolls. Without people, and without giving a little bit of your heart and soul and secrets to those people and in return getting a piece of them as well, life doesn’t have that laughter. Independence is wonderful, but allowing yourself to be a little dependent is what deepens the soul.

The past few weeks I have done just that; sharing and laughing and making memories and telling people my dreams and in return laughing harder than I have in forever. I believe, truly, that God wants us to be happy and that is why He placed special people in our lives and created an Earth filled with wonders. I am still in awe of the depth of the ocean and what comes out from it. Every morning and evening after high tide new treasures are washed up. How in the world are some of those shells hot pink and how can dolphins swim and jump with such ease? Life is so beautiful and often times we allow past hurts or bitterness or worry to steal what is so incredible right in front of our eyes. We don’t really look at the sunset or listen to our friend talking or take time to eat a slow dinner or take a drive with all of the windows open even after you did your hair because we are too busy hashing out something that is stealing away our joy and laughter. And while I was down here I regained that laughter and was reminded of what it is like to feel as if you are going to burst with giggles over the silliest thing that no one else but you and that person right there would find funny.

Now every time I see a bottle of Sangria or bug spray, or smell the salty air mixed with the smell of fresh shrimp and red wine, or hear the sound of the surf or the song “Sweet Home Alabama” or hear someone ask, “reaalllllly?” I am reminded of a memory here and I laugh and laugh remembering, and I love that. Danishes, and hummus, my Jeep Wrangler, ugly Bermuda shorts, big sun bonnets, southern accents, and bottles of Perrier water all hold something special.

I would encourage everyone to take the time to laugh and not care what anyone else thinks of you. And to let people in and know the true celebration of life, and then of course, to pass it on to everyone along your journey.

During my days off down here, besides spending time with my friends, I have been able to read a lot. I re read Cold Tangerines and came across this paragraph that reminded me so much of the complete joy and laughter and zest for life I feel now:

“I want a life that sizzles and pops and makes me laugh out loud. And I don’t want to get to the end, or to tomorrow, even, and realize that my life is a collection of meetings and pop cans and errands and receipts and dirty dishes. I want to eat cold tangerines and sing loud in the car with the windows open and wear pink shoes and stay up all night laughing and paint my walls the exact color of the sky right now. I want to sleep hard on clean white sheets and throw parties and eat ripe tomatoes and read books so good they make me jump up and down and I want my everyday to make God belly laugh, glad that he gave life to someone who loves the gift….to remind us that we serve a fast-dancing God, a God who set this world whirling and crashing through space so that we could live from our toes and drum out the pulse of a billion veins carrying lifeblood to a billion hearts, temples to a God that got his hands dirty from making us from dust. Let’s dance and shimmer and scrawl out our stories across the sky, like he taught us to. Let’s echo his words, and let our lives speak those words: It is good.”

Because life is good; really good. And I really believe that God takes such delight when He sees me down on this earth swimming with a friend He put in my life for just that moment in the turquoise ocean he created. And I believe that God laughs like I do when He sees me laughing in the back room at work with someone and I think that God thinks it is good when He watches us depend upon each other and make the most out of the experience and people He provided us with.

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." -Oscar Wilde

It's strange how fast time goes by. I suppose part of this is good, because it means that life is enjoyable and exciting. But, I have been thinking recently just how many things I want to do and how time just flies by without warning. How am I ever going to accomplish all I want? For example, while I have been down in Boca here are some things I have added to my already huge list of what I want to do in my life:

*Learn how to surf - there is a 2 week surf camp out in California that I am so going to attend!
*Learn how to play the drums...but just for fun in my own privacy
*Catch a 200 lb. tarpon (this I can accomplish next summer, easily)
*Boat the Intercoastal highway from Rhode Island down to Texas
*Race a sailboat in Grand Haven, MI

This list is in addition to the usual travel Europe, learn Spanish fluently, read all of the classic novels, write a couple books, etc. See? How am I going to do it all?!


I wish there were more hours in the day so I could spend even more time with friends, start new hobbies and get really good at them, or swim in the Gulf longer. But, I guess the greatest thing about life is that it keeps rolling along bringing new experiences and adventures.

Life is just so good and so thrilling and I love it. I love new experiences and the moment right before you dive into the unknown where you wonder if you will make close friends and memories, and if the unknown will eventually become the well-known. Something I believe is so true is the quote in my title, "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." I hope I never just exist (looking at my life now, I don't foresee that as a problem!) but that everyday I live; I mean, really live.

There are way too many amazing people, good books, beautiful views, mysterious places, and things to learn to just sit by and exist or to not enjoy every moment or take a chance. That is why I love the next two quotes!

"Life is too short, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly, and forgive quickly."

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain

Never a Dull Day!

This past week has been nothing less than incredible. I know I say that a lot of things are great, but I am telling you that this last week has kicked some major butt. It was the combination of amazing seafood, hot sun and sand, tropical drinks every now and then, and the company of one amazing friend. Liz and I have had some great times in the past, so it is no surprise that our 8 days spent together down here in Boca were anything less than memorable. It would be selfish for me not to share some of the highlights. Please note that they may not sound as hilarious or remarkable as they sound, but trust me – they were.

On Liz's first day on the island, we went to town first then spent time by the pool reading and sweating to death until we had to jump in. Around dinner, we got ready and drove with the windows down in my jeep wrangler to Port Charlotte to watch a Stone Crabs baseball game with some of my friends. It doesn't get much better than baseball in the summer:

Although a not-so-good picture, Lindsey, Shaena and I did enjoy not only the baseball game and watching the characters who go to the games, but we also enjoyed a great steak burger (best one of my life!).
After the game, Liz and I ventured into Port Charlotte's Walmart. Walmart is always an adventure, and we decided that this particular Walmart is less hick than Huntington Indiana's. We also decided that Florida hicks are completely different than Indiana hicks.
On Friday morning, I took Liz to the Outlet at the Innlet; my favorite breakfast spot. It is right on the Bayou, and although hot, there is nothing like watching the boats and pelicans come in and out.
One of my favorite things about living on an island is how unreal-life everything seems to be. One minute we are having omlets in our dresses and the next minute we are meeting another friend on Tenth Street to layout for the rest of the afternoon. After Liz and I ate, Shaena asked if we wanted to meet her at one of the public beaches on the island. So, we hopped in the golf cart, drove home, changed, got back in the golf cart and drove to Tenth Street to spend the next few hours joking and telling stories of strange ocean creatures.
This picture is strange, I know. In between our beach time on Tenth Street, I had to run to the Inn, so I had to put on some 'work clothes.' So, I literally got in my cart, squeezed on my clothes (believe me; it is hard to get clothes on over a sandy wet body on a golf cart, but I did it), and walked two blocks to the Inn, then walked back and took the clothes off and was right back on the beach!
You know how you feel after you have fallen asleep by the beach in 100 degree heat? That groggy, where the heck am I feeling? Well, Liz and I felt that hardcore. We jumped in the water to cool off (well, sort of; the water is literally a warm 87 degrees!) and because of low golf cart battery, we walked to a store in town. We decided we would get some cheap wine for the night and then order out pizza and watch a movie. We looked like homeless freaks walking along the streets of Boca wet, sweaty, and sand covered, but we got our wine and ordered our pizza despite what seemed to be the longest walks of our lives. When we got back, we attempted to open up the wine. Let me just tell you that it took us a good fifteen minutes and LOTS of laughing to get this done. We would take turns working on it, until finally we got it and enjoyed our night.
One morning, it was time to go back to town and help Liz get a new dress; something quirky and said 'Boca' on it, something you wouldn't just find in a Macy's. We got in too early, so we drove down to the southern most point of the island to the lighthouse. We got there just in time to observe boat upon boat fishing for tarpon along this choppy part of the island. Boca Grande is the world's tarpon capitol. Bet you didn't know that, huh?

Saturday nights are the best nights on the island for two reasons: 1. the island is more inhabited with guests from all over and 2. Boca Bande plays at South Beach Bar and Grill. I wrote on Liz' "Boca To Do List" to have a South Beach experience. It is not just a place you go for good tuna or to watch the sunset; no, it is an entire experience that I guarantee you wont' find anywhere else. So, Liz and I geared up and after work, we headed to this island favorite for dinner. Shaena met up with us and the three of us sat at the same table for over 2 hours telling ridiculous stories and watching the sun set over the water. When 10:30 came, BocaBande came out! They remind me so much of the West Michigan band that plays every Fourth of July, Family Tradition! Boca Bande is notorious for always playing "Sweet Home Alabama," "Keep Your Hands to Yourself," "Friends in Low Places," and "Brown Eyed Girl," you know, the songs you would think a small town island band would play. But even better than that are the dancers. This is not like some dirty bar attracting just anyone, but instead one of the only places on island that stays open past midnight hosting all of the wealthy night owls. I saw dance moves at this place that I have never seen before. I also saw about everyone I know from the island there...but that is a whole different story that is for another time (but, surely a good story!).

Shaena, myself, and Liz never laughed so hard as we did Saturday night at South Beach!
Sunday...well, Sunday was a day like I have never experienced before. Work brought with it the strangest and most unforgettable experiences, but it would take me literally pages after pages to even try to explain that day. So, onto Monday. Monday afternoon, Shaena came over and the three of us sat in the sand and exfoliated our skin as the ocean crashed against us. It was the most perfect afternoon. We sat out there for hours, and Shaena built this lovely little sandcastle. Of course we ended the night watching the Bachelorette! Perfect Monday.
Liz and I took every chance we could when I wasn't working to spend time along the ocean. We both would read and laugh and have great conversations.
Liz and I before heading out to PJ's Seagrille for dinner! Little did we know in this picture that our evening would be one heck of an adventure!
After we went to PJ's for a great seafood dinner, we went to the Pink Elephant (owned by the Inn) for dessert and coffee. We made the bad decision of walking. Of course, our walk there led to a strange run-in with some random people sitting on their porch, and the walk back in the dark led us to thinking we were being chased in a golf cart by the six men who wouldn't stop looking/talking about us at the Pink (don't worry though, I saw Burchell, a guy I work with, standing outside by the Inn and we ran to him for protection). Definitely the adventure. Anyway, this was my sundae! It was massive and everyone in the restaurant was looking! This woman from Georgia kept insisting that she took a picture of Liz and I; well she wouldn't stop! She kept talking and going all over the restaurant getting pictures from every angle while the whole place was watching and Liz and I were laughing.
We went for a walk on our beach at sunset. We wanted someone to take our picture, but there was no one to be found. Finally, Liz saw her 'friend,' Tom, and of course he offered. This leads me to share with you a quote by me that pretty much defines our week with the men of Boca. This same night, Liz was talking to one of our friends from home and she shared with him some of our most bizarre situations. He asked how many guys hit on us (and when I say guys, that is a very broad term; we are talking guys from the ages of 14 to 75, but sad to say, most of them were very good looking...except for the few exceptions who were just plain creepy). Liz turned to me and asked, "Erica, how many guys hit on us this week?" I sat there for a second pondering the question, and in all seriousness, I cocked my head to the side thinking and said, "Well, there were those six last night..." We both burst out laughing realizing how ridiculous that sounded.
Oh, you know...just laughing at all of the too-weird-to-be-true adventures the past 8 days.
This dumb lizard taunted Liz and I at different times. They shoot these things down here because their population is growing. This one kept hissing me, trapping me between the porch and the garage! Liz finally came down wondering what was taking me so long.
Liz's last night, we went to The Temp to get something to drink. We were going to drive the golf cart, but naturally we forgot to charge the battery so we rode the bikes. Let me just tell you the ride home at 10 pm later that night seemed endless!
It was one amazing week, that is for sure! There are so many stories I have yet to share (including a high speed chase on a highway and a story with a man named Mr. Martinez, but those are more of a person-to-person conversation!). But needless to say, I wouldn't have traded this week, or any of my time down here for anything!

A Day Like Today

Today was one of those hot, dangerously sunny, slow, and delightfully perfect days. The kind of day you wish you could just suck in a bottle and keep so you can pull it out when your day isn’t so great. It was also one of those days where I can’t believe I am actually able to live a day like today. I have seen days like today many times before, and in fact, I have been living days like today every single day since I have been on the island; but today has left me with a peaceful rest – not exhaustion and not boredom – but complete contentment.

I set my alarm for 6 a.m. this morning. That was pointless because every single morning between 5:15 and 5:55, this boat with its blue light at the bow, eases its way slowly near the shoreline and the blue light shining catches my attention and wakes me up. I found out that this is a large fishing boat. This morning the faithful boat came around, and sure enough, I woke up. As I was lying there I thought that now would be a perfect time to get up since I was just lying there anyway. The point of me getting up was so I could get out to the beach before the sun so I could get the best seashells right after they washed up to shore (I making a seashell frame and want only the best shells displayed). Even though I was awake, I decided I was just going to fall back asleep and get up when I felt like it. I didn’t feel like it, apparently, until 10:30. (By the way, I didn’t have to work today, if you didn’t get that yet.)

Of course, it was another beautiful day, and the ocean was calling. I made some coffee and oatmeal, put on my bathing suit and sunscreen and headed the shore. I always set up my ‘area’ as close to the shoreline as possible to get a nice breeze from the gulf. Today, however, no breeze was cool enough. In between long walks along the beach, reading my book, and trying patiently to rest my eyes as I tanned, I pretty much sweated through my beach towel and chair. I finally could take it no longer, and with a desperate jump I ran the 3 feet separating me from the salty sea. The water temperature is 84 degrees – 84 degrees! – and you could just float for hours. I did handstands and just sort of laid in the water, happy the salt kept me floating naturally. The water was so calm today, barely any waves or movement, and when I noticed that, I took advantage of it and swam. I swam for quite some time and quite some distance. When I finally stopped and looked to see how far away I was I was shocked; shocked not only from the sense that I swam that far and didn’t notice, but also shocked at my surroundings. The Gulf was a corally (yes, I just coined that word) mix of colors and crystal clear. The sky was a brilliant blue with the strangest shaped white clouds I have ever seen, hung in perfect formation. A giant flock of pelicans were straight ahead floating along and every now and then one would fly up in the air and then nose dive into the water to catch a fish (did you know pelicans go blind after a certain number of years for this reason?). It was one of those moments when I had to stop and ask myself if I was really in that moment or rather just watching a movie of some other girl swimming in the sea.

Even though the day was perfect, it was hot, and this summer Florida sun is damaging so I decided I should go in and head to town. I drove the six passenger golf cart (more to come on her later), parked it and made my way from one boutique to the next. I love all of the shops, mostly because they have their own island flare that you would never find anywhere else. I bought a big turquoise ring at Fresh Produce and then made my way to Aqua. Aqua has tons of dresses, and it just so happened that I had been looking all over for a dress to buy to wear to a few weddings this summer. I found a lot I liked, but they all looked the same and I wanted something unique. I found several ‘fun’ dresses at Aqua, and one in particular caught my eye; one full length sleeve and the other side sleeveless with a light pink and black color. I don’t have anything like that, and although it may take a little getting used to, the dress just spoke to me (I know, okay? I love to shop.). I texted the women in my family and all of my girlfriends pictures of the dress to make sure I wasn’t about to make a horrible mistake. I justified the price by reminding myself I have a goal (which is true) to buy a dress from every place I visit or stay an extended amount of time. This dress so says “Classic Island” to me.

Before I headed back home, I stopped in Dolphin Cove and got a pop. As I was crossing the street, my friend Lindsay called me telling me that she, like I earlier, was dying of heat at the beach and wanting to know if I wanted to do something. Of course I did! Her and I jumped back in the golf cart and headed to Miller’s (a marina which also has great drinks and food) to grab a drink. What I also love about living on a small island is how anywhere and everywhere you go you can see a boat and water. Charming, for real. Lindsay and I ended up staying and talking at Miller’s on the dock for 2 ½ hours! It was the most perfect way to spend a hot afternoon. Lindsay is teaching me how to speak West Virginia mountain and I point out where to get the best deal on large Geneva watches.

With that, my day was just about over. Lazy, hot, and slow moving, but beautiful in every aspect, just how I would always imagine it would be down here. And the best part about it is a day like today will be in many ways repeated tomorrow.

"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." -Eleanor Roosevelt

I Can Feel My Heart Beating Faster as I Step Out on My Own

Every summer since I was 14, I always kept a summer journal. It started because my birthday comes around just as the excitement of school ending and summer coming arrives, and my friend, Sara, bought me this black and pink journal with a brunette girl holding a shopping bag on the cover. When Memorial Day weekend rolled around that year (I always view that weekend as the official start of summer), I began writing in this journal. I started the journal with a list of my "summer goals." From that year on, every Memorial Day weekend I begin writing in a new summer journal. Many times, my friends will buy me a new one on my birthday, and sometimes, I go in search for the perfect journal myself. I always view my journal as the gateway to my summer, so it is very important that I use a journal that reflects what I expect or hope my summer will be. And each summer, the pages fill up with crazy stories and adventures that have occurred, hopes and dreams, and anything else that fills my summer days.

You see, summer to me is a beautiful time; those 3 months of warm weather, bonfires and staying up as late as you want no matter what you have going the next day. Every summer seems to be defined by several things including: one particular TV show that I seem to watch a lot (and it is always a different one each year somehow), my journal of course, and one song. This summer, being no different than the rest, these three things have already been established on accident. I never pick a show or a song on purpose, they usually just make their way into my life and I remember each summer by these things, among others, but these in particular.

First off, my 2011 Summer Journal:

This was actually given to me at my open house after high school graduation. I loved it as soon as I opened it. The people who gave it to me wrote a kind note expressing that they knew how much I loved writing and traveling and knew this would be perfect for me in the coming years. Since I already had a summer journal for that year started, I planned on waiting until just the right moment to begin writing in it. I kept it on my bookshelf for four years wondering would I would first open it up. This summer seemed to be like the perfect chance; leaving behind an old part of my life and beginning something totally new on my own, an extremely big adventure, and I had a feeling the pages of this journal had what it takes to hold all of the new events to come this summer. So far, it hasn’t let me down. You can call me a nerd, but I really enjoy the big spirals and the way the pages sound when you turn them! I know, weird, but it just feels right!

My 2011 summer TV show as of now is “Why Not with Shania Twain.”

Yes, I know this may also seem strange. I mean, obviously I watch the Bachelorette and How I Met Your Mother, but I watch those throughout the year anyway. Shania Twain’s “Why Not” is something that will only ever really be on this summer and I haven’t missed an episode yet. If you remember, I have loved Shania Twain since third grade. Seriously. I won’t get into it all again, but let’s just say I was pumped to find out that she started this show, haha. And, I somehow always end up crying at some point in it. Oh well, when the summer is over this will be that show that I remember watching late Sunday nights here on the muggy island while drinking my decaffeinated Hazelnut coffee and eating Publix sherbet. Stuff like that just doesn’t come around every day.

And finally, my 2011 summer song is, “One Way Ticket (Because I Can)” by LeAnne Rimes. It’s not a new song, by any means. In fact, it came out when I was in second or third grade. I specifically remember the Christmas I opened up this CD. I had asked my parents for a boom box (haha) and my dad bought me LeAnne Rimes’ first ever CD, this song being her debut song. I spent the entire Christmas break listening to this song over and over and over again. In fact, I am surprised the CD still worked for me to get it on my iPod. Right from then, I loved the song. It is so freeing and has always made me want to go out and be adventurous and live everyday to the fullest. When I was in second or third grade, I dreamt about who I would be when I ‘grew up.’ I definitely do not feel all that much older right now, despite the fact that really I am a grown up living on my own at the moment. But what I do know is that I still love this song and it so describes the place I am at in my life at this very moment, in the summer of 2011. Each line so beautifully illustrates the beginning of a new era and “stepping out on your own.” When I hear the song I can feel what she is singing about because I know what it is like to stand there looking out unaware of what exactly is to come, but diving into it and making it what you want. Not only do I love the lyrics, but the song already holds a special place to me because it reminds me of that Christmas when I got my first boom box, my first desk, the first time I began writing on pieces of notebook paper, and it especially reminds me of my dad. I heard the song again in the beginning of May and right away I knew I wanted to replay the song over and over again as I began this new adventure, so it has definitely become my “Summer ’11 Anthem.” Here are the lyrics:

"One Way Ticket (Because I Can)"

Standing on the border

Looking out into the great unknown

I can feel my heart beating faster as I step out on my own

There's a new horizon and the promise of favorable wind

I'm heading out tonight, traveling light

I'm gonna start all over again

And buy a one-way ticket on a west bound train

See how far I can go

I'm gonna go out dancing in the pouring rain

And talk to someone I don't know

I will face the world around me

Knowing that I'm strong enough to let you go

And I will fall in love again

Because I can

Gonna climb the mountain

And look the eagle in the eye

I won't let fear clip my wings and tell me how high I can fly

How could I have ever believed

That love had to be so blind

When freedom was waiting, down at the station

All I had to do was make up my mind

And buy a one-way ticket on a west bound train

See how far I can go

I'm gonna go out dancing in the pouring rain

And talk to someone I don't know

I will face the world around me

Knowing that I'm strong enough to let you go

And I will fall in love again

Because I can

Well, I have walked through the fire

And crawled on my knees through the valley of the shadow of doubt

Then the truth came shining like a light on me and now I can see my way out

I'm gonna buy a one-way ticket on a west bound train

See how far I can go

I'm gonna go out dancing in the pouring rain

And talk to someone I don't know

I'm gonna buy a one-way ticket on a west bound train

Gonna have my breakfast with some pink champagne

I'm gonna sail the ocean, I'm gonna spread my wings

I'm gonna climb that mountain, gonna do everything."

And so there you have it; the beginning of a whole new summer. I can’t wait to see what is in store – great things, I am sure! As of now, I am sitting here on the back porch listening to the ocean and drinking some pop…not a bad start to the summer, eh?

Oh, The Places You'll Go

Does it freak you out that the above picture I just took right before I started typing this? So it is sort of like you are looking at me and reading this and we are 'talking' to each other...kind of creeps me out. Or maybe I am the only one who even gets what I am trying to say here.

Anyway, I am officially on island time and have been since Monday! Island time basically means that everything moves slower and there is no such thing as actual time because you are leaving in paradise where the sun always shines. For real. Different than West Michigan (and definitely different than Indiana), but I am enjoying my new surroundings.

The past few days have been like a whirlwind of graduating, packing/repacking four times over, plane, trains and automobiles, and meeting a whole lot of new people. Today was my first day working, and I will write more about that tomorrow. I will give you a teaser and just say that I have already met and worked with some amazing people and laughed an incredible amount (if you can't tell, I enjoy laughing). After work today at 3, I hurried home, got in my suit and ran down to the beach. I walked a bit along the shore trying to remember everything I learned today, and when I got back to my 'spot,' I began reading and then crashed. It felt amazing. I had my chair hugging the shoreline so the breeze hit. Considering it was 92 degrees today, I needed that breeze. I feel asleep on the beach for an hour straight; no interruptions. It was glorious, and much needed. I still can't get over the fact that I am living on the ocean.

After jogging around the neighborhood, grilling 2 hot dogs (yes, I did it by myself!), and unpacking some more, here I am. Since I am in a new place, doing something totally new, and meeting new people, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite books of all time. I first heard it when I was in first grade and my teacher read it to my class on our student teacher's last day to sort of send her off. I always remembered that, and was especially thinking of this book as I prepared to graduate and move away for a bit. I always knew I would travel and end up somewhere for a while, but it really is true that you never know how far life can take you when you are willing and put in the effort. It is extremely exciting to feel like you have the world at your feet and can make your own dreams come true. That is why I love the book "Oh, The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. It is so true, and what I love most about the book is how he talks about every stage of life, not just the parts where you are the most successful because every season of life is important for the journey. And as I start this new journey of post-college, I enjoy re-reading this book. The book is posted online at www.teamhope.com, but I will post it below so you can enjoy reading this favorite story of mine:

Oh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

You'll look up and down streets. Look'em over with care.

About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there." With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you're too smart to go down a not-so-good street.

And you may not find any you'll want to go down. In that case, of course, you'll head straight out of town. It's opener there in the wide open air.

Out there things start to happen, don't worry. Don't stew. Just go right along. You'll start happening too.

Oh! The Places You'll Go!

You'll be on your way up! You'll be seeing great sights! You'll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed. You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don't. Because, sometimes, you won't.

I'm sorry to say so but, sadly, it's true that bang-ups and hang-ups can happen to you.

You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang will fly on. You'll be left in a lurch.

You'll come down from the lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then, that you'll be in a slump.

And when you're in a slump, you're not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.

You will come to a place where the streets are not marked. Some windows are lighted. But mostly they're darked. A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin! Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in? How much can you lose? How much can you win?

And if you go in, should you turn left or right...or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe not quite? Or go around back and sneak in from behind? Simple it's not, I'm afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.

You can get so confused that you'll start int o race down long wiggled raods at a break-necking pace and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space, headed, I fear, toward a most uselss place.

The Waiting Place...for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting for a Yes or No or waiting for their hair to grow. Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite or waiting around for Friday night or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil, or a better break or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants or a wig with curls, or another chance. Everyone is just waiting.

No! That's not for you!

Somehow you'll escape all that waiting and staying. You'll find the bright places where boom bands are playing. With banner filp-flapping, once more you'll ride high! Ready for anything under the sky. Ready because you're that kind of guy!

Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all. Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.

Except when they don't. Because, sometimes, they won't.

I'm afraid that sometimes you'll play lonely games too. Games you can't win 'cause you'll play against you.

All alone! Whether you like it or not, alone will be something you'll be quite a lot.

And when you're alone, there's a very good chance you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants. There are some, down the road between hither and you, that can scare you so much you won't want to go on.

But you will go though the weather be foul. On you will go though your enemies prowl. On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl. Onward up many a frightening creek, though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak. On and on you will hike. And I know you'll hike far and face up your problems whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

Kid, you'll move mountains! So...be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O'Shea, you're off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So...get on your way!