it has been three years since i last drove halfway across the country, but 23 hours behind the wheel seemed far longer than i remembered.

if i had to sum it all up in one word, i’d choose liberating. there were moments i felt freer than i have in a long time, with the windows rolled down, wind blowing in my face, no phone service, miles upon miles of wide, open space (just one reason i moved back to texas) and not a soul in sight.

this aloneness is worth more than a thousand lives. this freedom is worth more than all the lands on earth. to be one with the truth for just a moment, is worth more than the world and life itself.

~ rumi

 my reflective excursion was spent drifting between a meditative silence and a private party in my car as i transformed into a rock star, belting out some of my favorite tunes, thanks to an old cd collection that i came across while packing and gina‘s mad cd-burning skills.

here are just a few of the songs that kept me company as i trekked along the highway of life.

1. get what you give – new radicals
2. let’s get it on – marvin gaye
3. make you feel my love – bob dylan
4. sleep while i drive – melissa etheridge
5. faith - george michael
6. more than a memory - garth brooks
7. little red corvette – prince
8. hurt so good – john cougar mellencamp
9. here i go again – whitesnake
10. fast car – tracy chapman

to love a person is to learn the song in their heart

and sing it back to them

when they have forgotten the words.

~unknown

i leave for texas today, as a chapter in my book ends and a new one begins.

the past four and a half years in san diego have included some of the most unforgettable moments of my life because of the people in it. regardless of where i go, it is the relationships i develop that make my time so precious and, without a doubt, memorable. i have loved and been loved by some of the most amazing, inspiring creatures on earth and i feel forever grateful for those beautiful souls who have made such an impact in my world.

 life is a journey, an unpredictable, wild ride that keeps going no matter what choices we make. i have learned that it is the love we give and continue to share that brings true happiness to the heart. 

via bluquote

these past two weeks have felt like one long party with friends as we danced, laughed, loved and ate our way through the days. here are a few of the savory dishes we devoured.

breakfast at cafe 222

panang curry at rama (amazing thai food)

crab legs at blue point

ahi sashimi 

dark chocolate cake