there is such a "lightness" to this piece. Is that a word to describe writing???? I love the ease with which the words flow - a bit of stream on consciousness maybe. lovely read, thanks Tonya.(and I feel the same way about New Mexico, a magical place)
Really enjoyed this, Tonya! It reads like a good, long drive. It has been awhile since I’ve taken such a road. Air travel doesn’t allow for the same meandering thoughts and perspectives. And I’m with you about those New Mexico signs. Even when the land doesn’t shift immediately, the promise of leaving whatever it is behind on the way to whatever New Mexico might hold comes with reliable relief.
Thanks so much, Charlie! That's exactly how I hoped it would feel, the stream of thoughts along the road. And it makes me happy that both you and Tabby get the same feeling of relief entering into New Mexico. There's definitely something in the air there.
"I want (to) keep on spreading roots." What a magnificent line. To be a part of a community that would notice and miss you if you ever were gone. That part of this whole beautiful piece hit me right in the sternum. It's one thing I mourn not having.
This post is like an elegy to your past. You're like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon that will fall and turn to dust. Now you're merging with new people, a new environment that is finally starting to fit, especially in its quiet moments. The photos you used are haunting, especially the mechanical horse that every child has ridden at some time, wishing for a real horse; and the ghostly figure in the window obscured by shadows around it. It's lost, somehow, in these shadows. All other windows are clear and the sky still holds a bit of light. The motel sign that advertises "clean rooms" as if that's unique. According to Paul, maybe it is. And the man in front of the auto store, looking for something in the trunk. Paul?
And did you actually sit on your land in NM? I think all women think about an escape plan during some part of their marriages, no matter how endurable or hideous it is for them. We all pine for an escape. Maybe, even though life is good or improving, there's that need to get away. Routine has its merits with its rituals that comfort us, but stepping on that gas pedal and pointing the car toward the freeway entrance starts the heart pumping with renewed anticipation for adventure.
This is such a fascinating comment, it's almost a piece in its own right. I love the thought that every woman, in every marriage, considers their escape plan. It's like the appeal of a train passing by. No matter what, some part of you always wonders what it'd be like to get on the train. And--maybe I should've added this to the piece--but, thank god, the New Mexico land was as lovable as it ever was, and I'm keeping it.
And, yes, that need for a community. I'm lucky to have some truly wonderful friends now, and I can't express how much I treasure them, but I don't yet feel that I have a community to belong to. It's something I think about, wonder about. I'm hoping I'll figure it out with time, but I know it isn't a given. It's good to know I'm not the only one longing for it.
That is an excellent question! I'm not sure yet, but I know it begins with a driveway, so that's my first goal. I'm hoping to get that figured out in the next year. Thanks so much, Kathryn! And I'm so happy to hear that England feels like a relief for you. What a wonderful way to feel as you journey home.
I love how your notes coalesced into such an elegant, soulful piece! Makes me want to return to New Mexico, to see it through your lens. I so enjoyed this ~ your path is a noble & beautiful one. Thanks for the East River strut today!
Thank YOU! Both for the wonderful walk and the kind words. You definitely should go visit New Mexico again. It'd be so fun for me to think up a long list of recommendations.
The photographs attached here are wicked fun, the opposing forces in them so total, color, movement, abstraction, structurally exciting and quixotic. Force vs stagnation. One has true respect for what you chose to depict. Kindness. Why the Buddhist love empty bowls. I jumped into the train you put me on. Thanks Tonya.
there is such a "lightness" to this piece. Is that a word to describe writing???? I love the ease with which the words flow - a bit of stream on consciousness maybe. lovely read, thanks Tonya.(and I feel the same way about New Mexico, a magical place)
I'm so happy to hear you describe it like that--the "lightness" of it! That's wonderful to hear. Thanks so much, Tabby
Really enjoyed this, Tonya! It reads like a good, long drive. It has been awhile since I’ve taken such a road. Air travel doesn’t allow for the same meandering thoughts and perspectives. And I’m with you about those New Mexico signs. Even when the land doesn’t shift immediately, the promise of leaving whatever it is behind on the way to whatever New Mexico might hold comes with reliable relief.
Thanks so much, Charlie! That's exactly how I hoped it would feel, the stream of thoughts along the road. And it makes me happy that both you and Tabby get the same feeling of relief entering into New Mexico. There's definitely something in the air there.
"I want (to) keep on spreading roots." What a magnificent line. To be a part of a community that would notice and miss you if you ever were gone. That part of this whole beautiful piece hit me right in the sternum. It's one thing I mourn not having.
This post is like an elegy to your past. You're like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon that will fall and turn to dust. Now you're merging with new people, a new environment that is finally starting to fit, especially in its quiet moments. The photos you used are haunting, especially the mechanical horse that every child has ridden at some time, wishing for a real horse; and the ghostly figure in the window obscured by shadows around it. It's lost, somehow, in these shadows. All other windows are clear and the sky still holds a bit of light. The motel sign that advertises "clean rooms" as if that's unique. According to Paul, maybe it is. And the man in front of the auto store, looking for something in the trunk. Paul?
And did you actually sit on your land in NM? I think all women think about an escape plan during some part of their marriages, no matter how endurable or hideous it is for them. We all pine for an escape. Maybe, even though life is good or improving, there's that need to get away. Routine has its merits with its rituals that comfort us, but stepping on that gas pedal and pointing the car toward the freeway entrance starts the heart pumping with renewed anticipation for adventure.
Sue, this is a sweet, thoughtful comment. I almost want to share it to my notes, but maybe I'll just re-read it again and enjoy it. Thanks.
This is such a fascinating comment, it's almost a piece in its own right. I love the thought that every woman, in every marriage, considers their escape plan. It's like the appeal of a train passing by. No matter what, some part of you always wonders what it'd be like to get on the train. And--maybe I should've added this to the piece--but, thank god, the New Mexico land was as lovable as it ever was, and I'm keeping it.
And, yes, that need for a community. I'm lucky to have some truly wonderful friends now, and I can't express how much I treasure them, but I don't yet feel that I have a community to belong to. It's something I think about, wonder about. I'm hoping I'll figure it out with time, but I know it isn't a given. It's good to know I'm not the only one longing for it.
I envision you living part of the year on your piece of NM as Georgia O'Keeffe did, avoiding the hubbub and creating magnificent works of art.
I have the exact same vision in mind--and, who knows? Maybe I'll make it happen. It's a lovely feeling to know that the dream is possible.
Another fine piece from you, Tonya!
I felt that same sort of relief you describe so beautifully when my plane was landing in England last week...
What will you do with your land?!
That is an excellent question! I'm not sure yet, but I know it begins with a driveway, so that's my first goal. I'm hoping to get that figured out in the next year. Thanks so much, Kathryn! And I'm so happy to hear that England feels like a relief for you. What a wonderful way to feel as you journey home.
I love how your notes coalesced into such an elegant, soulful piece! Makes me want to return to New Mexico, to see it through your lens. I so enjoyed this ~ your path is a noble & beautiful one. Thanks for the East River strut today!
Thank YOU! Both for the wonderful walk and the kind words. You definitely should go visit New Mexico again. It'd be so fun for me to think up a long list of recommendations.
The photographs attached here are wicked fun, the opposing forces in them so total, color, movement, abstraction, structurally exciting and quixotic. Force vs stagnation. One has true respect for what you chose to depict. Kindness. Why the Buddhist love empty bowls. I jumped into the train you put me on. Thanks Tonya.
Thank you so much, Connie! I'm so pleased the photos resonated like that. Very happy you were up for the journey!