I have a new shirt I am initiating today, though I bought it several days ago in Nashville, IN. The running horse is configured of white flowers on my latest Life Is Good shirt. While I wanted it in blue, it didn't really matter -- it's the horse that counts. I am that horse as I drive another 450 miles of prairie, across North Dakota and into Montana. There is a lightness of being out here and it's more beautiful than I imagined or remembered. The rolling hills are sometimes bright green, sometimes yellow, sometimes tan with drying corn stalks. Round bales of hay are scattered in a few fields. Small ponds nestle among the fields, and clumps of trees shade the farmhouses. I only wish it was possible to stop along the interstate to take a few pictures. Two-lane roads make picture taking much easier -- slower speeds, more leisurely driving, and less traffic. I've been gone nearly a week and haven't thought about home. So far no one's commented on my accent or figured out I am really from some place else. While there are days when I have to cover many miles, especially when there are few sites that catch my attention, the pace is mine. I can stay longer, like I did in St. Paul on Tuesday to enjoy a two-hour tour of The Cathedral of St. Paul. A fabulous place, full of art and sculpture. Every piece claims it's own significance and meaning for Catholics. It didn't matter that I left St. Paul three hours later than I had planned or that I had lunch at 4:00 in the afternoon; I still got to my hotel in ND before dark.
Here's what I know: this trip is what I am doing now. In the weeks before I left my sole focus was to complete my manuscript. When I am back home in October I will return to my piano practicing and lessons. But, right now I am traveling, soaking up the scenery and the conversations and the experiences, and it feels very right.
Below are a few photos of St. Paul's. The dome above the main nave is more than 300 feet high -- the Statue of Liberty would fit inside with room left over.
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| One of the rose windows. The surrounding windows | represent stars. |
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| Looking up at the dome |
Beautiful!!!
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