Off Slope: Carolinas Overflowing

Changes have been brewing in my life for a while now. And I've wrestled with that some. Like a snake resistant to shedding its old skin, I've been holding onto old things that felt secure, though not always comfortable. At times, I think I've been afraid there might not be a new skin underneath.

Then I flew to Charlotte.

My week in the Carolinas was a time of putting away old things, mostly old ideas and even a few emotions, that just didn't fit anymore. And it was a time of embracing new things: new ways of thinking, renewed commitment, sense of purpose, new hope. It was a bit like pieces of a puzzle slipping silently into place. The picture isn't complete, but there is a corner that makes more sense to me now.

The Carolinas were a blessing, a collection of days overflowing with...

hard rain,

cool breezes,

delicate blossoms,

wise instruction,

affirmation,

sumptuous spices,

mountains that roll like the sea,

endearing smiles,

contagious laughter,

exquisite music,

cleansing tears,

soulful conversations,

and a thousand shades of green.

**************

During my first night in Charlotte, I was awakened by a strangely familiar sound...thunder. It doesn't thunder much in Atqasuk and it almost NEVER storms. I've experienced one significant downpour in six years. 

But I was still a little surprised by my own fascination with the rain as it flooded the hotel parking lot. The fluid reflection of streetlights and a nearby traffic signal reminded me of fireworks in winter. The constant pounding and occasional rumbles were a welcome lullaby as I fell asleep thousands of miles from home.

Many of you are already familiar with blogger extraordinaire, Steve Patterson, and his truly wonderful blog, Balance.  Steve and I have been friends for about two and a half years, but met face-to-face for the first time while I was in Charlotte.  We had a great time visiting over a delicious Thai dinner and a few bites of amazingly rich cheesecake.  Don't be fooled by that innocent Boy Scout expression.  Steve is armed with the uncanny ability to duplicate almost any scene from Oh Brother, Where Art Thou...and he's not afraid to use it!

During a regular year in Atqasuk, eating in restaurants is pretty much a pipe dream. While avocados can be ordered and shipped from Barrow occasionally, they are extremely expensive and are often in pretty bad shape by the time they arrive. Really fresh guacamole is basically unheard of, so when Jennifer (a newly hired teacher who will move to Atqasuk in the fall) asked if I'd like to try Cantina 1511, she didn't have to ask twice! And I wasn't disappointed. The guacamole there is not only fresh, they actually prepare it at your table! I ended up eating there three times over the course of the week. Anytime there was a question about where to eat, that was my suggestion. Anyone in the Charlotte area should definitely check it out.

Bryan and Laurie Board are two of Steve's partners in crime when it comes to Oh Brother, Where Art Thou reenactments.  Between the three of them, I had a hard time breathing through constant laughter (and sometimes groans).  I met this beautiful couple around December 2007 when Bryan started his own blog Serenity Exists.  Many, many emails and a few phone calls later seeds of friendship began to take root.   While I was in Charlotte, Bryan and Laurie drove up from their home in South Carolina and spent the night in the hotel where I was staying.  It was a real blessing to meet and be able to spend time with two such open and loving individuals.  

On Sunday, the three of us drove down to Lancaster, South Carolina to attend the worship service at Steve's church.  Afterward, four ravenous friends (once again) consumed large quantities of Mexican food at Los Mariachis.  Some of us may have consumed more than others!  

Okay, in her defense, Laurie had no idea that her "Big-o Fun-dito" was going to be quite so intimidating.  But it was definitely an excellent excuse for an equally large dose of teasing from everyone else at the table.  And there was plenty of that to go around!  Later we spent the afternoon at Steve's playing Balderdash where it became quite apparent that I was completely out of my league!  For anyone who might not be familiar with Balderdash, it's a game based on convincing other players that your fictitious definition of a word is the correct one.  In other words, it's based on lying.  And I'm usually pretty good at that kind of thing, but my wits were no match for my opponents'.  Laurie, the undisputed Mother Superior of Punnery, held the lead for most of the game.  But, in the end, it was the guy with the innocent Boy Scout expression that came from behind to win.  Interesting.

After the game, the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou reenactments continued.  For anyone in need of blackmail material, there are videos.  I'll be keeping them in the vault until an appropriate occasion arises.   

All in all, it was a terrific day that I will cherish always.  And I'm sure those videos will be a source of amusement for at least that long!

The next day I drove to Old Fort, North Carolina to the home of my first roommate in Atqasuk, AnnMarie.  We spent part of the day in Ashville and part of the day at her home in Old Fort.  Her husband, Eric, graciously took me bike riding that evening and I got a small taste of climbing hills similar to those I will probably face in Nova Scotia.  It was a telling experience.  More about that later.

AnnMarie is expecting her first baby soon.  In fact, he/she may already be here!  I need to check on that!

I have no idea what these buildings in Ashville actually are.  I just liked the contrast of the older building reflected in the windows of the newer one...seemed symbolic somehow. 

AnnMarie's and Eric's driveway was actually the most frightening hill we encountered.  I walked the bike up that one and made generous use of the brakes on the way down.  I know what you're thinking, but it's steeper than it looks!

Old Fort is a beautiful area.  Instead of searching for scenic views, all I had to do was point the camera in any direction.

Throughout my wanderings in the Carolinas I encountered plants of every size and shape that were completely unfamiliar to me.  Anyone have a clue what kind of tree this is?...or what those seedish things will turn into?

After seven days in the Carolinas, I was literally brimming with excitement and joy.  As I drove myself back to the airport, I scribbled this sentence onto a scrap of paper...

If I could pour my heart into a cup it would surely taste like honey

laced with the fragrance of all the flowers that have added to its sweetness.

Reading that sentence now, it sounds pretty corny. I'm very tempted to place the blame for that corniness squarely on the shoulders of Will Ackerman who has been my constant companion on this trip. With the right guitar playing in the background, even the most flagrant cliche can sound like divine inspiration (in my mind). Corny or not, though, it's still an accurate sentiment.

I'm thankful for the opportunity, the inspiration, and the friends who generously wove meaning into our moments together, moments that were far too few.