It's time to say goodbye to the wonderful scenery, the amazing arid breeze, and my loving family in Phoenix, Arizona. It's also time to say hello to my first long drive alone with my pup, the next big step of my life and my journey, and my old friends in Telluride, Colorado. Then I will be on my way to the Blue Mesa Reservation near Gunnison, Colorado to meet my even older friend, Kameron from back when I used to live in Portland, Oregon. Then we will be on our way to San Francisco, California!
Over the last 12 days I have spent countless hours in the this backyard, smoking, drinking, swimming, loading and unloading my truck, and contemplating this journey and my future, looking into myself and pouring over my campaign, my journals, my maps, and this very blog. Every day my eyes are drawn to this Orange tree bearing the fruit of life. I know that though nothing is for certain, anything is possible, but that anything could be so fruitful in such dry and hot condition, as all odds are against it was quite inspiring. As a kid I remember plum trees, pear trees, and peach trees; pepper plants, tomatoes and strawberries, and never have I been so intrigued by the bountiful plants that surrounded me as a child. I'd seen them bear fruits healthy and delicious but they never looked so sweet and inviting as this tree has. I chose this picture to symbolize the wonderful times I've had here that connect me with both childhood and adulthood.
My brother Patrick took me to the Army surplus store like my oldest brother Rabbit does back in Texas. I even called him Rabbit on accident when calling him to look at the knives! Patrick and Rabbit share a thirst for suvivalist tools and camping, as I do (a lot like our father!). Maybe I should say, I share their interest in it. :p He gave me his boot knife (double edged), and his multi-tool, and he bought me strike anywhere matches, and a dry container for the matches with emergency magnesium flint attached to the bottom, and a pack of silverware! The butterknife has a bottle opener in it too! :p
He also helped me map out my journey in pink! We mapped the highways on all of the maps, large and small but this is the map of the u.s. to give you an idea about the kind of ground I'm covering. It's literally a big circle beginning and ending in Phoenix, with a grueling 16 hr drive back to dallas from Phoenix. :p
As much as I hate this picture, I also love it. I vaguely remember who this girl is, although I know it's me. Carefree and high as a kite lol I'm a grown up version of this girl and I love her even more. Monica, the girl on the right is one of my best friends in Colorado whom I'll be seeing tomorrow evening! We've known eachother ever since I moved to Colorado when I was 16, though I didn't stay very long. We have a very blunt relationship, in every sense of the word. lol
Portia
Kira (Lu Lu)
&Sadie
Rusty's last day with her new and beloved friends. She has truly grown attached to them all! I know she'll be sad when she figures out we're leaving, but luckily we'll be on our way to a NEW friend named Nevaeh! <3
Look at those eyes, Sadie!
From the minute we arrived to her last minutes before bed time tonight and every hour in between, Rusty seemed to be especially fond of Sadie, or rather... Sadie's ears! I think she really enjoyed playing with and antagonizing her. Deep down I think Sadie enjoyed it too. :)
Peyton sleeping as I'm saying my goodbyes, he'll never remember them anyway. :')
Isn't he handsome?!
Lookin good handsome man! Peyton giving me a "I'm a new born, so I can't smile yet" stare before bedtime. :)
I thought grandpa would appreciate a close up of his little feets. :)
And finally, a group picture of everyone that has made my stay here such a wonderful and memorable time! Me, Wendy, Meghanne, baby Peyton, and Patrick. The dogs are all out there too but they're so low to the ground. :p
In closing, I'd like to thank My brother, his wife, her mother, and my nephew for their hospitality! They did a wonderful job of showing me what Phoenix is all about and what it has to offer. They helped me get ready both mentally and with materials and helped my kickstart my journey with one hell of a two weeks! <3 I love my family, that's for sure, especially my new nephew, Peyton!
Now it's time to finish packing and get some sleep and then hit the road tomorrow morning :) I'm so excited, here I come, world! <3
That's all folks!
Madgkul
The Mad G
<3
For more information about what this trip is really all about and/or to donate to my campaign please visit my indiegogo profile. :)
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