As Far As I Can Tell

There’s something about the Fall or maybe just cooler weather that sharpens my observations, making me more sensitive to the things around me. A half eaten apple in the parking lot, the music seeping out of car windows, the taste of everything. It’s as if the crispness in the air awakens my brain, draws me outside, and points at things. I’ve always loved walking at night when the weather gets arguably too cold to do so. It’s quieter, slower, sharper.

I slept for 13 hours last night, falling asleep on the couch during Rivers and Tides, a splendid documentary about Andy Goldsworthy. I needed that rest to make up for what I haven’t been getting and for once I didn’t spoil the sleep with regret. This weekend is my first chance for a “day off” in the last three weeks.

Two weekends ago I was in Chicago attending the About, With, and For conference (photos) and visiting Ivo (photos). I had a lot of fun but traveling is rarely relaxing and it made my schedule the following week that much more hectic. Last weekend I only left the house once, my laptop and I at the kitchen table all day as I tried to remember how to write a decent paper. Luckily I was rescued by my brilliant and lovely personal editor who got me back on track. I don’t actually have this weekend off but I’m trying to restore a work-life balance, if only for a few days.