Tag: family

June 24, 2019 – Crosslake, Minnesota

And I’m back. I can’t say that I ever really pictured coming back to Crosslake for round two, but here we are. I visited Mari and Syr (my first hosts) recently, and Kaia happened to be in town …

March 17, 2019 – South Lake Tahoe, California

Mobile status: Engaged. As I’m walking downtown with my friend Melissa, I’m reminded how good it feels to have everything I own back in my car and ready to move on. Though I’ll be here for another month, …

January 8, 2019 – Kirkwood Mountain, California

Click. Click, click. I adjust the frame and take a deep breath. Exhale. Click. A smile finds its way to my face as I enjoy a rare “me day” on the mountain. I’m at the top of “The …

December 31, 2018 – Kirkwood Mountain, California

I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t drinking over the holidays. 18? 19? I made a pact a couple weeks ago with a family member (to support their sobriety), but the significance really sinks in as I …

December 4, 2018 – South Lake Tahoe, California

“That’s the best shot I’ll have all night.” That’s what I say to Emma after sinking a stripe into a corner pocket. “Oh, yeah?” she replies as we look at each other and smile. She takes a drink …

October 31, 2018 – Yankee Hill, California

And so my stay here nears its conclusion. Emotions typically escalate toward the end, and have a tendency to come from both ends of the spectrum. Sad to leave these wonderful people and this peaceful place behind. Uncertain …

October 23, 2018 – Chico, California

Roll camera. This evening shows great promise in the realm of unique footage – Rachel is scheduled to not only participate in a local radio interview with her business partner, but also put on a public herbalism workshop. …

October 18, 2018 – Yankee Hill, California

“Here we go Down that same old road again” (Deep in thought, I sit in the living room, staring blankly at my computer. Before a hiking trip a few days ago, I stopped in town for coffee and …

October 12, 2018 – Yankee Hill, California

A stark contrast from one host to the next. Certainly not in a bad way; this host is the “homestead” type with a father (Jacob), mother (Rachel), and two daughters (Alora and Natoma). Here, they focus on herbalism, …

October 8, 2018 – Willow Creek, California

I must be up early. Nobody is in the kitchen yet this morning except myself and Nehem. We greet each other as I make some coffee and set up my computer in an attempt to be productive while …