It seems logical to be in one place. I have found that since "settling down" for the holidays in North Carolina that being in one place is good. You get the advantage of, if you're lucky and hardworking, to know the feeling of ownership, whether it be property, a house, or in my case, two dogs and a truck. I think that initially I set out on this journey to see as much as possible, saturate my mind with the great wide open, and become wise with travel. I'm not sure who said it first, but I think back to a modest mouse line that reads, "the universe is shaped exactly like the Earth, if you go straight long enough you'll end up where you were." This line has always been in my thoughts, an Eastern philosophy for dreamers.
After a very warm time in Michigan, I traveled south to find Erin at her family farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. We comforted her grandmother who is grieving the loss of her husband, and also had the opportunity to be with Erin's parents while they signed for their new 24-acre property next to the farm. It was about a year ago I visited this place, and it felt great to be back. It's funny to think that I was coincidentally camping just a few miles north before meeting Erin there for Christmas festivities. Her family has made the small joke about how "random" that was. Nonetheless, erin and I had so much fun checking for new cattle, going on four wheeler rides, and watching TV with Grandma. In the back of my mind, I knew that it was time I start thinking about my book. I have had all the fun, seen the sites, tasted countless brews, but all these notes, pictures, and stories needed to find a home on my computer. It wasn't until last week that I finally organized the photos, and collected dates and times. It feels great to have those ducks in a row, but now it is time to write.
Currently, I have thirty of the 100 short stories written, and couldn't be happier with what is finished. It comes and goes, as I'm sure it does with most artists. I'm talking about that spark, whether it's at three in the morning or three in the afternoon, deep inside of your soul that pushes its way to your present thought and escapes loudly. It's up to you to harness this energy, because like all things, they don't disappear, but change shapes so quick that it's up to in my case my hands to capture their meaning. It's a song, story, picture, drawing, and thought provoking idea that needs to be procured. This frame of mind is essential in my life to capture such things, however the difficulty is found in losing these thoughts due to under preparedness, or simply because you're busy with the last spark. It is important to tend to a mind like this, for if you care for it and aid in its growth, great ideas will consistently grow preventing a clogged up and confused or disappointed end result. This of course, is why I enjoy drinking beer...haha, well, maybe beer has a bit to do with that last part whether I like to admit it or not:-)
So onward I write blazing the trail for adventurers alike that dare to dream of a life most fulfilling. I have successfully traveled to 35 states, and now am getting ready for the last leg of my trip into the unknown. Actually, it is very well known, but I thought that sentence sounded powerful. To the Southwest United States I go, searching for the never ending delicious draft, along with two huskies and a thirst for knowledge. I am beginning to understand beer, what it takes to brew good beer, and what it means to those who brew it. I assure all readers I am in no way a beer taster, I simply enjoy drinking good beer with good people on my journey towards becoming an author.
I set sail as of now in Early January, and in the mean time can be found at the Raleigh Flea Market on Saturdays and Sundays selling photo prints of my travels, as well as the Flat Iron in Greensboro on Tuesday nights playing guitar. Sled dog presentations are in the works for the Wake and Alamance County school systems, but if you have kids or relatives that would enjoy a Joey P. sled dog assembly anywhere in the South, feel free to contact me at joepawelek@yahoo.com for further information. Safe travels, cheers to beers, and remain free in all that you see!
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