walking far from home
“I was walking far from home
And I found your face mingled in the crowd
Saw a boat-full of believers
Sail off talking too loud, talking too loud
I saw sunlight on the water
Saw a bird fall like a hammer from the sky
An old woman on a speed train
She was closing her eyes, closing her eyes
I saw flowers on a hillside
And a millionaire pissing on the lawn
Saw a prisoner take a pistol
And say join me in song, join me in song
Saw a car crash in the country
Where the prayers run like weeds along the road
I saw strangers stealing kisses
Giving only their clothes, only their clothes”
–From “Walking Far From Home” by Iron & Wine
I’ve been in Florida for over a year now.
It’s the longest I’ve lived in one place in over three years. While out here I have made some dear friends who I know will stay in my life for years to come. I have worked on my first long-term story and learned more from her than I could ever describe.
In this past year I have learned much about myself through a few hard lessons. I’ve learned more about the nature of human beings–the contradiction that exists between their ability to show both unimaginable cruelty and unsolicited kindness.
I’ve learned about hurricanes, tropical storms, rip tides, sting rays, manatees, mermaids, pirates, red ants, humidity, sideways rain, cuban sandwiches and unpredictable news.
Through all of this, my love for the West has never waned. If anything, it has intensified. My thirst for open skies and mountains has become insatiable.
I’ll be moving to Casper, Wyoming in about a week to take a staff position at the Casper Star-Tribune. In Casper I’ll spend my spare time riding my new bike against the wind and up Casper mountain.
At the paper I hope not only to work on dailies but to explore Wyoming through projects and photo stories. In some ways, the culture is familiar to me. In others, it’s very new and I’m excited to learn more about the state and its people.
Thank you to those of you who have helped me through my professional and my personal journey. I would be nowhere without the amazing people who surround me.
Lastly, I’d like to thank the zombies in Florida for sparing me.
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