the jersey shore will not be swept away

...but it will sweep you off your feet.

After spending the past nine summers living, working, painting, and documenting at the central/north section of the Jersey Shore (my particular town is only one square mile, so I've done some wandering throughout the coast), I'm glad to see the community effort and teamwork in the wake of a hurricane.

Yesterday, the beach cleanup was in full motion, and it was open to the public by 2 o'clock E.S.T. The water was frigid, the pier was shifted to the south and is therefor unsteady, and the sand was packed down by rain and tractors. The jetty was bolstered with more boulders, the lifeguards set up shop, and everyone was so appreciative.

I value the high value of ocean front beauty, and I fully appreciate the appreciation of families, tourists, residents, and community leaders of the Jersey shoreline. Thanks everyone, for keeping our slim ribbon of sand intact.

Sunset in Summer 2011 

 the day after Hurricane Irene

 the beach in January

 the dog days of winter

 "Hands in the Sand" offshore drilling protest, 2010

the sun, it rises.

returning from a great escape

I'm choosing "Helvetic" as my font because I watched a documentary about this type face and apparently, it's top-notch.

St. Louis...what a blur. Between the 60 colleges, mass of people, and whirlwind of "stimulations" and downtime, I think it's safe to say that I made the most out of every opportunity. It was like college Welcome Week all over again, and I knew in my heart I would probably never see some of the great people I met ever again. (sad, but true) Some great conversations were had beneath some rough stars and cotton candy clouds. And the bugs just...didn't bother me. (Although my legs and ankles got attacked)

Detroit's Airport...is probably the best 5+ hours of tlc I ever was surprised to land upon (pun intended). The fast walks, the underground light up tunnel between Delta's terminals, the book shops, the Mediterranean restaurant, the beautiful fountatin, and finally buying my dad the perfect tie (orange, with tiny sheep interspersed with circles) all added up to a great layover, round trip.

Philadelphia...I miss those streets. The train rides, humidity, suitcase wheels rolling in the shallow sidewalk concrete. Everything about our first capitol rings true to me.

I think this sums up my jam-packed traveling experience. Thank you for listening.

Philly, Detroit, St. Louis, and back again.

How many flights does it take to get to Missouri and back? The answer, my friends, is four.

Thank goodness and Dave Matthews (and Bruce, Death Cab, & Ingrid) for providing some awesome tunes along the way. I had some good conversations with my fellow travelers, flight attendants, and an awesome lady dressed fabulously while freshening up in the Detroit airpot. 


Detroit, without a doubt....is the BEST four hour layover experience I can hope to have. The had everything, even a water fountain that made water hop and dance like Martha Graham...


This journey, and the destinations along the way, was incredibly memorable. Highlights include the hammocks on Wash U's campus (despite being bitten up by mosquitoes) and the City Museum. Everything else: the people, conversation, and food, is just commentary.


Photos to come soon.

having a destination

I have an e-ticket, a not gently used wheelie carry-on, and an ipod that needs charging. I have called a car service (for the first time!) to arrange to be picked up early Wednesday morning. I have a layover in Detroit, Michigan. I have a destination: St. Louis, Missouri.

And I couldn't be more thrilled.

This is my first time flying without an adult...oh wait, I guess I'm considered an adult. I'm a little nervous, but I'm pretty psyched for the freedom and altitude-induced high that moving over multiple states brings.

I'm flying with a boy who incidentally, is very awkward. But maybe our traveling together will make him more amiable. If conversation fails us, I'll be bringing The Perks of Being A Wallflower, and another book, which I'll find tomorrow at the library. And there's always music. Lots and lots of music.

I'm not too keen on bringing my macbook with me, since I'll be staying in a dorm room at Washington University, so I'll post pictures and comments when I return in a week. Until then, you can bet that I'll be having an adventure.