view_from_the_top_of_the_world lostgirl traveling ever upward on this gloomy gray day i near the summit, full speed ahead as clouds reach down from sky to ground falling from heaven’s live oaks like soggy spanish moss overflowing with tears of rain this path in the maze, though i am four wheel driving is intended for lightning speed downhill travel on packed white flakes. it seems like a dichotomy of sorts; a contradiction, a paradox even to be motoring at a snail's pace in the direction of the bleak sky. and as i take in the lush green grassy blanket surrounded by vast mountainous landscape i note the stark contrast in scenery resultant to the recent change of seasons. and i anticipate associated emotions to bubble to the surface; that familiar ‘punch in the gut’ feeling surging with defeat and resentment like the angry ruts i am traversing in the winter-damaged road. but it doesn’t happen...not even a little bit. wow! body tingling and face smiling huge with hard won relief, i open the window like i’m breaching my very soul and take a surprisingly deeply inspired breath with the ease of wind floating above and below the wings of a bird taking flight. and everything smells exactly like it looks; rain-washed fresh, all of it clean with new beginnings new growth new life there are no gushing feelings of sadness. no regret. only memories provoking smiles and laughter brought forth from difficult challenges transformed into important lessons learned from growth and from love... all tucked snugly into recollection and remembrance for safekeeping inside the scrapbook of a lifetime i am on top of the world! and as spring embraces summer, i realize i am finally free to just be. 100609 what's it to you? who go blather from