dreamcatching (& how the stars, they sing!).

ah, the classic return west.

it comes as winter crests and overwhelms the midwestern horizon, and i feel sunsets tugging me back home. the pacific greets the sun with such fragility and gentleness, it's a sight i can't ever seem to turn away from.

i think back on the past years. two years ago, my first new year's return. returning to a time of tumult and blazing new adventure. it was such a windstorm i can barely remember the scenery.

but most important to contrast this year with is, of course, last year. the pacific greeted me reluctantly in 2009 after a three-week stint lost in snow. i left old memories and the worried eyes of my parents to return to a land of uncertainties. san diego welcomed me with unsure arms, and i found myself lost on freeways and couches and beaches for far too long. 2009 really began for me in springtime, winter was too dark and life's light too dim for me to see anything.

but this year, i leave behind a family that is searching for definition. the blood that ties us all together is being stretched thin. not that this hasn't happened before, but again i am choosing to leave. choosing the waves of water and seas of strangers for the peace i might help bring amidst the fields of iowa.

in the midst of this all, i have never felt more confident of my place in this world. i feel as if i have said this before, but it's been a fool's dream i have been chasing.

until now.

coming home to los angeles, my beautiful roommate appeared through the crazed cars to welcome me with grace. en route to my house, i heard stories, and most of all, i talked to one i find myself returning to time and time again.

i come to a job i adore and am continually streched to fulfill. struggling to make ends meet is a constant joy to bear. disneyland is my playground, and to end it all, my life is continually brightened by the eyes and laughs that surround me.

this is home.

so as 2010 crests the hazy los angeles skyline, happiness is overwhelming. although this season has been one of hardships, sharp turns, and endless searching for truth, life couldn't be lived any other way.

life is one beginning after another.

and for that, and so many other things, i am grateful for the seasickness that 2009 has brought,

and 2010, we're going to have a lot of fun.

cheers, mateys.
let's bring it in right.

[to whispering dreams into the dark,
k.]