I often find myself struggling to write something in this blog, especially since I have so much to say but can't find anything to say at all. I think my brain is speeding at a rate where my body can't keep up. This may explain why I have noticed an increasing amount of typos in my writing, or even why it's difficult for me to look back and recall what it is I exactly did, experienced, sensed during my travels. Perhaps its sensory overload.. or perhaps not..

One of my many fleeting thoughts from my recent roadtrip was the following:

Nothingness is somethingness

Driving through Texas, Arizona and New Mexico one cannot help but notice the perpetual scenary of the enormous landscape of our country. After awhile the only thing I noticed changing were the clouds. A thought then suddenly popped up in my mind - what a waste of land. If I could, I would use this land for something, anything, even if its putting a fake Prada shop in the smack middle of nothing (Oh wait, somebody already did that).

When we arrived to Marfa we met a man working at the local thrift shop. He spoke about his story of how he and his wife ended up in Marfa. He continued to share his stories of all the films (and his side gig as an extra in these films) that were shot in the area, including P.T. Anderson's No Country For Old Men. Apparently, Daniel Day Lewis is a "very pleasant man". During his story, I asked the naive question of "Why?" Why are these films shot in Marfa and the surrounding areas? Why here? The man then responded, "because its the only place left in the country that looks exactly the same as it did 100 years ago." Suddenly I felt a bit convicted from all my previous thoughts of how this vast land was such a waste and that it should be used for something. Well, it is..I guess. For me, now, I realize it probably serves more function than what I could possibly ever ask from it.

And for all those times I complained about how I need to go to Cuba before the 'western civilization' comes in and "pollutes" it with their high rise buildings and a starbucks in every corner. Geez louize!

So we finally made it to Marfa. I must say, it was pretty darn cool.

 

So here I am in Los Angeles again. It took only about 10 trips here to make me finally admit: I can see why people like California. Ahh.. I admit it.. there is something to be said about palm trees and good weather.. Today I was a total tourist. I jumped on the Hollywood Tour bus and took cheezy photos of things I can't even admit to online. Ugh!

So now we are off to Las Vegas and then straight to Marfa, Tx baby!!

It's a bit ambitious I must admit, but hey, why not?!

I'm flying to the west coast next week for some R&R and of course, ROAD TRIP!!!! I love road trips. They are the bestest ~ especially, when you're not the one driving... muahaha.

Okay, a quick "why I love road trips" list:

1. Open road - Need I say more
2. Hidden treasures - little towns, cute shops, crazy locals
3. Landscape - Kodak moments
4. Music - Shane's all time favorite music compilations ON REPEAT
5. Pit Stops - Reason to eat fast food without feeling too guilty
6. Bonding moments - Awwww
7. Escape - Anywhere but here or there

Soooo, the itinerary is looking something like this:

1. California
2. Nevada
3. Arizona
4. Texas
5. Utah
6. New Mexico

I will be in the land of sun and burritos. Good times.

I hope to update this site during my roadside excursions. Until next time..

So.. I am finalizing the itinerary for my roadtrip next week. With all the different places I have always wanted to visit in the U.S. on the very top of my list is a small town in Texas known as Marfa. Best known as a hidden art haven for artists including the Donald Judd (his foundation is out there), Marfa is also known for their "mysterious lights". Also knowns as "Marfa ghost lights", people have reported since the 1800s that they have seen "glowing basketball sized spheres floating above the ground, or sometimes high in the air." Ranging in various colors including yellow, green, and red, it seems they often appear in pairs or groups... ummm. Bizarre!! Okay, there are many reasons to go to Marfa in my opinion... art, ghost lights, supernatural energy, Prada.. yes, Prada!

(Prada Marfa)

or the lack thereof... has been my downfall in life... well that and some other things, which I rather not divulge in this blog. With that said, I'm giving myself a deadline.. I swear.. this time... it's all or nothing!!!

When did organizing a short trip within the states get this difficult? I think I took less time organizing my travels overseas last year. One thing I know for certain, I'm itching to get out of town.. even if it's to the west coast!

On some side news, I am delighted to include a few of my friend's new blogspots on this site. It's so nice to see friends blog about something.. Not that I don't speak with them often but still, there's just something different about spilling your guts in writing rather than in person. Both equally acceptable and encouraged in my book, of course.

So my mom is thinking of going on a volunteer trip to Guatemala. First off, I am delighted whenever she tells me she is planning on volunteering somewhere other than her kitchen. It's encouraging to see that someone at my mom's tender age of ---- is still out and about and trying to do some good in this world. Maybe there's hope for me when I'm her age! Well, second thought is I always have this urge to jump on a plane and "escort" her to her volunteering locations. This time, she will be flying into Guatemala City. I can do that. I will fly in with her and then make my way alone to Lake Atitlan again. Did I mention I would love to go back to Lake Atitlan? Perhaps, this time going alone will be better for me. I need to be alone for a bit.. Life is too loud these days.

Lake Atitlan