I ride the air-o-plane

I completely love the airport scene-- the screaming babies, families traveling in packs, tearful hugs, introspection, and the solitude of reading a book. It provides the rare opportunity where you can sit in a spot and potentially not know a single person. You have no connection to any of the faces you see, no relationship to anyone around you. There's a strong possibility that you will not see any of these people for the rest of your life. Strangely enough, this does not sadden me-- I feel liberated.

Airports have this heightened, intense energy where everyone is rushing to the correct gate, hoping to board on time. I stare at the departure screens, mesmerized by the prospects offered, and suddenly I want to travel everywhere-- Nashville, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, England!

As I waited at my gate in Kansas City, Ben Folds pounding out piano notes in my ear, I listened to Marilyn Mountain sitting across from me making about a dozen phone calls. I presume it was business-related. I observed a young mom talking on her cell while holding her newborn, complaining about how much 'effing' work the baby was. The woman looked tired. Another older man was chewing on a sandwich, mouth open and staring creepily at me.

I was one of the last to board and my seat was 1A-- sitting at the front of my 'zone,' as they say. I buckled myself in, and listened to Chris (at least he looked like a Chris) give the airline spiel about safety regulations. The woman sitting next to me and I shared a giggle as the male flight attendant demonstrated very precisely how to buckle the seat belt. Across the aisle sat two young men-- one appearing sixteen and moaning, 'Oh man! Oh man, this feels weird!' everytime there was the slightest turbulence (It was his first time flying).

Planes are on a constant rotation, taking turns on the runway, like sisters sharing a bathroom. The plane takes off like a shot, and suddenly you are going faster than you ever could in a car on the ground. Soon you are up in the air, sailing above swimming pools and land masses-- everything looking microscopic and geometrical. I always anticipate that awful moment when you are on the descent and hovering very closely to the runway, awaiting the wheels to touch down. I'm probably one of those few people who enjoy layovers.

Ver el mundo!

I have always found a kindred spirit in Frances Mayes-- she is of course the author of Under the Tuscan Sun and the book I am currently reading, a Year in the World. She has this particular way of describing places in such a beautiful narrative; she stirs this long-existing desire in me to see the world. I've always had a desire to travel, to not stay in one place for too long or to visit a foreign city where no one knows me, to "become invisible.. When travelling, you have the delectable possibility of not understanding a word of what is said to you." I want.

It's not just one destination I want to see-- I want to go everywhere! I want to walk the streets of Madrid and Seville and spend an entire day at the Prado, visiting my friends Titian, Botticelli, Velazquez, Raphael and Bosch. I want to take in the heavenly lighting at the Haggia Sophia in Istanbul. Greece, Italy, Egypt, Ireland, Scotland, Iceland-- I want to see it all!

Frances Mayes expresses this restlessness to go:

"The need to travel is a mysterious force. A desire to go runs through me equally with an intense desire to stay at home. An equal and opposite thermodynamic principle. When I travel, I think of home and what it means. At home I'm dreaming of catching trains at night in the gray light of Old Europe, or pushing open shutters to see Florence awaken. The balance just slightly tips in the direction of the airport."

Nothing is creepier than operatic music accompanying art history videos, complete with intense closeup views into a painting of a particularly interesting face. Oh, but I do adore Simon Schama and his biting, sarcastic remarks!

P.S. This hairstyle does nothing for Queen Elizabeth's face shape.

Debussy's Clair de Lune

Sometimes I cry when I listen to this song because of how breathtakingly beautiful it is. :)

The space heater

My sweet mom bought me one tonight and it is keeping my feet warm as I type this to you all (okay, four of you?). And noooooow, I understand why these machines are so dear and near to the people's hearts. It's because they produce extra warmth in the air, allowing your mind a little rest from being cold. It's super cold in the basement, and I find it hard to get out of bed in the mornings due to the frigidness. This morning I woke up shivering and hugging my covers and body pillow close to my own little body. I'm excited to try out this space heater in my room tonight!

Quotables from LOST night

"You've never had a LORNA DOONE?!"
-Kathy

"Everyone is a different height."
-Tricia

If ya wanna be free, take a sip of this tea

It's not always necessary (nor always best) to share every thought with those around you. Example:

"Obtener."
-me

"Huh???"
-Rachel Mills

"Oh, that's just the Spanish word that I've been seeing in my head all day. Obtener... it means to obtain."
-me

*Silence and confused expressions*