On the road again.....

I am on parole. I have been on parole in two different states, New York and new Mexico. Just so we get it straight I put myself on parole by committing crimes and going to jail. There, I said it. I accept responsibility for my actions. That being said parole sucks. Fact of life. I used to facilitate various groups in and out of prison. My favorite group was in a 200 bed Mens Shelter in New York City where half the population was on parole. You see, to be released from prison one must have an address to go to. In NY State if you do not have a place to go they will parole you to a shelter. Hey, beats the alternative.

So, the group consisted of 20-25 men, half on parole and about half of those I knew or knew of from prison. Fun times. So my job was to convince these ex cons to look at parole not as an oppresion but as a challenge. Challenge yourself to prove to parole, the courts, the cops and society that you can and will become a contributing, law abiding citizen. I actually do believe that by the way. Look at it as a challenge. But it still sucks. The unfortunate reality though is that about 80% eventually go back to prison or an early grave.

So what was I talking about? Oh yeah, the road. I love travelling although I haven't been able to really spread my wings in some time. I also love to drive and my truck is a pleasure to drive long distances. I want/need to head back to NYC.... for a variety of reasons, especially that I can get my parole ended early in NY and then really be free to travel. Ahh yes, travel. The whole point to this blog.

I want to travel. I want to take this summer off, put my dirt bike and bicycle on the back of my truck and go. Go where? wherever.... through Pennsylvania, Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas.... maybe stop in New Mexico then on to Mexico. Doing what? looking, seeing, feeling, breathing, experiencing, being. I may not make it to all of these place but I'll certainly give it a try. What am I really doing? I'm looking for a place to hang my hat, to call my own. I want to travel but I also want to put down roots. I also want to be a part of something good. Something new.

A friend of mine is talking about an eco village where like minded Christians can natural build, worship, do for, help, assist, live in peace and so much more. I like her idea. I like the idea of a village, a space, a place where people can feel comfortable to be themselves. I like the idea of helping build such a place. Maybe I could even build my own little house for when I am in the area. Of course this may never happen but It is a great idea and a great start.

My parole is almost over. I can finally put all of this behind me. I can finally start planning the rest of my life.... or not. I think i'll just let my life be for now. I think i'll just put one foot in front of the other and see where my feets lead me. I think that i'll stop thinking so much for a while and start feeling. I think that i'll once again look at my glass as half full. I think that i'll start being happy for the things I do have and not what I do not. I think I'll start being once again grateful for the sunrise.. the sunset.. the moon.. the clouds.. good friends.. good food.. good herb (once i'm off parole).. curvy roads.. thick forests.. tall mountains.. clear streams.. big waves.. warm sand.. cool breezes....... and so on.....

May you find your curvy road.