to the ends of the earth

It’s been a long while since I’ve seen a view like this. A view where you can almost see the curvature of the earth and watch the sun go down on one end while tracking the movement of the shadows traveling across the mountains on the other. It has a way of making you feel very small.

It’s been harder here to ignore my thoughts, looking out into the water, seeing the landscape of the trees, the gradation of the mountains in the distance, and reliving some memories from times past. It’s easier to coast by in the city, whether in NY or Seattle, where you’re caught up in the rush of movement and lights and just “stuff” everywhere. It’s a distraction and it’s been a welcome one.

But I can’t always run away. Surrounded by lots of family on this trip I felt more alone than I had in awhile. Is that weird? It wasn’t exactly what I expected and it was hard. I’ve let go of any expectations that my reactions or emotions right now are rational. To surrender to your feelings is humbling in a way because we don’t always have control over them, do we?

And a view like this reminds me that there’s more out there. More places to see, more memories to be made, more life.

*Photos from Mt. Constitution on Orcas Island.