Loop-of-Love Road Trip Chronicles: To Michigan

July 19-20, 2015

From the beginning of this road trip, I knew I couldn’t bop around the country with all of my belongings in tow. So Laura from the greenhouse so graciously let me store half my belongings in her garage. After hours of strategically planning, rearranging, and making sure every nook and cranny of space had something to fill it my time to fully leave Pennsylvania had finally come.

One more final stop on my Loop-of-Love had to be made, even if for only a few hours: Sandusky, OH. A long-time friend I have known for 17 years, but hadn’t seen in 10 years carved our a few hours in her afternoon to catch up with an old friend! The last time I saw Jamie was when I was working my way back to Michigan from Colorado and took a pit stop at her house in Indianapolis. Now our paths were converging yet again but this time in the town where we worked together for a summer.

Another great flood of memories, and I got to see the streets that I walked so often and the building jammed full with some many Kaman’s Art Shoppe workers that made the trek to America’s Rockin’ Rollar Coast: Cedar Point everyday.

Even with only a few hours, Jamie infused our time together with so much laughter and life and a much-needed swim on a very hot summer day in Ohio.

Loop-of-Love Road Trip Chronicles: Virginia

July 17-19, 2015

The last leg of my loop was still a bit uncertain when I left North Carolina. Heading north I knew I was going to visit my mom in the mountains north of Roanoke, but I wasn’t sure if my journey would take me further in to the mountains to see a long-time, childhood friend.

Even after reaching my mom’s house, I still didn’t know if it was going to work out. Then, in the Makenzy (Watson) fashion from the days of old the phone rang. Her and her family had just returned from Michigan, but where very willing to let me come and visit.

The last time I had driven the winding roads to Montery, VA was in May of 2009. I love how in 6 years our roles and responsibilities may have changed, but the essence of our old childhood selves still found ways to surface in beautiful ways.

Now back to Pennsylvania.

Loop-of-Love Road Trip Chronicles: Western North Carolina

July 14-17, 2015

The road continued to take me west, as I headed to see the first round of family on my journey, Nathan and Olivia. Three days of relaxed activity was just what I needed after my quick succession of friends. I did get to enjoy some of the natural features of the Asheville area with lazy tubing adventure down a river.  I too felt like I was in college again as we join some of their friends for a spontaneous ice cream social at a grocery store. 

The craziest moment however was when I first got there. I arrived just in time for their weekly Bible study. I always enjoy meeting peoples friends and getting a glimpse into their day-to-day schedule. One of the people in the group asked what I do, which naturally led to a conversation about Hawaii. She asked which part. In turn I answered Hilo. With a surprised look on her face she told me that she had been there before to visit her grandmother. From my understanding, Hilo was not a big metropolis by any means and was too surprised by the coincidence. I took it as a good sign.

My last stop in North Carolina wasn’t to see a person, but a place. I was heading northeast from the next part of my journey and decided to take a pit stop in a place I hadn’t seen in just over 6 years: Stone Mountain State Park. Many parts of the 5-mile hike were exactly as I remember. Other parts were not (my legs feeling like jell-o). I realized, after I hiked for a little while, that I was hiking in the opposite direction then they way we took with groups back in the day when I worked with Camp Cheerio. Still the views were well worth and loved all of the wonderful memories that flooded back around each turn. 

Next stop Virginia

Loop-of-Love Road Trip Chronicles: Central North Carolina

July 12-14, 2015

My journey continued west as my next stop took me to Greensboro, NC where I caught Kara the day before she moved from the state. Timing could not have been better as I was able to help her pack her things to head back to PA. Yes, once again I found my path crossing with people to help them move. This was full circle for Kara, as I helped her pack to move to North Carolina less than a year prior. 

After my visit with Kara I headed an hour south of Greensboro to Asheboro, NC. A long time friend was always willing to open her door to me and I couldn’t miss the opportunity to catch up with her and her husband. This was another opportunity to witness a friend enter the new role of parent- something that has be a longing of their hearts for so long. My short visit with them ended with lunch at a restaurant called The Table. The amazing food served changed with the season as it was all locally produced and grown. 

Loop-of-Love Road Trip Chronicles: Eastern North Carolina

July 9-12, 2015

As a former place of residence on a couple of occasions, North Carolina has a line of wonderful people that I had a huge tug to see. From former college suitemates and RAs to former housemates and coworkers and friends and family my list was long of wonder people I wanted to see and catch-up with. 

Although a hard working mom- I was so glad Ginger (Cary, NC) stayed up passed her bedtime to experience the card game Marrying Mr. Darcy with me. I loved seeing her and her husband interact with their 3 month-old-son.

My visit to Duke was full of new sights and changes as new buildings that were started when I was there were finished. The Duke Pond was only a concept when I first started and now I could see all of its potential! Having lunch with and chatting with former co-workers warmed my heart and made me laugh on so many occasions, such wonderful people still causing the same old trouble.

A visit to Durham wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Duke gardens. I enjoyed touring the grounds talking with my old roommate Ting about all of the places in the US she traveled to since I moved away. It warmed my heart to know that she found a group of adventurous friends that could pull her away from her stressful job and enjoy the diversity of this country.

My Grace Church family was represented through breakfast with Melissa and her sweet smile and some art fun with Brandi. I miss the Grace Church community of so many levels and these too ladies are such a treasure.

Loop-of-Love Road Trip Chronicles: New Jersey

July 1-8, 2015

I fully understand that to make it to Michigan from Pennsylvania one should travel north and a little West. The fact that I decided to head straight east to New Jersey may seem a little confusing. When I take into consideration all that I did last year there is one fact that sticks out in capital letters and bold font: I had ZERO flight miles the ENTIRE YEAR. I was itching to get some serious traveling in.

With my departure from the mainland happening in a month and a half, I jumped at the change to do an amazing loop of love to see roommates and friends of old before heading to the middle of the pacific. 

New Jersey was the first stop as I had a great need to decompress the year. With a hard winter, a busy season at the green house, and my future floating up in the air for so long I had a huge need to retreat from the normal pace of life. Fortunately, I have a great friend that I have known these 17 years that just started working at a retreat center.

My week in NJ was just what the doctor ordered. As is usually the case, I find my way to being involved in some kind of project or two and my week with the Voss’ was no different. With many of their items still in boxes in storage, each day a small organizational project was woven into the schedule. This naturally led to a couple of trips to IKEA, but we also found time to enjoy the summer festivities including fireworks display in honor of the country’s birthday and a birthday trip for me to NYC- such a wonderful treat and a great way to round off my visit. Thanks to the Voss’ for opening your home to me as a much needed haven.

Time to head south

Packing: My Old Life Fits in a Car and Future Life into a Backpack and Carry-on

Ever since accepting a job in Hawaii, my mind as been forming to lists: What to take and What to leave behind. 

What to Take:

In four days I had to predict what I was going to need to survive the coming year...and it all had to fit in a backpack and a carry-on suitcase. How in the world does one even begin? This is where a sixth sense came in to play. I started with the essentials, figuring out the bear minimum I needed to survive on my own. For as of this moment, I have no place to live in Hawaii so I have to be prepared for anything. So I created kits: sewing kit, first aid kit, craft kit, mess kit, bathroom kit, office supply kit, tool kit...the smallest amount of the essential things for each kit. After all, the last thing I want to do is move to a place and buy a bunch of things that I already own. 

Then I moved to clothing. Fortunately, Hawaiian weather doesn't require many of the bulky warm clothes that a Pennsylvania winter requires. However, I did have to be prepared to travel to colder places. Strategy: Layers. So I created a wardrobe that has elements that layer together well while also covering the basic requirements for my job's dress code. 

Important consideration: Hilo is the 2nd rainiest city in the United States. So I have to leave room for things that have yet to be purchased (i.e. amazing rain coat).

Main frustration....Shoes. Their odd shape and bulky nature make this task very challenging. 

What I Have to Leave Behind:

My Dad has been so gracious in allowing me to leave the rest of my belongings at his house in Michigan. The challenge now is getting them there. The only option is my car and a car-top carrier that my mom got me for Christmas this past year. The biggest challenge of my packing skills to date. Here is how it all played out.

Big thanks to Laura Burkholder for helping me in so many ways with this move!!

First stop: New Jersey

New Jersey?? Yup. New Jersey. Not Michigan....all will be explained. Stay tuned. 

The True Before and After

The road to closure continues as I gaze into the backyard. I could stare out of the back door and envision different layouts and garden beds. When renting a place, one always thinks about the investment. Do I really want to put so much effort into a place that I will be leaving? Well, I choice to invest. In small ways perhaps, nothing remotely close to all that I could envision. However, it is nice to look at the small of amount of effort and see big results. From uncovering brick, to making a flower bed, to killing weeds (and yes I did receive a citation warning from the city at one point because my weeds were too tall), the fruits of my labor are visible. Thanks to photos along the way, I can see how it was when my time here began and compare it with how it is now. And in that comparison, I smile.

Keeps You Guessing

Job searching is never fun. I sometimes wonder if emails that I send out for jobs get sent to a thanks-for-investing-all-that-work-and-energy-but-you-won't-get-a-response black hole. Then there are other situations and job application experiences that keep you guessing. That was the case for a recent job I applied to. Here is how it all played out...

Monday, June 8th: Emailed my application for a Program Guide position with a wilderness therapy program in Hawaii.

Monday, June 8th: Received an email in reply asking to set up an interview.

Wednesday, June 10th: First interview scheduled via Skype for June, 17th at 1:00pm.

Wednesday,  June 17th, 12:50pm: After asking to use a vacant office at the hospital so I can rest in the idea that I won't have any interruptions during my interview (still no wi-fi at home), I decide to check my email just in case.

See an email that reads: "...I am about to board on a plane....can we please reschedule for same time on Friday?..."

Friday, June 19th, 12:50pm: All set up in boss's office on my lunch break with the top half dressed for a Skype interview. Decide to check email once again just in case.

See an email that reads: "Please call me when you are available at the number in my signature."

12:57pm: Call number.

1:15pm: Interview complete.

6:17pm: Check email at Library. Read: "We just had an opening for the July 15th New Guide Training. What are your thoughts on trying to make this training?"

Ask myself: Does this mean I have the job???

Saturday, June 20th: replied with the following message:

"Although part of me wants to turn things around that fast (plus I totally understand the situation you are in), I have come to the conclusion that the July 15th start date wouldn't be the best idea for me. The greenhouse is open until the 4th, which doesn't give me much time to prepare things logistically and decompress from the intense past couple of months. If you would have asked me that question 10 years ago, I would have said yes in a heartbeat. I can do things in record time in a bind; however, I think the Heather of today is going to have to trump the Heather of yester-year and say that the August start date would be the wise choice."

Sunday, June 21st: Placed on August training waiting list

Tuesday, June 23rd: Offered employment for the August 19th start date.

Today, Friday, June 26th: Officially accepted the offer. August 19th.

Ask myself: Did I just accept a job in Hawaii?

Yes. Yes. I did.

Parting Gift

Leaving well is always the main objective when I move on from a place. I have come to realize the vast importance of closure. Although others that are staying behind might not know or articulate it, I believe they need closure just as much. So I take it upon myself to be the one to initiate it.

In the past my closure has come in different forms like a card or a note. As of lately my trend has been a gift that I craft that has meaning or significance.

Time started ticking away pretty quickly before I was inspired for this project. I am, too, a very big fan of using what I have. This gift, however, went a step further. Not only did I use what I already have, but the items that I used came from the location that is being represented in the gift.

Let me explain:

The gift I constructed was for each of my co-workers at Frey's Greenhouse. The purple flower is a replica of the logo for Frey's. The different colored foil used to make the logo came from the scrap pieces of foil we used to wrap pots. The soil in the flower pot is from a paper bag that we are all to familiar with as we cut down bags day after day so plants aren't crushed by the tall sides of the bag.

Then I realized by putting the logo on a piece of tile and covering it with a waterproof finish the recipient has a list of choices how to use it: add it as a decoration to their own garden or as a coaster on their coffee table. The choice is theirs, but however they choose to use it, my hope is that when they see it they will be reminded of all of the great memories I have of working with each of them. I know when I look at mine, my mind is flooded with so many great memories that I am soon overflowing with gratitude. Giving something such as this is the least that I could do. Closure may have been the motive but in essence I want to move on from this place feeling like the people that have impacted my life know that each one them is truly appreciated.

Mother-Daughter Event Marathon

June 11-15, 2015

 When any family member is willing to drive over 300 miles to come for a visit, I find it of the upmost importance that they get a full, rich experience with a good balance between experiencing the local area and rest and relaxation. My mom's timing could not have been more perfect! The summer is booming with activities and things for people to do.

Confession: As I am fully aware that I am leaving Pennsylvania I might have been slightly more motivated then normal to get out and seek new experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.

Our first stop: Longwood Gardens.

This 1,077-plus acre property consists of 20 outdoor gardens and 20 indoor gardens within the walls of its conservatories. Longwood's main conservatory is one of the world's greatest greenhouse structures (according to wikipedia). The conservatory alone is home to 5,500 types of plants including some amazing century old Bonsai Trees! The conservatory also has some wonderful nooks around every corner, a great area for little garden explores, and the most living-lavish hall of bathrooms that I have ever seen!

Of course out of all of the things that we saw and smelt, the one thing that we kept talking about after we left the conservatory was not the full grown trees or the fountains. Instead we marveled at the one thing you would never think to find at a garden: an amazing pipe organ!

The Longwood Organ is a 10,010 pipe instrument designed by Longwood organist-in-residence Firmin Swinnen, a Belgian musician who moved to the US in 1916 and became a prominent theater organist in New York City. The organ's pipes filled fourteen railway freight cars, and they needed a 72 horsepower blower motor to supply the wind pressure; the instrument was one of the largest pipe organs installed in a private residence. Pierre du Pont knew what he wanted and went for it. Mom and I were just touring the conservatory when we first heard it played. We followed the sound which led us to the ballroom. The coolest part is that its pipes can be seen from the rear through glass panels in Longwood's organ museum.

 The gardens outdoors offered great variety with open meadows, fountain displays, and different structures integrated throughout. With the heat beating down on us, places of rest in a nice shady spot where always desired and usually very easy to find.

Three tree houses where also on the property which also made for fun exploring.