Chapter 2: in which Leeann resumes some semblance of a conventional life

Don't worry, it's likely a short chapter. It may have been longer, had I landed the 2-year contracted job I recently interviewed for, but as neat an opportunity as that was, it was also a significant relief to realize that I may now again bask in my carefree transiessence. Yes, I just made that word up.

Winter stalks us now, her looming shadow casting an unmistakable spell over the ever darkening island. So close I can feel the immaculate chill of her smooth porcelain skin, and inhale the intoxicating, icy scent of her perfect frozen breath.

Heartless and stony-eyed she sits in elegant repose on the peak of a mountain. Her silky, translucent white skirt drapes loosely over the sharp, ragged edges of rocks, ledges and trees, softening and brightening everything elevated enough to be so graced. As the weeks go by she will fall further and further into her recumbence, the folds of her skirt cascading down until the edges are no longer discernible and we are entirely enveloped in the soft, cool fabric. For a fleeting moment the delicate covering will remain pure, immaculate, and still.

Then bit by bit it will wear down, unravel, tear, and stain, disintegrating into the deep dark dampness. It will wash down, pool-up, and swirl until the very last glinting particle is dissolved into the churning muddy cauldron. And while we were caught up in the midst of the entropic chaos she herself will have vanished, unnoticed, back into her celestial wardrobe to slip on a brand new nightgown for her next narcoleptic nap.

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I know, I know...I need to take it easy on the alliteration. But I just can't resist!

Anyway, what was I trying to relate before I got swept away by that bizarre ice-queen daydream? Probably just that life is going well. I've been living in one spot for over a month. I've met new people and so far I've successfully avoided falling prey to my solitary tendencies. I'm generally happy with my employment, which now consists of approximately 30 hours a week back at Youth Advocates (the legal assistant job did not pan out as I had initially hoped), and nine hours a week at the coffee shop. I have relaxed a bit in my overzealous ambition to eradicate all my debts within a year (opting instead to enjoy some balance and enjoyment of the present moment) but I'm still doing quite well overall, and with some time and patience I'll be well on my way to financial stability.

I've picked up my guitar again and am slowly refreshing and expanding my limited skills. I've also learned a few chords on the ukulele, which I am very drawn to. It's much more accessible and manageable than a guitar. But I'm not about to trade my guitar in just yet. With its greater difficulty also comes potential for greater subtlety and complexity. There are a lot of instruments I would love to learn how to play, but I would like to settle on one to focus most of my energy on. I think having a musical outlet in my life is vital to my wellbeing. It has saved me more than once in dark times. Art, music, mountains, water, woods, gardens, log cabins, books. Family, animals, good food, friends, seasons, travel, conversations, love. I've been lucky enough to have most of these things in my life, most of the time, and most of the time, I'm genuinely happy. And happiest by far when these elements are shared with others who enjoy them as I do.