Leaving on a...er, not on a jet plane..

Nearly 12 hours now, before my train pulls away from Denver and I leave this chapter of my life behind, with a warm smile and fond remembrances. I'll be back, I'm certain, to visit the friends who have become so close and to see mountains and quivering aspens and stars so bright you could hold them in your hand. And I think it's something indeed, to leave a place with regrets that seem rather minor, when you look at them.

For just over two months I'll be home, connecting with my family again before I move even further away. But they know I'm following a dream that is more real every day, pursuing one of my passions, and so I know they understand. I think this will be a wonderful summer - commiserating with my sister and her wedding planning, encouraging my younger sister to strike out on her own, chatting with my mom over margaritas.

And as for this fall, this new direction and focus? I feel as if I have a fair wind at my back and all the sea room in the world.