long-awaited journey

Today I'm making my second journey to the Channel Islands National Park, in Oxnard, California. 

The first time I was there was in 2009, and the circumstances were très différent. I had just returned from the biggest financial (and otherwise) failure of my life. I was broke and broken at the time. I didn't have a car and I was getting around Los Angeles by bike, staying on friend's couches and living out of a storage unit in Culver City. 

Despite being broke and having next to nothing, I somehow found a way to make it out to the Channel Islands by myself.  

It was one of the most profound experiences of my life. I was on Anacapa Island, for a day trip only. I hiked all over the island, I stared at the topography of the Channel Islands sticking out of the ocean like the humps on a whale's back. I observed a raven flying in the sky. There was such little sound that I could hear the raven's wings beating as it did aerial maneuvers just for the hell of it. I felt at peace, which is saying a lot given what was happening in my life at the time.

I am searching for that same peace again today. As usual, there is a lot going on in my life. I am awake at 7am Pacific Time after going to sleep at 2am. I heard the first masters of my record on Tuesday. I have four rehearsals next week, and on Sunday I play my first gig at Amaya La Jolla. This isn't even counting the personal and emotional stuff that's going on as a result of this record release, and the stuff that's going on outside of it.  

I made a pact that I would go here today, and I'm finally going again, and I'm so excited. I know there is a reason the Channel Islands continue to call me back. I have been really looking forward to this weekend, my final spot of rest before the album release.  

I hope you all have a good weekend, too. :)

xoxo