As a budding digital nomad traveler, who’s closing in on their last two weeks as a full time San Franciscan. I’m having to part with most of my things. Many of these things are obvious like extra shoes, extra blankets, furniture. What catches you off guard are the things you absently assumed would always be there.
My brother hand painted this meditating alien on a canvas as a Christmas gift in 2012. I had it on my wall in a few places in Kansas City, and once I left KC it joined an exclusive seat with a few other items on the trip to San Francisco. Over the years it’s been a staple on my walls and brought me a bit of peace. Reminding me to relax and not take life so seriously.
I had been considering donating or selling the painting but felt I wouldn’t find anyone who’d appreciate it the same.
After finishing a routine Diamond Height Safeway trip down the hill, I began the shuffle back up the 40 or so steps to Opalo Ln ally towards Gold Mine hill. Typical of these strolls through the ally, my eyes would glance over all the details. So many curious nick knacks, plants, and decorations engulf this ally. Enjoying the familiar yet varying array of colors, nature, and tranquility as I frequently do. The past few weeks, I’ve started to notice an awareness growing each time through. A sense like something was missing.
I started to notice this little bare piece of fence behind a couple of small trees. What was once the feeling of ‘something missing’ starting feeling more like a sense of contribution that was possible.
Then it all kind of clicked. I knew what I needed to do.
After setting this canvas in this spot it almost felt like something in me settled. With it a calmness gently starting to grow. As if the universe was proud of me for finally moving closer to getting “it”. Despite the discomfort and itch of loss I’d been reeling in as I start to purge everything, I felt one more small step towards freedom.
Perhaps overtime the elements wont be gentle to this painting. It does seem to be housed pretty well tho. I’m really looking forward to my first trip back to San Francisco. I’ll come back to Gold Mine hill and take the stroll back through Opalo Ln ally in hopes that the little Buddha alien is finding enlightenment by his bodhi tree.
I’m amazed by you, your journey, your writing and your courage. Following your dreams can be most difficult. As I have experienced some of your pain and struggles first hand, you have become my forward thinking hero. God bless you and your continuing efforts to find answers to many questions few people ever ponder.