There and Back Again Sweater

I am homesick for Colorado.

Sometimes the first step is admitting that you have a problem, well, this is my problem right now. I love the heck out of where we are in Jersey, but I miss the smell of pine and aspen. I miss the wilderness. I miss crystal blue skies. I miss October snow. I even miss Mountain Hipsters. (Who else can pull off Lumberjack flannel and beards with thick rimmed glasses and hand knitted hats?)

This new semester for me has been a strange mix of the nostalgic for me with my Literature of Childhood class and the theatre production I am involved in. Add that to the amazing people who are all the age I was when I was most active in theatre, and all I need for a “back in my day” story is a rocking chair. I’ve had so many memories flood my brain that there were moments of confusion about the true present. (It’s true, and yes, I am probably losing my mind)

I wish I could say I am yearning for simpler days, but my past was a beast in many ways. Nothing was as stressful and complex as then, and yet I miss my old home.

Since the start of the semester I’ve been searching for Colorado themed things. And miracle of miracles, my dad found out that New Belgium Brewery is available in Delaware. Let me say that again in case you are in the greater Philadelphia area… Go.To.Wilmington.Now. It’s the best beer that I’ve ever had. I was excited to get these for the hubs for his birthday. A little nostalgic for him since it was the beer of choice on his 21st birthday.

I spend a lot of time at this theatre. I don’t have a huge part in this play, and literally have no lines to memorize. So I can spend a lot of time thinking about old parts I’ve had, how passionate and sure I was that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I miss being that sure about the future.

I’ve also spent a lot of time knitting during rehearsal. Since my part is minimal, I have a lot of backstage time. Knitting lets me do something and I can still listen to the dialog to pick up my cues. Rather than reading or doing homework.

Right now I am knitting the Aidez Cardigan. I kind of think it’s perfect, since aidez is “help” in french. While knitting I can meditate back on Colorado, it is a nice little escape. SO I am calling it my “There and Back Again” sweater. Since I have been taking this mental journey back to Colorado and still having to live in the present. My journey definitely isn’t as epic as Bilbo’s was, but it has its significance. No matter where I end up, Colorado will always be with me.

Maybe I’ve been listening to this song too much. Ha.