And that is how fast 6 months goes by.

Kia Ora, G'day, kaixo, Sua s'dei, goedendag, Salaam Alekum', bonjour, Guten Tag, γεια σας, aloha, shalom, namaste, góðan dag , "Dia duit", buon pomeriggio, konnichi wa, ahn nyeong ha se yo, sabaidee, salvete, namaskar, sain baina uu?, ya'at'eeh, hallo, ellohay, dzień dobry, boas tardes, sat sri akal, buna ziua, zdravstvuyte, talofa, hoezit, hola, god dag, Li-ho, malo e lelei, merhaba selam, xin chào, and most of all Greetings!

My Hello and Welcome to all. Hard to believe that in blink of an eye half a year will slip right past you. For the next section of travel I feel it appropriate to keep up to date of my travels, experiences, stories, sights, sounds, tastes, laughs, highs, lows, and what nots. The bits and pieces, collection of thoughts, brief scrambles of words, inspirational tidings, moments of Zen, thoughts on life, personal philosophy, developing tastes, creative outlets, how I got my hands dirty, music for moods, cooking recipes to share, and most of all my time. An informal database for the interested, critical, caring, friends, family, relatives, strangers, sworn enemies, life long sinners, naughty neighbors, Heteros and Homos, fellow travelers, rational and irrational alike, extroverts and introverts, republicans, democrats, National and American League fans, former coworkers, models, directors, actors and actresses, producers, singers, musicians, characters of all walks, and most importantly You...

With out any further ado...

It was a a funny feeling I had the other afternoon as I walked up nearby Mt. Cass. I was moving along at a moderate pace occupying my mind by talking aloud to myself enjoying what I have come to accept as perfect company. As I rambled about this and that for the briefest of brief moments I thought of how it's going to be one hell of an adventure heading off to New Zealand on my own.... Holy calamity and sweet baby jesus I couldn't help but laugh aloud. I was already here, I was already out, I was no where near where I was, and no where near who I left as.

I sat atop Mt. Cass, took in the view, and that thought crept back in. Was I really off on my own? Had I really began to look past the many moments of hardship, trials of personal development, raddled nerves, and the oh-so many nights of wondering what was happening back home. Well... Yes. Long ago I had began to look past all of that. As I sat and contemplated this arrival of thought it was clear to me that living in the present moment was at hand and the embrace was there for me. I have been reciting to myself a little saying I thought of the second week I set off, it goes as follows.

"I am what I want to be in life, and that is happy."

I guess that is where I am at. 6 months of ME Time. A trophy? No thanks. A pat on the Back? Nah. A ribbon? No I couldn't. The only thing I would like is for You to find some personal "ME Time" for yourself. Get away even if only for a few minutes. While away do what you do.

As You.

Laugh, write, sing, cry, cheer, yell, scream, dance, boogie, clap your hands, make faces, stretch, run, read, bake, hug yourself, build, think, pray, dream, paint, draw, sculpt, possibly do nothing. Just take the time for yourself. We share so much in life so take some time and share a little with yourself. You deserve it.

If you are at a loss for something to do try making my Banana Bread.

3-4 Smashed Bananas
1/3 Cup melted butter
1 Cup Sugar
1 Egg Beaten
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 1/2 Cup Raisins
1 1/2 - 2 Cups Chopped Walnuts
Pinch of Salt

Mix all together like the happy family they should be. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 50-60 minutes.

Enjoy!