spoken from the heart: Seward, Alaska

SUNDAY JUNE 22ND 2014

I had my first day of work on Friday the 20th, one week ago today; and I have weekends off so only one day after working I already got a couple days off. Jesse works pretty much all the time so I was on my own for those days. Saturday I sat on the couch on Jesse's balcony finally relaxing and taking it all in. It really hit me Thursday night that this wasn't just another roadtrip vacation for a couple weeks like what Jesse and I have done in the past; but this time it's for a couple months. Three months to be exact. Three months without Buddy. I know I talk about him like I miss him more than my friends and family but Buddy is with me alllll the time for the most part. In Klamath and everything. I leave him at home while I go to classes and work but other than that he even goes to the grocery store (.3 miles from home) with me. Not having him here makes me feel like I forgot something. I don't have to wake up and feed him or let him outside. I have no one to go with me exploring when Jesse is busy. No cuddles on the couch at night. No bestfriend to make me feel better after a rough day (Jesse is awesome but there is just something special about a dogs heart that nobody can replace). So with that said, I do miss everyone; friends, family and all. Buddy is just my wingman.. or wingdog gone missing, or so it feels like. Okay, okay. Sappy talk over with :)

Saturday I just took as a relaxing, time to myself, in pajamas and blankets day.

Sunday however, I decided it was time to go explore, even if it was on my own. After all, that IS what I am up here to do :) I got in my car that morning and just drove down the road. Moose Pass is only 20 miles away so I went there. The night before was the summer solstice so to my surprise there was a little Saturday market type of thing going on when I got there. I walked around for a while, looking at the booths, talking to people and taking pictures.. of course:) The market was across the street from a lodge right next to Trail lake so I walked around the lake, taking in the view. Everything here is so pretty it truly takes more than just a glance to really convince yourself that you aren't dreaming. A couple that I was talking to told me how beautiful Seward is and recommended I head that way. So I did. Another 30 miles down the road, listening to Jack Johnson and enjoying the beautiful scenery all the way there. I parked down by Resurrection Bay and walked everywhere the rest of the day. I spent time sitting on benches, looking out at the ocean water, listening to what was going on around me, breathing in the fresh air of a new place, watching families who were on vacation interact with eachother and local people walking on the path with their dogs. I wrote in my journal and read my book, and took many, many pictures. I walked down to the boat harbor and went out on the boardwalk. Some of the boats are HUGE. My favorite was one called pretty lady :) I then got a slice of pizza for lunch at a little local shop, and before ending my day there, walked through the stores downtown. As I left the town of Seward there was a sign pointing to a side road that said Exit Glacier so I decided to see where it took me:) About 10 miles down the road was a huge beautiful glacier. The first one I had seen up close since I've been here. It was nice to sit and stare at it for a while. It blows my mind that our God created everything that I am looking at up here. It is so big and... words can't even describe it.

I got back to Cooper Landing just as Jesse was getting off work so we relaxed the rest of the night and ended that perfect day cuddling while reading our book :)

The little market I found in Moose Pass

I'm convinced that this was put here for me to see! I LOVE being here but the transition to living in a tent all summer, not having Buddy and knowing that I am 2700 miles from home was a little rough the first few days. I was surprised by how homesick I really felt. A feeling I haven't had since I was a little girl.. But I am always saying things like what is on this sign and fully believe with everything in me that you should always follow your heart. I kind of forgot about that though as I was feeling uneasy & uncomfortable so when I walked up to this and read it; I couldn't help but just smile.

I am so blessed to have this opportunity to spend my summer in Alaska and I plan on taking full advantage of it. Making the most awesome memories ever:)