Since arriving in late July to Grand Junction, Colorado, I endured an affront to my senses. A filthy toilet and an infestation of gnats were only some of the many hazards discovered in Mary Schenk’s condo next to a busy, extremely noisy intersection. Then there was her “welcoming dinner” that featured ground beef she never drained but instead incorporated into the meal. And she was unable to cook more than one dish for any meal.
Therefore, my gall bladder started acting up. So yes, I had to take over the cooking duties. That’s part of why last week the woman who promised so much, demanded that I take my possessions and move out. To where? She could care less, even though I knew nothing about Grand Junction.
When did she issue her impatient demand? On the very morning I was scheduled to begin recording an Audible of How I Became a Lesbian (and other stories).
Schenk’s attempt at sabotage failed miserably. After a week-long stay at a spotless, quiet hotel next to Grand Junction’s airport, three days ago I found an extended-stay facility with kitchenette at a reasonable, yet professional, rate. Best of all, I managed to keep two productive appointments with a studio engineer whose soundproof home and sense of excellence reveal his musical sensibilities.
My book’s introduction, preface and three chapters have been recorded already, so I’m on a roll. Nevertheless, I can’t help but feel alone. Thanksgiving is upcoming. Yet look at what this 81-year-old author has accomplished under the harshest of circumstances.
My days with Buckingham’s Quakers and as meditation facilitator at Pebble Hill tell me to express gratitude. Just look at the remarkable view from my new place, and I feel better about this sudden twist of face. No wonder traveling musicians find inspiration within the facility’s secure structure.
But before I can take a deep exhale, I need to update my address to several medical insurance contacts, my bank and credit cards. And I must stay positive; otherwise, it will show up while recording the Audible.
Keep the faith, baby. Keep the faith.
Its amazing all this moving around does not drain your creative energy.
Or maybe it’s a stimulant to it? One minor crisis after the next, for you, opens doors to new experiences that many would find irritating and counter productive.
Yet you thrive on it like an odyssian quest. Odysseus eventually found his way home.
Your home appears to be the road to greener pastures.
What is your new address? Do you still consider yourself a member of BFM? I need to know for the Recorder’sReport.
Yes, I still consider myself a member of Buckingham Friends Meeting. My new address was sent to your email, which you kindly acknowledged.
Mason, wonderful news! Happy to hear you finally found some “peace” in your new surroundings! I now live with my daughter (& her husband) in Houston, TX (I may have mentioned that already) — if so, forgive me!
All’s well that ends well!
Take care❤️
Keep in touch
Hang in there Mason, and keep recording. Once you’ve completed that project, you’ll have time to ponder your next move.