I made a fire last night. It was the first fire of my adventures. It was much like the fires that will be keeping me warm and comfortable on my adventure, but it was different. This fire was surrounded by some of my favorite humans. People who I have met along the way and who wanted to wish me safe travels. The sound of the chirping frogs, the laughing children, the conversations about life and adventure, it all added to the atmosphere of excitement that I have been living in for weeks.

The fire reminded me of past fires when I was younger. Talking life and adventure around a campfire is one of those timeless activities that can happen and aren’t easily forgotten. Discussions around campfires can lead to life changing realizations or existential thought that might otherwise just be passed over by a group sitting around and chatting in a kitchen.  I also was brought back to my young childhood days when I was the laughing kid who had no interest in the adult discussions; when existential thought was not as interesting as pretending to be a dragon or a stick-wielding fire master.  The constant has always been the warmth and comfort of a fire.

The fire also brought me to a different place. I could just imagine sitting in front of the fire, Little Wing beside me, while I write or draw under the night sky. Existential thought and life changing realizations brought on by myself, and my daily experiences, vs the discussion had between other humans. The future that I imagined last night is not to far away. Campfires will soon be lone endeavors with little to no human interaction involved. Last night was a welcome treat, as well as a pleasant wake up to my coming reality.

There were life changing realizations last night. Charming humans and a beautiful night lead to great discussions. I handed out business cards and Altoids and in turn was awarded with traveling tips and kind words. I was also given two charms last night. I was given a bracelet that has on it cedar berries. The note that came with it informed me they were also called Ghost Beads. Ghost beads apparently protect against evil spirits for the person who wears them. The other was a bead person, made by a friend of mine and given to me by another. It is a charm to encourage safe travels. It is amazing how little doodads like these can make such a difference. I can feel the love that was gifted when I look at them which is something I am going to value more than anything on the trip.

Taking Little Wing away from the family and friends that I love into unknown territory – for the sake of finding more that I can love – that is a big deal.

I was asked the other day what is it about the rest of the country that makes me feel I should leave the home I have here. It is an interesting question. I have thought about it, and it is a question that will be more easily answered as time goes on. However, I have a short response to the query right now. I am not leaving home. I am not leaving family and friends. I am exploring my home and finding more friends. I am not just a citizen of Northern Minnesota. I am not just a Midwesterner. In fact, I am not just an American. I am an organism of the world. Exploration of it is not just for the idea of traveling, but more the expansion of thought about the world I belong to.

The fire last night lead to a life changing realization; I am not taking the trip for the sake of going, instead I am taking the trip for the sake of learning and growing.

The charms I received last night were from two different origins. They both brought me a sense of peace. Good luck charms filled with love are full of the positive vibes that I think are necessary for growth and learning. It is amazing how the littlest thing can brighten another humans day so greatly. Every time I look at them I will be reminded of the good things that this world is filled with.

Isn’t that the way he world works too? People tell others they are charming as a compliment. Good luck charms are carried by many people for good luck. I had a bracelet from my grandmother which I kept and wore for a very long time til it was lost in one of my many moves. Life is filled with charm. It is like a soft, cozy, cushion we like to fall back on. A comforting thing that fills us with existential thought about luck vs fate. Much like a nice warm fire.

I am looking forward to my next fire on the road.