Trying to fit in a chaotic, heavily cultured world can be messy. For an adolescent especially, acceptance is pretty high on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. But what is a person to do when their true nature conflicts with societal expectations? Lie, of course. You can have your cake and eat it too, if you do it right. I’m uncomfortably writing this post and exposing a very ugly skeleton in my closet in hopes that, if anyone who reads this finds themselves relating to any of it, they c...

Continue reading ...

    While I was enjoying my last couple days with E before leaving him and the circus to finish my journey around the United States, I spent some time soaking up the natural beauty of southwest-central Arkansas. I discovered DeGrey Lake State Park and pitched up the tent—my own, not the circus tents this time. One afternoon I noticed there were mountain biking trails, so of course I jumped at the opportunity to get back on my beloved bicycle. In hindsight I probably should have paid more at...

Continue reading ...

    Since June, every week is a new adventure for me. When I was attending college, there was a weekly routine; when I was working any job, despite the newish experiences in the environment, it was still close to a routine. This summer has been the opposite. Situations present themselves in such various shapes and sizes, even if they do resemble a past experience—it’s in a completely new environment, with unique characters. This week, I’ve been bashed with the choice between fear an...

Continue reading ...

I had the pleasure of starting off this new chapter in my journey by riding with Emilio (my tightrope walking counterpart) on my way to the next circus stop in Tennessee. We talked about our past and future, he taught me some Spanish, and he comforted my troubled heart after he mentioned the long-lived state of murderous affairs in Mexico. My time with him has been a series of reminiscing my angst-driven teen years, testing my moral compass, and feeling my heart melt into a puddle despite the...

Continue reading ...

    I arrived in North Carolina with no money, no physical/emotional/social energy, and no motivation. I was worn out from traveling and missed my friends and family but was also so drained from people that I just wanted to hide away from the world. I was also worried I’d be a burden on my friends with whom I was staying for two weeks since they had just moved into a house a few days before my arrival. My time in Wilmington, however, turned out to be exactly what I needed. I found the circu...
Continue reading ...