Posted December 21st, 2003 by Michelle

My visit here in New York is flying by. I’ve already been here six days, and the end is now closer than the beginning. It’s good to be away, to get some perspective, even though I’ve only been in California for two months. A change of scenery always helps. Back in high school, during a particularly horrible week (and that is saying something), my mom sent me to Santa Cruz to have a long weekend with our great friend Ho. Ho was studying something or other at UCSC, but mostly he was enjoying Northern California college life, and the two of us had a fantastic weekend. We screwed around Santa Cruz, saw the ocean, danced to a Brazillian drum group, and ultimately made it possible for me to return to my hellish schedule.

Now make no mistake- my schedule in fair Napa Valley is anything other than hellish. But it’s good to take some time away from the place you lay your head. Distance creates clarity and inspiration, at least for me, and I’m looking forward to diving into a number of projects when I return. Thankfully there will no longer be the distraction of the holiday parties. I’m actually going to have to stay home most nights and get some work done.

Tomorrow, Steve, mom and I will drive upstate to the farm, followed the next day by Jordi and Sean. It will be terrific to be up there, but I honestly can’t imagine this trip getting any better than it already is. I highly recommend Sean’s omelets for breakfast, particularly when breakfast happens at about 11:30 AM and you are still in bed.