I found this picture in my archives yesterday, it was taken in the western Mojave Desert several years ago. All I had with me was a disposable camera and it was near sundown so the quality is not great, but something about the grain of the photo and the strange tint appeals to me now.
I tried to get a little closer to the wild horses, but they were not having it, so I just stood and watched for a while. I have always loved horses, and I find wild horses so captivating. I don’t remember what I was thinking as I stood watching, but I remember being in awe.
I also remember this period of my life. I had been living in California for a few years and it should have been great, I should have been ecstatic, but it just wasn’t working. Somehow, the city that had transfixed me when I first arrived had taken on a cold and empty feeling. I thought about leaving several times, but I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go, so I dragged my feet and found excuses to stay.
When I was offered a job in Italy I knew it was time. Moving overseas to take the job came with a lot of risks and several people advised against it, but I knew in my bones that I had to take those risks. I am grateful everyday that I did. Sometimes I wish I’d had the courage to make a big change earlier, but then I might not be here, and this is exactly where I want to be.
