November 25th, 2010
Carson City, Nevada
I arrived at MAs in the early afternoon after dropping off Kate at her home. It is brutally cold but there is no new snow. I have a ton of mixed feelings about today. First it is good to share the day with MA and I have grown to love our time in her study. But also, I am a little reluctant to breech the subjects we have, thus far, downplayed.
I brought a gorgeous pecan pie as a gift along with a bottle of Frangelico (sort of traditional with us). MA was sitting in the study as usual while her housekeeper finished the meal.
MA: James it is so good to see you, thanks for coming.
J: Would not have missed it for the world MA.
MA: Would you care for a cocktail or coffee?
J: I would love a Crown on the rocks if you have it. Or any whiskey would be fine.
MA: Crown it is then.
She left to go in the kitchen and fix our drinks, MA almost always has Frangelico and tea, as I settled into the big chair by the fire.
While it is the cowboy lifestyle that has most defined my life and career - there will always be a deep appreciation for the rock solid life of others. Here in this womb of warmth and comfort, a man such as myself cannot help but wonder how it might have been.
A different decision here, a little more patience there - could I have ever ended up like this wonderful lady? Sitting in a family homestead, content with my lives’s work and reading in the afternoon before the fire.
Nice thoughts on a Thanksgiving day - and without a lot of recrimination. It is what it is. I have long ago found peace with my choices - but it is nice to daydream now and then.
MA: What a great day for a big fire.
J: I was just thinking the same thing MA.
November 25th, 2010
Carson City, Nevada
MA and I had a little small talk before the meal but it was just casual. We ate in the dining room with the drapes all open and the back yard looking like a Hollywood set.
My mind tended to wander a bit as we ate, I love good food as much as anyone but there was an element of surrealism to the entire event. In a week or so I would be back in California, either writing on some of the “real” jobs that I have waiting or just decompressing after such a long and involved work.
Also for the last few days I have been trying to decide how far to push MA on her views. I most certainly do not wish to be rude, but I have promised too many people that I will explore (on a deeper level) her concept of the “Coming Wave”.
Because of the huge backlash from my last attempt to discuss the issue - I have simply avoided the hard questions.
That will not be an option today.