Since my return from NY, I’ve been contemplating about the nature of my website and how I would continue utilizing this new tool of mine, as I explore this tech savvy virtual world. I wasn’t always big on the idea of blogs, thinking who has the time to read what other ordinary people, like myself have to say, especially when I’m usually running around like a chicken with no head. Well, for a variety of reasons, which we’ll eventually get to, I decided that it may be in my best interest to explore this arena on a more daily basis. I’m not sure about your world, but in mine, so many things are happening in just one day, that in order for me to have a website of my current work, I need to have an outlet that allows me to share my thoughts and process in a more expansive manner. So feel free to visit this new space of mine as much as you like and if you would like to leave a comment please feel free to email me.
NY: Buffalo-Utica
WE made it! I delivered Jenna North to her new home, in Utica, NY. This pic was taken out front of the Munson Williams Museum.
Before arriving in Utica, we were faced with one more obstacle, Buffalo NY. This pic was taken after a rainstorm hit Buffalo, out front of the liquor store (that sold a limited line of liquor behind a glass window) that let us use their bathroom. We were waiting in the rain for my cousin to arrive home and walked to the nearest business. Not sure if you’ve visited Buffalo but there are some real sketchy neighborhoods and this section of Main Street that we walked to, was one of them.
But, he (my cousin David Mitchell) showed us a good time by taking us to the world famous wing shop, Anchor Bar. Thanks David.
One thing I miss about Upstate NY are the puffy clouds. And if you’re ever in Utica, NY, stop into Tiny’s (Blues Brothers greet you at the entrance). They serve up a good hearty homemade lunch/dinner and have live jazz there on the weekend and it’s only a couple blocks away from the MWPI campus.
Well, Jenna North, may you thrive in your new environment, learn as you teach and keep being you. 
The Final Few Days
I apologize for dropping off the face of the earth (internet), leaving a few of you to wonder what happened to me, as I was driving across the eastern portion of the states. (Un)fortunately, where I was staying did not have internet access, so I was left without the platform to voice my thoughts and pics of the East. But here they are-the remaining images from Kansas to NY. 
A sunset view in Missouri; A train going through a small town in Kansas called, Enterprise; one of the many bridges in Kansas City; a drive by image of downtown KC, I like the old brick buildings; a billboard in Kansas, along I-70 (I saw this one after I saw one that had Obama’s face and the words Wannabe Marxist Dictator).
DAY 3-A Trip Down Memory Lane
I find that these images sum up my drive today of Eastern Colorado thru most of Kansas: Sunflowers, Corn, Religion and Donuts, oh and I’m going to spare you from the music (stations either played pop country or dance/techno/hip hop-odd combo) and news that I heard on the radio….I’m so sick of listening to politicians that think global warning is still a hoax. Obviously they’re not paying any attention to the current weather here in America. For example, right now I am in a tiny town in Kansas called, Aberline (off I-70) and back in June they had a hail storm that lasted 45 minutes, with pellets that ranged in size from golf balls to baseballs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST_VmSXft6k
DAY 2 of The Drive Across the American Heartland
To: The Lost One
All I can say, is thank you. (The man driving the truck seen in the mirror.) You saved our lives today and all you asked for in return, was that we arrive to our destination safely. Please never change. The world needs people like you.
And here is some other stuff that I saw today as we drove through Utah (couldn’t believe how green it was), Wyoming (the cloudscape state) and Colorado (everyone knows how beautiful this place is so none of these pictures are from there). Also, I have a weakness for old cars, including these Hot Rods (I believe my dad used to have a subscription to a magazine with the same name). 
DAY 1
We got a late start due to mechanical issues with the car trailer, so we ended up rolling into Salt Lake City around 3am. Needless to say we were exhausted and cranky. A word of advice, try to avoid driving through downtown SLC at night. Their traffic light system is not the most efficient and you may have to ignore the red lights without cameras. Also, if you’re in SLC visit this coffee shop-Alchemy. It’s a cool coffee spot with great coffee and pastries.
Tomorrow
Our plan, is to leave at 9am tomorrow, August 17 (which is also Jenna’s b-day), taking the I-80 to the I-70 to the I-90 to land at our destination of Upstate NY by Monday August 22. For tomorrow, we have plans to stay in Salt Lake City (10 hour drive), with an old friend of mine from college. Wish us luck!
A Drive Across the American Heartland with Jenna North
Starting next week, I begin a new chapter in my life, A Drive Across the American Heartland with Jenna North. Our route is still being worked out but our destination is final-upstate NY. I will be documenting our travels via this site, so stay tuned for more details…