Adjustments

I took my first walk through the Cultural Gardens ever this past weekend to check out the One World Festival. It was a gorgeous day and I filled myself with delicious food from at least three different booths. I was a bit ashamed that it took me over a year to take the time to walk in nature(ish). I don't like that I have to drive to get to places to walk, and still have this dream of living the way I've done in past cities and towns: car for travel, feet for everything else because all the local businesses are close.

But soon, I'll be complaining about how sore I am from walking around so much and being on public transportation in Korea and Japan, so really, nothing changes. Today I finally got the rest of my root canal retreatment completed. FINALLY! I hope to never step foot into another dental office for the remainder of the year. I met with a friend this morning to get advice on traveling to and through Japan: I just found out last week that I was awarded a consultancy from the American Folklore Society to go to Japan while I am in Korea and research master/apprentice relationships at paper mills! Very exciting, though it adds a ton more prep to my already anxious plate.

I enjoyed seeing small children dressed up in various ethnic costumes for performances (the Mexican dancers had not yet taken the stage), simply running through the park. I am sad to miss the fall harvests of papermaking fiber, which I was reminded of as Melissa talked about her daylily fiber.

The biggest change is the season shift. It's very assertively fall, and I can feel it in the weather, the sun (and shortening days), the wardrobe, and the number of blankets on my bed. Very soon, I start flying again for what will end up being at least eight flights before year's end. Not quite cold enough to roast veggies in the oven (though I did make muffins last night for comfort), so chicken soup is on the stovetop to get me through the night.