Tumbleweeds be tumbling

Happy 2017!

I'm trying to be happy. Trying to have a positive outlook on the coming year. I mean, there's no reason not to, right?

I'm struggling. But I'm certain I'm not alone in my struggle.

I have hope, of course. I've discovered through a series of silly and unrelated events that I have cultivated a fondness for tumbleweeds. I'm not even sure when it started; I've been around them most of my life and not given them a second thought. However, recently I was driving back from Tucson on a windy day, and they were crossing I-10 like cattle. And, for whatever reason (I don't need a reason, bitches. I accept my weirdness.) it made me stupid happy to witness that iconic western scene.

Since then, I've made it my mission to rescue and release wild tumbleweeds. I kid, but I did pick up a particularly large one that found it's way into town, brought it home, and put Christmas ornaments on it. I've yet to release it into the wild, though I plan to.

Long explanation short, I'm considering it an excellent omen that on New Year's Day I was sitting in my car at the grocery store when two out of control tumbleweeds crossed that massive asphalt clearing and nearly hit my car before continuing on their journey. For an instant, I considered jumping out and following them. Where would I be now, had I done so? But they don't have the slightest clue where the wind is taking them. Just like I don't have the slightest idea what 2017 will hold for me. I have resolutions of course. Mostly exercise. And writing. I'm not discouraged that I've been writing for 6 years now and haven't finished anything. Drops in the bucket, as my friend would say. The important thing is that I'm still writing and still reading. These two small things have the potential to save me and are essential to my happiness. And, damn it, I want to do what makes me happy, and not do what makes me unhappy. Is that too fucking much to ask? Probably.

I guess I'm not the only one afflicted with this love (or perhaps jealousy) for tumbleweeds and their carefree life (death) style.

Can a dead Russian plant be considered someone's spirit animal? I think anything is possible.

Happy New Year, people.

J. L. Dodd


Tumbling Tumbleweeds

See them tumbling down,
Pledging their love to the ground!
Lonely, but free, I'll be found,
Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds

Cares of the past are behind,
Nowhere to go, but I'll find,
Just where the trail will wind,
Drifting along with the tumblin' tumbleweeds

I know when night is gone,
That a new world's born at dawn!
I'll keep rolling along,
Deep in my heart as a song,
Here on the range I belong,
Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds

Tumbleweeds, tumbleweeds!
See them tumbling down,
Pledging their love to the ground!
Lonely, but free, I'll be found,
Drifting along with the tumblin' tumbleweeds


Links:

http://www.metrolyrics.com/tumbling-tumbleweeds-lyrics-sons-of-the-pioneers.html