Day 40: I Toiled I Troubled... 25km

"...For forty days and nights.

Making love, and what?

No product.

No proof.

No solid lump of anything.

If I could propose a unionization.

Collective catch-alls for us labourers of love"

- Alicia Segura, Oyster.

Last year this time I was performing a show called Oyster in Erlangen Germany at the Arena Festival. When I think of 40 days, the lines come right back to me. I miss acting, I miss creating. It's funny that this is all happening and coming back to me now, I wrote some stuff about it while walking today.

40 Days Later

I grew up rich and I'm growing richer by the day

I don't have many things

Can only carry what the horses say

I only have a dollar for a little bit of food

But my lack of finances no longer affects my mood

I walk enough to hurt my body

My feet and legs do ache

But my souls is stronger now,

So I know it's no mistake

The views I pass are moving

Im shifting from the inside out

So though these bones are sore

I only crave to do and see more

Im nothing but a visitor,

A passerby, nomadic ways

Each place becomes more special because I know I cannot stay

Good or bad, each day a gift

How priveledged I am to have a lift

My loyal steed, my sweetest friend

Who carries me, and I him, until the end.

My heart is bursting to it's fullest,

Yet there's spaces still to be had

For my family, stands by me, for their presence I am glad.

Lilacs fill my noses,

And French words fill my ears

Birds sing on, sweet songs from past years

I do not know when I'll arrive

For my arrival is not a place,

A space inside my souls,

Someone I have to face

Each moment is its own,

I let them go as quick as they come.

Yet I still remember the places from which I'm from.

Oh Canada,

My love to you.

Your past is tainted,

Those who aren't tainted are few.

I've found my own connection,

My own point of view

It's based on the lovely people

Who've entered my life anew.

* * * * *

We left by 7am this morning. I know! New Record!!! We got up at 5:30, and with Jean driving our stuff, we had an easy pack up and tack up. It was nice to get on the road while it was still quiet, and before the heat and humidity set in. We trotted a lot, and even cantered quite a bit, so the ride passed quickly.

"Here is the church.

Here is the steeple.

We sure are cute.

For two ugly people. "

It's such a huge difference to ride without all our packs. It's like when you realized how low you were only after you've come out of the low. The last 8 days were tough. I think I'm learning that that's how I cope with things. I just take it as it comes, accept it as it is, and try not to make a big fuss about it. It's not until after the hard time is over, and things have settled or become easier, that I realize it was actually quite difficult. Camping for 7 nights in a row, with all the packs was hard. I loved it, I love being outside, and I enjoyed more quiet time, but it is tiring and it was difficult. Loading the horses up each morning takes around 2 hours, sometimes less or more, and then throughout the day we are constantly adjusting, reloading, feeding them, feeding ourselves. It is what it is, we signed up for it, but boy is it a relief when we can just ride. So today was so enjoyable, the hills were intense though! All downhill, but 15 and 16% grade so we had to zigzag the horses when we could. My knees hurt, so I'm sure they are sore too. We hosed them all down with cool water, especially their shins and knees.

We arrived at Billie and Sebastian's at 12:26! Right on time. I was surprised to see a younger couple! I'm guessing in their late twenties! I was not expecting that, and it was a pleasant surprise. Immediately Billie lit up, she was so excited to have us and show us where the horses would stay, and welcomed us right into her home. She's another one of those "make yourself at home" people, and we really felt it too.

She even gave us a fresh bar of homemade soap her friend made! The whole house is adorable. It reminds me a lot of my friends apartments in Montreal. I even get a bit nostalgic just being here. Billie and Sebastian also speak english really well, so it's nice for Jewel to know what's going on.

I've already had my shower. Going to finish up the last few blogs, emails, and then hopefully get some time to meditate, write and read :) Definitely enjoying having my feet up and looking forward to getting to know our hosts more.

We're already in love with this pup, a 4 year old rescue named Trigger. He is the biggest and sweetest ever.

I love the way they've decorated their house. Billie walked from Montreal, to here, then to Rimouski. Over 800km! She is another beautiful free spirit, and her home reflects it.

Unique touches.