INSOMNIA. Teetering with the excitement of my newfound freedom, a laundry list of things to do, passing like cars on a freight train two miles long. Both the beauty and burden of working for oneself.

Did I forget to mention that I quit my desk job last Wednesday? In preparation for my final chapter of four years with Virginia’s judiciary, I may have forgotten to write you much these past few weeks.

They threw me a most generous exit party equipped with a gi-normous cake, presents galore, and an open house for the entire building to eat cake and bid me a merry farewell. For my last lunch with the front office, the ladies treated me to my favorite brunch at Cafe Gutenburg. A girl couldn’t have dreamed of a lovlier send-off to propel her with love and excitement for the journey ahead.

Sometimes a girl just knows it’s time for her to fly. And this little birdy has let the wind lift her wings for a new adventure.

In the fall I will be going back to school to reaquaint myself with an old flame that bears a hundred names: holistic health, alternative healing, eastern medicine, naturopathy, herbal healing, holism, mind-body wellness, homeopathy, spiritual healing, and therapeutic touch. Addressing both my psysical, psychological and spiritual well-being, so that I may, in turn, help others, I have decided to become a massage therapist.

I start the program in September. Until then I am full throttle wielding my hammer and torch, working from home, selling in my Etsy store, and at weekend festivals, developing my number one passion, my jewelry biz, Dream Spiral Art.

I must admit, though, I am a little scared. Sometimes when the heart has desired something so precious for so long, it is frightening to finally embrace it.

The unknowns jut out like jagged rocks along a road of mountain switchbacks. But I know that perspective is not achieved when dwelling at the bottom so it’s time to put on my hiking boots and begin the ascent.

POST SCRIPT: All birdy photos are compliments of my bird-man-in-residence (the one who really makes my wings soar), SMB.