So as normal as I feel, I have been convinced over and over again that I don't exactly fit the status quo. Now, I know that my life hasn't followed a standard trajectory; but it must be stated that most of the time, I feel pretty run of the mill.
I live in America's most famous small town; Gettysburg, Pa. I spend most of my time there in one of two places. I am either at my studio, a warehouse that I've come to call Waldo's Flophouse And Grill, or I'm at the Ragged Edge Coffeehouse. These two locations are only two blocks apart.
When it comes to work, I may come off as a little bipolar. I can spend months not creating anything until I am suddenly consumed by some artistic frenzy lasting weeks or months on end. In other words, I'm lazy.
I also take comissions and odd jobs, but for a more steady income, I run the only bicycle taxi in town. I don't start working until 11 pm and quit around 3 am. So far, it's my favorite job, though the pay could be better and I'm not the greatest boss I've ever had.
Pennsylvania, albeit home now, is not where I grew up. I'm a Minnesotan by birth and I spent my first 20 years there making a good mess of life until God sent me out to California ( yeah, I said God). I spent a good 3 years there and came home only to have God send me on another adventure. But this one was on foot. I spent four months hiking from Brainerd, Mn, to Philadelphia, Pa. With nothing but camping gear. That's how I found Gettysburg. The whole story is on the blog I kept while walking www.thedesertgod.blogspot.com.
That gave me a taste for the road.
After that, I crossed the country a few times even making it to Hawaii twice, but always checking in with all three of my homes; Orange County, Ca, Brainerd, Mn, and Gettysburg, Pa. until I settled in the latter and started nesting.
Right now I'm on what feels like my last long adventure for a good long time. I'm writing this from Orange County where I am in my second month of a 3 month trip going almost all the way around the country. The only thing different about this trip is that this time I'm actually a little homesick. See you soon Gettysburgians!
This blog exists as a means to show my mother what the heck I'm talking about when I describe what I'm doing. Also because apparently if its not on the Internet, it doesn't exist. Here I am world, in all my ones and zeros. Hope you enjoy my work. Feel free to contact me through the link on the sidebar or call me, because most likely if you are looking at this, you are a friend, or my mom. Thanks everyone!
Chris.
Hi Chris
ReplyDeleteYou are correct I am reading this since I am a friend. I spoke to your mom about 2 weeks ago. Your dad was biking and I was on a paddle boat with a friend so I called your parents house and asked your mom why her kayak was on the dock. She came down to the dock and the 3 of us chatted for a while. It seems so long ago already that your dad, Ed and I put some effort into the wall of the garage. I signed up for a missions trip to the Light House so keep that in your prayers. God Bless.
Hi Chris, Carly here! (Your old lady friend down the block. On the corner of Middle Street) you are awesome. Just wanted you to know how much you bring to Gettysburg. Ever since I too nested to Gettysburg abouthe 10 years ago, living in a crappie third floor walk up near the Blue Parrot, you, the Ragged Edge and the "Spot", and Troy, our neighborhood super hero in disguise, were my constants, inspirations and comfort. Thanks for always coming back to us, for welcoming everyone just as they are and being cool!
ReplyDeleteHi Chris, Carly here! (Your old lady friend down the block. On the corner of Middle Street) you are awesome. Just wanted you to know how much you bring to Gettysburg. Ever since I too nested to Gettysburg abouthe 10 years ago, living in a crappie third floor walk up near the Blue Parrot, you, the Ragged Edge and the "Spot", and Troy, our neighborhood super hero in disguise, were my constants, inspirations and comfort. Thanks for always coming back to us, for welcoming everyone just as they are and being cool!
ReplyDeleteHey there! I remember when you first came to Gettysburg, living in a tent with your rat, Philly. Glad to hear things are going well for you and you've found a spot to settle in.
ReplyDeleteI am forever grateful for your friendship and support as I was trying to find my place in the world. Take care and hope our paths cross again some day!
(:melissa:)