I'm in the cocoon of my mom's car. The roadway is snowy. I've just crossed through Coeur d'Alene. I'm in uncharted territory. I should have changed the tires in Portland, but I was anxious to leave. I was ready to close that door, get in the car and drive. Somewhere. Anywhere. Destination Montana. Survivalist Mountaintop Compound. Goodbye 2012.
I had 6 CDs with me for my 1,800 mile drive. Four of them were the Electric Light Orchestra. Through Eastern Washington, Idaho Mountain Passes, in Montana and Wyoming blizzards, Utah mountain scapes, Nevada deserts to my beloved Mojave and my glittering city on the coast. It was Jeff Lynne's string arrangements mixed with rock, electronica and piano that kept me company. That soothed me. A perfect musical companion, gifted to me the day before I left Portland.
This morning I listen to my favorite album. Eldorado. I drink my coffee. I think of that drive. I think of the wizard of Oz. The Emerald City. My mom liked to think of herself as Dorothy sometimes. She lived in Kansas. I think of my mom.
I've thought a lot about her these past weeks. Friends mention presents from their mom. Travels with their mom. I've wanted to call her so many times. Just have a normal conversation. Get her advice. I miss her. She is gone.
So I put on the ELO. I go on a journey in my mind. I lose myself for 45 minutes in the weaving compositions. In the strings. In the electronics. In the piano. In the words. It is such sweet bliss unlike I've experienced. How can music be this beautiful? Who is this genius I know so intimately through this music? It makes me dream. So I dream.
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