Outside my window I can see the distant skyline of downtown Miami. The boulevard below me is buzzing with Harleys and convertibles. Across the street and canal are dozens of palatial homes, with lit palm trees shimmering in their yards.

I am here in Miami to hang out and promote Contiki (the company that sent the RW to Africa.) In a half-hour the Contiki crew and I are going to a 70′s party they are throwing for all of the travel agents here for the convention. To get in character for the night, they are putting on their costume; I am in my normal clothes. And we will all look the same.

Last night Meredith drove down to Atlanta to catch a plane up to NYC. It was fun having her around even if it was for just a few waking hours. It was even more fun b/c my brother Peter and his friend were down here too, so it was cool with the whole family vibe before I left for the weekend. By dawn she and I were on our way to the airport.

I had a couple hours this evening, so I slipping on my sandals and hit the beach. I was planning on sitting down and reading a book, but the sun was setting and so there was a chill. I opted to just stroll down the beach. The water down here is a cool foggy blue, kind of like those light blue peppermints. The moon was nearly 3/4 and reflecting nicely on the blue water.

It is the New Year–a pivotal time to recommit to high expectations–so I did a lot of praying and thinking on my walk. Then I just started whaling out songs having a good ole time. I have never been too proud of my voice, but I was singing to the Lord, and no one else. After all, he who sings prays twice.

On my way back into the hotel, I was tempted and seduced by the heated pool. The water felt so good on my feet, cold from the wet sand. I rolled my head back and looked at the line of hotels lit against the sky. As the sun set deeper and deeper, stars flickered on as the dome dimmed. (This is so rad.) I thought about my spring away from Meredith, going to LA tomorrow, and about this journal. I do think about this journal you know.

…to think that a week ago I was sledding in the snow in Kentucky.