Driftwood Dreams

I took the trail down to perfection
A place of joy, with deep emotion
How many times did we discuss
There was never a disconnect with us
Sharp turns, and we had to slow down
You interpret that as drifting alone
I saw it as an adventure downstream
You sang your usual melancholy theme
No way of getting out, you are trapped
The first glimpse of a way out, you snapped
I traced with my fingers, you painted me
Imagined us not you and me, but we
The afterman woke me up from my dream
He kissed my eyes, my ears, reality
You were my holiday, but let's get back to real life.

the heart

im coming home, i promise.

Seasons Will Change

You are my summer.

but what should i do when youre not there, and all i need in the world is that comfort of your presence? you are all around me, no, i am all around you. i think i am starting to see, the only time you come back is when i pull away. a constant game of tug of war. will this go on for all eternity? will we always have to play these games to get that one moment of pleasure? the quest to feel complete has left me empty.

It is the fall.

With Arms Outstretched

This day was unlike any others. May of 2010, with 3 of my favorite women. Boating, sunsets, and singing at the top of our lungs. I love you all.

Some days, they last longer than others;

but this day by the lake went too fast.

Question of the blog:

What is your favorite body of water?

Although I've had great memories at Lake Englebright, and years of fun at Seal Beach on the Pacific Ocean, I think I like the Yuba River best of all.

Against My Skin

River time with some of my favorite people. Today is going to be a good day.

Hot August days

Tide coming low

Rush against my skin

Windows rolled down

My summer 2010,

The story of my life.

We Don't Need An S.O.S.

Let the light in, and the grass
Water flows without the dam
So break it down, and make us clean

The summer heat is back again
Blowing through my hair
Tangles down to the water

Distance makes me feel farther
As I hang up I feel less whole
So sail me through the winding road

I know I'm one among the fence
I read through you, Viva, alive
My arms are stretched, opened wide

Send me out saying
Smash my fists against the wall
I'm breaking down this fence

The water's cold down to your bone.

In Three.

The water is laced into my shoes

like threads that were always meant to be there.

We walk and capture all that is here

I never go this way.

This smile, you see, is one of many

she anticipates the days to come and what they hold.

Zippers hold all that's inside

keep me safe as I drive to new lands.

One I will call my home.

Down By The River

And all those lonely nights down by the river
Brought me bread and water, water in
But though i tried so hard my little darling
I couldn't keep the night from comin' in






Home. Down winding roads to the water's edge. Joanna Newsom and the Yuba River. I love you. Granite that curves around to cuddle you close. Warm sun, cold stream. Drops of water on your favorite book, as you dry off. Happy to be here, today.

Question of the blog:
When do you feel home?

Weather Or Not

Dear Weatherman,
I will be at Bed Rock tomorrow. You can expect me to listen to Shooter, Wasted, and At The Beach, among other songs, on my way down. If my request has any meaning to you, if you could pump the heat up a bit, and add a good bit of sunshine to the mixture, that would be great. I'm trying to work on my tan, and I can't really do that when it's cold and cloudy. I hope this isn't too much to ask?
Love always,
Alexandra Seal

Mustard and Catch Up

Hi... Umm. Do you hate me? I'm sorry I've been away so long. I feel like I have abandoned a child or something. I promise I'll do better!
A lot has happened in the past week, so here is a quick recap.
1. I saw How To Train Your Dragon in 3D last night, and it was so amazing. I would definitely call it one of the best children's movies of our time. Also- It could have been called "Cats With Wings" because those dragons are basically felines. Which I'm obsessed with.
2. I got a job with the census, so I'm for realsies going to England. Which is awesome and scary all rolled into one. Work has been weird lately, and I do not like throwing up sushi. SICK.
3. This past week, my family was gone on spring break. In this time I came to the conclusion that Hamilton, our 25 toed cat, is nutso and I can't handle him. I just about punted him because he is so annoying.
4. The weather has been so fickle lately, and it makes me sad that I can't just drive down to the river whenever I want. I hope it is sunny tomorrow, so I can listen to my playlist of river. Dustin, Jordan and I listened to some of the best songs from last summer. Can't wait for river days.

All Four

Spring is here. I finally see it! I am so glad I live in a place with four seasons. I always want to live in a place that holds all of them.

(All images from WeHeartIt)

I love the changes of the seasons. It's so beautiful to see how the earth weaves in this pattern, from hot to cold, dark and light. The thing I enjoy most about spring is the smells. Trees that carry a smell of pretty little blossoms. Flowers that fill a room with joy and fragrance.


I like summer for its power. The sun beats down and I drive to the river to bask in its heat. I like the jolt of cold when you first jump in the Yuba. The sunsets make me feel full at the end of the day, like today was an accomplishment in itself.


I like autumn for its colors. Autumn is sort of a lonesome stage of the seasons. The colors turn so incredibly vibrant as the days grow colder. I love seeing little animals collecting their food for the winter, especially squirrels with cheeks full of nuts. I like the dry feeling of Autumn.


I like that winter forces you in or out. I love the preparation that goes in to staying warm, and the surprise of new snow on the ground when you wake up. Winter is gentle, but cold.I like traveling up in elevation and seeing how the snow has laid itself on the mountains.

Question of the blog:
I like Autumn the most. What is your favorite season? Do you live in a place with all four seasons?

Free Association Writings

Knees shake,
A balance beam between earth and sky.
The sun beams, the wind blows,
and we know it is beautiful before we see.

You and I,
we trek down to where our spot is.
Blanket, water, book, flannel,
one great rock to hold us as we bask.

River cries,
Tearing down the way it's always gone.
The cove we're in keeps us warm,
throwing sound around and above.

Bodies shiver,
winds snap back at us as we lay.
Little red, she writes and writes,
the free association that circles her.

Songs remain,
ones of intertwined fingers, yours and mine.
The banjo still plays in my head,
strumming with the river and the sunlight.

(Jillian Downs and I. Yuba River, 2010)