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How to Make a Home on the Other Side of the World

January 7, 2017 Sammie Downing
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A step by step guide:

1. Make yourself a map. Draw it on anything--scratch pieces, a legal pad or water color paper. Every day take a new journey. Even if you're tired and your bones bear that deep weariness, you must add to the map. Day by day watch it grow, a hermit crab secreting a shell within which it can survive. Deer shed today, Taharua River yesterday, Aerials in the rain.

2. Nest. Ferret away found objects whenever you can. Discarded gin bottles of the same blue hue reminicent of your grandmothers house, old maps and paintings found in a shed, shells--all of these things will do nicely.

3. Teach yourself to garden. You'll be a terrible gardener. You'll worry about your plants and their shriveled leaves on cold nights. Soon your dreams are filled with capsicums. You'll get better. 

4. Learn the different phases of your new world. Fogged mornings create water tracks on your window, midday heat leaves your garden desiccated and flat. The bulls move paddocks from time to time--make sure you know where they are before you set out for your run.

5. Finally--track the skies. A good traveler can always find their way by the light of the stars. 

In Musings Tags home
← Tongariro CrossingNapier, New Zealand →
Bye Portland 👋🏻 I’ll miss this view from my window and your lush, unparalleled green. I’m glad we gave it another shot but it’s just not gonna work out. It’s not you, it’s me.
Thank god. Sun. At last 🌻🌞
My short story “Antipodes” about fly fishing in rural New Zealand is out today in the Capra Review! 🌬🌟I wrote this story exactly two years ago while I was living in a tiny farm house at a rural fly fishing and hunting lodge and it’s only just now seeing the light of day. Writing is totally about the long game 🌪😬 but the truth is, if someone told me years ago how much rejection I’d face (a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot) trying to get my words released into this world, I’d still do it. Masochism anyone? 
But seriously— thanks to Spotter Sean and Paul for taking me under their expert wings and showing me just a tiny glimpse of their magical art 🐠🐟💦 Link in bio 💌
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#flyfishing #flyfishingnewzealand #flyfishingnz #writersofinstagram
Thank you @greyhawkins for painting a portrait of my grandmother’s house that has raised three generations of women. You’re a fantastic, artist, Christian and I think the spirit of this place entered the light of this piece. 🌟🌙💫 (if you need anything illustrated, @greyhawkins is your man)
Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose ✨🌟🦋
Ireland, you taught me to believe in fairies. I needed that. Thank you 🦋🧚🏻‍♀️🌈🍄🦄
All my love
Best part about being home in Denver? Photo booth tradition with @deathtonostalgia (I’m gonna miss you 💫🌼✨)

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