i received a book last night, and it brought me back to all the old familiar places, and told me what my summer would most likely consist of.

and suddenly i felt like it was a july evening walking on those fair grounds toward a full blue moon and my destiny. strangely it was no one i would have expected walking beside me, just as i hadnt expected it back then, but it was pleasant conversation, and he gave me a feeling of safety and protection. when others saw i was deep in conversation with him they didnt even bother to look or ask any more questions. people assume. but i dont really mind, it kept things peaceful.

i love the smell of the grass, and the track and the stands and the ring, and the horses, and the night. that is probably one of my absolute favorite scents in the entire world, nighttime at northhampton. there is usually at least one afternoon shower, and then the nights are generally warm, so the air is steamy and heavily scented of grass and track. the lights from the ring light the way, and the vendors call with the tantalizing scent of the greasy infield food, which one tries to avoid all week. people swirl around you, there are soo many of them, hardly any place for peace and quiet, unless you know about the secret places. i know almost all of them.

we watch some of the most beautiful animals i have ever seen, and then we are asked to go find two stragglers that have most likely gotten lost on the infield, but a sudden downpour has us driving much to fast on wet grass and puddles trying to find shelter. a bright pink towel for an umbrella and the best seat in the house we abandon our search for a view of the ring away from everyone else. a backdrop of the moon, and fine harness carts shining in the ring, and i realize i could never miss this for the world. pleasant conversation fills the rest of the evening, as we shuttle wet but laughing people back to their barns when the big lights finally go out and the show has ended. the golf cart lights are very dim, and i am thankful for the beautiful moon.

nostalgia. i cant wait. cannot wait. and i want you too see it with me this time. i want you to breathe the air out there, and smell and touch and taste everything wonderful about it. i love it i love it i love it.

ill be seeing you in all the old familiar places.

until then...