When it all went wrong I turned to thing I loved nearly as much as Tina. When the time eventually came I had to admit to myself that pursuing Tina how I had for the 6 months after we separated was unhealthy, I decided to plan a trip with my second best friend, Art. I planned and did travel to see some of the beautiful art pieces in the world. I saw many other things on my travels too, snow and blue skies with sunshine, lovers that came and went, one too many cosmopolitans in the early days and the occasional headache. All I took was a backpack, my wedding ring and need to escape. I left it all behind, the car, the house, my work, mainly because none of seemed important any more and I was right, it wasn’t important. It was the Art I went to see and see it I did, all the great artists and works. At the time I didn’t see the connection but now I do. Art was the only other thing that could make me feel. The vividness and complexity of the paintings, drawings and sculptures that screamed their emotions secretly out at me, like we had some pact. There are drawings and paintings I did on the nights when I couldn’t sleep, when they were the only thing to offer comfort and company when I was so alone. I kept the works I had done, I bought a few too. OK, so I didn’t by Picasso or Monet. For once I bought pieces based on nothing other than how they made me feel, not whether they were famous or expensive. I hardly noticed my cruise coming to an end but as it did so did the realization that my trip was at an end too, I had gone as far as I would on this leg of my journey. I would have some great stories to tell the girls but the time was here, the time to go home. I refuse any longer have my life stolen by a past. I made mistakes, I accept them and the consequences, but I am through running. When I left LA I convinced myself I was searching not running, as though it made a difference. I do not know what awaits me at home but it is time to find out.