March 29, 2005

• Refreshed, Rejuvenated and Ready to Rock and Roll!!

  
  

  Here I am, back from the great (not so white) north. The old hound and I spent Easter with his family. I had a wonderful time and as always am just blown away at how they always manage to make me feel so welcome. Of course having some extra days to spend with the old hound is always special too!!

  
  

  This little holiday comes in the middle of a chaotic, frantic time for me as I prepare for the BIG MOVE. In two weeks I get the key to the house. I should be panicking, but I'm not. I am  however, starting to get excited!

  
  

  The drive up north was lovely, much different from the blizzard at Christmas time. We didn't even bother to stop along the way.  From the moment we arrived to even after we left (thanks to a lovely "doggie bag") we were fed. Well fed. I sampled more fantastic dishes in three days than I would normally have in a month.

  
  

  

  
  

  I also had the chance to learn. I learned about freezing vegetables, about different pastas, about trimming grape vines and preserving fruits. I learned how to prepare some different dishes and about making bread. Food with exotic evocative names like puttanesca,(whore pasta), arrabiata (angry pasta), eggs in purgatory....etc. I love it when people share their knowledge about things they truly care about. It makes the passing on of culture and skills so much more interesting and also more special. I learned about so many things this weekend, and what makes it nicer is that each time I do one of the things they taught me, I will think of them. In that way, spirit is shared and lives on and on.

  
  

  So many people have opened their hearts and their homes to me. People have gone out of their way to be kind and accomodating. It is overwhelming and heartwarming. The old hound is lucky to have such a close and caring family, and I feel blessed to be included in their celebrations of life.

  
  

  

  
  

  It was cleansing to not have access to a computer for three days. It was theraputic not to be home where I would feel obligated to either pack, organize or look up information. I was completely removed physically and mentally from a highly stressed environment and what a difference it has made. I feel I am thinking more clearly (for me anyway!  ) and much more able to cope. I no longer feel like I am careening down a mountain out of control at top speed - more like rolling down a big hill at a good clip!! I have had a chance to regroup and catch my breath before the next big tasks approach. The sense of panic has subsided and been replaced with my usual calmer state of mind. To step back and look at the big picture was just what I needed.

  
  

  For the first time in months I felt truly relaxed and at peace. I felt able to cope with whatever life might send my way. (Not that that is a challenge mind you!). Miss Sleep Disorder was even able to NAP, to fall asleep in a strange bed, in a strange house, in the middle of the afternoon. It must be a magical place indeed.

  
  

  The fresh air and sunshine were also a great boon. Feeling that warmth on your cheek and seeing the buds on the trees, you just know that things will work out. Maybe not how you intend, but they WILL work out. The wheel turns in it's cycle of birth, death, rebirth and we move with it. These are exciting times and should be enjoyed and embraced, not dreaded or stewed over.

  
  

  When you don't know what to do and have to make a choice or decision I believe in this method: Just make your choice and then make that choice the right choice by your actions thereafter. Any choice can be the right choice, you just have to make it happen.

  • 9:47 am
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