...during my last plane trip. On my flight back from my quick Florida trip in April, I wrote some notes about things I wanted to remember, to practice, to learn about and to mention here. Many have remained just that ~ Notes!! Darnit! I'll address them here and hope to expound on them in the future.
Travel is Transformative. I came across this little nugget in the book I was reading that flight and it struck me as so very true. Each time I have traveled, whether it be a quick family visit or the much-planned and adventure-filled weeks with my hubby, I return changed. I learn something about the places we visit, the people we meet, the ideas I get for future plans, the talks Chris & I share along the way, the interactions I have with each of my family members...everywhere is an opportunity for growth.
On our Sedona trip, while taking a very early morning walk in the desert, we came upon a hot air balloon being set up for a ride. Never thinking either of us would ever WANT to do such a thing, I didn't look into it before the trip. But at that moment we both decided that, yeah, let's do it!! If we were ever going to do something this daring, the beauty that is Sedona is THE place! The next morning, we got to hold the sides of the balloon as it was being readied for flight and then we were up, up, up in the air above the red rocks ~~ it was magical! It was freeing! It was soul-transforming!
Our Colorado trip two years ago, left us both forever changed. Upon cresting a hill and seeing Boulder at the base of the Rocky Mountains, we suddenly knew THIS is where we want to be...and we have been working on our move there since (which comes to fruition this September!!)!
When I visit my family, I try to see everyone, at least once. I want them to KNOW me and I want to share in their lives. We have, for the most part, lived states away (both geographically and the paths we have taken), but I don't want that distance to keep us from forging bonds. Each time I return from these visits, I learn not only more about them, but also about myself ~~ where I am in my life and in the family dynamic, how to work on my relationships, how much I wish I could be right there as the little ones are growing.
Time is Fleeting and Memories are Everlasting. I am now "in my 40's" and I have nieces, nephews and a great-nephew (with another along the way in August). My grandparents are getting older, as is my mother. I don't live near my mom and siblings (and their kids), so when I get to spend time with them, I want to treasure the moments. I want my nieces, Shyla & Kennedy, to KNOW their Aunt Jennie. I don't want to just be a photo, a phantom, an idea.
I adore my grandparents! Chris & I both enjoy spending time with them! We love to hear their stories and just hang out! I was able to enjoy a delicious meal with them & my mom, under a warm April evening sun at an outdoor eatery on the water. With me, Grandpa & Grandma all enjoying a cold beer! (Mine a Summer Shandy, of course!!) I know how lucky I am to have a close, personal relationship with them and I will never take that for granted.
Recently, my sister, Kelley, shared a photo of Kennedy snuggled up to her G-pa and it made my heart sing! I am the first grandchild and I am the one who first snuggled up under his arm and I am the one who "broke him in" for all the grand (& great) children to come! It had to be one of the most precious pictures I have ever seen!!! It immediately took me back to being a little girl, visiting my aunt, uncle & cousin in South Bend, waking up to run to my grandpa and snuggling with him before he got out of bed!
I do like having photos from trips. And digital photography has made it so much easier to take and keep so many more celluloid memories! However, I like to be "in the moment" more than behind the lens. So, my photos are few(er), but I am present and engaged. I am practicing mindfulness...and that makes me happy!
Small daily indulgences. Are necessary! A glass of wine, meditation, conversation, mindfulness ~~ are to be practiced regularly. Well, for me. You may have your own list (and if you don't, I highly encourage you to give it some thought). I would add in exercise, too! Conversations with the important people in my life bring me joy. When I get to spend time with girlfriends, especially those who are life-long pals, I am invigorated!! I cannot forget the 2 most important girls in my life, Isis & Luna, who bring me unconditional love and with whom I enjoy daily belly rubs and snuggling!
Ahoy, Matey!!
Chris and I are getting ready to leave on a jet plane!!! Key West bound! Our bags are stocked with rum & vanilla vodka...along with some beach-appropriate attire! I checked us in this morning for our 6AM flight out of Midway tomorrow
. We land in Orlando about 9:30, where we will change planes before finally making the island at 11:45! In true pirate-style, we will begin drinking before 10AM!
Our vacation mottos:
"You can't drink all day, if you don't start in the morning!"
and
"Drinking rum before 10AM makes you a pirate, not an alcoholic!"
"Drinking rum before 10AM makes you a pirate, not an alcoholic!"
We have a 2-bedroom condo, where my mom will join us for a few days! We arrive during the middle of Pride ~~ in Key West! CRAZY times ahead!! We are going to drink & make merry, all week long and on the flight home, just to delay the inevitable return to "reality"!
I will practice mindfulness. I will make memories. I will step out of my comfort zone.
I will be renewed!!
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