Returning Home

 

 

 

 

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” 

 

Edith Sitwell

 

 

 

Staying in Key West for over a month has been a wonderful blessing.  I am most grateful and thankful to be able to have enjoyed this opportunity especially with Russ.  We have visited an old cemetery,  historical fort, gardens and homes, the gulf, the ocean, Red Barn Theater, Waterfront Theater, intimate garden concert, art show, art festival,  shrimp boats, wharf, cruise ships, and a spectacular evening celebrating Russ's birthday on an island arriving by ferry.  We have haunted most every neighborhood restaurant eating in beautiful gardens.  We have walked extensively every morning, afternoon, and evening.  I am stuffed with fresh fish, lobster and shrimp to say nothing of the homemade ice cream at Flamingo Crossing.  My skin is so soft and once again has some color.  It has been a joy to spend every day out doors surrounding by the abundance of richly colored nature, and the dipping pool in the back yard.

 

 

It is time to go home, however, and I must admit I am prepared.  I am anxious to return to my own surroundings where I can find familiar books, writings, and favorite coffee cup.  I will get the fireplace started and apologize to my plants.  I will reach out to my favorite coffee 'sister' as well as my women's group and writers group.  I have missed all of these tender hearts as they so generously support and encourage me.

 

 

With loads of laundry piled high, I will put away my summer linen and return to my closet to rediscover my winter garbs.  From flip flops to boots, from linen tops and shorts to sweaters and leggings.  I will nest in front of the warm fire in my favorite sweats and baggy thermal shirt.

 

 

I will find time to journal about the holes I have found in my spiritual wardrobe, and begin requests for additional help in mending my ways.  It is curious to me when we grow spiritually stronger, it allows us to see more areas of personal repair. My father used to use an old Swedish saying, "The hurrier I go, the behinder I get!"

 

 

Fare thee wells will be extended to our friends and paradise will be imprinted upon my memories.   I will stay present in the moment, letting go of this abundance, making room for what will next unfold.  As one adventure ends, a new journey begins.

 



Patiently Waiting ...

Here's a scary thought: What if God called you to give beyond your comfort level? Would you be afraid? Would you try to explain it away or dismiss it as impractical? And in the process, would you miss out on a harvest opportunity for which God had explicitly prospered you in the first place?

Andy Stanley
FIELDS OF GOLD



It is seemingly easier to open my inner self to change when I am here in Key West.  It is so familiar to me, and I am lulled by the water, creative energy, and exceptional diversity.    All of my senses are on high alert embracing all that is around me.

It is so freeing to be outside all day, walking.  I feel so comfortable in this place in time.  As this comfort surrounds me, I feel my heart opening and embracing all that has changed and what remains unchanged.  Key West is high energy, motion, and constant change, but there is something about this vibration that allows my creative spirit to stretch and reach for all that keeps me in this flow.

Normally when we travel, I have a tendency to feel out of place or vulnerable to the environment.  Here in Key West, I am not distracted by fears, but rather vigilant for any spontaneous nuance coming my way.  I am prepared for synchronicity to joyfully fill my day.

I seem to have the enthusiasm of a child, as I have no real adult responsibilities to be attended.    Although totally unnoticed, I feel remarkably like I belong.  It is difficult to explain how easy it is to listen to your heart when the standard is removed from your day.  My eyes and ears are open, waiting for Spirit's song.  My heart is patiently waiting as I idly stroll along.