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November 29 Journey's EndAs we enter the last month of this year, the journey of year 2007 is coming to a close. It has been a journey of love, laughter, beauty, loving farewells, and new beginnings.
Most recently Dave and I have returned from a whirlwind trip back to Scotland, a trip planned months ago. The most recent photos on this site are from that holiday. Seems this time I didn't snap as many photos, perhaps capturing the memories with my own eyes rather than through the camera lens on this very short trip of a week. There is, however, one taken in Glen Coe I have entitled "Passing Place." This was the spot where on this trip I asked Dave to pull over the car so I could get out and walk a bit. The camera's eye caught magnificently the road invitingly stretching out and seeming to disappear into the light in the distance. Something inside me yearned to walk down that wee road and just keep going.
It was definitely a place where I could end my days...a passing place, indeed.
Again Glen Coe and Scotland herself worked their magic on me...the beauty, the ancient history and mystique of the land, the warmth of the people, the wild untamed nature of the weather...I was blessed with much healing during this trip. Of course, much of that is because of sharing the experience with Dave...being there with him in his native land...a land which is now a part of me, just as the man is part of me.
It has been a tiring and trying year...Dave enduring the experience of being a pipefitter and traveling in the bitter Minnesota winter, two moves of our household, working seven days a week for seven months, the failing of my mother's health and her recent passing...many life stressors have impacted us the past 12 months.
There have also been joyous events - securing positions as a husband/wife management team in the self-storage industry which enables us to be together more, visits from Dave's son Paul from Scotland, having an impromptu visit by my aunt and uncle from Minnesota while we were in North Texas, and the impending arrival of Ian and Rose's wee one...a first grandchild for Dave. I was also blessed to have very special talks with my Mom during her final days...sharing laughter, love, honest talk about life and death, and remembering our life together.
And, of course, there was the trip to Scotland.
All things happen for a reason, even if we cannot fathom why events are occurring as they are taking place. We were fortunate to be back in Texas, nearer my Mom as her health declined, and, even though brutal at the time, working so intensely in our first team management position gave us a good foundation of experience which allowed us to land where we are today. I find myself in the Austin area, back nearer Brenham, which I truly feel is my hometown. We are back in "Lance Country" and I am eager to get back on my bike...after all, cycling is what brought Dave and I together, and it seems we have not had much opportunity to experience that shared passion together. The roads in this part of Texas call to me...a feeling I have not had since leaving this area in year 2005.
I look to year 2008 with hope, anticipation, and the promise of nurturing myself and my beloved Scot in our work together, our home, and in the activities we enjoy together. I count my blessings of the people in my life...my family in Scotland - the lads, Rose, the aunts and uncles - and my friends there and family and friends here in the States.
The holiday season is upon us, and I'm looking forward to a quiet one...just the two of us and Baby the dog. There has been much travel in my life this year, so it will be nice to simply....be.....at.....home.
I wish you, dear reader of this unintentional novella, a peaceful and safe holiday season filled with love, laughter, and the making of memories.
November 04 A New Life and Some DecisionsLast weekend was perfect...the weather, the B&B, Mom's life celebration, the people who stepped up and were present at some point during those two days. Yes, there were tears, but there was much love and laughter...and I think....I know...that's what Mom would have wanted.
Thanks to all who attended and to Pam and the Ant Street Inn for their warmth and graciousness.
Last weekend was peaceful.
Peace is something I'm hopeful for in year 2008. This has been a stressful year - physically, spiritually, and emotionally. The number seven is associated with movement...and wow was there a lot of that!
I have therefore proclaimed year 2008 is "my" year.
 For the first time in over 15 years, I am not responsible in some way for both parents or one parent. Dave and I are settled in an environment we feel very positive about and are enjoying, perhaps feeling for the first time together we are "settled" and have found a true home. Hey, we're back in Lance Country!So I have made some decisions, albeit ones that were difficult and tugged at my heartstrings and my social conscience. I have suspended my Reiki practice on a professional level. Indeed, the business of self-storage is helping folks on an everyday basis. Folks seek storage more often than not because of some turmoil in their lives - divorce/separation, death in the family, relocation, new job/lost job...so in essence I am using my Reiki skills every day I am on the job.
I miss personal spiritual study and am hoping to devote more time to my own inquisitiveness and rejuvenation ... seeking out quiet time for study, meditation, spiritual practice and also welcoming opportunities for those "experiences" which might present themselves.
Hopefully, the writer's muse will grace me with some visits...Dave has recently given me words of encouragement about writing my book...at the very least perhaps I can visit with you more here.
Last but not least....I miss my bike time!!! Cycling has, since my early teen years, been an integral part of my being, especially more so in later years. Not only is it good exercise, it is a spiritual experience, it is a challenge of the body and spirit...pushing oneself as far as one thinks one can go...and then even a wee bit more. It is that triumph of conquering a hill. It is being humble and walking up the hill that is just too steep. It is being out in Nature in the early mornings. It is the friends one makes who ride with you not only on two wheels but on the path of life...on the cobblestones and the smooth tarmac.
I miss my bike time, yep. I long to ride with Dave and give him a glimpse of the cyclist I used to be.
In my teenage years, I could out-ride all the boys...dropped 'em like bricks.
 So, I look forward to 2008 and am open to what it may bring!
Right now our sights are set on the next couple of weeks....we leave on November 14 for a whirlwind week in Scotland, the first time back since Dave came over in 2006. I know he is so ready to see his native land and I, too, have a sense of "going home."
Thanks for stopping by. So much has happened in the last month...life truly is short...we are not promised anything but this very moment in time...so hug your honey, call that friend long-distance to say "I love you" and play with your pup.
Be well, be happy, be safe!
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