When we go away from home for more than twenty-four hours we change: whatever we experience in that time is part of it but also the space we normally occupy adapts to our not being in it for an extended period of time. We have the choice of wriggling back into the narrowed – or expanded – space. We have the choice of adjustments, minor or major, physical or metaphysical; choices such as rearranging a living area so it fits more with whatever new experience the trip has offered or changing a tired way of eating or altering the route daily traveled or how we think about a situation or how we direct our attention for the next step in life. It’s an opportunity for reassessment and growth.
I’ve just come back from a journey and these dandelion flowers were in the front garden: a surprise and a delight.
The Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat in Tacoma Washington is where I was. Wow! It’s not something I have ever done before. Much was observed and absorbed; it will be processed over the days to come: some was life changing, I suspect. I am settling – or not! -back into the familiar spaces.
Later: random thoughts:
Having spent my first eleven years in southern Ontario on Lake Erie, "the States" were a large influence with their proximity and seemed like not-so-distant cousins; this feeling has persisted and whenever I ‘cross the border’ (as I child I thought it was actually painted on the ground) I feel like I’m visiting different kinds of relatives. Ones I envy, in a way, for their up-fronted-ness. On the ferry it was "weather has turned faster than we were expecting" and "if the waves get any higher we’re going to have to turn back to Canada" and then a very no-nonsense "we’re going to make a run for it". Took an alternate route through the San Juan Islands. Made it just fine. In retrospect I think I envy the hardiness of the Americans and the "making a run for it" in such a situation boosts my innate but subdued courage.
Anita Luvera Mayer in her workshop on Creativity speaks of finding "the language" to move forward mightily in what she was doing; a chord is struck as I know what she means but am not sure exactly what form it will take for me but I sense the direction.
On Valentine’s Day the sun rises and all of us in the restaurant on the 26th floor of the Murano Hotel share the awe.
Early and late across the days…..in many areas…. on chairs, on sofas, on benches, on the floor women – and a few men – sit and knit and talk; women – and a few men – sit and knit and talk; women – and a few men – sit and knit and talk; women – and a few men – sit and knit and talk…….
It is quite incredible how this occurs and how tangible is the energy and how special is the connection. It is a village. A community.