As wonderful as it is to go somewhere, to see friends, to experience new things, and meet new people, it is also always wonderful to come home.
The lovely white rose bush near the front door greeted me with blossoms. Tikka and Moisés greeted me at the door and have been faithfully following me from room to room. It is wonderful to sink into the familiar and desire nothing more than to curl up and fan the flames of memory, gradually acclimating myself back to whatever it is that is called normal.
Of course I could wish that I had allowed myself more time for settling in, could wish I had today to curl up and dream and readjust to shifting times. But I did not allow myself that time. I am far more amenable to giving others space, to encouraging others to relax and take time while simultaneously expecting superhero feats of endurance from myself. I should have given myself another day. The retrospectascope remains such a marvelous thing.
And yet, I am always amazed at how even the simplest time away from our normal routines causes a shift in perspective. I notice things differently. Priorities shift, even if ever so slightly, and of course no amount of planning can anticipate the fractured direction of those shifts. Yes. Life remains much the same: There must be food; laundry awaits; bills must be paid; people must be called. And yet, beneath it all there is a subtle shift in perception. Where will this ripple lead?