It has been such a good, good trip. Every bit of it has been better than I could have expected. The art show, the speaking engagements, the meetings with people, the hours driving down roads that wind around coastlines, the moments of deep connections with beautiful people - all of it.
It was good, but I definitely reached a point of saturation today. I'd stayed 6 nights in the homes of people I mostly didn't know (at least not very well) before this trip, and though they were all such gracious, kind hosts who made me feel at home and welcome, I found myself desperately craving some alone time. So - instead of spending a second night at the home of my fourth and final hosts - I indulged the introvert side of me and booked into a hotel close to the airport. I'm so glad I did. I didn't realize just how much I needed this until I nearly burst into tears when I stepped into the room.
There are so many things that I will savour about this trip.
- Making new friends with kindred spirits.
- Eating the bounty of the sea - lobster, haddock, and scallops.
- Shopping in a lovely little bookstore with a delightful name that was something like "A Box of Magic"
- Being inspired by not one but TWO talented artists who made me believe that I really should make more art. And share it.
- Hanging out with a friend who connects me on such a deep level of understanding that I walk away feeling known, loved, and strengthened.
- Being introduced at a speaking engagement as someone who "is not easily intimidated... and does not easily intimidate others." Smile.
- Visits to a few beautiful galleries, gift shops, and studios - especially the pottery studio/shop with the eccentric green-haired potter/artist.
- Being offered simple kindness by the toll booth guy who wrote me an I.O.U. when I didn't have the right cash.
- Hearing stories of humanity and compassion - like the people in a tiny community who get up early to sell fair trade coffee to raise money for hungry people.
- A wintry walk in the woods.
- A night out at a delightful community theatre watching "Bingo, the Musical".
- Driving, driving, and more driving... oh how I love the road! Really.
- Moments of sparkling belief that I am in the right job - inspiring people and living my calling.
- Tonight. Quiet. In a hotel. Processing and preparing for the re-entry point.
5 comments:
As a genuine introvert, I understand the need for alone time. When I was teaching, even eating lunch alone in my room for 20 minutes would help me to recuperate a bit.
LOVE that photo - I can almost SMELL the air just looking at it!
Glad you are having a little YOU time before heading home and it does sound like it's been a deeply rewarding trip.
Heather,
Even as an extrovert, I can appreciate your need for "space". And I do hope we have inspired you to more artistic endeavours. You ooze creativity and have such a wonderful sense of composition.
Your tell is true and I am impressed through your view, have good experience too. Good to see it from you.
r4i firmware
I love the road, too.
(Unless I get lost. Which I did last week in a place I know well.)
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