It was an all day, raining, dreary, gloomy, wash out of a day. I didn’t get in any trouble at all. I am however suffering a severe case of cabin fever. I would have enjoyed a stroll through the rain, camera in hand, down to the pond, seeing what it looked like down there. Checking on what life may have paid a visit. Not having any health insurance however, keeps me being overly cautious. So, I stayed indoors, out of the rain and pigging out on cookies, yeah, that’s healthy.
It did however give me time to dream, think, and plan. We all need that plan of action, even if its one of those bucket list plans. I follow several writers, one of whom posted on a hike they did at the Grand Canyon. No lie, I seriously want to pay a visit to the Grand Canyon. Reading about their hike, seeing the amazing photos only made that desire stronger. My imagination had me hiking right along with them, my reality was disappointed in that it was only a moment of imagination on my end. But, it is on my list. I’m beginning to believe though that I seriously need a deeper bucket.
The more possible event is one closer to home. I have checked tomorrow’s weather forecast, partly cloudy with a temperature that isn’t too bad. Its been a while since I’ve been to the mountain in the near by state park. I may just have to pay a visit and see how my slacking off has effected my hiking. Usually when I stay away as I have, my first few trips back have people giving me sideways glances as if they are considering calling for paramedics. My bigger concern is that tomorrow is Saturday and part of a holiday weekend, it will be busy. It is never quite as much fun when there is an over abundance of people. But then, that comment is coming from one whose son calls a recluse. We do tend to try and avoid big crowds.
This evening I did have a nice long conversation with a friend. Recluse or not, I do enjoy those. You get to learn about each other, discuss past events, present moments and plans for future activities. Even if it is only in conversation over the phone, you are enjoying that time of togetherness. A seed planted, nurtured for friendship to grow.
Its funny how simple words in conversation, can trigger memories. Talk of the beach and collecting seashells reminded me of the box stashed in the top of the closet, the large jar in the living room and the larger shells out next to the tree beside the house. That memory, continued on to when those shells were collected and just how old they are. (My son was a toddler at the time, he will be thirty-two this month if that gives you any idea.) It also brought a smile to my face and heart.
Thinking about tonight’s conversation and others. It seems that more and more, we are spending time discussing memories. My mother when we are together talks a lot about the past. Then she wonders why those things seem to be on her mind so much, especially here lately. I think it bothers her that so many of the memories are of the past, when we should be making more now. I told her that because those times, were much more enjoyable than what we are dealing with currently.
I believe that. But we can’t live there. We can’t escape to the past and hide from our present. We cannot avoid what ever future events we may be facing. While there is never any harm in remembering back then, recalling the times and lessons learned, we have to live in the now. As we live, seeing what is around us, the problems, the needs, the struggles faced, we can take the lessons from then and adapt them to assist as we go forward.
We are standing at the starting line of a new year, before us is an adventure waiting. Ahead of us, is a challenge to be faced. I believe, that if we quit fighting each other and work together, we can handle anything and everything we meet. Its funny how a two letter word, can be so big. If. Can hold so much potential or so much defeat. It all depends on us and how we decide to face what waits.
Words from The Dirt Road 