Dogs are our link to paradise. They do not know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace. –Milan Kundera
Today, in an effort to be extra cautious, I looked around me as I was backing out of my parking spot at my in-laws’ church, ensuring no children were around. However, I did not think to look for trees…and backed right into one.
Now begins the fun…insurance, repairs, and keeping my car dry during the rainy season in Florida, which happens to mean rain every single day in the afternoon.
At least no one was hurt. Just my car.
Oh, and my pride.
One day, I will learn about photography and lighting and settings and subjects. But for now, I enjoy taking odd pictures and figuring out what works and what doesn’t in them. These are a few of my recent “tests.”
Having a great time on vacation! The sun and sand are beautiful! Wish you were here!
If dogs sent postcards, I think Scooby might send one like that. Here she is, meeting the sand, the surf and the sun.
Oh the joys of puppyhood!
Two years ago, we uprooted our family, for the sake of family unity, and moved from our beloved Orlando to the cold North. To say it was bittersweet is vastly understating the months leading up to and following our departure.
We returned for a visit over Thanksgiving of 2006. Quite simply, the visit was too soon. The experience was something akin to pouring salt on the proverbial wound. I was miserable after that visit. I cried, I went into depression, I could hardly think about anything but my former life in Florida.
June of 2007 arrived and we returned to Florida for an extended visit. We spent three weeks traveling around the state, visiting family and friends. I did not go to our old church…I still felt the newly formed scars of leaving, so I avoided the hallowed halls of that place, preferring instead to visit the friends who meant the most to me, in their homes–away from the symbols of our former life (the church, the school, the old neighborhood, etc.).
I had not been back…until this year. I have been to our old church twice. And let me tell you…two years really seems to be the magic number for me. I have been thrilled by renewing old acquaintances and refreshing friendships maintained electronically with tangible hugs, cozy chats on the couch, and simple pleasures of watching our kids also renew their friendships.
In short, this trip has been wonderful.
Do I miss my old life? Absolutely. Do I wish we could move back here? Of course! Am I looking forward to returning back North to my home and not-so-new-anymore life? Without a doubt.
Isn’t it amazing how God fills our lives with things…especially when we don’t even realize that those “things” are present?
We are happy visiting here, for now. But the good news, for me at least, is that we will be happy when we return home, as well.
Time heals…much.
If all goes well, I will be traveling to Tuscany with my sister in September. I will do my best to keep a record of my experiences and share them here when I return. At last, something to force me back to my keyboard and back into my mind which is near to bursting with the need for release of ideas and words.
So unless unforeseen events hinder my travel, I will hopefully have many stories to share!
