Travel Journal - 1012125-
What is an adventure? If we know what's going to happen, it isn't that. When you go on an adventure, you don't know what you're getting into; you don't know what it's going to take; and you don't know what it's going to unfold for you. It takes planis (you've got to know where you're going to pout your ship). It takes courage to embark, for there are many unknowns and you've got to be ready for surprises, but then you've got this whole, big world, just waiting to open itself to you.
When I took off in my teardrop trailer last week, I expected the cool, October air and the changing full leaves. but what I didn't know was that I'd also embark upon an adventure within, an inner journey of getting to know my friends and family in a new way.
I knew I would save time on driving but I didn't know camping in the driveways of my friends would open a window into their inner worlds. I didn't know becoming untethered from my house in Minneapolis would open up so many precious moments adjoining our hues to theirs. I only knew I was following my heart. As always (well almost always), it has led me well.
First, there was the way the school lot looked and felt at night, Violets' paper boats floating on the puddle in the streetlight-so odd and enchanting of a perspective shift. We greeted Miss Christine in the lot as she pulled up with a laugh and a cold press.
Then there was the lovely little housewarming for my long-time friends, of whom I never see enough, and the depth of conversation that opens naturally of nights together that open into morning talks.
It's a joy to be a low-impact guest, requiring no shifting of my hosts routine- and enough space to make the closeness chosen and easy. Wacenia! Yes! The Mocha Monkey and this very bright $15 sweatshirt!
Of course I wanted to spend a night with my one-and-only son and his lovely wife, now showing beautifully their six-months new developing son. Chess and a beer- one stalemate and one he won. He looked up if it was possible to mate a king alone with a king, a bishop, and a knight. I felt sure it was and I wanted to try, but the internet said it wasn't, so we called it a stalemate. Steve later said it is and he's done it! Here's what that looks like! (Shoulda tried!)
It brought much joy to see the peace and pleasure it brings Sam to get his boys all set for work. My son's a "boss man'' in the most loving sense of the word. He scoops up young men in his orbit and settles their floundering. He gives purpose, direction, a good job to do and the training to do it well. The whole 8 am starting off scene bustles and brews with importance and pride. How I love my son and his amazing wife, Annika!
Of course we brought the bikes, as little Violet (who's not really so little anymore) has been begging to do some distance riding. We did the 10 mile round trip from school in Oakdale to Cozzie's in Stillwater. The ride back in the sunset was exquisite!
We also enjoyed a lovely evening with friends in Cottage Grove, complete with dinner at Lock and Dam in Hastings and a stroll along the Mississippil.
Nothing gets by this little one's observant eagle-eye!
As my mother would say, "Sure you,re having fun, but are you learning anything?" Well yes, Mom, we are! We've learned equal and opposite attraction and tension in the building of a tree-fort built from weaving branches; we've learned faith over fear in the climbing of so many trees; and we've learned all sorts of survival tricks in My Side of the Mountain, by Jean Craighead George!
Life is love, folks; let's live it!