Just back from a short visit with my mother and sister in the Ozarks. A glorious drive of only a couple of hours through “hollow lands and hilly lands.” Breath-taking hill top views, dense dark forests, fast clear streams and rivers, and of course I forgot to take the camera.
The wild flowers along the roadways were essentially the same as ours here in the central part of the state, with other varieties I want to look up in my guidebook (which I also left behind along with the stress).
The tall blue chicory, the taller Queen Anne’s lace, and red clover bloomed everywhere, along with the majestic mullein with the yellow blossoms and many other flowers whose names I don’t know.
An sudden opening at work, and I quickly threw my few necessaries into a small bag. A cell phone for emergencies, but no computer, even though my laptop and I are one, or that’s how it seems. A pen and paper journal more than sufficed. Of course the beloved little Moleskine squatted by my side, ready to spring open to capture thoughts, ideas, and nature notes.
Such a relaxing time, with all work-related issues sponged from my mind. Not a care in the world, and “the golden girls,” as we now call ourselves, filled up on sushi, Baroque music and singing, naps, fast and furious chess games, the telling of old and new stories, and inside family jokes.
A few days of laughter and a change of pace do wonders for my already sanguine outlook on life. The often sad and desperate stories I catch moved to a faraway place.
Back to work into a new ”need it yesterday” request with no sense of rush or frantic writing. I was able to move calmly through the day as I swim: slowly, relaxed, barely making a ripple to disturb the water.
The calm and serenity were a balm to the soul, and being with family always nourishes my heart. Let’s see how long I can maintain this wonderful quiet space and continue to live from the secret and peaceful gardens within.
Make a space and the peace will come.
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