Traveling Tales

You will not believe what happened to me!!!!!

I got to my hotel around 10:00pm – it is in old town (very cute during the day – so I’m told) and as I pushed the button for the rickety elevator I told myself, “be charmed not scared of the quirks”.  I landed on the “L” floor and took a complete trek around the swimming pool/hallway of cobblestones – yes my bag was rumbling along very loudly before I spiraled into the actual lobby.  There was a sign on the counter – “Be back in a few minutes”.  I sat down on the couch to wait as patiently as I could.  Eventually the guy came in and asked, “How old is your baby?”  I looked at him confusedly and then realized I was holding a mass of coats and a travel blanket in a crumpled heap.  I guess this could be mistaken as a baby if the mother (apparently me) was quite disinterested in the bundle of joy and perhaps a bit tipsy.  He gave me my key and told me to be careful with it since the machine was broken and there would be no option of replacing it.  

With a deep breath, I got back into what I hoped was not a death trap and took it to the 3^rd floor.  My room was right off the elevator.  The door opened, but the light would not turn on.  Through the darkened hallway it looked like there was suitcases next to the stand – further investigation showed me people sized lumps in the bed!!!!  I did a backwards crab scurry out of there.  As the door slammed shut, I thought, “No way did I see that – my imagination must be playing tricks.”  So, yes, I opened the door again – focused on the suitcase – took a mental snapshot and slammed the door again.  Now I was scared that I might have angered whoever was in there and they would be coming after me!!!  Thankfully  the elevator remained a perfect gentlemen and had waited for my bolting exit – I apologized for my uncharitable thoughts toward it earlier.  Back to the lobby – heart still racing – new room – seems unoccupied – now trying to calm down and enjoy a night of sleep!!!! 

P.S.  The lobby guy took my story in stride and never even raised an eyebrow of surprize!!!  I have triple locked my current room – but I am not sure sleep will be enjoyedL

Painting the World

Every year I look forward to reading a letter from myself from the previous year.  An unintentional trend is to describe my view of the world at the time in terms of a painting.  Here is a sampling of the last 3 years (including a sneak peak of what I will read next year in 2015!):

Jan 1, 2012

 "I think of the world as big, bold, beautiful colors and patterns"

Life was hectic but full of zestful living - not passive at all - I was just trying to keep up and dance in all the colors.

Jan 1, 2013

"I am living in a beige world and it is currently uninspired"

Jan 1, 2014

"The world is looking to be in varying shades of blue, gray and white"

 I love when the landscape looks like it could be a black and white photo.  It provides such a peaceful backdrop full of possibilities for adding accent colors.  

 

Life vs Existence

Thoughts have been circulating for some time about finding the perfect location to live.  There may be a weather related theme but this came after a week of living in a house that would not warm up - only to realize our back door had blown open for who knows how long!!!!  (I'm still a little scared that a raccoon lodger may have moved in).  Below in no particular order are some of the swirling thoughts:

-  "I can't believe I live in Idaho!!!!"
-  "Wouldn't it be great to spend a year in Seville or Perth or the Caribbean..."
-  "I want to live in the same city as my sister!!!!!"
-  "I think I could be less of a couch potato if the weather outside was more inviting"
- "It would be great to live in a place where Winter was only experienced on fun ski vacations"
- "It would be a little sad to move out of our Eaves Drop House"
- "Would living in a tree house be a fun adventure?"

Then in my readings, I came across a quote that saddened me but served as a reminder of the importance of fully living regardless of location.

"We have a beautiful existence in Paris, but not a full life..."

Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik

I can't help but think True Beauty will only be found in a Full Life.