Hello Friends,
It's been eventful since the last time we talked. I'm lying here trying to figure out which state I am in. The only bad thing about traveling this time is that it was not for pleasure. I had business on the West Coast and business in the Midwest, some time in the middle I had business on the East coast. According to my layover schedule, I crossed the US twice!
(But, I must admit it was good to see my family for a minute).
In the past several weeks, I have hopped and jetsetted like I was rich! But the reality of travel is cost. I have collected reciepts from just about every dollar store and two for one eatery along my route. Yes, I have the actual proof that traveling can be done on $10 a day! On top of that, I'm realizing that I am way too old to be doing this much longer. Not a spring chicken anymore, and I'm not rich. It takes a lot out of me now to even get up early. And I hurt in places I can't remember that I had.
A couple of good things came out of the travels though. I met several interesting people on the planes. A couple of authentic snowbirds, they were energetic and happy. They traveled back and forth with every changing season. I envied their spark. A laid back beach beauty, who had all the bling and style of a spontaneous rich life, and a beautiful senior newlywed, who showed me fantastic photos of her new life, (kind of made me want to get hitched just to have memories like that.!! )
I got advice and suggestions that I know I never would receive from a tour book. I know where the happenings are and where I should not go. I got tips on the best diners and fishing holes. It was as if I was given the map to the very nooks and crannies of the ultimate life.
It made me start to think....... like looking into a crowd and wondering where everyone is going.......Deep down, could everyone be looking for the ultimate life too? Do we strive toward that even though we stay in the same place our whole life? Could this be why I travel so much? Do I feed off the sense of adventure and unknown? And if I stopped, could I be denying my true nature? Would I become a dull person and rot away?
My family and friends think I need to settle down. They say I need 'roots'. Mom says a rolling stone gathers no moss. Truthfully, I agree, but I like traveling! Even with all is ups and downs. And although I'm weary of airports and lost luggage I still pack up!
Who am I kidding, I can't see myself retiring soon, the call to continue in whatever plan God has for me is too strong. I need to see around the next corner, and I can't wait until I go to that artists spot on the beach, or para sail over the park. To eat shrimp grilled on the beach at sunset or teach my grandkids about adventure.
So yes, although I am too old and tired, I know deep in my heart I will continue to make that next trip. Cause I doubt if I will ever be able to settle down, it's my natural nature. And you know, perhaps I already have my ultimate life, it just took three strangers and a layover to help me realize that!
