I was being lame and watching Twilight. My roommate asked me what team I was for. Team Edward or Team Jacob. I said that I wasn’t partial either way. His comment was that Bella was too wishy-washy. That she jerked Jacob around.
While that is mostly irrelevant it brings me to my point. I responded with why can’t women and men just be friends. My roommate is under the belief that if a girl he is interested in doesn’t return the interest (relationship) then he would drop that person from his life.
I see that being very limiting. So this person doesn’t want to get in your pants. Does that mean that person doesn’t have something to add to your life? What if some key part of your life is missing because you shunned this person?
I am not saying that you should be friends with everyone you meet. I am only saying you shouldn’t overlook someone because they don’t fit your plan. Perhaps the universe has bigger and better things waiting for you.
I love you. I know I haven’t met you (well most of you). But I do love you. You have given me a reason to write, to share, to be. You have given me purpose. I thank you. While you might thing I’ve been drinking too much, think about it. Technology has given this great gift. That someone, some stranger, might make a small difference in your life. We are all connected. Don’t ever forget that.
Today is the 6 year anniversary of the death of my father. Yes, thank you for your condolences. While the pain isn’t as sharp as year one it is still very much prominat. Your are now a lifetime member of a new club; Death in the Family Club. Everyday is a struggle. Some days, yes, are easy. Others however, are as difficult as day one.
I have heard that death is for the living. The thought is an odd one but looking at it, it really is true. Once you die, you don’t care anymore. Your existence has moved to a different place. Death, mourning, surviving that is for the living person to manage. And it by no means gets any easier with time.
I know that many of my experiences have molded me into a stronger and more diverse person. There is one experience you can learn from reading or watching and that is losing someone close to you. So please if this holiday season someone you know is not themselves, and a loss no matter how long ago could be the cause, don’t try to beat them out of their feelings. Only be there for them, quiet and supportive.
Well its the Sunday before Christmas, and I am on furlough. For all those who are getting paid as normal congradulations! For the rest of us, keep up the good fight. It will all work out in the end.
Knowing there is always worse things in the world really helps me not stress about things I can’t control. Be happy just to be alive! And remember we are half way out of the darkness.
After Palma, Spain I took a hopper flight with RyanAir to Barcelona. There is a fantastic bus line direct to the main tourist quarter in Barcelona. The flight only cost $45 and that is because I checked my bag. The seats don’t recline or was there food served but for less than an hour flight it was totally worth it.
I had an AirBnB in Barcelona too. Just west of the Arc of Barcelona. It was a lovely flat, top floor with a balcony view. I haven’t spent a lot of time in Europe because I figured that would be where I would visit with a companion. Regardless, I was a little surprised on the road noise. However, it makes sense because of the narrow roads and high buildings. It can’t help be bring the noise up the walls. This flat was wonderful with an amazing host. If you ever go to Barcelona, please contact me and I will tell you who to look for in a host.
Barcelona has many sights to see. I attempted to see them all. Sagrada Familia, Palace Guell, Montserrat, etc. I did my best to see them all. I walked, for miles, around the area to the beach and El Raval. The architecture was amazing as always. The local celebrity is a Antoni Gaudi who made leaps and bounds in the architecture world. The recent book by Dan Brown talked much about Gaudi and Barcelona. If you cannot visit his book will be the next best thing.
Beyond the sites of Barcelona, I went beyond to the ancient monastery called Montserrat. This monastery has one of the oldest boy choir schools in the world. It was destroyed by Napoleon but rebuilt in the great effort by those people. I was blessed to see a winery that has been in the same family for 2000 years. I can’t say there is anything that old in the United States. It was an honor.
Make sure to visit Andorra if you are in Barcelona. It is one of the smallest countries in the world, only 180 square miles. There isn’t likely you will visit it for any other reason. Besides, you will be in the Pyrenees mountain range, again a very rare occasion. If you feel like dipping into France, be advised that these small towns can be a bit seasonal.
I loved my trip to Spain. It was wonderful time by myself, learning to deal with inner emotions and conflicts. I was able to see such history and landmarks. I look forward to visiting more of Spain and seeing the other “types” of Spain.
There are many inexpensive ways of seeing the world. This total tripped cost me less then$2200. Thats for everything! If there is a will… If you find yourself wanting to travel and can’t build a trip like I did, contact me and I would be most willing to help with suggestions.
I have been learning about soul food. As in, feeding my heart and soul. I know it is important to teach yourself about love and kindness. Of yourself. We make mistakes and we have hardships. This happens and is okay. We need to learn to forgive yourselves better. We spend too much time on blame and contempt. Forgive, forget, live again.
I have returned from my travels to Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona, Spain. It was a wonderful trip away from the hustle and bustle of work and life. I flew out on the US Thanksgiving Day. I expected huge lines but really there wasn’t anyone on the roads or in the airport.
I flew Norwegian Air again. I have to say if you have access to this airline you should really use it. It is a great, inexpensive way to travel. The total round trip price, with upgrade, was $600. The upgrade included free checked bags, free meals, and free seat choice. I could have traveled for $400 if I hadn’t upgraded. However, it was very convenient that all that I needed was included in the price. Perhaps, next time I wont upgrade and just bring food with me and pay the $75 to check my bag. We will have to see about where I go next.
I spent a 5 hour layover in London/Gatwick. I have an old travel companion that I was able to spent some time catching up with over breakfast. It was lovely, though I was quiet tired and probably wasn’t the best conversationalist. My final flight got me into Palma airport in the early evening and I was able to find the correct bus line easily.
Palma is a lovely island with a lot of history. I enjoyed walking down the narrow alleyways and sitting drinking my tea on sidewalk cafes. The cathedral is probably the most magnificent building I have seen so far. It is beautiful. Huge gothic winged arches and pillars larger then trees holding up the massive ceiling. I also spent time at the Arab Baths, which really is nothing but a sign and a roof. I went to the beach and the aquarium. I even took a bus across the island to the Cave Drach. Here I took a short boat ride inside the cave. Super exciting.
I stayed at an AirBnB. It was in a fantastic location and easy walking distance to everything. My room was clean and secure. I felt very safe in the neighborhood. The only down side was the host smoked marijuana, a lot. Now I really don’t care if you smoke but when I have to go through a haze to get to my room it isn’t pleasant and brought the enjoyment level down a bit.
I know, I know!! I missed last week. I was too jet lagged to even tie my shoes so you will have to forgive me. This last trip (details to come) really gave me time for self reflection and made me draw within myself a bit. I haven’t felt like being expressive or writing much. I think self reflection is a worthy endeavor we all should attempt now and again. This will help us keep in tune with what is going on in your minds and body. It is how we grow into stronger, beautiful butterflies.
The Dreaming Place by Charles de Lint: This is a short book about witchcraft and friendship. If you want a quick read this is it. de Lint has won some great writing awards. I look forward to reading his other things.
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman: This is the second in the Golden Compass series. I have watched the movie and enjoyed the first book. This takes place, of course, after the doorway to the other worlds are open. Lyra joins up with another child to find what her father is doing to stop the Dust.
I am heading overseas and wont be able to edit this post. However, I did get a kindle version of a Douglas Preston book. I will add it to next month’s list.
Star Of Grace 