We're Off....

We're off for Florence tomorrow. My bag is packed. The boarding passes are printed. We have a ride to the airport (thanks, MM). I cleaned the fish bowl today and there's plenty of food and a fresh catnip toy for the cat (thanks for house-sitting, Chris). I'm excited to be going but at the same time I feel incredibly restless inside, anxious, at loose ends, and at "dis-ease". Does any of this surprise me? Does it surprise anyone in my immediate family? I'll just say "no, it does not."

This "amulet" on a silver chain will be around my neck tomorrow. I don't always wear it when I travel but it does have special significance. Over 30 years ago, a friendly, older woman sitting next to me on the flight between New York City and Aruba showed me her semi-precious stone collection. She told me I could pick one I liked. This one is "sodalite". I think of it as "the traveler's good luck charm". For years Mom had it in her possession after I gave it to her when she took a long journey from Houston to Alaska. We've always said the stone had magic powers and would watch over us. Whatever. I'll wear it and feel I've covered the bases. Mom may or may not remember the stone but I'll show it to her today when I say my goodbyes to both she and Dad. That'll be a tough one.

We'll have a computer with us on the trip and I may or may not post; will play that one by ear. I almost deleted my entire blog today such was my disdain for all my creative aspirations. I am blocked and empty for ideas. Time away may be just the thing. I'd love to say my heart belongs to Florence but it belongs to Seattle; until it no longer does.

PS I've voted; thank goodness for the absentee ballot! I'll be watching the news from 5000 miles away. My post on election day (already prepared) will tell you who got my vote. No one, even those who vote the opposite way will be surprised. I love ya'll anyway and I know you love me too. Such is the nature of our lives.