As you may know, it’s a big deal to turn 5 years old. It’s such a big deal, in fact, that one may be inspired to hide behind a pair of red peppers, which were found tucked into a birthday present from Gamma. Birthday Number Five! It’s overwhelming.
I was overwhelmed too. I generally shy away from big group events because they are very intense for me, given my hermit-like tendencies. But seeing my niece surrounded by so much love and generosity at her family birthday party was wonderful. All that love and happiness left me feeling so lucky to be a part of this family, this imperfect family of mine.
I’ve returned from Michigan, after a long day of travel. It was a great vacation, just the right balance of excitement and relaxation, having fun around town and hanging out at home. My vacations often fill me up with so much emotion that it’s hard for me to find my footing afterward, both here on the blog and in real life. It’s hard to know where to hit the “Play” button to resume my regular life. It’s easier at work, I suppose, because I work hard to keep myself organized and ready to jump back into the fray when I return from vacation. But at home, there are piles of laundry to be done, and suitcases yet to be unpacked, and a general sense that I ought to be there, setting up shop again. But in my heart, I’m still in Michigan, still with my family, still soaking up that crisp, almost-fall air. I’m still sipping coffee in the morning, or spicy mulled apple cider in the afternoon. I’m still listening to my baby nephew as he “Brrr-brrr-brrr!”s around the living room, like a little motor boat, pausing occasionally to pull himself up on two feet using whatever’s convenient: the couch, a window ledge, your legs.
Yes, I’m here in Texas, physically, but really, I’m somewhere else altogether. And that’s not a bad thing, at least for a day or two until I get settled back into my routines here. I hope I’ll have more to say about Michigan and family and love soon, but for now, I’m just saying hi.
Hi. Thanks for being here with me, wherever you are. I’m glad you’re here.
3 comments:
sounds like such a great feeling!
hi :) we'll chat soon, i promise!
Glad that you made it back safely. I know a trip always has the same effect on me. after our vacation this summer, I think my suitcase sat by the bed for about a week after we returned. I slowly cleaned it out, almost wishing for it not to be empty. In that suitcase were the memories of the vacation, and as long as it was out, I could still pretend I was not back to the dridgery of weekly work like. Hold on to those memories.
Hi, Shannon! Take your time--there's no rush :-) I think I'm behind on a few of your blog posts...
JD, I definitely think there's something good about savoring your vacation even after you return to work. Writing does that for me, so I'm hoping to share some more about my week in Michigan. Though my suitcases are unpacked, I still have the weather gidget on my computer set to Michigan weather...it was rainy and 54 degrees there this morning. I miss Michigan's September already!
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