Right now, I am a bit teary-eyed from saying goodbye to my parents and aunt at Sky Harbor Airport.
In college, I traveled for excitement, entertainment, and adventure.
With family in tow, I chose sites that offered history, exploration, and camping.
Nowadays, I tend to visit for more sentimental reasons; to keep in touch with loved ones and make new memories, as we reminisce old times.
Living a two-day drive from my parents, I looked forward to a few uninterrupted days of conversation, home cooking, and going off on outings together in the comfort of each other’s company.
A birthday dinner full of surprises made me feel like a girl again. My aunts and uncle joining us made it a celebration.
Another pleasurable time was spent making spaetzle with beef with Mom one day. I couldn't wait to try this out on my family once I returned home.
A birthday dinner full of surprises made me feel like a girl again. My aunts and uncle joining us made it a celebration.
Another pleasurable time was spent making spaetzle with beef with Mom one day. I couldn't wait to try this out on my family once I returned home.
This break, visiting my parents, I also shared a room with my Aunt Vivian, from Ohio, who I have not seen for many years. What a wonderful time, just relaxing and chatting in this unhurried way.
Four birthdays were celebrated during this week. Mine and my Aunt Esther's were celebrated in person. But I phoned and visited with two children of mine who celebrated theirs in Nevada and Texas respectively.
A weekend morning at church we listened to young people sweetly singing and playing wonderful marimbas and bells.
A long drive to Thunderbird Park in search of spring flowers in bloom was a bit disappointing with only a few yellow flowers found. But we compensated by walking the neighborhood like the paparazzi in search of desert foliage.
Together we explored a new aquarium for hours and then enjoyed a Greek dinner.
When driving on our way to the sleepy town of Wickenburg, we finally glimpsed a floral wonderland with splashes of lavender, pink, red, orange, and yellow flowers lining the highway for miles upon miles.
A great western art and historical museum awaited us with famous western artists. Remington paintings and sculptures, Taos and Cowboy artists' exhibits came as a pleasant surprise with colors and textures that were treasures to behold.
At the same time, I sensed excitement welling up as I looked forward to seeing my dear husband, daughter, and son at home again.
This is our plight in life. The ebb and flow of events and emotions. Rising up come pleasures that excite; or the sheer frenzy of emergencies; then, a return to calmer waters to still our souls, allowing for respite and a time to meditate.
I am grateful for the rise of excitement for with it comes memorable pleasures. Yet I am just as grateful for the tranquil moments of respite that balance me as I collect my thoughts and rest up for the next “ride”.
"All the rivers flow into the sea, but the sea never fills up. The rivers keep flowing to the same old place, and then start all over and do it again."
Ecclesiastes 1:7 (MSG)
"All the rivers flow into the sea, but the sea never fills up. The rivers keep flowing to the same old place, and then start all over and do it again."
Ecclesiastes 1:7 (MSG)
