I am listening to a book on CD about training dogs for search and rescue work. In the book, the author loses a family member, but in her grief, falls back on a friend and she says this about her;
"She had become one of my measuring tools of normalcy. Her laughter, her ease in the world, her simultaneous ability to be both direct and comforting. Her ability to slap me upside the head without it hurting too much. She was sane and her sanity infected me." - "What the Dog Knows" by Cat Warren
I loved that. I love my friends. They keep me sane. I hope that you have friends like this, too.
I am traveling today, headed back to the Coast Guard Academy for my 30th reunion. I have already been blessed with kindness from people I have not seen in 30 years. I am so thankful for these classmates.
Getting ready for take off. The flight attended said "give your sweetie a hug and your seatbelt a tug; this Boein' is goin'!" She made me smile.
I am reflecting on travel this morning too. I used to love air travel, but dreaded it this morning; will my old dog be ok at home (our good friend and neighbor is caring for him, but my dog is 13 and it shows); wanting to be behind the controls (I used to fly myself); hating lines of people, etc. But then I remembered the fun of travel; the kindness of strangers; giving and getting smiles; the shared experiences. This travel is comfortable. It's easy. The seat is soft, they bring you food, I get to look out the window. I can listen to music. Why am I making it so hard?
I would much prefer to be on the trail today. The woods give me a sense of peace and I am not there right now. I want an epic voyage or adventure that involves nature, weather, and the unknown. It can be boots on the ground, a saddle, or a boat. It doesn't matter. My heart is calling me to adventure.
Today, Oct 15th, is traditionally the final day to summit Mt Kathadin, Maine, if you are a thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail (AT). Wondering if everyone made it, if some did not, and how they all feel. One day, I will be there. I would like for that to be in 2019...only 4 years away now.
I am excited about planning a trip to the Boy Scout Ranch at Philmont in Cimarron, NM next summer. For the last few years I have camped nearly every weekend. Life has changed a bit, and I realized that I have not been in a tent in two months. I am in camping withdrawal. I have not sat in front of a campfire in way too long.
So, I guess all that's left to do is sit back and enjoy the ride I am on; the plane, the trail, life. Things will change.
Peace to you all, and may you all be blessed with a best friend.
Mary