Another Adventure Awaits!

How do I put into words all the emotions that are running through me? A lifetime of memories.

Seventeen years ago, I moved south to live my dream - to have a mountain home in the southern Appalachians.  I would be Heidi on the mountain.  All grown up.

This has been an incredible journey.  I've met so many loving people, became part of a town that was going through lots of changes.  Got involved in many non-profit organization.  I did what I always do wherever I live.  Volunteer.   And, I've been honored and am so very grateful to all the people I met along the way. I've made some lifelong friends!

Some of my friends have passed.  I think of them often. Some moved away.  They, too, are always in my heart.  Then there are the acquaintances.  Those are really hard to leave because you know you won't stay in touch.  But the ones near and dear to my heart - wow, that is tough.

I got a dear note the other day from a friend.  The friend knew how hard it was for me to be away from my grandchildren.  They knew sometime I would eventually move closer.

"I don't want you to go," my friend said.

We shared some memories.  The tears refused to stop. The tears say it all.  Other friends have called, written notes, asked to meet for a meal.  Between taking things off the wall, trying to figure out how I can get some needed essentials in my car which I won't have access to for a while is a challenge.  But I will make it work.  I always do.

My daughter lives in an area I really like.  Not too much in the winter, although snow is beautiful.  But, the state moves. It is well prepared for the snow.  Two hours after a storm, the roads are packed with automobiles, people going about their day.  But, the summers.  Oh my.  There is no place like Maine in the summer. And, I do my best watercolors by the ocean. Always have.

But my next adventure includes my family.  And, it has been twenty years since I owned a home near my children.  Now I will live near one of them.  I am also much closer by plane to my oldest, too.  We are all in such a good place.  Settled.  Conscious.  Arms wide open.

In eight weeks, I have been on eight planes.  It will be nice to do a road trip - all 1100 plus miles.  Soon.

Let the adventure begin.