I leave Arizona today for home.
This is bittersweet for me. Leaving my precious friend and her family makes my heart ache. We have had a whirlwind of a visit, with just enough time for me to spend with each kid and parent. I selfishly want more time with my friend.
We’re each at a sort of crossroads in our lives. Kids no longer at home and the ones at home needing less mommying than when they were small and more chauffeuring.
We talked about our passions and how we might turn them into something to inspire and motivate us to try something new.
A joint venture would be ideal. (except for the pesky bit where we live completely across the country from the other.) And there’s actually an idea that we could make work…if we were in the same place. Alas, that’s not how it is.
So she is brainstorming as am I and we’ll encourage each other from afar.
It was good to get away from school for a few days. I feel I’ve gained perspective I couldn’t grasp when I was up to my ass in it.
It is absolutely time for me to stop teaching.
But to do what?
Your guess is as good as mine.
I’m in no hurry. I have time figure out what I really want to do before I actually do anything. I’m going to focus on being aware.
Aware of what moves me. Aware of what’s around me.
Perhaps I’ll find that finicky muse that will jumpstart the next phase of my life.
I’m being mindful.
But even better than that, I’m hopeful.
therobynbirdsnest 
That is going to be a tricky stage.
You said it, Ginger!
I’m just being mindful and open to anything that crosses my path. ♡
It is so hard leaving special friends. We never know when the next time we will see them. I have one good friend who spends some of the year in Mississippi, while the rest in Michigan. It mostly is due to Hurricane Katrina, she is so afraid to live down south during hurricane season. We try to call each other every month. I have been friends with her since Freshman year in college. My good friend, Mindy, and I met at a restaurant (we were waitresses) the same period of time, we see each other more often, since she lives in the same state still. My Mom and I cry when we separate, have become such good friends. She always says, “Parting is such sweet sorrow.” This post reminded me of so many memories and treasured friends, too. Thanks for this!
I love hearing your special friend rituals! I’m realizing now that I have no family of origin and my daughters are both far away how important the family I’ve made of my friends has become. ❤