Throughout the last year and a half I have shared many of the moments and experiences of my life on these pages. I have found that I have struggled with writing my book and writing here. I thought that it would work out to do both but it still seems to be one or the other.
I have decided to step away for a time and focus on my other writing at least until I complete the book that I am working on now. I will miss the connection I feel with many of you who have faithfully read my writing and I hope you will meet me on ‘the other side.’
Thank you for reaching across the miles and walking with me among the olive groves of Italy, watching the sun set across the caldera in Santorini, cycling the back roads in the south of France, listening to traditional bands in pubs across Ireland, enjoying winter gluhwein next to an outdoor fire in Germany, hiking the sweeping Highlands of Scotland and even taking part in the Highland Games.
It was the most gracious gift that so many of you came closer when I was vulnerable, raw, passionate, quiet, loud, goofy, serious… me. I have found courage, buoyed by your support, that I did not imagine I could have. I have done things that I would not have thought I could do. I am more of who I hoped I could be. My life is forever transformed, not only because of the experiences I have had out there in the world, but also here… with many of you.
I am returning to the States soon, for how long I do not yet know. Will I travel on from there to new places or return to lands I have come to love? It is yet to be seen. I do believe that wherever home turns out to be, I will find my way there… home will find me.
When I boarded that first plane to Dublin I didn’t really know what was before me. I didn’t imagine how much deeper the unknown could go. I had a certainty of my general direction and purpose, and very few specifics. It turns out that some of the best experiences, memories and friends came out of mishaps… getting lost, missing a bus, volcanic eruptions. Making ‘mistakes’ and not having a plan were incredible gifts.
I still don’t know what it all means or where it will take me… just that the steps I take are going somewhere that is meant for me to go, even when it feels like I am wandering in a circle at times. But that is precisely why it is a magnificent adventure.
Some of what I learned:
Journey through the forests, mountains and canyons of your fear. The good stuff is in the midst of all that.
Be willing to be a fool for love… (secret–those who really love are never fools.)
Try new things and discover what sets your heart on fire. Do that.
When given a choice of accepting something because you’re afraid it can’t be different or risking and going for something you’re afraid won’t work out, risk and go for it. Don’t wish you had and wonder what might have been.
Lose your map sometimes. Give destiny a chance to do its job.
Miss your blog and knowing that you are blogging but the anticipation of your book trumps any feelings of your blog. Can’t wait to read it and have you sign it.
KP
I am filled up with the possible of the impossible when I read your words, remember your smile and try to imagine your book…
So proud to know you,
Tara
Write from your heart and you’ll have an amazingly inspiring, thought-provoking book – see ya on the other side! A strange, but not so strange thing happened yesterday. I was cold, so I pulled out the blanked you gave me with the message about STRENGTH. My son is dealing with a very difficult situation and the message really hit home. I’ve shared with him and hope he gets some comfort from it. Maybe it’s good for you to ponder at this time in your life too…Believe in spectacular success…stand up to life’s obstacles…keep your sense of balance…everyone feels my energy…friendships are powerful…live one day at a time…I will, I will, I will…be resiliant now…bring it on…I can
I have been so busy I have not had much time to read your wonderful blogs for awhile. May you be blessed in the next season. Life is one adventure to be lived each day and just follow where you believe God is taking you.
Until we meet one day.
And so it is. She steps away from her blog after a near year-and-a-half of traveling to focus on her book. Leaving her corporate job, selling her house, donating/selling 90% of what she owned with a one-way ticket in hand, she left everything behind to pursue her dream. Before then, she didn’t even have a passport. Soon she will be leaving Scotland having traveled to Ireland, Scotland, France, England, Germany, Italy & Greece. Cheers to you Mom as you journey forth. We love you!
R K & J
It is our hope and dream that we all return to the beautiful lands of Scotland one day soon…and never come back.
Your journey so far has been a gift to many…It reminds me of the Jelly of the month club cuz “Clark its the gift that keeps on giving all year.”…your adventure (for some reason) also reminds me of an old Sinatra tune…
Sweet Sally Springer, she was a singer,
Lived in a hall room up one flight,
Thought of the ballroom big and bright,
Where she would make her debut some night,
And then for her trouble, pop went the bubble,
Say that it’s sad, but wait, don’t weep.
Now they admit, every night she’s a hit,
When she sings her children to sleep.
No, there’s nothing to be ashamed of
If you stub your toe on the moon,
Though it may be a blow to your pride,
You’re a hero because, well, you tried,
So don’t give up too soon,
If you stub your toe on the moon,
If you stub your toe on the moon.
Charlena you did more than try…You rocked the world with more than your prose…You really put yourself out there…Bravo!!!
Dean