Stationary

By my count, I've been to 32 U.S. states and 11 countries. I have decided that is enough. I imagine I may travel again sometime but right now, it does not appeal to me. I love vicarious vacations, where people travel, post pictures and tell me about their experiences. I certainly do not begrudge anyone who travels, just don't make me come along. I think this feeling is the product of the time of year. I've been down to Madison five of the last six weekends and I just want to stay put. My garden is mostly in but I still have much to do in the yard and the house that I want to be home. As a teacher, May gets rather crazy. I don't know who is more eager for summer, the students or the staff!

As I sat listening to my sister and niece play music, I looked up at the state capitol. At the top is a statue that people refer to as Miss Forward or Lady Forward, since that is the state motto. I believe the statue is actually entitled, "Wisconsin." I know the joke used to be that it was pointing to where the latest Rennebohm drugstore was opening. As I reflected, in my homebody state, I interpreting her to be pointing and saying, "Go, explore, seek out the world, but don't expect me to go too." You can go forward if you want to but I think I'll try to do a better job in this time and space.

Admittedly, too many aspects of my life have been in disarray the last five years. Living in this perpetual uncertain state took a toll on my well-being. For my own sanity, I had to make some difficult decisions. While I am glad that I did, I still have some sadness as a result. However, being able to focus on fewer options allows me to stay more in the moment and more involved in my own community. I applied for a different job and just yesterday learned I didn't get it. The new position would have been exciting and a good match for my skill set but there is some comfort with the status quo.

I get that there are many cool things in the world but there are amazing things in my own neck of the woods as well. Today Linda and I biked about 21 miles around Madison. We went to the Farmers' Market, to the Arboretum and to Bratfest. (FYI, they DO have vegan brats there. This is Madison, after all!) While we were biking, there were many sights to enjoy:

A woman was outside on a stationary bike. I thought THAT'S the way to travel!

There were also many colorful

flowers for all to enjoy.

Turtle crossing! I need to be reminded to slow down a bit...travel like a turtle and take in my surroundings.

Maybe if I am more stationary, I will take more time to write, perhaps on some stationery.