This pandemic has continued now for nearly a year which has kept me and basically everyone, closer to home. I miss traveling. I am grateful that our family did manage to get several trips in back in the first months of 2020 before everything shut down.

One of my favorite things about going away, is coming home. I have had many homes throughout my life; several were built by my husband. Each of them was the canvas of some significant memories I recall, mostly with fondness. I also attach milestones to them as well. The one I lived in when I met my husband. Where I lived when our son was born and another when we had our daughter. They all have significance in the fabric of my life. Currently we are living in a log cabin on the lake. The sunrises are picturesque. They literally stop me in my tracks as I walk through the house and take the time to catch a glimpse.

As I write this, my heart is feeling really full after an idyllic winter day. My 83 year old parents were here along with two of the grand kids and a grand-dog. My parents and I snowshoed on the lake while it was snowing. I walked the dog on our camp road. We made muffins, had tea by the fire, played cards and worked on a puzzle . It all felt so simple and homey to me. I found myself feeling grounded and secure, wanting to take that feeling with me each day.

A long-standing pattern for me has been to want to run, get away, or escape when I am overwhelmed in life. I remember doing this at various times. I don't think it is unusual to want to get away from pain and look for comfort or distraction elsewhere. That is what travel has been for me. It is usually down time with family and/or friends and away from the stress of life so I come back to my life feeling refreshed. This year, since Covid-19, work life and home life have had their own challenges and yet in this moment I am happy to say there is more balance in both.