…. its time to regroup and contemplate

It’s been 10 days since I returned to my beautiful Arizona. I mean this most sincerely…. THIS IS WHERE I belong.

Traveling internationally is a wonderful adventure, but possibly I’ve had my fill. I’m the first to admit that my days globe- trotting with Dennis were NOT perfect, but they were pretty damn good, AND EASIER. Is it my age? Is it the state of the world? Is it my personal attitude that’s changed? Ten days post trip, I’m still contemplating. But I do know this …. EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED. And as it SHOULD with age and time and loss.

I do know that cities (and tons of people) hold no interest for me. I’ve been to plenty, and seen plenty, in my lifetime. History certainly does repeat itself …. cities rise and fall and rise again in a different form to be taken over again. I’m learning to appreciate history, but it seems to always be the same story, just different players. I’m not a city girl in the FIRST place …. never even LIVED IN a city. As Marty says, I’m po-dunk girl, and actually, that’s fine with me.

It is NATURE that appeals to me now. And before it changes any further, that is where my interest lies. The TOP TRIPS of my life have been our Tanzania safari in 2010, 7 days on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon in 2013, and the south island of New Zealand in 2016. Interesting … all 3 years apart before Dennis left. And they were ALL nature.

OF COURSE I still want to travel to see family and friends. But that is a DIFFERENT KIND of travel.

I’m very aware of being in my 70th year of life, and I certainly do NOT want to give up and be an old lady. That is not even an option, especially since God brought me a wonderful companion who loves photography, nature, and exploring as much as I do. And he offers grandkids!! Dennis must have lined up Joe Madrid for me because Joe is a magical combination of being my age, he makes me laugh, he eats the same way I do and even prepares meals!!, and he’s totally ready to explore. And, we both have Hondas!!

So what does all this mean? I feel like I’m at a crossroads and looking in all directions and considering my options. I also think that when Joe moves in with me, which just might be in a year or two, we will be freer to just Follow Our Hearts and take off for any natural location our Hondas will take us.

And when that happens, I will be THRILLED to photograph and share what we’ve found. In the meantime, thank you for listening to my ramblings. I DO LOVE writing and photography, and right now, this is my release.

CARPE MOMENTO!

❤️❤️❤️