Saturday, February 12, 2011

Journeying Home



Just as surely as I knew it was time for me to head west, I knew it was time for me to return home, so I am en route, with my usual stopover in North Platte, Nebraska. I am looking forward to the sweet surprises the land reveals, there on my little acreage. The morning I left, about six weeks ago now, as I watched from the kitchen window, two deer walked slowly down the driveway. They paused by the road, then continued on, just out for a leisurely stroll in the fresh snow.

I miss them.

And just a couple of weeks ago, while driving through the San Juan Mountains of New Mexico, I had a nice reminder of the wild turkeys that visit my Minnesota home. As I came off the mountain, rounding a corner in the road, there was a small flock, perhaps seven, strutting across the highway. As usual, a couple were loitering. When I pulled over to take their picture, they skedaddled, following the rest into the cover of nearby woods.  Perhaps these three will be there to greet me on my return.




I look forward to early mornings at my kitchen table, watching the day arrive, walking down by the river, snow crunching under foot, while crows call out from the tree tops. Naturalist John Burroughs said,  "To learn something new, take the path you took yesterday."  There is always something new revealing itself. Our job is to keep our eyes open, our hearts expectant.



28 comments:

  1. While it's lovely to get away for awhile, there really isn't a better feeling then getting back home, surrounded by your own stuff, and oh the glorious wonderfulness of getting back into your own bed!

    Travel safe Teresa!
    xo Catherine

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  2. That's the lovely thing about travel; I find that, returning home, I look at it with fresh eyes, almost like a stranger. For me, the journey actually ends on about day 3, when I've finally taken up the old, familiar routine.

    Hope you're home in time to still enjoy the snow!

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  3. Thanks Catherine! I hope you're staying warm up there in the North. and yes,I will be ever so glad to get back to my own bed.

    Li, Fresh eyes, exactly. I already have a sense of that even as I'm en route.

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  4. Interesting how there are always prospects for a journey, far or near.

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  5. In another month you would see the sandhill cranes coming through, a real treat in NE.

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  6. I have enjoyed your visit to NM..Thank you!

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  7. Safe travels, dear one. There is nothing so strong as the pull toward home. Felt it many a time myself. But New Mexico will miss you... Wish it could have been warmer for you while you were here. Hugs to you.

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  8. We're trying to have a bit of warmer weather to welcome you back. I love what you've said in this post.

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  9. Teresa,
    No matter how long you've been gone, it's always nice to be home, isn't it? Everything looks new and fresh and we can attack our routine with renewed vigor...
    Enjoy! and write away!

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  10. What a lovely post about homecoming. I like the JB quote. I think that when I write yet another post about the lake I live by. I'm off to the beach for a week.

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  11. We'll be taking a road trip in April, stopping in North Platte for the night. Where do you stay?

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  12. I came over here from Karen's site and have signed up as your newest follower. We seem to have a lot in common in the way we look at the world, Teresa. Your writing is so lovely, too. Looking at the world with new eyes... it happens to me quite often and I cherish it every time.

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  13. Thank you all, so much. I arrived late last night. I had a great time, but it's good to be home.

    Linda, I'm a Comfort Inn gal. Not too much money and the chain has improved a lot over the past couple of years. There are some out east I wouldn't recommend, but west of Chicago I've had very good experiences.

    DJan, Welcome! I'm so glad you visited and decided to "stay." Thanks for your kind words, too.

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  14. I have to add: Thanks, Nancy (BOG) for the warm weather, 46 and sunny ! :)

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  15. Drive safely, we are trying to figure out how to travel and still have a home base which I think is important. I love how each of the turkeys have one of their feet poised up in the air and their feathers are fluffed out against the winter air.

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  16. Yes, I found through traveling a good part of last year, a home base is essential. It provides a sense of stability that's awfully nice.

    The turkeys in my yard were such a treat.

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  17. And Dorathy followed the yellow brick road and is finally home. Good timing. Barely only one more month left of winter
    except that last blast of winter that comes the end of March.
    Love and Peace

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  18. It's good to be home, Manzanita. Loved my time in SF and the SW, but sleeping in my own bed and seeing the birds return to the feeder feels really good.

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  19. i have enjoyed your adventure.
    the bleu, snow-covered ball picture is sweet.
    teresa!! i posted about 1 hour ago before even looking at your blog. i just noticed the ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE on the side. when you see my blog post you'll understand how connected we are!!
    talk soon!michelle

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  20. Connections are what I love about this process of writing and sharing here. Your post made me smile with recognition. xo

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  21. Hi Teresa...I have a stylish blog award for you at my blog if you wish to participate. :)

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  22. Hi Li! I decided awhile back to just let my life be revealed, bit by bit, through my posts, but Thank You for thinking of me!

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  23. Teresa,
    "Our hearts expectant", oh yes! Love that and your wonderful photos. A fine, fine snow covered rusty blue doorknob. Taking a journey, in one way or another, changes us. The warmth that comes from turning toward home with longing is a great gift. I've known those who have never experienced it. Good for you!
    Hugs, Chris

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  24. Chris, Thank you. BTW: That blue is one of the birdhouses in my "Queen of Birdland," post last summer. It's the blue speckled washbasin hanging on the cabin, now covered in snow! :) The light wasn't good, but I couldn't resist. Turning toward home is a good feeling. I'm so grateful for my journey and for having this fine place to come home to.

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  25. Oh, I just love that quote of Burroughs! So true!

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  26. Isn't it? It seems I needed to hear that, too.

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