Happiness is . . .

being here now
every moment,
every second,
every heartbeat,
every breath,
every bite of pizza.

Yum!

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Tile Heart by Kathy Cowan

Home is where the heart is.* At least that’s how the expression normally goes. My husband has come up with his own version: Home is where the fart is. Think about it; he’s got a point.

For me, home has come to mean wherever I am at any given moment. During the past few years as I traveled, I found that once I entered my current lodgings and spread my green pareau on the bed, I was home. But then a funny thing happened. Little by little I found that I didn’t need to do even that. Whether I was lying on my Hawaiian sarong or sitting in a comfy chair in a coffee house, I was at home.

Yes, I’d found my way to my heart and my home.

I started this glob as a venue for writing about my observations while traveling. Solo traveling. On a recent trip with my husband, I realized that I just didn’t have the desire to write when I wasn’t alone. Why? Because it’s just such a different dynamic. But today on my bike ride, it came to me that I want to continue writing about my observations, my experiences. In the grand scheme of things, I’m still on my solo ride; we all are. We’re born alone; we die alone. We’re each on our separate journey of growth and discovery.

So, what the heck is this all about?

Just because I’m not technically traveling, I’m still engaged in life and observing what’s around me. And it’s fascinating. Just yesterday I saw a turtle while swimming at Anini Beach. Alone. Me and the turtle and all the fish. It was wonderful.

And later this evening, I’m joining our improv troupe, the InsPirates, for a private show. Even though I’ll be on stage with others, I’ll still be alone. It’s still up to me to listen and observe—both to them and to what the muse pours through me.

Yes, life is such an amazing journey.

Please join me as it continues in a different but similar way.

Isn’t that how each day is?

Similar yet different?

Each with its own flavor.

Yes, I’ve got some tasting to do!

*This expression has been attributed to Pliny the Elder (A.D. 23-79)

Do it now.

Whatever it is.

Now is the time to do it.

But I don’t have the energy, the time, the funds.

Yes, you do. You just don’t realize it yet.

Do it.

Right now.

Call that friend who keeps popping in your head.

Hug your husband just because you want to.

Forgive yourself for whatever wrongs you may or may not have done.

Now.

It’s all we have.

Now.

That book you’ve wanted to write.

That song you’d like to sing.

Thoses flowers you’ve been meaning to plant.

Now’s the time to start.

Now’s the time to stand up, walk out the door, and jump off that huge metaphorical cliff that’s been waiting to show you there’s a pillow bed below.

It’s always been there.

Just out of sight.

There to catch you.

There to show you that you’re not alone.

You’re never alone.

No one’s ever alone.

Each and every one of us is surrounded by love.

Open you eyes.

You can see it.

It’s right there.

Sigh.

Yes, you see it now, don’t you?

And now,

feel it.

It’s there too,

in your heart.

It’s always been there.

Always.

It’s just up to us to show up,

to open our eyes and recognize

what’s always been there.

Always.

Yes,

now’s the time.

You knew it already, didn’t you?

I’m just reminding you of the obvious.

Time to stand up, scoot over, reach out, down or up,

whatever’s right for you.

‘Cause only you know what’s right for you.

No one else can tell you.

They may try.

And you can smile and listen and take it.

Or you can smile

and walk away.

Walk in the direction of your heart.

Your heart knows the way.

It always has.

Always.

It’s just up to us to show up,

listen,

and feel.

Yes, now’s the time.

I look forward to meeting you.

I’m sure our paths will cross.

All who follow their heart will collide into a huge burst of Love, at some point.

Yes, I feel it;

it’s true.

So what are you waiting for?

Oh,

you’ve already left.

: )

Bon voyage!

Peace be with you . . .

always.