How nice and neat it would be if, at any given time, we could take a step back from our lives and say (in our finest of Scarlet O'Hara impressions), "Now, I do declay-uh, they-uhs a nice junction!" And then we'd proceed to take our seat on a nearby log (preferably one blanketed in moss and a-flutter with bluebirds) and contemplate all of the little stepping stones that brought us to said resting place. Well, pardon my saying, but (fiddle-dee-dee) rarely does one encounter such smooth-edged segues. Or at least, I've not found too many privileged moments of clarity. But all fun-poking aside, I feel like I might as well go ahead and settle down (log or no log) for a brief stint of some much-needed and deserved reflection. Because, the truth is, if I waited around for the fairy tale moments to show themselves, I might never make heads from tales...let alone appreciate the charms I already have right in front of my very nose.
Justaboutexactly a year ago, I packed up my suitcase(s), hopskipped over a few county lines, and have been nesting in The Music City ever since. And, I'll be the first to admit, it's been one of the most humbling experiences of my life. By no stretch of the imagination can I even pretend that I moved here to call Nashville "home." Since my arrival, I've made it a point to nag about the lack of barns or friendly faces here. Heck, I've made it a point to nag about justabout everything. I've had near-blackout experiences while contending with rush hour in the rain. Truth be told, I've even managed to complain about the over-abundance of coffee shop options in a one-mile radius, which, for anyone who even remotely knows me can tell, is purely absurd. I can count on more than one hand the number of mornings I've woken up to find myself so deliriously bankrupt that I've had to ration my mason jar piggy bank just to keep from breaking down on the side of the road. When tea light candles, Dollar Tree two-for-one bubble bath, and store-bought hummus become life's luxuries- just the ticket to an evening of self-indulgence- it is impossible to not let the comedy of it all just wash right over you. For a spell, I think I lost the ability to laugh at myself--a mistake, certainly, as my long face didn't even remotely phase the condition of my pocketbook. So, to say that I've fought city life tooth and nail in some prideful attempt to maintain my country mouse innocence is somewhat hyperbolic.
The funniest part, though, is that in the midst of my incessant ranting and raving, I collected some much-needed pieces to make my nest in the city. Since I moved, I've gained a career,the dreamiest fella my heart could hold, and some much-needed perspective. In short, my list of thankfuls has reached great heights. I actually feel silly for only just now realizing how much so. Sometimes, life beats us to our own punchlines, I think, and it takes a little while to laugh at it. Needless to say, it's time to laugh a bit because, well...what a funny little year (or two or more) it's been.
I s'pose that only when one ups and moves away from the comforts of hearth and home does she rely most heavily on those very same little embers of the heart...the little pebble-pieces of the soul that, come what may, must stay still. And, so, in the in spirit of yuletide, Christmastime, and Julie Andrews, I'll list a few of my fav-or-ite things, leaving them room to grow aplenty. May they ever-remind me that my complaints should stay tiny and my heart should stay wide...
1. kith & kin (my bouquet of people, wherever they may be)
2. forgiveness (for others & self): without which, we can only turn bitter
3. poetry: may its voice speak what yours carries
4. slow mornings and honey
5. trees for climbing
6. sidewalks for people-watching
7. Currie at his piano (and everywhere else)
8. little candles allover
9. bluegrass & vinyl
10. tiny creatures
11. hydrangeas & vases
12. the mountains
13. sappy French films
14. holey-soled boots: a testament to momentum
15. avocados & salt & wine
16. staying in touch, despite the miles
17. serendipity. or patience. or both.
18. knitting: here's resolving to graduate from just scarves
19. rosemary
20. falling & being & staying safe in love
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