Monday, December 31, 2007

Day of Reflection


I took a vacation. A real one. Checked the map for someplace driveable and scenic, and ended up at Lake Ouachita in Arkansas. It's only about 4 1/2 hours from my house -- but it's totally different in weather and landscape. People too, probably, but I didn't see too many of them.

I was totally out of contact. I didn't even tell anyone I was leaving. When my client told me she was taking Christmas week off, I thought "I'm FREE!" So I left town. I was in an electronic store in Texarkana buying a cord for my Ipod on the day I left when my phone rang. It was the number to my client's gallery so I didn't answer it. A few minutes later it rang again, the same number, so I answered it. It was the gallery owner, wanting to argue with me about a bid I had submitted a few days prior. I did not change my price, but stated the reasons for it (justified it, I guess). That phone call was enough to interrupt the peaceful time I had laid out in front of me, so I turned my phone off completely. And I never checked email, either.

I did take my camera, but it stayed locked up for most of the time. It rained a couple of days and I used that as an excuse, but the truth is I was end-of-the-year tired. We stayed in a cabin overlooking the lake, and we were the only guests there. The dogs were free to roam the hills and roll in the thick layer of leaves that blanketed the ground. The heaters were on full blast from the moment we opened the door until we walked out the last time, it was cold! I used that as an excuse, too. So what did I do? Mostly I curled up in a big soft chair, read a book, and slept. And then I slept some more. Even when I woke up and watched the dawn paint the sky and reflect in the morning-still waters of the lake, I didn't stir. I didn't run out into the day with my camera and tripod to capture the beauty around me. I ate it with my eyes, from under the covers.

I don't sleep at home, and don't sleep when I travel with Nancy, that's for sure! So this time I just slept. Oh yea, I ate, too. And the scales shows it this morning, but hey, it was worth it.

It's the last day of the year, and what a good one it's been in many ways. But today's the day I think of those who are no longer with me, and honor them. Thirty eight years ago today I gave birth to a son, and his is the memory I cherish the most. I'll think of him again in a few weeks, remembering when Marines came to my door in the middle of the night to tell me gave his life for our country. It's still hard for me to believe. That was the first war with Iraq, Desert Storm.

Also in a few days I'll honor the life of my sister who left us this year, so sad. I miss her so much.

Artwise, workwise, I'm going to keep doing what I've been doing. It's worked really well this year, so no need to change. I'll continue to challenge myself, and see how it flows.

Inspiration for the Day: memories

6 comments:

andrea said...

Happy New Year, Robin, and you have certainly dealt with some tragedy in your life. Losing your son must have been the worst -- I can't begin to imagine it. So he was born on the eve of a new decade? What a sign of hope that is.

Joanie Gagnon San Chirico said...

Happy New Year Robin!

Wishing you a healthy, prosperous and productive year.

xxoo

Joanie

Annette Bush said...

Robin. A va-ca-tion? What a wonderful way for you to end the year and get reved up for what is sure to be an even greater year for you. I'm proud to know you.
A

Anonymous said...

Oh, Robin, so glad you could take a break. Glad you got so much for C'mas and that you will be sharing your new cooking with us! :)

I can't imagine how 38 years go by, but they had to be really hard. Glad you have those memories.

With Love and dreams for peace and contentment in 2008.

Pat

Martha Marshall said...

What a wonderful treat to give yourself. I'm so glad you took a real break. Things will be cooking again only too soon!

Happy new year, Robin!

Walker said...

Happy New Year to all of you! R