Trust your instincts

 

A wild west town, used for movies, etc. Lake Isabella, California

Have you ever entered a place, and felt an unease? I mean, like you needed or should leave. Something about it hung heavy.

 It was a moment in our trip with our granddaughters. Hard to describe, but it was definite.

We had just gone on a winding road drive from Sequoia to a small town on Lake Isabella. It was one of those roads where one curve swung onto the next, then the next, then more and more. We laughed at first, then we made jokes, and ended the trip with robust singing, and asking "Are we almost there yet?"

One gr-daughter arranged for an AirBnb, nice quiet place. The yard was filled with New Age art sculptures. It was amazing. Lots of stain glass had been formed into a garden that one doesn't forget.

When the owner came, he showed up the house, gave us tour, listed the places to eat. He was a young guy, and this was his house. I don't know why, but there was a heaviness around.

 I was wearing a white gold crucifix on a nice chain. The latch was coming loose, so I pulled it from under my shirt, and started to re-attach it. The young man's eyes opened wide, and he took two steps back. 

I still think of that few minutes when he took two steps backward. I wonder now: What would he have done if I had taken two steps forward.

He quickly left, we thanked him, and settled in. The darkness left.

 

 

Have you ever been in a place or situation where you felt this heaviness somewhere? And then you left? 

Our Babies with Their Babies

Since 2014, our son is married and has 2 small boys; Our youngest daughter
is married and has 2 sons. Our oldest daughter has two girls, cuddling up to us.

 

We were 10 years younger then, and many pounds heavier. Thankfully, we are thinner, and we are older; things hurt more.

On one trip to Switzerland allowed our three grown-up children and their off-spring to be together.  Like proud parents, we stood back and enjoyed their interactions.  They have grown so much, accomplished more than we or they expected, and become successful adults.

Even in our glowing observing, we could not help but notice that WE were also be observed. 

Christmas 2018 at Disneyland

Sitting in the family room (me on the floor) while we played cars and trucks with our grand kids, these three (with their spouses) leaned in closely, talking in low voices.  

Occasionally one would glance our way and then turn back to the group.  One would point at us.  One would indicate some body part where we were currently experiencing pain.  

All were serious.  Sympathetic. 

My husband suggested,  “They have great senior facilities here…”

I looked at my husband and him at me.  “You know,” I whispered, “Euthanasia is legal here in Switzerland.”

We looked back at our precious adult children.  They quickly looked away and moved to the kitchen.  

Then we resumed play with grandchildren.  Life is good as grandparents when there are Legos and toys available, and the children who have a glow about them.

Someday they will be sitting on the floor with their own grandchildren. Lucky people. Life is fun, life is good. 

Garema Place blest.

From Elephant's Child

Billy Jim and Esther Sue had saved all their lives for this trip, and by golly, they would see as much of this street art place in Australia as they could.

The bus tour gave them 45 minutes to roam about this park in the middle of Canberra called “Garema” Place.

“Hell, Esther, if I’da wanted to look at weird metal sheep sitting on a bench, I’da made one at home,” Billy Jim stood with his big belly balanced by hands on hips.  “Mighty dumb, if ya ask me.”

‘Glad I didn't ask.’  Esther Sue mentally responded.  She came to a lonely plaque on the sidewalk.  As she read it silently, a tear slid down her cheek.  ‘Well, at least you rejoiced when it came, Linette Bone.’

Billy Jim hollered, “Time to git back on the bus.  Git on over here, woman!”

Esther sighed, looking one last time at the plaque.  ‘Hope you were loved, ….’  Then she joined Billy on the bus.


This was a photo prompt from May 2012.  Its story, told in few words, touched me deeply.

Here are some other art displays at Garema Place in Canberra, Australia:

Source: mattewharding.com

Source: Hannah....you must visit this site.

Happy Trails

Oh, the places we will go…

This week, our family group of husband and myself, daughter & husband & two daughters, and son will fly to visit our youngest daughter and her family in Switzerland.  We have not seen them for about 1 ½ years. 

Since then the car thief has grown from 6 months to almost 2 years old.

I have pre-posted brilliant writings during the MWF during which we will be frolicking in the Swiss countryside and playing cars & trucks with Benjamin (car thief).  

Some posts are actually re-posts, but others are new and sparkling.  In fact, Delores gifted me with Wednesday Words, so please pop by tomorrow!

Please come by, and leave comments if you wish.  I would love that, but also know that vacations are roaring down the roads and byways.

We’ll return July 10^th.  Our house is being house-sat by a lovely young woman from our church. 

Happy Trails to each of you.