Stop the World and Let Me Off

It wasn't convenient. The time it's needed most is when it's most inconvenient. The cluster of appointments on my calendar, the number of obligations not yet completed, and the spring-time to-do list growing like a weed weighed heavy. Feeling overwhelmed, getting to it all didn't seem doable. A quick weather forecast check revealed excellent conditions, but squeezing in an S24O definitely didn't seem doable.

Brain energy was diverted into trying to creatively juggle it all. My heart agonized over the commitments and all the things left undone. When the "absolutely must be done today" items seemed impossible, it was obvious that I was surrounded. So I surrendered. Maybe that is when it became apparent that stepping off the world for a little while wouldn't really make things worse. It might help.

So in the late afternoon, my non-ultralight bicycle touring gear and I arrived at my favorite overnight spot. After a few simple house-keeping chores, there wasn't much to do except listen to the wind die down and watch the sun paint pastels on an armada of clouds sailing by.

The sunset was fine, but the view from my room was not too bad either.

Neighbors were anticipated, but none arrived. I was the only one in on a secret.

After the fire was started, and darkness closed-in, a friend of mine came by to visit. We stared at the fire, brought up hard questions in conversation, and didn't bother trying to answer them.

We were content to watch the flames, toss in sticks, and warm our hands while our faces glowed.

(to be continued)