Day 89. Nature.

I like exploring. I believe that everyone should explore this planet we woke up on. My grandma turned 92 this month. An accomplishment indeed. However, she has never ridden a horse, never been on an airplane, never been overseas. Never gone hiking in a forest or swimming in the ocean. Perhaps this self-preservation helped her make it to 92 thus far. But it's not a way I could ever live. I'm too curious. And if that puts me out of commission by the time I'm 60, so be it.

Yet it's amazing how quickly we fall into pattern and routines. Every day, Monday to Friday, I drive the same track of road to work, pace the same office space, and return to my home. Sometimes I get so consumed with what I have to do that I lose sight of the traveler inside me. I'm so glad I've been dog-sitting this past week. After walking her down the same neighborhood strip so often, I thought, "poor thing, she thrives on stimulating new smells, I'm going to take her somewhere new."  It didn't even enter my mind that I would also benefit. Now, I'm as excited for her walks as she is. We get in the car, and I just drive, picking a random direction and making any interesting-looking turns along the way. She smiles at me from the passenger seat (she is too cute).  It feels so good in my heart and bones to find a quiet new trail, a cute beach, or a rolling meadow to explore.

As spring progresses, I hope to plan some day trips for myself. Not plan where they'll be, but just set aside the time to do them. I'll take a notebook and some snacks and see what I can find. Hopefully it can fulfill my wanderlust until I have enough money to make my next leap across the pond.

 

I would do just about anything to find this tree and sit under it.