Monday, April 10, 2017

Ithaca

The Return of Odysseus, Claude Lorrain, 1644
 
 
At my last farewell party , before my husband and I moved to El Paso (800 miles from our home),I received a very special gift from my dear friend Lina.
 
That night I was saying goodby for a time to many beloved friends.
Many of us taught together, sat in stands together, hostessed parties together and did all of the wonderful things that women do who live in each other's lives.
 
That evening at home, I opened Lina's gift, and it took my breath away.
 
She had given me a framed copy of Ithaca by C.P. Cavafy. 

For the first 14 years of my 32 year career of teaching high school English, I had taught and tap danced my heart out trying to convey the magnitude of Odysseus's journey in Homer's epic poem The Odyssey.

This time, however, the message was for me.

And it begins...

" As you set out for Ithaka hope your road is a long one,
full of adventure, full of discovery."

And so in the midst of living a very happy and fulfilling life , surrounded by all that is familiar and loving, 
we really can jump
if we need to.

And so I am here to report that once the moving van arrived in El Paso, and we had not found a home to buy as yet,
you really can move everything you own into storage.
 
You can even survive the dismantling of your garden by giving pieces of it to your friends Anna and Celeste,who are master gardeners.
My plants are smiling right now.
And when that becomes too hard , you can ask the movers to please try and fit pieces of that garden that gave you such pleasure into the truck.
And they did.
And when the search for a new home continues 4 weeks later, you can enjoy the gracious home of your daughter and son in law and their generosity and love on your grandsons, and cook a hot breakfast every morning- leaning on the island with a cup of coffee watching them enjoy it- as the adventure unfolds.

And 'hope dear friends that your road is a long one full of adventure , full of discovery'.
 
(a full version of Ithaca is below.)
********
 
 Please visit these wonderful friends and bloggers. 
They are all so talented and smart and full of good ideas.
 
Cottage at the Crossroads
Garden Up Green
Patina and Paint
Poofing the Pillows
The Purple Hydrangea
The Queen in Between
To Work With My Hands
White Spray Paint
 

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23 comments:

Stacey said...

Oh how I love this and it is so good to hear from you. ♥

Debra She Who Seeks said...

What a lovely farewell gift. Have you bought a new house yet?

Elizabethd said...

I hope you will find just the house for you soon.

Tammy Patina and Paint said...

Laura,
What an adventure you are on! I hope that you find a new house soon. I love the painting...what a wonderful friend to give you such a beautiful piece.

Carol@BlueskyatHome said...

Laura, I hope that you find a new home soon. I know what it's like to be between houses and have all your stuff in storage. Good luck in the search.

Eilis said...

I know you will make any house you choose into a beautiful home. Hope you find it soon!

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

You came to mind this past week, and I wondered how you were doing!

I hope that you'll find just the right home and get settled soon. In the meantime, it sounds as if you are making the most of your time with your family!

Bonnie said...

Dear Laura, This has touched my soul today. You have the best attitude. I know one day I will be in your position.
Love the garden relics pic.
Thanks for sharing with us. You will be in my thoughts.

Woodbank Lane said...

I loved this post. I taught this many a time myself. Best wishes
on your new adventure. :-)
Kathryn

Bliss said...

This post is tugging at my heart. Why should adventures stop at our age? We were not afraid of them or as teary about it when we were younger. New place, new home, new adventures, so I won't get all teary at your post thinking about how my new adventures are just down the road a bit.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Bless you, Laura. Moving is not for the faint of heart or body. May you find the home of your dreams.

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Oh, I've missed you so much. Goodness, sounds like you have been through a whole lot and I do hope and pray you are getting closer to finding a new house that will soon feel like home. Blessings to you! I do love this painting!

S H Elliott said...

And you have such a way with words. Enjoy the journey/process friend. How winderful to be nearer the grandkids!

The Grey Dove Cottage said...

Wishing you a happy landing, can't wait to follow along as you find a home, then make it your own -

Andi
The Grey Dove Cottage

Creations By Cindy said...

What a sweet and precious gift! This about me cry! I ain't got time to be crying today girl! Can't wait to hear about your new home soon. God is going to bless you friend. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

Wow, how brave you are moving across the country to a new life! Wishing you much luck in your house hunt!

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Beautiful post my dear!
With your positive outlook, vivacious spirit, and loving heart your beautiful adventure will continue with enormous blessings and precious moments!
Jemma

Leslie Harris said...

Been thinking about you, so wonderful to see this post. The "right" house awaits you... I'm so excited to see where you land :)
Hugs
Leslie

Pura Vida said...

oh wow what a touching post! I am so curious how you will like El Paso..I'm guessing you will love it! best of luck my friend!!!

Karen said...

This is so beautiful! I'm sure it will have a wonderful place to be displayed soon. Best wishes!!!

Unknown said...

Great home and would like to live there! I love your home, it looks great! I found some very good design at your home.


xo
ABC-CarpetCleaning

Judy said...

Good Morning Laura, Moving for any reason can be frustration but moving to be near family is the best reason of all. I'm in AR and would love to be near my only grandchild in OH. We, your peeps, are all anxious for the grand tour of your new home. I know it is a lot of work and also much fun to work with a new home. Trying to fit furnishings from a previous home into a new one has never worked for me. I always have to end up purchasing new furniture and furnishing for almost every room. I've tried to keep wall colors the same therefore making my accessories work better. Good luck and have fun but please hurry and let us see what you've done. And do enjoy your summer with those grandsons and all that summer brings to you this year. Much love, Judy

Darren Demers said...

Laura, I hope that you find a new home soon. I know what it's like to be between houses and have all your stuff in storage. Good luck in the search.
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