May 26, 2022
“….But this is what I’m finding, in glimpses and flashes: this is it. This is it, in the best possible way. That thing I’m waiting for, that adventure, that move-score-worthy experience unfolding gracefully. This is it. Normal, daily life ticking by on our streets and sidewalks, in our houses and apartments, in our beds and at our dinner tables, in our dreams and prayers and fights and secrets – this pedestrian life is the most precious thing any of use will ever experience.”
― Shauna Niequist, Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life
Do you ever wonder where certain phrases originate? I do sometimes. So many of them have unusual beginnings. The English language is remarkable for how it adapts other words and makes them its own.
The first recorded use of ‘meantime’ comes from the 1300’s. It referred to what occupy’s “The middle space, while waiting for something else to happen. Colleen and i are in one of those moments now.
In 10 days we leave for Episode XII of “The Road to Bali”. We will be returning to Europe, this time France, for several weeks.
So, during this middle time, we are preparing for the journey and I look forward to sharing it with you.
Yet, there is a lot going on during this ‘meantime’.
The world has darkened even more with news of the terrible massacres in Texas and New York and the continued grinding horror of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our leadership seems incapable of the most common sense solutions and compared to other countries, it is depressing.
Here are some ideas that may help. See link.
Toby Cole, my late Father in law’s older brother died today. He was 86. He died of respiratory illness. We do not know if it was Covid, but it seems suspicious for the infection.
Our new grandson Elliot is growing fat and happy as babies should. He is starting to lift his head and focus better.
I am amazed and proud beyond words at how attentive and loving Chris, our eldest son, and Emily are as parents. I would like to say they modeled us as parents, but I am not so confident that is reality. They have approached the adventure of parenthood with a zeal that is inspirational and I feel privileged to be around to witness their journey.
So, since i do not have any pictures from our travels yet, you will have to endure pictures of Eli.
Today is the 38th anniversary of my marriage to Colleen. I am so fortunate to have such a wife, best friend, lover, and partner in my life. As the years have gone on I have never stopped being in awe that she is still here, despite my many faults. And they are legion.
More than anyone else she has taught me that the ‘meantime’ is what counts. it has never been the destination. In the meantime is where life happens and, if you stay mindful, the best bits are there shining like precious jewels in the dark.
She is the air I breath.
See you down the road for the next episode.
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