on leaving and returning

"I just returned from a trip back to my home state in New England. Whilst there, I couldn't get this quote from Rumi out of my head:

'It may be that the satisfaction I need depends on my going away, so that when I've gone & come back, I'll find it at home.'"

~  Sarah

* * * * * * *

I'm not going to lie to you: when I left for Oregon last Thursday, I was really ready to go.  I was cranky, and everything that Marcus and Alex did was irking me to whole new levels.  My trip could not have come at a better time:  I needed a couple of days to have a change of scenery, not to mention a change of attitude.

And honestly? I had a great time. I did a little sightseeing, caught up with friends, read a couple of books and even took myself out for some wonderful meals, all by myself.  It was awesome.

But then on Saturday, when I returned home, Alex yelled, "Mommy!" and practically bowled me over with a hug hello.  Rufus was wagging himself silly, jumping on my leg and nuzzling his head under my hand.  And Marcus came running inside to give me a kiss in welcome.  There was a great lunch in the oven, and fresh flowers in the entryway.

And that evening, after Alex was in bed, and Marcus and I were sitting in our family room with a  glass of wine each, I remembered anew:

I'm incredibly lucky.  Also?  There's no place like home.

Image: Photographed out of the window of the tiny prop plane on my way to Eugene from Portland, Oregon, Nikon D300, 50mm lens. The image just seemed to fit Sarah's contribution to the photography scavenger hunt.

Song:  Strength, courage and wisdom by india.arie