Almost Heaven

What a change a day or two can make. I feel like a flash of lightning has struck. It was beautiful, powerful, and left a bit of a shock in its wake. I also feel a bit like I must be sleeping and just can’t quite awaken. Yet my senses are sharp. Wow. Mr. Richard King. You have indeed arrived and nothing is quite the same, and yet not really different, although I am talking to myself. I do realize I am talking in riddles. Just an hour ago I was so pleasantly tired and relaxed as I am every night when I drink my tea, and now I am wide awake and not really tired although when I reflect on the day and evening I have been very busy. The reception was a bit demanding and yet it flowed so easily. I really did have a good time. Poor Howdy is not having any second thoughts. He is sleeping and has been since we got home. He is such a love. He always seems to know just what to do and very quietly goes about doing it. I think that’s how I learned a very good lesson, that time does not hurry us. We hurry ourselves. I need to remind myself of that on days like today. Thank you Mr. Howdy. After the reception was the most rewarding time. I think I had been looking forward to Richard and I having time together, just relaxing and reflecting on the day. It was a good thing. We are so comfortable together and have been from the beginning. I can’t imagine now that I had such reservations. Everything has flowed so naturally. I am ready for tomorrow’s event, as a matter of fact I am looking forward to it. The book signing is scheduled a little tight but I know Richard can handle it, and still make everyone feel special. It seems to be a part of his personality. I know it works for me. I am especially looking forward to the children’s event. I think we will have quite a large circle. Howdy definitely will have to work with Richard on that one. I think I may be needed also. To be very honest with myself I want to be there, and be part of the process, because I want to see how Richard responds to the children, and they to him. I have a hunch he will know how to keep their attention and not have them running amuck. The kids are really fun to be with but they can take control if not managed well. And after all of that we are going to dinner. My what a full life I am having. My safe and secure routine schedule has been abandoned for the past several days. Tomorrow morning I am going back to my structure and yes I will get a late start and that’s fine. I know all of the volunteers know what to do and will be so far ahead of me anyhow, that I certainly have time for me, and Howdy. by missing my routine I realize how grateful I am for every part of my life. I have had such wonderful teachers, and opportunities. I love yoga and all of the wonderful people I have had the good fortune to learn from, and how it helps me to remember to greet the day in joy knowing that I will experience only the highest and best. It reinforces my intention to start my day in gratitude, for each breath reminds me that in this moment all is well. I am fully present right now. My life is very good, and I am very content, and yet, I am aware, especially right now, that something is missing. I think I have known it before but it was not the right time to think about it. A quote from W. Somerset Maugham comes to mind. “Do you know that conversation is one of the greatest pleasures in life?” I believe that to be true. I’m glad I have some time to think about how to share the history of this town. Most of the tourists never ask a question, they just know they love to spend their summers here and they return and their children return, and so forth. Occasionally someone will relocate here. A few have sensed a feeling of belonging and have gradually become a part of what we like to think of as the family, but more often the stay is short and many have moved on. My Great grandfather always said, only give answers when questions are asked and few seem to have time to ask the questions. but Richard has asked rather specifically, and with what I sense is a very sincere openness to receiving answers. It will be quite a challenge for me to explain the founding principles and structure of our community and how we have managed to keep the basic integrity. It seems so simple yet it has not necessarily always been easy. I am so glad I have already planned a time off from work, because to share the creation of the principles that we share in this community and have shared for so many years I need some contemplation time and clarity. My meditation skills will be very helpful to get me centered in the truth, and history of our very special community. I do believe Richard very sincerely wants to know the entire story. He has asked the question! Now it is time for me to be able to answer the questions. I am looking forward to our conversations and tea of course. I do believe it will be best to share the information over a period of time, several days at least. Only one moment at a time, no need to rush. Just enjoy the moments of shared conversation and now “to sleep perchance to dream”, although I’m not totally sure that I’m not dreaming now.