I’ve always had the secret fantasy of becoming a singer in a band, sharing music with the masses as I travel from town to town. I have the hidden urge to be a song writer, but that would require me to become much more fluent in the language of music then I currently am. Of course, I can read it a little better now, since I decided to start studying piano last year, but I lost the fluency of my youth.
But this post isn’t about music, or about my secret dreams. It is about journeys and our path through life. I would have to argue that “journey of life” is one of my guiding metaphors, but I’ve forgotten that recently. In my desire to “find home” or find a place to belong, I’ve forgotten the motto I adopted earlier this year in a post called “The Journey” . [Some days I AMAZE myself with my creativity and originality 
]
We are about to embark on the next journey. Literally and figuratively. If I can ever get my family moving, we will begin the 8 hour drive back to Independence, KS. Then we begin the job of packing our little house up to begin the journey to the next phase of our lives in Massachusetts. We still don’t know for sure where we will live once we get there (but I have found a rental I hope). I still have no idea what work will come my way once we get there (except for a definite class in the spring).
We say farewell to our summer home, which is always bittersweet. Okoboji Summer Theater is a unique and magical microcosm, that is almost a fantasy. We are surrounded by people who love creating good theater. We live and breathe quality work. We do not need to worry about food, or shopping, or any of the basic chores of survival (beyond laundry and cleaning up) and we can walk out the door and be at our work. In many ways, this is heaven.
For me, this summer has been complex, to say the least, but overall rewarding. My family hopes to return next summer, and I do to. I only hope that, in that return, I can feel more confident in my own purpose here and contribute a little more. I have already applied to teach for the ArtsLIVE camp that I helped out at this summer, and if that comes through I’ll feel more confident about the whole thing.
But again, this is not about our summer, it is about life’s journeys.
Today our journey continues. I wonder where it leads?
Aug 15, 2011 @ 09:13:22
I can’t help but admire your ability to pick up and go. I have a good feeling about this next phase for you, as I always have good feelings when it comes to Massachusetts.
I hope the rental meets your needs and in Worcester you find your dreams become reality.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:32:35
It’s good to know that you have good feelings from Mass. And, hey, won’t I be closer to you? Maybe someday we can arrange to meet.
Aug 17, 2011 @ 09:28:43
You will be closer and it would be great to meet up with you someday. I also have a childhood friend that I found again via facebook that I have to get together with that you will be nearby.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 09:13:28
I always wanted to be in a band but I have no musical talent
Anyway this is a really exciting time for you, I can’t wait to hear about your new life in Massachusetts! I hope your life journey takes a great turn!
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:31:50
I can sing, but not necessarily well enough to front a band. At least the move will give me new fodder for blogging.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 09:21:04
I TOO envy your pick up and go “journey.” travel safely and cherish each day.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:31:17
Nothing to envy, everyone lives the life they have. Thanks Ed.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 09:27:01
I’m prompted to tell you again what you already know: life is about the journey. We know our destination. Some of us know it inherently. Some of us know it in our bones. Some of us only suspect. But all of us, deep within ourselves, know. Some of us hide it from ourselves, others of us pretend we don’t know. But we know. How we get there, and what we bring with us, who we make the trip with, what we take from it, get out of it, keep or discard shapes the destination. It is the ultimate paradox.
This is only part of your journey. Some of it will be all uphill, or in deep woods (find the Other in there) or in high places and low. When you’re short on water, or exhausted and hungry, rest. The journey will either wait for you or carry you along with it. MA. and what does or does not happen there is only a place on the road where you will learn about the next part of the journey. MA might be a lifetime stop. Or a learning place on the road. You dont know yet. Walk this journey a step at a time. You’ll eventually get there.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:30:48
One step at a time seems to be the best way to go. Read the comment from Nora L. Pratt . . . she gives a beautiful image that relates to your wise words.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 09:59:23
We so often focus on the end of the journey that we miss all the great experiences along the way. Thanks for the reminder!
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:28:45
I hope we all learn to live the experiences.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 10:56:17
I was in a band while I was in University. It was great although I don’t miss dragging all that equipment around between gigs
Aug 15, 2011 @ 11:15:58
I have always had a similar dream….singing on the road with a band. Only one problem with the dream – I have no musical talent whatsoever.
Enjoy your journey. From someone who moved across the county last fall (without their family – except the hubby) your are in for some magnificent adventures and opportunities.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:28:12
I’ve lost count of my moves right now, but I do know adventures await.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 12:04:18
I hope mine takes me someplace peaceful. Hugs on your trip!!
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:27:36
I hope so too Katy. Hugs right back.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 12:33:49
Safe travels – and I have no doubt you’ll find a new summer home that is just as magical!
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:27:06
Actually, I’m more worried about finding the magical regular home, than a summer one.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 13:30:43
I’m glad you think you may have found some place to live, at least for a bit. I believe you will find your way once you get to Massachusetts. It sounds like you are more at peace with it all. Good surprises await you.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:26:34
Thanks Christine. I hope so.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 17:55:04
I love this post, Lisa!
When we want ALL the answers at once, we create unnecessary suffering for ourselves because the future is inherently uncertain.
We forgo peace and happiness that could be ours today when we worry about problems that may never appear on the horizon.
Life is stirred with a slow spoon!
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:23:19
And hopefully, after stirring, it has a rich and perhaps spicy taste, with a little dash of cinnamon. (Life=chai tea in this scenario).
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:05:09
Sometimes the ‘stepping stones’ appear only as our foot goes down to make the step (through faith). It is a mystery and I want to congratulate you (for whatever it’s worth) on your courage for sticking to your journey. For it takes a great deal of courage indeed. I envy that and hope to be more like that. I look forward to seeing how this transpires.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:21:36
What a lovely image of the stepping stones appearing, but of course there is the possibility that one would not appear. However, I will keep striding forward in the realization that, even if a stepping stone does not appear, I can always swim.
Thank you for visiting and your encouragement.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:23:39
What a lovely open spirit. Brings to mind that song with the lyrics “I hope you have the time of your life”.
Aug 15, 2011 @ 23:38:51
Oh I love that song, so I am going to add it here.