My first flight in over a year since Covid made the scene, was last month to Cancun, Mexico. You’d think I’d be writing about the turquoise waters, or a scuba diving excursion to the Underwater Museum of Art. Or even about the taxi cartel that threatened our driver at gunpoint because he was trying to go ‘independent’.
No. This trip was not about any of that. This trip was all about my nephew, Kurt Duncan, and his participation in the ITF or International Tennis Federation (renamed “tennision” due to the extreme nervousness and nail-biting suffered with every stroke, swing, volley, or whatever you call it). In one week, I observed his progression from a qualifying event to the finals; and even more fascinating, I witnessed the maturity of his life and mind at age sixteen. Evolution in action.
The next weekend, cousins Paul and Susan drove from Camarillo to Morro Bay for a visit. They’ve been laying low with some health and personal challenges. But while here, they talked about “regeneration” and “new beginnings”. Married for years and years and both in their mid-sixties, they acted almost like honeymooners. Evolution at any age.
On Easter Sunday, Rod and sister Kami hosted a generous and glorious brunch. In the morning, five kiddies scurried between two front yards looking for hidden Easter eggs. I jumped up and down like a bunny witnessing their expressions of curiosity and discovery. Yet the reward of their find was short-lived; the joy was in the seeking! In the afternoon, ten or so of us rummaged through the backyard garden on a ‘wine-hunt’. Repeatedly I heard, “Found one, found another!” HEY! Where’s mine?! I spied the last hidden bottle and it was the one I brought — a rather boring find. I stood and smiled. Our Easter egg and wine hunts were like the travel adage: It’s about the journey, not the destination.
My journeys have been enriched by storied encounters with strangers. After a year of solo quarantine, in the last twenty-five days to Cancun, Santa Cruz, and Mammoth Lakes, I ‘cared to be a witness’… and engaged in the lives of brothers, sister, nieces, partners, in-laws, cousins, and neighbors. Like travel, we learn from observing, listening, participating, and being respectful…especially with our own strange and wonderful family.
There’s a world full of love in EVOLution — at home and abroad.
It’s a family affair Blood’s thicker than the mud It’s a family affair. – Sly and the Family Stone
People are strange when you’re a stranger. – The Doors
Good to see you have been able to get out of town and spend some time with family. Love the idea of an Eater wine hunt…very creative! Jack came into town a few weeks ago and we had dinner as a family at a restaurant with cousins – that was the first time in a very long time we have all been together and it was wonderful to witness my parents’ joy. Hopefully life will reach some normality here soon…
It’s getting to the point where I’m no fun anymore
I am sorry…
Sometimes it hurts so badly I must cry out loud
I am lonely…CSN Suite Judy Blues Eyes
Joanna. I am so disappointed in my uninspired post that I’m going to delete it after this reply to you. It is apparent, we both need a phone touch. I believe that “You are treated only how you allow yourself to be treated.” That includes how we treat ourselves…
You are too hard on yourself Heidi. Sunday’s are always a good day to touch base…things have not been going well…lost my employee (not Steve), but no one will answer my add and all small businesses cannot find help – I am so screwed right now – no workers…You hang in there.
How did I miss this? I think things are better now.