Over lunch and a good cappuccino from our moka machine from Italy, Mom and I talked about her days while we were away in Italy. It was good to hear her stories of enjoying Ann, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the peaceful river with my brothers and sisters-in-law. Parish and I took a journal to record events on our trip to Italy. He had an idea to take the written pages and pictures and to make a storybook. I told Mom about his concept, the inspired outline that naturally came about, and the beginning pages. I genuinely hope we can take our time and follow through with the dream of creating this book together. Life does take over, and you have to be purposeful. I noted that I had so many confirmations to do such a project through conversations and podcasts that I listen to. One particular podcast had an Irish poem that gripped me, and I read it to her.

I’m fascinated by timely and uninhibited connections. There was one particular line in the poem that gave way to my longing in love and relationships. Later that day, I transferred a growing plant into a larger pot, and, in so doing, I accidentally broke a precious rose bud vase.

I began to lament the accident and just wanted to throw it away, but I remembered the practice of the Japanese, Kintsugi, and the poem from my mother.

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

    And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

(Kipling)

I found the glue and went to work. My vase restored, I smiled.

Perhaps that is what travel does for us. It takes the pieces of our lives and creates a masterpiece. It’s amazing how travel can have such a profound effect on our souls. When we are open to it and truly present, we can experience healing and transformation. I know the feeling of waking up and still feeling like I’m in a place that I once visited – the memories and emotions are so vivid and real. It’s like a piece of that place stays with you forever. And sometimes, the impact is so powerful that it can even affect our dreams. I remember waking up one morning, feeling like I was surrounded by the grandeur of the Sistine Chapel. It was such a surreal and beautiful experience.

In the days ahead, our writing is a blank canvas. I hope to spend more time in the writing of our storybook to continue the passion for travel, connection, and healing.

If, by Kipling.

Take the time to use the link for the poem, If. Each line could provide thoughtful conversations.