Last year was a destination, not a journey. I was creating for sale, which is creative, just not for creative's sake. Let me preface this by saying that my mother and I are not travelers. We did not inherit my maternal grandmother's want to travel the world, she said she would be the first to sign up to go into outer space. When I told Mother her birthday/ Christmas present was that we were going on a bus tour to New York City (the destination) I could hear the wheels turning: New York?...why?, I have to pack, leave the comfort of home, be around a bunch of people, etc. I knew what she was thinking because I felt the same way when the idea popped into my head, but seeing NYC at Christmas time (or anytime) was on my bucket list, I was working towards it and we were going. I got through it and I knew she would as well. And what a delightful time we had. We had lunch in Grand Central Station, walked in Central Park, visited Harlem, Chinatown, and Little Italy, Times Square, rode the Staten Island Ferry and saw a very cloudy Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Christmas tree, and many other wonderful touristy things. The trip was much more than I had hoped and I am so blessed to have been able to share it with her.
This is one of my favorite pictures of the trip. Our day had been full of sights and sounds and after dinner we had the option to return to and immerse ourselves in Times Square or stay on the bus in the piece and quiet. Each relieved that the other did not want to go, Mother and I, along with a few others, enjoyed the tranquility offered. As we sat on a side road biding our time I watched the interactions of a barber and his customers. There was conversation and camaraderie, distance leaving me only to guess the topic at hand. I like how the rain drops distort the image, adding to the inability to know exactly what was transpiring.
I am feeling a bit lost with what to do with myself after the push towards the trip and making holiday gifts. I am quite sure I will not feel this way for long. Something wonderful will catch my attention and I will be off and running. The destination was very special, so now is the time to enjoy the journey.
Peace,
Hilari
