Thanks for the Memories
A Year of Travel
Ocean waves crash against the towering cliffs
Saguaro cacti raise giant arms to thank the setting sun
Under cold ground, I pause in wonder at cathedral canyons
Mountain top drives give new perspective and make me feel small
The Grand Canyon brings tears to my eyes
What could I have done to deserve such beauty
I have done nothing, for it is all a gift
Soft sheets, slow mornings, and plenty of time
Surprises in the form of beach houses and a Marriot vacation club
Tiny houses, smelly casitas, creaky cabin beds, and deflating air mattresses
A wide range of experiences made for a most memorable year
Time for petting horses and watching a rodeo parade
For watching seabirds on the beach and waiting in anticipation for the daily sunrise and sunset
Painting, journaling, knitting, watching Wheel of Fortune, and trying new recipes
Learning about time zones, jellyfish, desert plants, aquaponics, civil rights, and redwood trees
Eating étouffée, beignets, grits, a crab boil, clam chowder, charcuterie, BBQ, and sweet tea
All of the packing and unpacking helped me know the sweetness of a closet to come home to
Growing up with cold made a winter of warmth feel extravagant
What a gift to have so many daily walks to cross the bridges we needed to cross
So many reunions with family and friends on the story hunt of a lifetime
Sweet souls gave up their beds and their towels; made us meatloaf, and opened their hearts
We took a leap and the net appeared
A crazy dream to travel the U.S. for six months became a reality
Now that we are home, it feels like a dream
An expansive catalog of memories that I never want to forget
