SOUVENIR ANYONE?

Your off to great places!

You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

Dr Seuss

OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO

I have silly, inexpensive, touristy, mementos strewn about my home, which remind me of all the wonderful trips that my Builder and I have taken together. (plus a few of my own) These nic-nacs bring solace. Lately, I've been feeling sorry for myself, and slipping into a slump, wishing I was taking off in a big ol' jet for distant lands. Times are tough for everyone right now though and its a bitter pill Im swallowing, realizing that Im probably not going anywhere for some time.

So...its a wonderful and simple thing that I can walk into my bathroom and see a picture on the wall of Claude Monet's gardens. I love that I've been on this very bridge and crossed over the glimmering waters, hand in hand with my Builder. And yes, the water really is blanketed by lily pads. So my cheap print that hangs on the wall is a gentle reminder that I did indeed have the opportunity to enjoy Monet's magnificent gardens in France!!!

I have a replica of Michelangelo's DAVID on my desk. Seeing DAVID in real life, while visiting Florence, will truly go down as one of the top ten highlights of my life. He was everything I dreamed he would be, standing on his pedestal. (I wrote about it here too.) Even though my inexpensive DAVID is often lost among the clutter of my desk, I know hes there, with his buns of steel, reminding me of a trip of a lifetime.

I have a really cheap 'statue' of a Jamaican lady on my dresser. She reminds me of our 'girls cruise' with daughters and sister-in-law. Oh my how fun was this!! Lounging pool side, beaches, stingrays,, food and more food!! What a trip!! Thank you Jamaican Momma for the reminder!!
I have coconut heads from Cancun. (actually, I have more than enough trinkets from our Cancun trips.)
There's a watercolor from Hawaii.
And a second watercolor from another beautiful city in Italy.
I have a rooster and Polish pottery from our trip to Germany. (thanks Kelly!!)
My Builder has picked up a humble rock from almost every place we've ever visited.
I have chopsticks and a darling figurine from Japan
England brought us etchings of castles. (thanks mom and dad!)

So...when Im feeling blue and so sorry for myself, because I dont have a plane ticket for some exotic coastline; I can look around my home and remember easily, and without much expense, just how very lucky I am that I've seen and done what I have.

My photo albums bulge with shots of many more places we have visited as well.
I have the most wonderful memories of good times both near and far!!!
I am grateful!!! But I do long for more!!!