October 27th 2010
It’s interesting the emotions and feelings that arise when sorting through all your possessions, getting ready to leave “home” for the unfamiliar. At times it’s been hard not to question what we are doing. That’s when I have to try really hard to stop myself from doubting. A few pep talks and encouraging words from some awesome people have helped. I try to remember that the 3 month ago versions of Johnny and I were smart capable, responsible people, who thought that this would be a good idea for our family. I have been noticing a lot of quotes lately, and they all say the same thing in different words… the basic idea behind it is that great rewards usually also require great risk, hard work and determination. That’s where we are. We are definitely taking risks, but it feels like we are really LIVING. We are adventurers at heart, we love warmth, growth, green, ocean, freedom, sunshine, and being together. We don’t care so much about money or security, we know where all of that comes from. What do we have to lose? Even the hardships we have encountered so far have made me feel more alive, our problem-solving skills are kicking into high gear, we are learning to think “outside the box” more than ever before.
I had a moment at our yard sa
le I was sitting there, playing Lily’s pink guitar (which is the only guitar we are bringing BTW- I love playing it). I was making up a song, (which I haven’t done in way too long) looking out over all of our “stuff”. I felt so full at that moment, the melancholy feelings of what we were leaving behind faded away. What is this life about, if not about living? Is it really about how much money we can make, things we can own, bigger-better-faster electronics? Those things are fun, and we enjoy them like anyone else, but they are not the essence of life. The moments that have brought me the most joy and fulfillment revolve around love, people, spirit and soul-connections. I will have those things wherever I go. And whether I am singing my songs on a thousand dollar guitar, or on a pink toy guitar, it’s the music that matters. It’s all about heart. And we definitely have plenty of that, so we will never be in want.
As I write this, I am sitting in a row with Johnny, Lily and Gabe… flying over the ocean, on our way to Hawaii. It’s been a crazy couple of days, yet here we are. In the last few days we have sold a car, packed our lives into nine boxes and a few carry-ons, prepared the truck for it’s journey on a barge, drove to Seattle, took the truck to a dock, slept at a motel, loaded ourselves and our things onto an airport shuttle, then boarded the plane. It’s all gone pretty well, people are being really nice to us and our kids are doing awesome. They are definitely excited about the adventure we are on, but I think even more that that, they are really happy that we are all together. It’s been really cool taking care of everything as a family. I love that our kids are peaceful and happy wherever we are, because they know they are safe with us. We took a walk in the Seattle rain (with Lily holding the umbrella, she was just waiting for an opportunity) and ate dinner together. Bought 2 bananas and a bottle of water at the 7-Eleven. Gabe and Lily shared a bed at the motel last night. We all went to bed at 8 pm Seattle time, and it felt so sweet to be in one room, falling asleep together. We even got nine hours of sleep. J
Our farewell party was really fun. Looking around the room at all of the people who came to give us hugs and good wishes was really amazing. We have so many good friends and family. It’s wonderful to know that we are so loved, and we will carry that love with us wherever we go. We will miss everyone, yet I still feel like you are with us somehow.
I am so excited about what is ahead.
Love, Dani
PS. One little rant, since when do you have to pay for food and movies on airplanes?!
