Something held me back from publishing a previous blog and I suppose it will have to wait for another day so I present to you, dear reader… Lessons in Time.

As we all have entered a New Year I have found myself reflecting on the sixty some odd years that I have had the privilege, the pain, and everything this beautiful planet has to offer. Funny how even the difficulties we’ve encountered can bring us peace. Knowing we overcame our obstacles and learned valuable lessons about ourselves and the world around us, makes for a stronger spirit.

There is particular place and time that has been foremost in my mind. It was New Hampshire circa 1980, and we all were hovering around the tender age of 20. A bunch of us liked to camp by the Pemigewasset River…tents and all the gear that came along with that. It was a private spot a friend had been made aware of. We took full advantage of it and spent quite a few weekends by the flowing river, nestled in the White Mountains.  During the day there were a variety of activities we would engage in… swimming, a hike down a trail to the railroad bridge where kids would jump off, sitting by the fire was always a favorite pastime, and of course the float races down the river.

There once was particular river race that would have ended triumphantly but for the leak in the opponents float…It was guys against the girls and the guys were off to a pretty strong start. They got so far ahead we couldn’t see them until we came around the bend. There they were lounging on the bank as we drifted by and headed toward the finish line, also known as the railroad trestle. The guys suddenly realized they could no longer catch us for the win, so they let some air out of their raft and concocted a story about how they lost air and so the race was called on a count of technical difficulties. We would have to have a redo at a later time. The funny thing about this whole situation is that we were gullible and believed they lost air when in reality it was a classic Tortoise And The Hare story. It was decades before the truth of that story came out. One of those guys just so happens to be my husband of nearly 40 years. Some 25 years later he confessed that not only did they sabotage their own boat but in fact, it was his idea! Imagine my shock!

 A favorite haunt of ours was Truant’s Tavern… a great place to go if you wanted to splurge on some great food and ambience. The tables were actual school desk tops that kids had carved into. The wood was covered with a transparent glaze so you can still read the etchings and it was preserved for posterity. It remained authentic and imparted a sense of nostalgia.  It was a very clever theme and name for the New Hampshire pub.

On yet another summer weekend, back at camp, we decided to hike on down to the railroad bridge and check out what was going on. Well, there were more than a few other kids jumping off the bridge and some of our guys decided they wanted to jump off of the top of the trestle into the water…some 60’ up. I sat safely on the banks watching. I didn’t know it at the time, but one of my friends that jumped off, would become my husband. These days, when I look at that particular situation, I can’t help but think we must have had Guardian Angels protecting us. We had no cell phones back then and the chances of someone getting hurt while we’re out in the wilderness was certainly on the table, especially doing crazy shit like that! It takes my breath away when I think about how adventurous and fearless we were. Grateful beyond measure for the protection afforded us in those days of reckless abandon.  Years later I asked my husband why he jumped off that bridge and he told me, “It was easier than climbing back down.”

But the one event that stands out above and beyond was my overnight in the great outdoors. One of my tent mates had had a bit too much to drink and was making all sorts of gagging sounds that made me feel a bit uneasy about being in the tent with her. There were three of us in the tent and I opted out, afraid of what might occur inside. Instead, I took my sleeping bag and pillow and laid down on one of the inflatable river rafts. Above me, every star in the sky must have been out that night. An abiding sense of peace came over me and I just drank it all in. It was a magical, mystical experience that I will never forget. I finally fell asleep in the wee hours and woke up to find a wildflower perched on the raft near my head…such a sweet surprise. If I look at that same situation today I start to think…what was I thinking? Bears live in that area, not mention any other amount of wildlife, insects and even, maybe, a vagrant could’ve invaded our site! I’m glad I had the courage or naiveté to throw caution to the wind and live large. It has served me well.  

These are the experiences in life that lead us to where we are today. Every path, highway, roadway, campsite and all we have experienced brings us to our future…today, this moment.  A New Year is for new beginnings and renewal of our vow to live our best life. Don’t be afraid of the challenges; welcome them and all the valuable lessons we’ve yet to learn.

With that I bid you all a healthy, happy and lovely New Year full of joy, laughter and love.

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