The Big Easy

I am embracing the Gypsy in my soul again, giving in to wanderlust. Good thing the man I married likes to travel – though I figured as much since he was driving an 18-wheeler all over the country when I met him.

This year, I have realized the dream of visiting two places I have always wanted to experience. In late fall, we packed our suitcases and headed for New Mexico. It was everything I’d dreamed of and more. It has made my list of possible places to live.

A few weeks ago, when the realm of the MAD Goddess started looking like a snow globe about to burst at the seams, it was the hubby who said, “Pack the trailer, we’re outta here.”

Two weeks later (it takes a long time to prepare and pack a travel trailer in 20-below zero weather, having to trudge through three feet of snow to get to it), we were on the road bound for New Orleans – The Big Easy, baby!

Morning on the Pond

This experience has been nothing near to what I expected. That’s okay – it’s still enriching.

I am in the Deep South, where I expected cedar swamps, trees dripping with Spanish moss and an air of mystery. Looking out my window as I write, I see towering white pines – just like at home.  And no mystery about it, the air is humid. That much I expected.

A few bluebirds visit every morning, enjoying the grape jelly I started serving after the first day I spotted one winging past our site. A flock of Canadian Geese is lingering on the pond, along with a pair of ducks. I’ve also caught a few glimpses of an elusive white crane.

And this —

Precious the Beer Drinking Monkey

Those who know me well know I’ve had a secret desire to run away with the circus since I was a child. So you might understand that I couldn’t be more tickled to have Precious, the beer drinking, horse riding monkey, as a camp neighbor.

Okay, its one of those springy-horse toys for children. Regardless, if Precious were given the opportunity I know she’d love to ride a real horse – and if that isn’t circus worthy, I don’t know what is.

Precious is just one more delightful reminder to me that the fulfillment of our dreams can be just around the next corner – so long as we keep the desire in our heart and remain open to all the possibilities life has to offer . . . and the many ways wishes might be fulfilled.

Be careful what you wish for, because you might get it?  P-shaw.  I say wish away, buckle your seat belt and get ready for a wild ride. In the words of E.L.O., “Accroches-toi a ton reve.” Hold on tight to your dreams!

If you are joining me in the Dark Moon Lodge, hop over to that page for this weeks BIG, EASY journaling prompt.