Musings: A Slow Return to Normal?

It has been almost twice as long since my last writing as it was since the one before that!!  My Muse has been battling a myriad of obstacles to claw her way out from the cold, the grey and gloomy weather, and dealing with pain.  Although I find myself in “grey and gloomy” Bellevue, WA and I left behind the now warmer climes of Florida, here she comes pushing and pulling the words with her, in her first attempt in almost two months to put words on the page.

Perhaps it is because there is nothing else to get in the way.  I am out of my normal environment, my usual routine.  Nothing is clamoring for my attention: no commitments, appointments, or general household chores.  I am free to do what I want, when I want.  But there is more to it than that.  There is a fizz and excitement within me that is quietly bubbling up from my heart like magma from the inner core of a volcano. 

However, I must also acknowledge, that just like returning to exercise, I struggle to return to my writing.  The weather back home in Florida over the last two weeks has steadily been improving.  I have been able to enjoy my quiet time on the lanai almost every morning.  I have been enticed out into the garden to begin springtime preparation, and several times have been able to wear shorts and tank tops.  But I have been slow to take the laptop out there, and I am well aware that I have made many excuses not to do so.  At least I have enough honesty with myself not to declare “reasons”.

So, back to the “bubbling excitement”.  And why am I here in Bellevue?  Those of you who follow my postings (and a huge apology here for such a prolonged silence), all know that my husband Richard is a techie-geeky type.  Well he has been invited by Microsoft, as one of their Most Valued Professionals (MVP), to attend their annual MVP Summit.  (He’s like a kid in a toy shop at the moment as he soaks up the techie-geeky air and worships at the Microsoft shrine.)  Well, he invited me to accompany him, and as he had plenty of frequent-flyer miles to cover the air fare and as I had never visited this part of the USA before, I said what the heck.

But it was more than the fact that I had never visited this part of the States before that had me saying yes.  Coming to Bellevue put me within striking distance of a very dear old friend who I have not seen in twenty five years.  George and I met at the same time as I met Richard and within the same Naples Little Theater group.  In fact, George directed me in my very first play with that group, “Goodbye Charlie”.  That was back in 1983.  George left Naples, Italy in either late 1985 or early 1986, and we haven’t seen each other since then!!!!!!!  I love George very much and he’s also Godfather to our daughter Melissa, and in just an hour or so I get to hug him and plant a big sloppy wet one on him.

So forgive me if I’m a little excited and somewhat nervous.  But, oh what joy that this is the cataclysm that is unleashing the reticent Muse!!