Friday, March 15, 2013

A Tale of Albion

“Let the rich life run to the roots again.” —Robinson Jeffers

Monday, I am leaving for London, where I will be living for two months.

Can I say that it’s kind of a big deal?

You may remember about my job lay-off. Well, back in August, Lee floated an idea: How about if I stuck it out at the job until “severed” and then took advantage of the payout and job-free status to live overseas for a while on my own?

This man knows me. He presented this idea like a luscious slice of mocha cake perched on a periwinkle blue plate. He wanted to light me up. Because he loves me, and that means he knows what I love, and one of the things I love is exploring European places, which I have spent far too little time doing.
I think I may have just blinked at him silently for a solid minute. It took me several hours to wrap my mind around the possibilities, and a little longer to make it okay with myself. Could I really say yes?

Would it be selfish? Would it be irresponsible? Would it be stupid?

Mulling it over, I realized those questions were mostly a manifestation of fear, brought on by just the thought of going outside my comfort zone.

But if I ask myself better questions—such as, will this help me grow? Does the prospect fill me with joy and a sense of possibility? Does it feel expansive, like what wants to happen right now, does it feel like "everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes"?—yep. Yes, it most certainly does.

I’m going to London to encounter what’s there, to experience whatever I will experience, to be open and present to what’s coming at me. I’m especially excited by the prospect of going to the V&A Museum, devoted to design and the decorative arts, walking over a carpet of English bluebells, and hearing live trad music in one of those pubs where Londoners have been quaffing ale since before there was even the idea of a United States of America.

But I’m fully aware that until it happens, I won’t really know what it is I’ve been most looking forward to—and THAT’S what I’m most looking forward to.

Once I get settled next week into the studio flat I’m subletting, I’ll be back here with stories and photos. Please keep me company on my wanderings! A girl might get a little lonely, even in the midst of a grand adventure, even with Skype.

(And if there are places or things you love that you wish to recommend that I explore in England, I will be glad to have them. Feel free to post below.)



10 comments:

  1. Bon voyage, Carmine! Sending carpetbags full of love and good wishes as you set out on your adventure ~ will be with you in spirit.

    My suggestions are to pay a visit to the ravens at the Tower of London and to search for a wise old tree in a magical forest.

    Love + teapots,
    Annie

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    1. Most excellent suggestions! Visiting at least one magical forest is on the wish list, and meeting ravens would be a special treat. You will definitely be there with me, GF.

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  2. Wow, I thought I was the only one who leaves her husband for extended periods of time and great distance. I can't give you any suggestions on where to visit, but just to enjoy the experiance. Time and distance does make the heart grow fonder. Personal experiance, Thank you very much, Your Cousin, Gail

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    1. Gail, what a lovely surprise to see you here! No, you are not alone, must be part of our adventurous Slovakian background. :) Seriously, maybe you've found this, too: every time one of us goes off to pursue a dream with the support of our partner, we bring that enrichment and excitement and growth back to the relationship. Best of both worlds.

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  3. Carmine! This is AMAZING. I am so excited for you and very proud that you are going on this grand adventure! Excited to follow you when I can with limited internet :) Praying for you, too!

    Xo,
    Jess

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    1. Jess, I was totally inspired by your World Race adventure to think big, so I thank you for opening that door to the possibilities! I admire so much what you are doing as a force for love in this world and I love reading about your journey. Blessings!

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  4. I wish you goodness and blessings and adventure and magic! Your husband sounds like a wonderful and caring person. This is such a beautiful opportunity and I, too, am excited to visit you and see what amazing tales you encounter.

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    1. Thank you, Raquel, I am honored that you will be following along! I will do my best to pass along the magic I encounter along the way, and I look forward to reading about your upcoming transition and New York adventures. Wishing you safe journeys....

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  5. Good for you cousin! I am thrilled for you and envious as well. I will be keeping tabs on your journey!!

    Roman

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    1. Thank you, cousin! I love reading about your visits to the Fraulini homeland, too.

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