Can you see the
sparkle in her soul? I can…. unending
curiosity, determination, and comical happiness. I
could go on and on about her! I Love
her. No apologies. There
is not a moment- even when she is being the independent free spirited Ridgeback
that she is - that I don’t just marvel at
how fast she is becoming my best friend.
Now, let me preface that with the fact that I have had and still have
some very dear friends – and I adore my children and husband. But there is something about the
unconditional love from your pet that transcends all prejudice and judgment. It is just pure love. This blog could be just about Bella, but there
is another dimension that I would like to share.
Can you see the
sparkle in her soul? You
may think you see her face over a mountain or peeking out of a forest. The spirit
of your sense of place can be elusive.
But oh when you find her – you will definitely know!!
I have not
really touched a lot on this subject yet, because I have so much to say about
my beloved Ridgeback Bella, but always in the back of my mind, I dream about
how wonderful it would be to be doing __________ (insert the activity here) in Vermont. Living in both the Northeast, South &
Midwest has afforded me the opportunity to be part of communities that are as
diverse as they are alike. Each location
has had its natural beauty, incredibly kind individuals and more than enough
opportunities if you were willing to go for it.
The time spent in each place is loaded with treasured
memories for all of my family. Each one has
their personal best location as well as the not so great from the list. Undeniably each
and every home has been part of the destiny and fabric of our lives.
While living and
staying in any one of these locations would have been perfectly suitable and
for many these places are their forever. What about those who are still
looking - still restless, disconnected - but just can’t understand why – it
could be that you have not found your sense
of place.
I only visited Vermont as a child, then again
as a young adult, more interested in skiing and having a party then
understanding the resonating pulse of the community. Growing up in the Northeast - up in the sticks as it was called, did
lend me to develop certain affinities to a lot of the core attributes of what
makes Vermont so special. It was only
after coming back to Vermont years later with my family for a vacation did I
understand and recognize. It was the
feel of the sun on my face, the smell of the rain, the color of the sky in the
morning and the rhythm of the woods. It
was like a bull horn screaming into my soul….look around….look at the eyes of
the people who live here. They were not
desperate eyes searching.... they were content, albeit tired from a long day of
work, but content. Confident they had
already found their sense of place. Passed down for generations……they understood
– and while doggedly protective of their heritage, so genuinely happy to share
their bounty with those who would appreciate and understand.
You cannot force
a sense of place – you can create
comfort and security, but a true sense
of place will have to find you. When she does, she will fill you with spirit and joy, wonderment and enthusiasm. Allows you childlike freedom of pure happiness
and gives you the sustenance to go on through difficult times. The
ability to truly feel connected - a deep sense of belonging, my sense of place - Vermont.
Have you
found yours?
