It has been quite some time since I paid a visit to my blog.
I came and took a peek last night ... and then today I could feel the pull - enticing me back and making me 'itch'.
'Come on', it called, luring me for all it was worth. This has gone on all day, and funnily enough, when I decided this afternoon to sit down and write something, the blog site was down and prevented me from doing what I felt compelled to do. Isn't that always the way?
So why did I take a little vacation?
I needed to have a break ... because life, as it does sometimes, took greater priority.
Back in September this year, my beautiful daughter Kimmy decided it was time to fly the coop. She is our middle child and had been showing signs of being unsettled in the early part of this year. She had an 'itch' - 'itchy feet' (a little similar to the itch I get when I don't write). My way of dealing with 'writers' itch' is to journal everyday. I do this religiously.
Kimmy's way of dealing with her 'itch' was to book a ticket to the UK ... and not for a holiday, mind you. She decided that it might be nice to join the hoards of other young adults who make the pilgrimage to the 'mother' country and get a job and stay for a while. I, myself, would have preferred her to take a lovely holiday, but, she had other ideas. Who can argue? If you feel the urge, then it is only right to weigh up the situation, make a decision and go. So, with that said, off she went.
In the meantime, mum was left with all sorts of mixed emotions that come with 'empty-nesters' syndrome, didn't she?
I must admit, Skype has helped majorly. I don't know how mothers coped in the old days.
Kimmy's been gone for six weeks now and life has taken on a different sort of routine.
Oh, how is Kimmy going you may be asking?
She is lovin' it. She found a great church. Daily, she is making new friends, shares an apartment with two young adventurers from Brazil and another, from London. She's found a great job which she enjoys attending everyday. She has access to all the dance classes she could have imagined, has a great Christmas holiday planned for a trip of twenty days to a 'Game Park' in South Africa, catching up with 'besties', and is simply enjoying this time in her life. I am excited for her...I miss her, but in a 'good and healthy' way.
Then yesterday, my eldest daughter, Jossy jetted off to Japan with her lovely boyfriend, Chris. They are spending almost four weeks over there and have mapped out lots of sights to see and adventures to experience. One of the highlights they have organised is to stay two nights with the 'snow monkeys' in the mountains at a resort. How exciting...I am very happy for my girls. They are living a blessed life.
Back at home, I'm the 'lucky' one I guess. Lucky I love animals...I have gone from taking care of a rainbow lorikeet to helping to look after Kimmy's cat, Oliver, two old English sheepdogs, Mitzi and Jelly Beans, and two Lipizzaner horses, Dutchy and Obie...not that this is a problem...it just seems comical to me...I try to see the 'funny side' of life...and this is one of those times. The girls and my husband Ian (who lately works away from home during the week, whilst on a project), seem to have been replaced by a tribe of animals to keep me busy. I must make a mental note: Do Not Turn into Crazy Animal Lady!
Oh well, it's only for a short time and then, hopefully, everything will return to 'normal'.
My darling Kimmy has 'promised' she will be back ... one day...and Joss...well I know I only have a short wait till she returns...
They have both told me ... 'I'm coming back to you, mumma'. So, in the meantime...I'll be waiting.
