Resort Wear

I'm not sure at what point everyone was done with the "Po No Flo" vacation (probably once the "Po" waned), but it was clear that we were all ready to be home. And there is no place like home, of course.

On the way back, we stayed in Asheville, NC--one of my fav places. I love the blue-gray shades of the mountains that surround the city and the green of the trees and valleys. We visited the beautiful Grove Park Inn for breakfast on Independence Day--a nice treat. The views were spectacular. Any place that combines history and scenery (without too much commercialism) is tops in my book. Note to self: come back when Asheville is dressed in her autumn colors.

Surrounded by all that opulence, I couldn't get past the idea that I'll always be a visitor in surroundings like these. And that's okay. I kept seeing the face of this man who regularly attends the Bingo that I (begrudgingly) work once a month. I'd seen him just the week before, sitting in his usual spot. He is thin. Poor. He wears the same clothes. He has few teeth left. He doesn't surround himself with the food or good luck charms that some of the other attendees do, nor does he play the number of cards they do.

Last week, as I walked by him early in the evening, I noticed the remains of two peanut butter/chocolate kiss cookies on a napkin beside him. He'd eaten all around the chocolate kiss centers. "Saving those for later?" I joked as I passed by. He nodded yes, with great seriousness. Two hours later when I passed by again, I noticed the candy kisses were still there. He really was saving the best for last. Cherishing. Appreciating. Anticipating.

It reminded me that more isn't always better. In fact, it rarely is. Simplicity is divine. Less to worry about. It creates more room for spirituality. We just need to learn how to savor and appreciate that. Nothing like a trip away from home to sharpen your perspective ... and learn a little more about who you are.