Well, it’s a great day so far. I didn’t make bread yesterday, so the first thing I did this morning was start a batch, let it rise while I was on my walk, and it’s now in pans rising for another few minutes before I put it in the oven. It’s been cooler so I don’t think I’ll create an oven in my whole house. I just love the smell of bread baking.
What an opportunity I have been given. When I left my life and business at the beginning of 2004 I had no clue I would wind up here in paradise, searching for a new place in a new world, trying to settle back into myself after the challenges of the past four years. Finishing college was difficult and wonderful and worth it. As a “mature student” (read: oldest person in the class, including professors), I was able to focus on learning and not on exploring myself. You're never too old for education. Really. Even though I cried the whole first week of classes, I got over myself, worked my buns off (I wish) and graduated. But I am not just a college graduate, I learned a lot. I loved the integrated teaching approach at The Evergreen State College; with writing, chemistry, math, anthropology, biology, anatomy and physiology, and critical thinking all intertwined in such a way that together it made so much more sense than taking each of those classes separately. Like I said, college was a good choice.
And now, here I am in paradise, trying to figure out if going backwards is going forward. (Is there a bit of irony in my situation…I wasn’t filled with searching angst while at college, but as a senior citizen I’m wondering what I want to be when I grow up…what is wrong with this picture?) Because I haven’t been able to find a “real” job, should I go back to my previous career, creating a new business here? Should I continue to take temp jobs and submit applications (assuming I don’t get the job I’ve most recently applied for, which I hope I do, but who knows?). I’m not content to just sit on my rear and wait for the world to present me with the perfect opportunity. But where to look, where to look?
Sometimes I forget that one of the things I need to do is write. I have the draft sitting on my computer, been rolling the story around in my head for several months, have the middle ready to put on paper (or on the screen), and have the time to dedicate to it right now. Ok.
There are so many choices, aren’t there? Why do I piss and moan when I have options and opportunities right here in front of me. I’m healthy. I’m smart. I’m blessed. I live in paradise. What better place to start doing what needs to be done. And nothing is exclusive of the other thing. I can write, start a business, submit applications, and wander the roads and orchards around my home being touched by the beauty and bounty of the goodness of the Lord.
Mountains to move, rivers to cross, and bread to take out of the oven. Gotta go.
