Category Archives: Capturing Thoughts

Limin’ and Loosening

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On Vacation!

On Vacation!

A few weeks ago, after several nights with racing, chattering dreams, like mice running around in the attic, I threw clothes in a suitcase and gave a very tearful goodbye to my honey and son. I left DC with shoulders hunched around my ears against the cold, and muscles tight and achy from stress and lack of sleep.

I flew to Miami to meet up with Emmie Chase, my best friend from childhood, to celebrate our 40th birthdays together for a week; a trip we planned many years ago. We were so happy to see each other, but were exhausted, too, and ambled around South Beach, ate dinner, and slowly began to acclimate to this idea of a vacation. We kept asking each other with tired smiles, “Is this really real? We’ll be on an island tomorrow?”

After a long, winding, and scenic ride with our proud, chatty taxi driver, we arrived at Cap Maison Hotel in St. Lucia, which was luscious and beautiful. It was just the vacation we needed, with lots of rest, fresh air, and laughter to loosen our minds and muscles. Locals taught us that hanging out and relaxing is referred to as “limin’,” which we did well.

Some favorite moments:
Connecting with nature and being outdoors (without a winter coat)!  A kaleidoscope of colors at sunset and sunrise; a buttery, beaming moon in the evenings; sparkling stars; tree frogs singing; hummingbirds with shimmery, emerald feathers; flamboyant tropical flowers; and lolling waves. And evening video chats to catch up with our husbands and kids, so we didn’t feel so far away from them.

Delicious fruit, baked breads, brightly colored salads, and fresh seafood. Sweeping views of mountains rising out of the sea, boat rides, produce and craft markets, exploring the botanical gardens, the Spa, naps, and dishing (not dishes)! Afternoon rains called “liquid sunshine,” and a local festival and art gallery visit.

What a fun and restorative journey! Where will we go in ten years to ring in the next decade?

Soul Food

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The Groundhog was Wrong.

Late last week, with hopeful signs of Spring, I swept the deck, and put out the patio furniture and umbrella, anticipating warmer weather and sunny days. Alas, it was a bit too early, as there are inches of snow on the ground this morning. Cold weather makes me pine for hearty soups and stews.

Makes me grateful for internal warming with great friends and good food.  A Moroccan meal with friends in their inviting home recently has a special place in my heart, conjuring up memories of travel to Marrakesh a few years ago when I lived in London. Fragrant spice markets and the aromas of roasting tagine dishes were a feast for the senses.

Wishing you warming thoughts and soul-nourishing food on a wintry day. – Tracy

Foreign Correspondence Unearthed

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On the front steps was a FedEx package, thin and rigid. The return address was not immediately familiar.  Who is this from?

Savoring the mystery, I opened the package slowly and carefully. An envelope stamped with my name was inside, friendly and inviting. Written with an old typewriter, a woman named Susan explained in her letter how she came across a correspondence exchange between our mothers, written in the 1950’s.

And what a treasure trove of history. A story of supportive, strong women sharing their life journeys.  Living abroad in Italy.  What dresses should they take in their steamer trunks? The excitement and challenges of becoming new brides, ordering pink kitchens, cooking mishaps, and transitioning into motherhood. Keeping house and keeping up appearances. What insight into a different era!  And what a special gift, these gorgeous letters with Mama’s handwriting, capturing her thoughts as a young woman.

IMG_2808I cringe when I hear they may no longer teach handwriting in schools. As a lover of letters, stamps, paper, and pen, it saddens me to think of letters like these becoming an art of the past. Call me old-fashioned, but re-reading emails just doesn’t have the same effect, does it?