Love for Home

When you get off the plane to a vacation spot everything is magnified.  The colors, sounds, smells, and people all look so magnificent.  I especially love going to Hawaii.  The minute I step off the plane the air is warm and moist, the colors all seem brighter, and I can smell the flowers while walking down the outdoor corridor of the airport.  The people are all so friendly and smiling.  Everyone drives slower thus making me notice all the small things.  Maybe its the fact that I am on vacation, my watch doesn't mean anything to me and I can do whatever pleases me.  And it pleases me to enjoy the sights.  Even when I walk into the local Foodtown I notice the birds chirping.  Why is it that every place seems better than my own home?

I am lucky to have all my kids and their spouses home for a few weeks.  As I was planning for their arrival I started meal planning and picking all the hot spots to visit while they are here.  Funny, when you are trying to show off your home town all the places you take for granted all of a sudden become so important.  Today I took some time looking at all the mundane places I go everyday through the eyes of a visitor.

This morning I left for work at 6:30 am.  As I drove out of my neighborhood and headed east the sun was just peaking out over the mountain top.  This sunrise was nothing special because I see it almost every Friday.  The difference today was that I noticed it.  Really noticed it, like I notice the sunrise on vacation in Hawaii.   It was fascinating.  Sun rays blaring through the sky above the mountaintops. Looked like it was on fire with light.   This amazing view should be noticed by me more often.  I really should have taken the time to take a picture.

Harris and Jaden arrived home from Hawaii and the first thing they did was take in a deep breath and say "ahhh smells like America!"  Now I ask you, what exactly does America smell like?  In my home I smell a mixture of lingering scented candles, Downy and Febreze plug ins with a little undertone of dog and cat and sweaty boys.  Usually I don't notice this smell and often times wonder if my house smells funky to strangers.  But this smell is home to me.  I stuck my nose in a candle today to see if it still smells.  I think I am just used to the smell now because it didn't smell very strong.  I've decided this smell makes me happy.

I went to the grocery store across the street from my home today.  The birds that were housed in the overhang of the store were chirping so loud.  I don't think I have ever noticed this before.  But today I thought...  "Geez just like in Hawaii!" When I checked out the cashier was so friendly I felt like tipping her.  Is that inappropriate?  I actually knew a few of the bag boys and had a little conversation with them before I left.  I don't think I have ever stopped to think how lucky I am to have a nice local store within walking distance of my home with friendly people that I've know for years. 

Simi arrived home tonight after being away on a basketball tournament for a week.  I hopped in the car rolled the windows down put on my sunglasses and turned up the stereo.  I was in Simon's car so the Polynesian music with a hint of reggae was drumming out of the speakers.  I drove up to the high school with the warm air, music and beautiful mountains in my view.  My heart leaped a little, just like it does when I am on vacation.  I didn't have a care in the world, the sun was shinning the music was loud the view was breathtaking and the air smelled good!

My lawn is green with a row of weeds down one side that I can't seem to get rid of.  The enormous tree in my front yard needs to be trimmed and my flower beds are sparse.  My driveway is cracked and falling apart.  But everything is green and lush and it smells like home.  This evening I sat on my back porch and enjoyed the warm breeze and the sun shinning on my face.  I learned a great lesson today by opening up my heart and mind to my surroundings.With gratitude I thanked the Lord for the beautiful place I live in and the people I am surrounded by to enjoy it with.  I am truly blessed.

Have a lovely weekend peeps!