Sitting in my den with the window open a crack to let fresh air in, I hear an owl hooting. There have been reports (on Facebook) of owls in the neighbourhood, and my neighbour was convinced last summer that an owl ate an injured sparrow, but I have not heard nor seen one until today. It’s still dark out so I won’t even try to find it…I’ll just listen. “hoo-hoo – hoo – hoo, hoo-hoo – hoo – hoooooo”
Yesterday the realtor stopped by to look at the house and give me some advice. Since returning home a week ago I have been cleaning and tidying and sorting. The final room that requires serious attention is my den. It’s the room where everything that has no place goes until a place is found. After 10 years here, some things have yet to find a place. The shelves are filled with books and music; music that is too valuable to throw out but probably no longer useful to me or anyone else. Books that I am saving for that special day when I have nothing else to do but slow down enough to open a book.
There are framed photos of various family members, framed needlework that my mother did years ago, framed artwork from children and students, souvenirs of travels, trophies, CDs that haven’t come out of their cases since moving here, and junk.
My home won’t be listed for at least another week, after the cleaning is completed and the photographer takes the photos. I have one more week to not be concerned about next steps. Then I’ll start spinning….
“If you’re feeling frightened about what comes next, don’t be. Embrace the uncertainty. Allow it to lead you places. Be brave as it challenges you to exercise both your heart and your mind as you create your own path toward happiness; don’t waste time with regret. Spin wildly into your next action. Enjoy the present, each moment, as it comes, because you’ll never get another one quite like it. And if you should ever look up and find yourself lost, simply take a breath and start over. Retrace your steps and go back to the purest place in your heart…where your hope lives. You’ll find your way again.”
— Everwood
Reflections 