Home » dverse » Getting There

Getting There

Posted on by

So way back on Monday, Merril hosted prosery Monday, where we have to write an exact 144 words of prose – not poetry – using a phrase chosen from a piece of poetry (isn’t that sneaky?) This time, Merril chose the following line from Jo Harjo’s “A Map to the Next World.”

“Crucial to finding the way is this: there is no beginning or end.”

Well now. I knew where I was going and then tripped and got busy on other stuff… Determined, I was, to do this baby so here I am! And yes, those who know me, know I am rather obsessed with Tuscany. What can I say? I felt I belonged in the three weeks I spent there!

Getting There

We bought the plane tickets. With cancellation insurance. Which we ended up needing. I knew it, dammit. The thing is, I know better. I know it in my gut that the Universe is always listening… Even when you don’t realise you are sending out the message, she is listening. Needless to say, the plans that were, were no longer. I never expected they’d be erased from the possibility of. Hell, it was no longer even spoken of. That idea had become a dream that I alone was dreaming.

Life is funny, you know. You think in linear terms until you realise what’s crucial to finding the way is this: there is no beginning or end. All the variations of the quote about not being about the destination but the journey are muddily clarified as you realise you did make it. All on your own.

89 thoughts on “Getting There”

  2. Q

    Life ain’t a cupcake party, that is for sure. And as such, there is no advanced warning when your recipe is going to lose its main ingredients and you’re going to be made to scramble around and figure how to make the dish from scratch. But you do, and you did, and you find that the dream is transcendent. It’s also bullet proof if you believe in it.

    So well done.

    B

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Excellent quote to work off of too! Jo Harjo is an amazing poet. She is a native Oklahoman to boot!

    Spun well, and you perfectly captured the quality of longing and acceptance. ~J

    Liked by 2 people

  4. You think you’ve started when there’s no beginning and then you stop and say “How did I get here?” but it’s never the end. Sometimes you actually leave, get there, do that, get back and say “what a good me and I?” Beautiful photos. That three person bench says it all. How often do you feel like the person in the middle seat fighting for the armrests?

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I’m so pleased you did get to this, Dale! Lovely. Yes, the best laid plans and all that, but life comes along. This made me think “dreams and variations,” so now I’m going to have to use that phrase. 😀 Yet, you did make it!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Lovely images and lovely writing, Dale. How wonderful that you felt you belonged – certain places have their way of wrapping themselves around you, for sure. Perhaps being alone brought you closer to Tuscany. It’s great to have the right travelling companion but dreams can be punctured by a “I need a beer – okay if I order two?” or “This place just isn’t doing it for me”. You know the type of thing 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, lovely Jilly. And I really did. I can’t believe I never felt lonely – which is surprising because I was never able to be so, once upon a time. And I think that going alone definitely played a part. I watched other couples disagreeing on what to visit, where to go next and smiled (internally, of course) knowing that I was going wherever the hell I wanted to next… So yes, I definitely know the type of thing! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Dear Dale,

    Brilliant the way you worked in the line. I remember when you went and sent back all your delicious photos. I suspect you’ll go again. 😉 Wonderful piece and great memories.

    Shalom and lotsa savory hugs,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Rochelle,

      Thank you, my friend. You know, I never go around to writing about my ten days alone, after the class. Even though it’s been five (what?) years, I think I will. If only to relive the memories and reignite the fire to return.

      Shalom and lotsa love, no matter what path you take!

      Dale

      Liked by 1 person

  16. We never know what the future will be like, but I don’t think the future knows that either. I think the future just turns into now and that’s where it stops as it slides into the past. LOL Hope you get to go somewhere soon.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Getting there, is whenever the time is right and often when we least expect it, though when hopes and dreams are dashed it does leave a rather dimmed edge to the adventure. Never say never is my motto and as life throws us so many winding curves we endeavour to iron out those instances and just make things happen. I love your photographs, they not only enhance your posting, but they give one an insight into your love of Tuscany.

    Andro

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Lovely photos of Tuscany. Wonderful way to run with Merril’s quote. Who knew the cancellation insurance came in handy. I agree, sometimes the Universe has a way of telling you something and you just got to go along with it – and it’ always meant to be that way 🙂 Hope you get to travel again soon 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, Mabel. I was pretty sure it would come in handy, unfortunately. But hey, it was not meant to be in that way. I was meant to go it alone and do it the way that worked for me, I guess. I hope so too!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. …. and so you prove my Dale Thunder theory once again.
    AWB – “Pick Up the Pieces” – the soundtrack, as I read.
    On your own is similar to my way… not exact, but similar.
    I got Ol’ Blue Eyes singing “My Way” in my head, as I head out of the theatre.
    xo

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.