Scandinave

 #1 - After not getting a professional massage for a decade, I decided to make that a part of this year. Could I could find someone that not only has the skills, but the loving energy that the Franciscan sister emanated when she'd give a massage at a local retreat center?  So far I've kind of shrugged my shoulders. I've enjoyed them, but haven't really thought the people I've tried I'd return to.

Then today, I changed my mind!  However the person who gave my massage is definitely not local.

#2 - There is a little woods with a short path just across the street from where I'm staying.  Tonight I was back on the computer preparing to go home and the woods told me to stop and come see them.

I listened.

#3 - I told my friend before I left on this trip that it felt like a honeymoon trip, though I'd be going alone (this is not the first time I've thought this). However there wasn't a single moment on this trip that I wished I had someone traveling with me.  

 I'm also super grateful to have people I love to return to.  If my life were here, knowing no one, that happiness would quickly turn to immense sadness.

#4 - I went back to a spa today, where the idea is 10-15 minutes hot, 5-20 seconds cold, 15 minutes relax in a hammock etc.  I wasn't sure when I tried it last week if I'd be able to do the hot/cold.  It never appealed to me.  To my surprise it was both easy and I loved it.  In part because the hot spaces were spacious and had windows (the setting was magnificent), and the cold was only 54 F/12 C, so not like a frozen lake. I think the snow fed lakes I briefly swam in the last couple summers prepared me for that. 

Anyway, it was the perfect way to spend my last day here and to absorb my trip.

#5 - When I went to the spa last week I didn't know what I was doing. It was fun to return today, confident and jump right into the rhythm.