Sunday, September 24, 2006

Changing Rooms

A Room Somewhere was closed for the last few weeks because my real-world, physical space moved. I’m writing this from a new room in a new town, though my virtual Room will remain comfortably the same, at least for now.

I managed to sneak in a vacation with a dear friend in September. I went to school in Indiana, and I came to love the Midwest while I was there. I had not been back since graduation (literally decades ago), and it was wonderful to see the heartland again.

The waves of grain were just beginning to turn amber while I was there. It was beautiful to see the moon hanging low in the sky over acres and acres of corn and soy; what a welcome sight to someone who can’t see the horizon at home because she lives in such a highly developed area. And the stars! The stars are bright and sparkling and abundant, with no light pollution to obstruct your view of them.

You all know how I like a quiet place. This visit with my friend fed my heart and soul in ways I can’t describe. I took long walks each day (sometimes more than once in a given day) along a country lane. The fresh air and exercise made me hungry as a big bear, and the home-cooked meals were filling and satisfying. It really was a perfect little idyll for me in the midst of a tempest.

I love being close to the ocean, but the East Coast is such a frenetic place to live anymore that I think I could leave the ocean for the farmlands. I’m sure the years from now to retirement will take me down many unexpected paths, but I think I may have found my heart’s desire along the country roads of the US Midwest.

12 comments:

Joe Tornatore said...

my brother lives in evansville, indiana. hope you find peace and quiet in your new digs.

Pax Romano said...

Lies, all lies!!!

I know where you really were...Buffalo, New Haven, and a dozen other stops with the new show.

Come on, don't be shy, Broadway's next!

missmagnoliathunderpussy said...

Darling, don't listen to that drunken slattern, as usual, she's over medicated and having delusions of sanity.

All the best in your new home, if you can do it, more power to you, personally, the country gives me gas, I'm way to urban for my own good.

I'm picturing you as Lisa Douglas on "Green Acres", bringing glamor to the "Sticks".

Merci said...

Joe, Pax and Miss Magnolia-
Well, I'm not there yet! I have a few more years to go. I'm still close to all of the action right now.

Zelda Parker said...

Whereever you find peace, that's the place to be.
zelda

Zelda Parker said...

Whereever you find peace, that's the place to be.
zelda

Merci said...

Zelda-
Amen.

Virginia Gal said...

Merci - not sure what the crisis is, but this vacation sounds lovely. I'm glad it was good for you.

Merci said...

Virginia Gal-
Thank you! It was just what I needed.

email me sometime at:

hotdachs@hotmail.com

Frank said...

Ah...a vacation and a rest...always good.

Funny what you say about the midwest...it's different. I grewe up in Chicago, and went to school at Illinois (then grad school at USC, but that's diff). I still like the midwest, but the pace is definitely different. I think I'm now East Coast Ruined, meaning I can't go back. But, as some of your readers have commented, home is where the peace is.

Hope all's good with you.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back!!! Glad you had a relaxing trip.

Merci said...

Frank-
My college friends made fun of me because I walked and talked so fast. Everyone knew I was from the East Coast right away, without asking. They were all puzzled because I didn't have a NY accent. I tried to explain the SE Pa/Philly connection, but they still expected everyone in NJ to sound like a NY'er.

Slowing down is a wonderful thing sometimes. All's pretty good with me, and getting better!

joey b-
HELLO! You are so missed! Hope the other office is treating you well.