To Travel or Not to Travel— That is the Question.

“Many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased.”

~John Steinbeck

Spring Break this year consisted of not venturing much farther than our BFF gardens. I blocked off several days on our calendar and began the process of grounding myself in our gardens. Digging out from To Do Lists & distractions, my intensions this year was to weed, prune, weed, plant, weed, spread compost and connect with all of my friends in the garden.

I am reminded of Spring Breaks from the past with a school age family. I would pack up kids, dogs, food & toys and head to the coast. Connecting with friends during the week & joined by Mark on the weekend. Endless hours digging in the sand, visits to the arcade & Mario Bros.

“Wherever you go,

go with all your heart.”

~Confucius

Last April, I planned a trip to NYC for Mark & I. Heartfelt choices of museums, Central Park, plays, restaurants, walking & exploring. Sitting in Studio 54 for “Pictures From Home”. Happening upon a  French bakery with the most amazing gf cream puffs & Happy Hour at The Plaza were memorable life moments.

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.”

~Martin Buber

The Dutch are my people—not really. But Mark’s & my trip to the Netherlands several springs ago showed me the secret of how gardeners are connected. I explored Amsterdam on my own during the day—museums, shops, photographing architecture. Finding the most quaint neighborhood restaurant where the owner popped in a gluten free cake for our desert. There is no secret for this country’s love of flowers with a flower stand on every corner.

As we caught the train to Leiden, the fields of tulips & daffodils created a mosaic out the window. Our destination was The Keukenhof Garden. My version of Disneyland— tears filled my eyes as we walked through the gate. The seeds of growth came as we explored Des Hague, watched as a young couple married in a historic church, met the most wonderful inn keeper & visited their lush weekly Farmer’s Market, remarking we must come to stay again.

“Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.”

~Matsuo Basho

To travel or not to travel. Some springs are meant for exploring-others are for connecting with your home. Both equally important to our growth.