Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
This year has reminded everybody that it isn’t necessary to pack on the miles to go to interesting places. Yes, I love to travel, and look forward to heading out again once the planet and its occupants have managed the virus.
As summer receded, and the sun on the deck for time with friends backed away from the cocktail hour, and warm layers were increasingly warranted, it occurred to me that we—my circle of friends, all of whom are very COVID-careful—would need a safe gathering place on into the grey tunnel of winter. What better thing, I thought, than a fire circle?
I walked my property and found an area tucked behind a stand of tall bushes at the bottom of a small rise. It’s out of view from the house, but close enough to readily supply the space with items, as needed, from indoors.
October 31, 2020
November 9, 2020
A plan sprang to mind, and then into reality through the capable translation of my hand-drawn concept by my strong and creative friend, Ben and his helper, Eric. When one of my postponed trips was cancelled (sadly, because the ship’s captain died of COVID-19), the name of this new “room” at my house became “Galapagos.” Except for the wood crib and the bricks in the pit itself, there’s not a right angle in the place.
It’s P.E.R.F.E.C.T.
The friends joining me for the inaugural fire on 11/20/2020 were late, which turned out well because it gave me time to sit by the first fire alone and take in the vibe. The space felt abundantly inviting, comfortable, and peaceful. I believe it has a resounding future as a gathering place. Just then, the quarter-moon peeked out from behind its curtain of overcast to offer up its light as well.
Ben couldn't resist this rock -- a 960-pound beauty! Penny tells me it's called a "lucky rock."
At the second fire, three things happened. One of the embers rose up as a glowing likeness of a moray eel, beautiful, and evoking the ocean waters of the real Galapagos Islands. Later, a name for gatherings here came to me: they will herewith be known as “Fireside Chats.” And then, one of the fire-lit rocks revealed its almost human face. Dubbed The Silent Witness, it will forever hold the stories shared in this space.
There are other secrets at my Galapagos. You can hear about them here, when you can stop by. One involves St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, because there’s no end of places one can go when sitting by a fire.
The intervening months since I last boarded an airplane have been good in their own way. In the face of our very real and tragic planetary adversity, it’s important to notice and appreciate the upsides. On a personal level, my connection to my home and the canine co-occupant has deepened. Loads of lingering “Someday Isle” tasks have been done. I’m more ready for winter than ever. But this new room at my place? It’s the best thing that has happened all year, for a zillion reasons. And I enjoy sharing it, so....stop by sometime!
