Just because you have a thought does not mean you must commemorate it with a blog entry. To qualify for what amounts to world-wide distribution, I think one’s remarks ought to have at least some lasting value.

So, here am I after a month of no posts pondering, what exactly happened this month? At the surface, this seems like an exercise in de-cobwebbing the mind, best practiced inwardly, or perhaps on the pages of one’s private journal. But, wait — there might actually be something useful developing in these vaguely-formed thoughts to inspire someone else!

The last I remember, my husband and I were finishing up some exterior home repairs prior to having the old manse painted, reorganizing closets, and deep cleaning and making up the guest room for expected family company. Over on the biz side, I was winding up a couple of client projects and beginning a new one, feeling razor sharp, creative, and as if all was progressing smoothly on personal and professional fronts alike.

Here’s what happened beginning on August 14: housepainters arrived (for a stay of just over a week) same day as son, daughter-in-law and grandson (for a 5-day stay); mom arrived (same day as son and family left) for a 3-week stay; visit from another son and his wife (just a couple of days); youngest son decided he wished to “move into the dorms after all,” so I became an empty nester overnight (except for all the visitors); took a short 4-day roadtrip to visit yet another son with my mom in tow … then WHOOSH!

Today I woke up feeling like old Rip Van Winkle, wondering what the heck was going on, where have I been, and how did this house get so empty!?! And what happened to my daily routines? And is my business still solvent? And is my dog still speaking to me after all these weeks of not-too-many walks and way-too-many visits to the Doggie Dude Ranch?

Reflecting on it all I find these truths:

• As much as I love adventure and spontanaeity, I remember that we all crave routine and ritual.
• As much as I love my great big wonderful family, I remember that I am self-employed and have work to do.
• As much as I appreciate the profession I’ve chosen because of the flexibility it allows, it’s daily structure that keeps my mind sharp.
• And, for as many years as my house was filled with our children, I didn’t have to face the fact that without them here to keep me on my toes, my life might grow stagnant.

Beginning with today, this old empy house/nest/way station, whatever you want to call it, is handing me a huge opportunity to run with this next phase of life, shaping it into whatever I wish. Think I’ll carve out some new daily routines, and mix up the order a little. Well, after I wash the sheets and towels from the houseguests, page through a few catalogs that came while I was “otherwised engaged,” and drink just one more cup of coffee. Oh, yes, and get dressed.

In the meantime, hurry back Mom, Casey, Skyla, Aiden, Andrew, Brittany, Eamon, and Dillon. I love you all.