There’s no place like home
"There's no place like home. There's no place like home," said Dorothy (Judy Garland) in the famous Wizard of Oz movie. A young lady named Dorothy seeks her heart's desires in the land of Oz only to find that that the only reason the "emerald city" was green and full of promise was because all of its citizens were required to wear green-tinted glasses – kind of like seeing things through "rose-colored" glasses. When Dorothy realizes her dream is a mirage, she wants nothing less than to return home.
Interestingly the little girl from Kansas learned that she always possessed the power to get home on her own. All she needed to do was click the heels of her silver (In the original story, the slippers were not ruby but silver. The slippers were made bright red when technicolor filming became possible, and the bright red shoes contrasted the Yellow Brick Road more than silver) and she would return to a secure place and people she loved.
After thirteen days, I am once again sitting in my writing chair, gazing upon my lovely living and dining room. The photographs and artwork are familiar friends, as are the PRS McCarty guitar, Fender Blues Jr. amp, Helix processor, and pile of books on my reading table. My grass is now brilliant green, reminiscent of one of my favorite places, Ireland, and the flowers and trees are in bloom. There's no place like home!
I love to travel! So far this year, I've been to Florida, Montana, and Hilton Head Island, and I will visit New York City later this week. Then off to Cincinnati and ultimately Europe, followed by the Colorado Rockies this summer. Other 2023 journeys are yet to be determined. I love to explore places new and old and to meet the plethora of delightful people living in every corner of the world.
However, home sure feels nice! When traveling, it only takes a few weeks before I long to click my heels and head towards Shetland Court and one of my favorite places on planet Earth, my reading/writing chair in the living room. Only God knows how many thousands of hours I've spent in this location chatting with the Almighty about the mysteries of the Universe, reading books that take me to faraway places, and jotting down my musings.
Like Dorothy, we sometimes spend our lives dreaming of an "Oz" somewhere beyond the walls of our own homes. It seems that the grass is greener on the other side of the hill, so our eyes are not focused on where we are. Sometimes in our lives, "home" may not be so pleasant, and the situation is beyond our control. However, there are other times when, like Dorothy, we possess the keys to open the door to a better life but never realize it. An old Eagles song put it nicely. "So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key." (The Eagles – Already Gone)
Though everyone's definition of the perfect home is different, there are a few "keys" of a home you'd like to embrace as a place of peace and joy. And you probably have some control over these qualities.
· Home is a place of comfort. I've slept in hundreds of beds but none so comfortable as my own old mattress with the four-inch foam top. It even smells like me, which probably only I could embrace! What makes you comfortable? Create and enjoy it.
· Home is a place of security. What makes you feel secure? Often it is familiar faces and places. Sometimes folks ask me if I plan to move away since my children have all migrated from my area. Nope. I can go be with them whenever I like, but my close friends and some of my favorite places are in the Harrisburg area. Perhaps someday, I will desire a new location, but not today. I have the gift of feeling secure nearly everywhere I travel, but none so easy as Mechanicsburg.
· Home is a place of fond memories. My walls and tabletops are covered with objects, art, and photos that constantly remind me of the fabrics that form the mosaic of my present life. I want these images before me daily. I don't live in those past locations, but I am thankful they are part of my story.
· Home is a place of laughter. I've done more stupid, funny stuff on this plot of ground than you can imagine, and it is hilarious. Dance parties, dumb jokes, St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Groundhog Day, Birthdays, and many more. A few years ago, I even enjoyed a tax-day party with a couple of old friends, and we laughed all evening after finishing my taxes. A home that is filled with laughter is a pleasant place.
· Home is a place of meditation. Make a location in your home sacred. This is the altar where you meet your Maker regularly. You will never regret making a time and place for this activity.
· Home is a place of training. As I write, my adult daughters have texted and called. Each one shares a new facet of their journey presently taking place. One seeks a new financial venture; another wisely navigates a teen's first dating interest. Still, another travels the country, enjoying a demanding job while working in time for her ole dad. I see a bit of their mother in each of them. Kids don't so much hear what you say; they watch what you do. Is what you do consistent with what you say? Meanwhile, my Father is still trying to help me get my act together.
· Home is a place where you can run around in your underwear. Okay, that is revolting to some of you, and your children don't even want to see that. But I hope you get my point. My hair is not done, my belly is too big, I'm behind schedule, I love this stupid show, those BBQ chips taste awesome, pour me another glass of wine, etc. This is me! Get over it!
There's no place like home.
Live Inspired!
Don Mark
P.S.
There are several new Mother’s Day items in the Live Inspired store. Check them out at www.donmarkhamilton.com/store.
My book was accepted for print last week by the first publisher. Woot! Woot! I have been approached by three others whom I hope to contact this coming week. Thanks for your prayers.
