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Sanctuary
August 15th, 2009 | Jeff Zutant
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It's an amazing time for me. A twist of fate has landed me here, and I find myself nestled in Northern California. It's a sanctuary. We are staying with Aunt Maggie (she's a friends aunt, but we are claiming her as "ours") until the Jeep is fixed, which could still take some time.
It's not a bad thing because it offers me a chance to find the rhythm of this place. The aromas that fill your head are intoxicating. Now, most of that has to do with Maggie's flowers, but once you mix in a touch of salt air and a hint of that famous northern California mist, you've found something that you will always remember.
Obviously, I am in self-exploration mode out here and little bits and pieces are coming back to me. The wonderment of my inner child has been renewed and for the first time in years, I feel clean. There are still many things that I need to work on, but I think I can settle in and live the life I want. The little things will fall into place.
Everyone around here is affected by this place and its sense of calm. It shows in the smiles and greetings here. Being in sales for the past eight years has shaped me into a talker as opposed to a listener. Now, I'm listening again, to stories, to the waves, to the wildlife. As hospitable as Maggie is, at some point we will have to leave and carry on with our journey, but this place and these people have touched me. They've shown me you can have balance. And with that, comes clarity.
It's a nice feeling that won't last unless I work at it and I think now, I just might. For now, I think I will do a little reading, a nice nap and just breath it all in for as long as I can.
A few days later, Jeff wrote this update about the Jeep.
The Jeep is still in the shop. ("And probably will be for life." Thanks Mr. Joel.) We are still here at Aunt Maggie's and her hospitality has been unparalleled. But there is a point we are approaching rapidly where we need to move on. We are down to two options: Rent a car and explore Northern California until the Jeep is ready, or Maggie has offered us her 1984 Toyota 3/4-ton pick-up. After 3 hours of trying, we just got it running. (Well, three of the four cylinders, we think.)
The monetary cost is not the point here. Of course, I don't want to spend the money if I don't have to. And the cost of the rental car should be reimbursed by the warranty company. But the sense of adventure with the Toyota is something special. I have a feeling another poor decision is about to be made. We could be stranded three hours from here, where we don't know anyone, but that's kinda the point, right? We have another 40 minutes until we need to make a choice. The clock is ticking.. just like the Toyota's engine.
Related Topics: California, Jeeps, Mendocino, Toyota
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Jeff Zutant | Comments Off
Sanctuary
(via Facebook, MySpace, Digg, email and more)
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