I've sat down to write this note several times. And each time, I stare off into the air, feel all the things I want to express, and then before I can continue, I remember something I needed to finish, and off I go in that direction.
Right now I am laying on my couch – the one I'm leaving behind – because today the movers came and got all the necessities loaded into the truck. I both ecstatic and exhausted. Tuesday, the shipping company will come and drive the truck across the country and hold my belongings in storage in Portland until I am ready for them.
Seeing that loaded truck this afternoon had me in tears. A dream, a plan, a deep hope materialized. And yet I still am trying hard to stay in the moment. Not to get too far ahead. Not to lock me into a motion that is no longer in alignment.
Since our slowdown in December, I have been trying to take things at a slower pace. Think of must staring into space and crocheting while watching TV. In the pause I realize how burnt out I am. And while I don't feel I am running away, I am happy to get away from the snow and the cold, to be closer to my daughter, and give myself a break.
I feel that I came to Vermont to allow the detritus of the last three years in particular to be shed in peace. I can tell by the number of boxes that are yet unfilled from the last move that I have let go not only of feeling but also of material goods. Plus I have the distinct feeling that there is a feeling of lightening the further west I get.
Friends have recommended two apps which track highway routes and their weather up to 7 days in advanced. I've been working with it and feel like this will give me great information to plan my journey. I will be deciding each evening where I will get the next day and will be making hotel reservations a day or two at a time.
Tomorrow I clean the house. Tuesday, the junk guy comes and relieves me of that trip. My realtor also comes to get everything finalized. My snow plow guy is willing to check the house when he comes to plow and relieve the carport roof of extra snow. And either I will head out Tuesday afternoon to get several hours down the road (and get out of single digit temps) or I will head out Wednesday morning.
I'm headed south to Knoxville, TN where I will catch I-40 West. Then depending on the weather, I will either head to California where I will start north – 0r I might head from Albuquerque up through Salt Lake City to Idaho and then into The Dalles in Oregon to see my daughter. She did this route a year ago in December. If the weather is as warm as it has been, it's a beautiful drive taking me through the northwest corner of New Mexico and across the Navajo Nation. But only if the weather cooperates. My handy weather road app will be, well ... handy!
I am also willing to wait a day or two some place along the way if this lets the weather pass me by. Depending, I will be in Oregon most likely by mid-January. I'll keep you posted.
On an administrative note, I have adjusted all invoices to not bill until March 1, 2026. My hope is that I will have a calendar ready for you toward the end of February. If you would like to support my sabbatical, you may either let me know that you'd like an invoice for January or February or both. Also, donations are another option: https://www.cherylmarlene.com/donation/
I miss you all!! I hope you are enjoying your holidays!
I'm not exactly sure where I will be New Year's Day. If the weather cooperates, I will do what I always do: I will be watching the sunrise, thinking of all the love and joy you have brought into my life. And though, it will be a bit before we join together, you all are in my heart always. I will be driving into the west, gathering within me all I need to make this next chapter be one of the sun rising on a new day.
All my love always!
In Joy!
Cheryl
