Finding Roots

Bertha is wearing her wheel covers, which means that she will be parked for a spell. Although, still retired, we are no longer retired and rambling, at least not for the immediate future. For the time being, our well-traveled RV will serve as an additional guest room. We have more than adequate sleeping space in the house, that is, until we are blitzed by a whole bunch of kith and kin at the same time! That full-fledged onslaught begins in a few days. Let the chaos commence!!

Cultivate the root; the leaves and branches will take care of themselves.

Confucius

Boy, oh boy, am I having trouble with roots…

I’m in a whole new place after a prolonged, nomadic lifestyle. I don’t have co-workers or a normal routine. I have not achieved a comfort level with my new surroundings, and at times, I am just not sure how to productively use my time. However, I did find a really incredible fitness center that is providing a much needed sense of community.

The Lake Anna Wellness Studio has kind, knowledgeable, caring instructors who promote wellness through yoga, Pilates, toning, stretching and strength. They encourage participants to breathe deeply, to invite joy, and to express gratitude. There is a strong sense of fellowship here, which I am absorbing like a sponge. It’s not easy to start new roots after a lifetime of living elsewhere (or sometimes, nowhere.)

Interestingly, an astute instructor observed my general countenance and noted that I had a blocked root chakra. Since the root chakra is all about feeling connected with the earth and with other people, I would say that she was spot on! I need to work on unblocking this mess… Ommmmm…….

Speaking of roots, the only roots that are growing around here are attached to weeds. The yard was seeded, not once, but twice in some areas. The intense, August sun parched the soil and scoffed at the seed. We watered, and watered but to no avail. The raindrops have been few and far between. New growth is a struggle and the reminders are all around us.

To add to the theme of this blog, I’ve also experienced problems with hair roots. It was a challenge to find a new hairdresser in this remote location. I miss Kelly and Impressions Hair Studio. I did not know how good I had it until I had to wait an entire month for someone to address the ever-widening white/gray stripe that was running down the middle of my head. I’m going to have to just suck it up, and dye my own hair. Miss Clairol, here I come.

The days are getting shorter and soon the kids will be back in school. Summer will sing its swan song and the rush of visitors will dissipate as the cool air ushers Autumn in. Perhaps when the novelty of a new place winds down, I can find a job, or a cause that will help me to find firmer footing in my unfamiliar surroundings. Like the grass, I will have a better chance at establishing roots when things cool down a bit.

But for now, I am bracing for a house full of fun folks, raucous laughter and making memories. Stay tuned.