The past month has been one shaky step after another across a river full of undertow and old, unhealed wounds. But each step has led me away from the comfortable, known, safe, stupid and dull, toward the unknown, risky and exciting; toward the resurrection of a sense of mystery, of the smell of a new place at dawn, of winds out of the north with hints of Spring or Canada, and the distant call of wild things hunting in the night.
I know that doesn’t tell you the facts. Not the external ones, anyway. But, it’s all I’ll say for now. I suspect, though, that these are the most important things.
But every moment means taking a step into growth, or a step back into safety. I’m learning that all over again. And you know what? It feels good. Scary good.
HemmingPlay 
I appreciate your words, AM. That picture grabbed me, and I realized that crossing those rickety steps would feel very much like how I’ve been feeling as I’ve looked ahead lately, trying to recapture that sense of adventure and mystery that I lost, that we all lose, during years of making a living, raising children, dealing with the kinds of mortal challenges we all face. I’ve always been more inclined to be the scout than the sodbuster, but had settled into the latter role and increasingly restless. So, it’s time to take steps into the future and let go of the idea that being “safe” is a false goal.
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Mr. HemmingPlay,
When wild things howl, when their desperate calls penetrate the dense forest and reach out to you, it’s always best to answer.
Though it’s difficult to cull specifics between your lines, it’s revealing to read your collective meaning.
I’m so very glad your difficult trek is leading where you know you need to go.
Now when reach the pinnacle, scream from the mountain top first. Then take your leap of brilliant faith –
…you got this… 🙂
AnnMarie 🙂
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