Back in Dub Town...

It’s 9:11 am in Indiana. Today is the first of five mornings I will be spending in Winona Lake. I’m back in town to celebrate Mike & Jodi’s wedding this coming Saturday in Columbus, but before and after that exciting event I will be looking to spend time with, as my roomie Hannah put it, people who love me. It’s easy to let the descriptor “roomie” slip out when mentioning Hannah, because that was the actual case for the 11 months before I moved to Alaska. While I’m here in town, I will be staying at our old casa, the beloved 1313. Hannah still resides here, but Jodi has moved out. Her room is dark, empty, and echoey…the last of which Brian commented on last night makes for a great jam room due to the acoustics. Brian is Hannah’s fiancé, so naturally he is spending quite a lot of time at 1313 these days. And then Laura Levon lives here as well- one of the later soul sisters to join the women’s prayer group in the days I was present. She has such a delightful spirit...and she was here last night to welcome me back in my former home and offer me princess style hot chocolate. Yay for traditions that do not die.

It is somewhat surreal sitting here at my former kitchen island eating what used to be my regular breakfast, looking around at the place I used to call home. Jodi’s presence is gone, as well as her stellar coffeemaker. I made a mess this morning with the sad little Emerson that has taken its place. My room is obviously not my own anymore. Laura has taken up residence and has chosen a fresh new palette of her own. I definitely experienced déjà vu while getting ready in my old bathroom this morning, flashbacks to beautifying myself in months past for significant people and places.

I smile at all the little things that have not changed…like the location of the silverware and coffee cups in the kitchen, the familiar placement of the kettle on the stove and the pepper and olive oil standing by on the counter. The general layout of the living area, the big blue couch that has miraculously sunken even lower, and familiar Christmas decorations that are strategically placed throughout the home to create that cozy, festive feel. I smiled when I saw several bottles of my vitamins and diet supplements in a mix of other supplements by the toaster- I must’ve forgotten to pack them in my hurry, I thought, as I tossed them in the trashcan.

Such a treat it is to have a laid back morning. This morning in of itself has made the plane ticket worth it. Relaxing hours that allow for not only proper digestion, but much needed reflection. I know not what today holds. I have to put my love of schedule aside this week and take each day as it comes. It’s hard to plan ahead with not knowing who wants to see me and what everyone’s schedule is. But I am not stressing. I look forward to all the little moments, and I will savor each one.