Friday, October 12, 2007

Adding Up To A Life... Or 'Bon Maison'

Old and young, we are all on our last cruise.
-Robert Stevenson

... I take that to mean something like no matter our age, we only get one chance to do this right. We only get one shot at this life. One try to go and do and see and learn. To capture the small moments and lump them together to craft satisfying years. To take our days - the terrific and the terrible - and line them up... end to end... and see them add up to a life. A good life. A happy life.

I'm headed to the Gulf. When my marriage ended I began paying for a lot of things in cash... collecting change and hoarding one dollar bills. I cashed it all in several months ago for a cruise, so I'm leaving to sail the Caribbean for awhile. That girl will be me in several hours... swimsuit, let-down-hair, barefoot and standing at the ocean's edge. No more TATS (Tired All the Time Syndrome) for me! :D I'm not much of a sand-and-water person but I am looking forward to this...

Can I wish you a bon voyage... even though I'm the one who's leaving? Oh. Well, bon maison. I wish you a good, happy home while I'm away. I'll miss you but am excited about the sights and sounds I'll collect to show and share when I return.

I'll be home in 10 days or so. Until then, my love and affection. -Brin

20 comments:

snowroses said...

That's a nice artwork you go there. Did you make it?

Anonymous said...

Good for you...have a wonderful cruise Brin..I will miss you but you deserve a nice exciting vacation!! It won't be the same with you away but I'll try to hang in here...
I'll be praying that you have a fun and safe holiday!
Bon voyage..

That Girl said...

Bon voyage yourself!! Hope you come back encouraged and with fresh vision.
By the way, I've always meant to tell you that i sooo love all your quotes!!! I love collecting quotes myself. All of yours are so charming.
Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Have a simply delightful, restful, thrilling, satisfying, contented and worthwhile vacation, Brinn. I'm sure you'll come back with a renewed vision of what God wants you to do. <><

We've done 2 cruises - once to the Western Caribbean and once to Alaska. Two extremes. Loved each experience. :o) And for what it's worth, I lost weight on each cruise. ;o)

Bless you sweetly...you'll be missed.

Becky K. said...

Cruise well! Enjoy the time away and congrats on doing it in a financially responsible manner.

As a financial counselor I can tell you that what you have done is unusual and to be commended!

Becky K.

Vintage Girl said...

Have a wonderful trip, you deserve it for sure. Keeping you in my prayers for a safe and amazing time! Can't wait to hear more when you get back. To let you know, I read your blog every day and am so inspired! Hugs, Heather

Anonymous said...

I am SO excited you are going on the cruise! I can't wait to catch up with you on all the time that has passed. What a time your gonna have! Next time we have to drag Sal with us! See ya soon!
Kim

Liz Harrell said...

Have a wonderful time! I'm trying to be more inspired to save money for travel (instead of slapping it on the credit card). Thanks for the motivation... and have fun!

Terri Steffes said...

Good deal. I love to cruise, its the only vacation where I truly feel pampered. I cannot wait to hear your perspective when you get back. ENJOY and I mean that, let each part wash over you and cover you with relaxation and fun!

Deb said...

Sounds like a wonderful get away! Happy Travels Brin ...

Anonymous said...

Do you mind if I go too? I think I'll book the cabin RIGHT next door to yours!!! See you Monday!

Anonymous said...

Oh Brin, that is great! Have fun & I will have you in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Be sure to book a massage the MINUTE you get on board...you deserve it! We'll miss you while you are gone! Love, Grace

Anonymous said...

Bon voyage! Have a wonderful trip and I'll be praying for your safety and that God will instill in you refreshed vision and renewed hope!

Jen Kershner said...

I hope you have an amazing time. I look forward to your return.

I must tell you that I can't stop thinking about those manicure socks. I think I'm going to take knitting classes just so I can make them one day! Crazy huh?

Debe said...

I do hope you have a chance to rebuild your spirit on this trip. Relax and enjoy the freedom! Will miss your updates and look forward to your return.
How smart of you to save that way!!

Unknown said...

I'll miss you but you need these 10 days away so enjoy, refresh and relax! Can't wait to hear all about it! Hugs!!

Rox said...

Oh Dear.... I will have to find a Cup o' Brin substitute... Whatever shall I do? Do they make such a thing. I dare say that I will be in deep DT's within days.... without my cup o' Brin... I do so hope that you have a wonderful time! Soak up the sun and massages and great food... I am eager to hear all about your travels and see the pictures when you return. I do hope I am not decaffeinated when you return!!
Bless you Friend,
Roxanne
www.BrentwoodDrive.Blogspot.com

BellaColle said...

Hope you have a great trip! Blessings! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Lallee said...

Brin, I hope as I type this you are having a having a wonderful relaxing time, sitting in a deck chair.....reading wonderful books....having the deck boy bring you a fresh drink and snacks. It's good that I read about your cruise a little late or would have tried very hard to hide one of your suitcases as a stow away! I'll have my vacation vicariously through you.