I have been home only a few days since Greece. It looks like I walked right out of the sunshine and pulsing of Athens into the fall of Pittsburgh—just enough time to see the last of the changing leaves. Autumn always makes me feel nostalgic, and I felt it immediately when I arrived. But now I am nostalgic for Greece, too. I guess I am having post-residency blues.
It is so strange to travel. Everything goes on pause in one world while you go into another. You have all these experiences you often cannot explain to those who were not there. You can only show the pictures and tell the stories to relay the experience. It’s trippy, and I can’t think about it too much.
When I walked into my house, it felt like time had stood still for a month. By all appearances, nothing had changed. As usual, I looked around my house and felt mixed feelings. Happy to be back. Sad to leave the adventure. Resisting melancholy is an art form I mastered, but I settled into my bed and cocooned myself this time until the jet lag wore off.
I had some strange dreams, as I often do. When I woke up, I journaled and meditated on my experience. Usually, when I travel, I have work to return to or at least lined up, but with the strikes, there is no foreseeable work. Saying I am nervous is an understatement, especially after spending a month away and going way over my budget. But when in Greece!
Also, I promised to invest in my painting and writing this year. Greece was a considerable investment. The time I had to dedicate to painting has been almost priceless (what can I say the economy is making that phrase almost obsolete). I am anxious like a lot of other people. While going through my emails, I came across this blog I follow, which summed it up. Art is meant to be made. We need it in all its forms. It is not all meant to make an impact every time. After all, didn’t I spend one month away looking at the art, design, and architecture of the ancient Greeks? Where would we be if we didn’t have art in all its forms? It would be a pretty stale society.
So, I will enjoy the fall before all the leaves are shaken from the trees. I will go through my photos and tweak the worthy ones. I will make some art from the images I took to inspire me. I will write about these experiences to inspire people like you who keep enjoying the art in me. And I will remember one of my favorite poems of all time which my grandmother gave me:
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
by Max Ehrmann ©1927
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