Pretending I'm Retired

Head for the Hills Note to self: bring a map. When planning our getaway to explore Virginia’s Maple Syrup Trail, I didn’t realize our phones would have such spotty reception. “I think it’s this way,” I said. My husband Paul looked over from the driver’s seat with a sidelong glance. I’m not known for my sense of direction, but since we had no cell service and no map, he had little option but to trust me. As we wound our way over rolling hills, the Shenandoah Valley region unfolded in spectacular splendor. Pastural vistas dotted with cows sat against the backdrop of bare winter branches fanning out across a slate blue sky. Then, set back from the road, I spotted our first stop: Sugar Tree Country Store and Sugar House. We found it! A Warm Welcome As the warmth of the pot-bellied stove drew us in, Glenn Heatwole welcomed us. A resident and syrup producer for seventeen years, Glenn holds a wealth of information about Highland County. He told us this area of western Virginia has the highes...

In through the nose. Here I am. Out through the mouth.                Trying to breathe without thinking. Deep breath in Which, I’m finding, is just as hard to do as Deep breath out. Think without breathing. This moment I can't breathe.           This breath.           I’m drowning in my thoughts.   In through the nose. Here I am. Out through the mouth.                Distracted. Deep breath in The same thoughts over and over. Deep breath out. I’m not supposed to stop   This moment,  My thoughts           This breath.           I should simply notice as they float by.   In through the nose. Here I am. Out through the mouth.                I’m noticing my thoughts. Deep breath in My thoughts are not floating by. D...