Take a Good Look ... At My Trip During COVID!

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."​
​-Wayne Dyer​

I recently came across this quote, and I liked it a lot. I thought about how much I miss traveling, so I decided to plan a trip - keeping the message in mind. It was a great experience. Here is my journal and a few pictures:  

​​MY JOURNAL, 2020

“T’was the day of my travels…”
I just want to share
This trip during COVID
You’ll think you’ve been there!
 
On looking - On pausing-
On observing things-
What joy and excitement
Really NOTICING brings
 
I got up real early
To get a head start
So as not to miss out –
Now, isn’t that smart?
 
With my phone for pictures
I took a little blank book
To write down the adventure
I’ll call, “ Take a Good Look.”

The bedroom – it’s lovely
Those windows, great light!
Such pleasure I got
Enjoying the sight.
 
Then I looked at the wall
Saw the art in its frame
A beautiful flower…
Would I remember the name?

Ah, yes – it’s PROTEA!
The colors painted with flare
Then I smiled just remembering
Why we put it put there.
 
On looking - On pausing-
On observing things-
What joy and excitement
Really NOTICING brings
 
I knew where to go next.
I did not hesitate
The bathroom – so important -
Time to appreciate

​The towels look pretty
All cream, black and white
A mirror reflecting -
The room looks so bright!

Once showered and primped
I felt together and steady
With passport in hand
I was courageous and ready.
 
How often we travel
And almost always ignore
Things like fluffy, soft carpets
And a lovely tile floor.

On looking - On pausing-
On observing things-
What joy and excitement
Really NOTICING brings
 
The kitchen was next
I looked around with delight
Antique teapots and milk bottles
Were a beautiful sight
 
As I really looked at them
For the first time in a while
All the memories came;
They all made me smile

​The bottles with writing
Of unique shapes and sizes
Were found at flea markets
It was like winning prizes
 
And the teapots – all metal
From back in the day
Made such a happy
And colorful display
 
I opened the fridge
More colors I could see
  Blueberries and strawberries,
And light green Kiwi.
​
It’s really important
I thought with a smile
To plan a trip to appreciate
Once in a while.
​
So start where you are;
Be your own wish-granting fairy!
Realize that your home
Can be the i-tin-er-ary!
 
On looking - On pausing-
On observing things-
What joy and excitement
Really NOTICING brings
 
Fortified, I continued
And explored all around.
There in the living room
My desk could be found
 
Of course, it’s familiar
Of course, I’m there every day
But now I could see it
In a new special way
 
The bookends - the rhinos
From that trip last fall
When was the last time
I noticed them at all?

My bookshelves are full
It was such fun to look
Remembering when reading
Meant holding a book!

​And that box full of pens -
That stay tall in their places.
How cute is that container
With my granddaughters’ faces!
 
On looking - On pausing-
On observing things-
What joy and excitement
Really NOTICING brings
 
The computer, a good friend,
A companion, and more
Bringing ZOOM and FACEBOOK greetings
Full of connections galore!

Yes, on my trip I stayed home -
It was no hologram.
It made me realize very quickly
How lucky I am.
 
On looking - On pausing-
On observing things-
What joy and excitement
Really NOTICING brings

You try it -
 (and don’t stop to clean out a drawer!)

-Loretta