I made a list about a dozen years ago. I was sitting on a ledge on the isle of Spetses, wearing nothing more than a silky white sheet tied around my waist and a sunbeam. I remember watching the blue sea, pen poised over my journal, feeling so powerful I could have roared.

I wrote down all the dreams I could think of. The obvious and the ones that I had never admitted before. And through the years that followed I added and subtracted. Many of the things I have actually done - given birth, worked a salaried job, finished a work of fiction and let others read it, forgiven old hurts...

But then a few years ago I stopped. I stopped praying, I stopped deaming, I stopped looking at my list. I lost track of me. Gave me away to the days.

Until a couple of months ago. When all the little cuts bled me to a fury that left me in enraged tears on the phone - drawing the line in blood.

So, around number 10; "Walk along the Seine before my 40th birthday..."

And would you look? My bags are packed, my ticket is in hand, and I'm about to fly away to a dream - with 17 hours to spare.

I've taken me back. And damn, it feels good.

Posted by: Elizabeth at 07:40 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
Post contains 231 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Of all the posts you've written that have touched my heart, or made me laugh, or given me pause, this one is...spectacular. I'm not sure when the actual day falls, but have one hell of a lovely birthday, Elizabeth. The year ahead looks so full of every kind of promise. How perfectly lovely.

Posted by: Jennifer at November 11, 2005 03:18 PM (y4DOI)

2 You ROAR, girl. Happy birthday, too. What Jennifer said. LOL xoxo

Posted by: Margi at November 12, 2005 06:38 AM (nwEQH)

3 It is so wonderful to read about you courageously taking back control of your life and your dreams. You are an inspiration. Have a wonderful time in Paris! I hope this is the first of many new journeys for you.

Posted by: Lucinda at November 12, 2005 08:24 AM (OPvIN)

4 You go, girl!!!! Roar Woman!!! Do I hear Helen Reddy in the background?? Yes, I do!!! Hugs to you!!

Posted by: Azalea at November 12, 2005 09:19 AM (hRxUm)

5 A lot of the churchs have concerts. If you can go to one, they are marvelous. We also heard vespers in Notre Dame. We aren't Catholic and didn't understand the service, but it was beautiful and moving to sit in the church and be in a service. It made the church a living thing, that people have always worshipped in instead of a tourist attraction you were walking through (and I'm not religous). Have a wonderful time.

Posted by: Robin at November 13, 2005 05:01 AM (4iJ3P)

6 Have FUN!!

Posted by: Kris at November 13, 2005 10:56 AM (q+hax)

7 Dream on, girl. Dream on... Have a fantastic time and a wonderful birthday and beyond. You are heading for all sorts of great things in the years to come. You are letting yourself live again ... Lead yourself into the light again. That's wonderful!

Posted by: Sol at November 14, 2005 02:45 AM (2qH2H)

8 Have a WONDERFUL time!!!

Posted by: Monica C. at November 14, 2005 10:17 AM (gkN3L)

9 Au revoir!! Have a fantastic time living out another of your dreams

Posted by: Jules at November 14, 2005 12:37 PM (urYq4)

10 Right now, you are in my favorite place in the whole world. Paris. And I hope you are falling in love, all over again. With Paris, with CD, with life. Be blessed, dear friend.

Posted by: Cheryl at November 14, 2005 08:43 PM (IEK/5)

11 HURRAY! I love this post Elizabeth. Beautiful, and I hope you are having a wonderful time.

Posted by: halloweenlover at November 15, 2005 08:30 AM (cdEd4)

12 Have a wonderful time!

Posted by: A.K. at November 15, 2005 11:57 AM (fSoFs)

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