It is pouring rain today and I love it more than I can say.

We have had the most exquisite Autumn in Queensland, Australia. One warm, sunny day after another. I feel spoiled rotten.

poplar tree

But after all that glorious sunshine it is a lovely change to stay inside, warm and cozy as the rain falls, watching Poirot and Midsummer Murders while I fold laundry and cook things like Spicy Feta Scones, Sausage Lentil Soup, and a Chocolate Port Trifle.

I love Fridays at home. Articles have all been written and submitted, websites built and honed, and I get to devote nearly the whole day to non-computerish things.

It’s the day where I get restored before the hustle and bustle of weekends on the farm.

And the day when I rest and reflect, think about the week, my life, and what’s going on in this heart and mind of mine.

Australia wellies

I’ve been thinking a lot about friendship recently. Moving to the other side of the world and starting a new life changed a lot of things for me, and friendship was a big one.

For a while I was floating between two worlds. I didn’t belong in the United States or Canada anymore, but felt like a visitor in Europe and then Australia. I was a woman without a country and it was unsettling. I can’t tell you how many times the theme song from Cheers provided the soundtrack for my feelings:

Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
and they’re always glad you came.
by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo

I remember vividly the day I went to the shopping center here in Warwick, Queensland and ran into three different people who not only knew me but LOVED me. Their faces lit up as soon as they saw me and seconds later I was enveloped in hugs. It was the most wonderful feeling of belonging, a treasured assurance that this place is steadily becoming home.

coffee drinks

Returning briefly to the United States a month or so ago was equally momentous. I LOVED seeing my dear ones, loved visiting and eating together and catching up over tea and coffee. But I also realized beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was no longer my home. From now on I will be a visitor there, and that’s OK.

It’s OK to change.

It’s OK to move.

It’s OK to start over.

I like this quote from Dr. Seuss:

Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

puddle with flower

Finding your place in this world is an ever-changing adventure. Sometimes painful and scary, sometimes inspiring and beautiful. Tonight I feel so grateful for my true friends scattered all over the world. So thankful for emails, visits, phone calls and love that cheer and strengthen and build me up.

I’m also, well, maybe not grateful, but “something” for the false friends. Those who have betrayed and crushed and deceived me. Without them I would not know what true friendship is. Without their cruelty I wouldn’t treasure real and amazing love that isn’t altered by differences in faith, lifestyle or politics.

If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” Mother Teresa

Wishing you a beautiful weekend, dear ones, with real love and real friendship. XO