Someone pointed out to me today that, I have been home for several days and had not blogged once since my feet landed on this side of the Atlantic.  That was, however, the problem.  My feet and body were here; the rest of me had not yet arrived.

I have spent a lot of time travelling back and forth between the U.S. and various European locations in the past 10 years, and it is always the same — the trip from east to west (in other words, the trip HOME) is always substantially more difficult than the trip from west to east. 

But there are some things that are very different about this return.  First, and perhaps most important, the things I learned on this trip were very positive.  I accomplished my goals of beginning the study of Spanish art song; I met wonderful, accomplished performers and teachers from Spain and elsewhere; I did some good singing; and I faced some demons and made peace with them (if you need to find out more about those demons, check out  Those Little Choices in Life ; Focus, Focus, Focus; and It was not a mistake).

Instead of arriving home, wondering how I would incorporate some less than pleasant lessons in life, I am here, invigorated, enthusiastic, and making the world’s longest “to-do” list.  I’m ready to move forward.

So, here we go.   It seems that no matter how long I am out of school, the academic calendar year rules my life…I’m devoting the next two weeks to planning for the fall, then I’m going to take one last summer fling vacation, and then, well, it is back to work.

But I’m home….and I’m ready.  Thanks be to God.