"You'll never be quite the same."

 Three and one half weeks on a beautiful tropical island, reminded me of a poem, written by Rachel Field. Years ago, I read her poem. "If Once You Have Slept on an Island", and sent it to my mother. My mom, Dorothy of Kansas, had just moved, after a lifetime on the prairie, to Long Island, New York. I thought she  would enjoy it, and she told me that she did.

My most recent island experience did not include a lighthouse or a ship whistle. That's kind of East Coast New England, but otherwise, I'll have you know, island living in the tropics is something I will never forget. 

My memories will be of being passed (on the right side), on a two-lane road, by a single motor cyle, carrying a family of four. Dining on fish, cooked with the heads still intact, and eating plantains prepared in every way imaginable. Nibbling on fresh mangoes, passion fruit, bananas, coconut and papaya. Swimming in the ocean and collecting barnacle shells (because they have a hole in them), to put into a future crochet project. Beautiful and unique sunrises, every day. Cool, salty tasting ocean breezes and yummy pina coladas served in fresh pineapples.

And, just as Rachel Field writes, I'll  "never be quite the same."

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Did Lord: New experiences are amazing and awe inspiring. We appreciate them. But, sometimes, our everyday lives seem dull and lack luster, compared to short-lived vacations and exciting travels. Show us how to appreciate, every minute of our lives. We should count our many blessings, constantly. 

P.S. Rachel Lyman Field is also the author of one of my favorite childhood books, Hitty: Her First One Hundred Years.