Welcome to my newsletter, Abbe’s Ruminations. I mull, contemplate, ponder – old and new experiences, finding what I call the joy and laughter of repetition or the abandonment to not knowing.

Are   you ready for change, adventure, oneness? Can you travel on your own?

I admire women who travel on their own- loose itineraries, back packing, with no worries.  I marvel at their bravery but know that isn’t me at seventy or perhaps ever.

I’ve traveled to exotic places partnered.  Now solo, I crave the sense of exploration, but I know my limits.  Here is what I discovered. Being alone isn’t lonely.  While you can’t share your day with someone at night, you can write your thoughts and express your individual insights in artistic form.     This poem was written halfway through my 23-day trip through the Balkans. I merged my sense of personal growth and healing with the war-torn story of the area.

Crossroads of the Adriatic
 When I’m caught between two time zones, neither matter.
I feel the nocturnal calls to rest, and the sun dial of day.
Balkan, Slavic; What name do you give an area,
 many times, captured, controlled, manipulated,
freed, and haunted?
I give it the beauty it deserves.
Although I’m traveling with a group, I’m thankful for my oneness.
Not ready to be bound by others, I find love softened in my soul.
My oneness is more universal; both freeing and cautious.
I move on crumbling limestone, pocked with the washing of rains, 
And now the cyclone winds.
I hear whispers of traditions, a hole wears through past serenity.
I hear the roar of waterfalls, rain lit by the sun’s streams.
My legs seek secure footing, my hand freezes on wooden rails.
I’m not alone, amongst the ghosts of time.
I’m in my prime.

On my return, I felt empowered.  I made friends easily and felt secure. I’m ready to plan another adventure maybe Iceland, Antarctica, Ireland, or who knows?

Abbe has authored six books, novels, essays, short stories, and a children’s book.

You can find her work at https://www.threetreesbooks.com in Burien, WA, https://www.villagebooks.com in Bellingham, WA and whereever you buy books.