Opening a Door

It's been an incredibly long, and short year.  Doors have been opened, doors have been closed.  But every time a door has been closed, a new door has appeared just down the road apiece.  Sometimes it has been a struggle to reach that door, but we've managed to get there.
We are at a new door today.

New home in Pennsylvania

I am pre-scheduling this post today, as at 2 pm we will be at our closing - or should I say "new door opening"? - for our new home in PA.  For the next few years, we will be living here with our daughter and two grandchildren.  There should be some really fun times ahead.  We are, of course, bringing our motorcycles.  Though the roads in PA are much worse than those in Maine (I promise to be very careful!), the season for riding is much longer!

Georgetown

We still own our 2 homes in Maine, and plan to return in a few years.  It has been a struggle to buy a home, and I don't want to give up any ties to Maine.   Gull Haven, in Friendship, that we have been renovating for many years, will stay as our summer retreat, and our home on Georgetown island (pictured above) will be rented, hopefully, to a family who likes being in the woods with many hiking trails, peace and quiet, deer, turkeys, osprey, seagulls and owls, and being close to the ocean and working fishing docks. If you know anyone like that who wants to move to Maine, our home will be available soon! 

The next door we will go through every day.  Amazing how many doors we go through in our lives!

Opening the Door

Down the narrow hall,

a dark and narrow way,

you walk what seems entirely

a path too far away.

Where's the switch to draw the light?

Perhaps there is just none.

Adjust your eyes and don't look back -

This may not be such fun.

Shuffle on and watch your step,

Mind stumbling blocks that try!

Keep steady footsteps to the door,

No time to moan or cry.

Miles before you stretch each day

Before it comes in view;

behind you one door has been closed -

it's not the door for you.

Step over hurdles, look around,

and keep your focus keen;

for as you near that door you'll know

new treasures yet unseen. 

Look, the door is straight ahead,

and fingertips can reach.

Stop a moment and look back

what lessons did life teach?

Put hand to doorknob, give a twist,

and then a gentle pull;

Ah, my friend, behind that door

The meaning will be full.

Standing there quite breathless

without regret or doubt

Your door has led you to the place

This journey was about.

by Donna JT Smith, 12/5/18

And now...who can resist a picture from a four year old artist?
I'll just tuck one down here for good measure...we're having some great times together!

Karate "ballet-er" listening to music...and singing...and a picture on the wall!

This Girl Does It All

Sometimes ya just gotta dance,

Sometimes ya gotta sing,

Sometimes ya gotta karate party

   - and draw - 

They're ALL your thing! 

by Donna JT Smith, 12/5/18

Liz at Elizabeth Steinglass is hosting Poetry Friday today. Go check out what else is in store!