In The Mood To Travel

Whomever you become, whatever you make yourself into, THAT is who you always were.  It was always IN you. --Tara Westover, EDUCATED, a memoir 
Gloria and Jack travel so much.  I’m envious.  She sent me a postcard from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, this week.  It seems they are on another cruise.  A cruise is fine and dandy but I prefer land trips.  Cruise stops are 'teasers'.  I imagine the traveler gets a little taste of a place but sometimes I bet one wishes to stay longer.  Monday, 12/21 Hi, 1st stop and it’s a very busy place—but beautiful scenery.  The ship is magnificent with every luxury.  Affectionately, Gloria and Jack Hi Alan! 
The Christmas Cards were few and far between because I haven’t been sending out the mass of cards that I usually do.  It’s not easy between work and home.   Herb Braha and wife, Carol sent a sweet card though.  I loved how Carol wrote these words.  They were not imprinted on the card.  They were her handwritten words.  I was never quite sure if she acquired these words elsewhere or if they were in her own words.  I’d like to think they were ‘her words’: 
1993 Alan and Michael,  Friends who grow together  Often compromises are made. Remembering all occasions Evergreens and Everglades. Sincerity is your shadow It reflects you guys in every way. Tis the season to reminisce Especially on a holiday. All Our Love, Carol and Herb 
And then there was another Christmas Card from Reed Campbell but this was not as naughty as the last one.  It was a group of Santa Dude caricatures.  Reed wrote: 
Have a cool yule! Hi Michael,  Hope to be able to send postcards soon from our Panama Canal/Carribbean Cruise (17 days in February). Ms. Statendam New Holland America ship—then in March 10 days in China and Hong Kong.  I will keep in touch.  Hope your job is going your way.  Would love to see you, so if you get a up this way give me a call. Best Reed...and a Great 1993. 
I’m in the mood to travel.  I like how travel works a different part of one’s brain (Alan often says this).  While traveling I learn something new about myself (at least I try to do that).  I am happy for my weekends though.  And the holiday period makes it so that November and December vanish quickly.  It’s time to plan for the forthcoming year.    I really liked seeing THE PELICAN BRIEF (starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington) movie with Alan.  It was based on the John Grisham book.   It’s funny because I noticed more pelicans flying around after seeing the film.   There are a few other good films coming next week that we plan to see.   Now when I see a pelican flying freely I imagine myself as the pelican.  Flying freely, without fear is how we should live our lives. What would you do if you knew you could NOT fail?  It’s another question to ask to help you find your purpose. --A.C. Ping, “BE”