Nomadic Origins? A Gypsy Soul? Wanderer Lust?

There is no place like home. I don't disagree...I love my hometown and all its traditions. I love the Apple Fest, the fall colors, and the smell of woodsmoke when the seasons turn brisk. I love the hills and waterfalls and the hard work ethic that is evident in the small towns and farmers' fields.  I just think that there is so much to see - or experience - out in the great, wide "out there" - that exploration is a necessity! 

Ideally, we all have a home base - a launching point - from which we can explore the world and know that there is always something safe to return to. I was blessed to have that experience - not only in the land itself, but in the support of my family. Some folks have to carve their way through life without that foundation - and I do recognize how lucky - how blessed - I am to have a "home."

My son and I have moved A LOT in the last 14 years (and we are setting off on another voyage soon!) - and for us - home is each other - and the traditions we made for ourselves. We won't have a mantel to decorate this Christmas - or a tree to stack presents under - but we will still keep our traditions of snacking all day Christmas Eve with evening Mass and presents after. We will see how Christmas looks in India this year, but maybe next year we will crave snow  - or a cactus - and celebrate there. 

And when we drive through my hometown, I will feel the memories more poignantly than if I had driven the same route every day for years on end.... because with travel comes perspective.

So, start small. Voyage out. See something and return home to tell about it. Try a new food or drink - something that isn't on the menu at home... and compare to what is familiar. You will find things that "home" gets right - and, if you look with open eyes, you will find some things that "home" could improve on... and even if that latter part takes a while - if you have seen something new - your preference for what is familiar becomes more authentic and valid than if you never had any other experience to compare it to.