And like a raindrop falling from a luscious leaf, my time in Australia comes to an end. Almost five months, but they seem to dwindle into a small stack of memories, finishing before they fully begin. When I left Madison, last year in early winter, life was pretty chaotic. My four years away from ‘home’ had finally caught up with me –  I was losing touch with myself, grasping for truth, for happiness, and looking in all the wrong places.

Getting back to Australia, to the people who will always know and love me – let life click back into sense. I spent much of my time alone… reading, learning, growing… and enjoying my solitary company. I’d bike around for work from dawn till mid afternoon and silently watch my city come alive. On rainy days and during my breaks, I’d devour a book on sailing, or diesel mechanics, or live-a-board lifestyles, escaping into dreams and plans for my pretty little Cape Dory. On weekends, a train then bike to the beach would replenish my soul and inspire positivity. Life makes more sense in the water, that’s just the way it is.

Often I’d catch up for tea with one of my few dear friends, who’d listen compassionately and help look for new perspectives. The running saga of my life (latest skype calls, emails, letters) would tumble out my mouth as Mum, Ange, Andy or Jester returned comments, suggestions, or just hugs and understanding.  Always I’d come home to smiles, good meals, and a cosy nest. And as the quickening time tramped on, my heart mended itself, my soul found itself, and happiness happened.

A jet plane blew me into yesterday, a train choo-choo’d me across America’s plains, and now here I am, full circle, back in Madison’s Midwest.

This last 6 months Charlie and I have jumped some big hurdles. We stumbled a few times, made lots of mistakes, and the tunnel grew dark once or twice… but from here, sharing together this springtime light of day, I’m thankful. Our strength feels doubled, our love more unified… and our new adventure ready to begin…

Owning a sailboat! California here we come!

My darling sister Carolyn

Mum tucking into a passionfruit

And why not!

Dani hard at work

Papa

Ella bee

Dad giving me a sextant lesson

Silly duffers

Carolyn’s farm

A swim in Carolyn’s river

One of my favourite fruits EVER!

Starting the fire for the damper

Tutu!

Patoof and Peter

An aussie scene

My nephew and his girlfriend

The Barlow family (or some of it) Sister Carolyn, Brother-in-law Lance, Nephew Jake, Dad, Me, and Sister Nicky sitting down cos she’s the short ass.

Havin’ a chuckle

Mcbarlow daughter

Jessica Watson’s boat – Youngest to sail around the world solo, nonstop.

SO COOL! 9ft boat that a Canadian took half way around the world (he was deported in Aus).