I traveled to Key West, Florida last week for a business meeting. I know–tough duty, but someone had to do it. Due to the cold weather and snow in the south east, many flights were delayed and canceled. The airlines were overwhelmed, but I did not see additional staff to deal with the thousands of customers who were stranded. A mix-up in Key West, (I think the gate agent partook in too much rum at one of the local bars the prior evening) left us stranded in Fort Lauderdale with out boarding passes standing in a very long line with two overwhelmed agents. Long story short, we arrived the following day, much better than some of the other people who are probably still stuck in South Florida.

But the behavior exhibited by my fellow travelers was horrendous, and my heart sunk. People were pushing, shoving, calling each other and the gate attendants names.  Deplaning in Atlanta, I quietly asked two men who were shouting and cursing at each other about who was more important, to get along. The rest of the plane had agreed to let those who had tighter connections to get off first. (The flight attendants ignored their behavior.)

Years ago, traveling by plane was an adventure. People dressed up, you were treated with respect, and you were not charged for soft drinks, peanuts, and luggage. Now plane travel is Greyhound in the sky, but not as predictable. As for me, it’ll be awhile before I take to the “friendly skies.” I hope some of those nice people I met in Key West finally get home.

It was in high school that I first became enchanted with the philosopherHenry David Thoreau. I found his book in my parents’ den. Thoreau wasn’t someone high school teachers wanted you to read because he challenged you to think, not regurgitate what they lectured standing in front of the class. His writings spoke to my heart, and I pasted them on my mirror to remind me to Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.(Thoreau) Now that I have simplified by life, I’ve discovered that he was so right. The laws of the universe are easier because I am not caught up in the hurry-sickness of the outside world. I have also learned to live in accordance with Nature, and that has brought peace and wisdom to my daily life.

Especially on Tuesdays, which are my writing days. I, too, am like Henry David Thoreau because I have chosen to move to the woods so I can live deliberately. In the mountains there are few people and cars and the quiet penetrates my mind. It is sheer bliss–I can hear myself think and it is easy to write.  My own Walden Pond is still covered in snow, but once the warmer weather arrives, and it will on its own time, the snow will melt and the waterfall will flow, and then the creatures of the forest will sip from its stream.