Where did my vacation go?

I did do a few things right during my vacation. I did read a few books. I even began a book that is really helping me think some things through: Marva Dawn's "Keeping the Sabbath Wholly" ...

I did spend time sitting in the gazebo chatting with friends or on the store veranda drinking a leisurely cup of coffee as we chatted with colleagues checking their mail. I did take long walks with my daughters most evenings.

I did enjoy the splendid Takayama views!

However, I didn't have that personal retreat I promised myself 2 years ago. And I didn't go swimming, or walking along the beach. I didn't even spend many quiet afternoons on the porch thinking.

Perhaps that's why Michael Ende's "Momo" is resonating so...