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Saturday, April 9, 2011

Home Happy

           I was reading a feature story in the Los Angeles Times about John Lydon aka Johnny Rotten of the iconic punk rock band the Sex Pistols.  In the interview he was talking about domesticity and how he doesn't need to go anywhere far from home.  He apparently just lives his life in Venice Beach in contented bliss. 

          Johnny still records music and sometimes tours with the re-formed Pistols as well as his own band, Public Image Limited (PIL).  He essentially keeps a low profile and has mostly been left to the periphery of public view.  I guess Johnny Rotten is not totally gone, but he has kind of faded away.

          The story made me reflect on my own life.  Though never a notorious person, when I was younger I felt a need to always be on the go and doing things with other people.  I wanted to be away from home.  Sitting at home often left me feeling discontent.

           Now that I'm older, I still enjoy traveling whenever I have an opportunity to do so, but it always feels kind of good to get back home.  There is a satisfaction in being home.  Everything I need is here and I don't have to necessarily be anywhere else to feel complete.   It's nice to get out sometimes, but there's no place like home.  Most of the time I'm home, happy.

          How about you?   Do you enjoy just being at home?   Are you more enlivened when you're on the go?    Is it better to burn out than to fade away?


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68 comments:

  1. mooderinoApril 9, 2011 at 2:08 AM

    People only seem to make grand statements like 'Hope I die before I get old' when the possibility seems too distant to be seriously considered. Once you see that cycle repeated enough times I think you should be able to look at any pop culture movement and see it for what it is, a cry for attention. Rarely do these things carry any conviction. Once you get to a certain age it's just preferable to be comfortable.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mSE-Iy_tFY

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  2. LisaApril 9, 2011 at 2:16 AM

    I did a poem on home too Arlee. That is where I would rather be.

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  3. Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerApril 9, 2011 at 2:28 AM

    Yeah interesting question for me. My real home is England where I was born, but my current home is Kuantan, Malaysia, where I've been for almost 5 years now. I really couldn't tell you which one feels more like home. I think if you're with family, wherever you are in the world, then you have a piece of home with you :)

    Duncan In Kuantan

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  4. bApril 9, 2011 at 2:48 AM

    I enjoy being at home and in the past I just wanted to stay at home all the time. But now I would rather be out and about then just sat at home doing nothing, its always good to be doing stuff either with friends or family.

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  5. blogger samApril 9, 2011 at 2:50 AM

    I enjoy being at home and in the past I just wanted to stay at home all the time. But now I would rather be out and about then just sat at home doing nothing, its always good to be doing stuff either with friends or family.

    Edited version from the one above.

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  6. bendedspoonApril 9, 2011 at 2:58 AM

    I love my family -- I feel I can never be totally happy without them. I love the place where I grew up -- I miss it. But home is not just being with the people I love or the place that meant so much to me. I am at home and happy when I am in touch with myself -- when I honor the creation that I am; with what my heart truly wants.

    With experience, I realized that my loved ones are happier when I am truly happy with myself. I can give more to them without fading away; without losing myself.

    I did lost myself when I had done my best for others and forgotten myself. Thank God I am back home!

    Thank you so much for this post Arlee. It hits home! :)

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  7. Rhonda AlbomApril 9, 2011 at 3:08 AM

    I love being away, and we travel a lot. But when it's over, I love coming home.

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  8. Jessica BellApril 9, 2011 at 3:35 AM

    I LOVE being at home. I often have to go through hours of trying to convince myself that I should go out before I do. I always thought it was laziness, but I think I'm just a natural born homebody :o)

    Jessica @ The Alliterative Allomporph

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  9. TracyApril 9, 2011 at 3:37 AM

    YEP, no doubt a home body...never had the desire to be out and about and if so, with just a select few.

    great H today!
    Happy A to Z~

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  10. Uma AnandaneApril 9, 2011 at 3:39 AM

    A home is always a sweet home.I wrote a poem about it too :)

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  11. Amie KaufmanApril 9, 2011 at 5:34 AM

    I love to travel, and I love to come home again afterwards. I have two homes, in two different countries, so I do quite a lot of homecoming.

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  12. RHYTHM AND RHYMEApril 9, 2011 at 5:43 AM

    As the songs says"It nice to go travelling but so much nicer to come home."

    Have a great week-end/

    Yvonne.

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  13. Mary@GigglesandGunsApril 9, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    Since I'm now very happy with me, I'm not on the go looking any more. Now 'going' is a supplement not the core.

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  14. Liz PApril 9, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    I do enjoy traveling if it's for pleasure, but I'm happiest at home.

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  15. K.C. WoolfApril 9, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    Great H, Lee, your post made me think. I recognise a lot of what you wrote.

    'Is it better to burn out than to fade away?' -> I'm not sure. Fading away doesn't sound appealing, but possibly less scary than it did 10 or 20 years ago.

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  16. Siv MariaApril 9, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    Great thought. Well, I would love to say that I am at that point but I have different circumstances that most. I would do anything to GET OUT of the house. Some quiet would be nice:) I do believe though that once we are finished with all this building, I am going to get a rocking chair and plant myself on my porch. Now if you look at my blog button , that is my dream for the future :)

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  17. AnonymousApril 9, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    I love to be at home and am contented there for days at a time...sadly....I am married to a guy who just can't sit still.. Ah Well!!!

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  18. Bish DenhamApril 9, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    Although I've done a fair amount of travelling within the U. S. I'm also a homebody, content to sit on my own country back porch and watch the birds. I don't even like going into the city, makes me nervous.

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  19. Arlee BirdApril 9, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    Nice comments! Sounds like a lot of us are a bit settled in. I've been in Phoenix with some of my family for the past couple of days, and though I feel "at home" and happy with family, it will feel good to get back home tonight. I'll get back to my normal blogging schedule then too.

    Lee

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  20. LoneIslanderApril 9, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    I'm happy chilling at home

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  21. jabblogApril 9, 2011 at 7:14 AM

    I like my home and am content in it. I enjoy going out somewhere different for a day or two but that's quite sufficient.
    I'm definitely a fader - was never a blazer - once seen, soon forgotten;-)

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  22. Luanne G. SmithApril 9, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    H is for Hobbit. I'm happy to stay home in my little abode. I don't need no adventures no more. Well, not unless some wizard comes by and insists. Then I'll go. But grudgingly.

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  23. DafeenahApril 9, 2011 at 7:39 AM

    I have had my adventures. Now I am content to just stay home.

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  24. doreenApril 9, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    I am happiest at home when night has come and I am alone with my words.
    I grew up hating home..
    Now I live to create home.

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  25. Michael Di GesuApril 9, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    I was a big adventurer when I was younger. I traveled the world and couldn't get enough. Home was just a pit stop for many years.

    I stay home more now because of writing. But I need to get away. I am currently spending a few months in Florida, enjoying the wonderful sunshine and ocean breezes.

    Do I miss home? Not really. Chicago is still the whirls of unsettled weather and the city has an off vibe from what I'm comfortable with. But When I return in May, hopefully the warm weather returned and flowers are blooming throughout the city, That to me is when Chicago comes alive.

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  26. SueHApril 9, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    I took 'early retirement' recently and a lot of work-colleagues were surprised - "Whatever will you do with yourself?" they would say.

    Well, now the chicks have flown the nest and the OH is often away on business I'm having the time of my life, getting the house just how I want it! I love being at home - now I have the time to turn out cupbaords and be organised instead of the 'hell' of chasing my tail, running the house, raising kids and holding down a job!

    It's not a huge place but it's ours - all bought and paid for, and I love it!

    yes, it's nice to go out and about and away on holidays - but I look forward to that 'comfortable' feeling as I walk back in the door!
    :-)

    SueH I refuse to go quietly!

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  27. Stephen T. McCarthyApril 9, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    >>...Johnny still records music

    I dunno. If you asks me, I'd say that he EVER recorded "music" is arguable.

    Sounds like Mr. Rotten rusted.

    For me, home is where I hang my... enemies.

    Hoping ya have a safe trip "home", BoidMan!

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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  28. AnonymousApril 9, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    I like a good balance. I love being home but being so close to the ocean I need to spend time there too. Walking, frolicking with the kids in the sand, drinking a good cup of Starbucks.

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  29. DiscConnectedApril 9, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    Lee-

    I was thinking "Rust Never Sleeps" when I started reading your post...

    But you didn't really think I was going to miss the NY quote at the end, didja?

    Out of the blue and into the black...

    LC

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  30. Sarah AllenApril 9, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    I was just talking about this with my friends last night. I'm such an absolute home body. I need to do better at being social, but I guess being a home body is a good thing considering my chosen career :)

    Sarah Allen
    (my creative writing blog)

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  31. fredamansApril 9, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Guess I'm a little more of a Sex Pistols fan....
    Did you know John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, had a tv show for kids on Discovery???? Yup. It was called Mega Bugs. Look it up!

    http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2011/04/h-is-for-holidays.html

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  32. Alex J. CavanaughApril 9, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    I'm a certified homebody! Guess all my travels as a military brat wore out the urge. Now, I do like to travel and see new sights, but I'm happiest at home.

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  33. MarjorieApril 9, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    I hardly ever leave my city, but to tell you the truth I like the change ever so often to just get out of town.

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  34. Gregg MetcalfApril 9, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    I love being a home when I am at home, but I love being on the road when I am on the road. Irene and I love road trips. It is about time for a road trip. We would like to drive down to Arizona or New Mexico next.


    Gregg Metcalf
    Colossians 1:28-29

    Gospel-driven Disciples

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  35. Theres just lifeApril 9, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    I am like you...I was never home when I was younger. Now it takes a lot to get me out of the house. Home IS were the heart is.

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  36. AlessandraApril 9, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    Great post. I guess going away is more fun when you have a good home to return to. I like traveling, but I love staying home too. I can't wait for summer, when I'll be off, one of the very few positive things left about being a teacher...

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  37. Patricia JLApril 9, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I enjoy being a home body. You have to drag me out kicking and screaming. Then I have a blast and wonder why I don't have fun more often. ^^;;

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  38. RebeccaApril 9, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    home is good

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  39. NicoleApril 9, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    I am usually a homebody but do not enjoy being home as much as I would like to because my apartment is uncomfortable and annoying on so many different levels.

    So, I would prefer to be out more, just so that I don't have to deal with my apartment...which makes no sense because I'm paying to live there, right, so I should be able to enjoy myself and relax. Unfortunately, that is not the case, so I'm getting that "home sweet home" feeling, but I am happy for those who are, because it is one of the best experiences in the world!

    The Madlab Post

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  40. Laura T.April 9, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    Being home is definitely one of my favorite places to be.

    I've posted my "h" entry at

    http://mom2nick.typepad.com/heres_whats_new/2011/04/h-is-for-happy-place-.html

    Thanks for looking.
    Laura T.

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  41. klahanieApril 9, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    Gosh Arlee,
    Isn't this fun? So nice to note so many bloggers doing the great 'alphabet challenge'.
    Well done on bringing further awareness of the letter 'H'.
    Enjoy being at home? Well, being a virtual recluse, it's something I don't exactly enjoy but I'm rather used too.
    Now then, 'I' wonder what will be the next letter in this fascinating alphabet challenge?
    Then again, I did write an alternative posting to your fun-filled challenge.

    http://klahanie.blogspot.com/2011/04/a-to-zed-alphabet-challenge.html

    Sorry, that might have seemed like self-promoting. Well out of character for shy and humble me over at my unassuming blog.
    Take care and happy writing.
    With respect, Gary :)

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  42. EllaApril 9, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    I have moved so many times; I love to be home. I do like to go n' do, but home is where I hang my hat and my heart is comfy~

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  43. Lydia Elizabeth BurnwellApril 9, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    I'm sorry--I always chuckle when I see or hear the phrase "better to burn out than fade away" because it brings to mind that scene from The Highlander with the immortal and the woman in the car... ::chuckles::

    Ahm, anyway, your questions have afforded me the chance to revisit depressionville since we are currently homeless and living with my in-laws. Although I will forever be grateful for their generosity, I still cannot wait for the day when we are able to once again afford our own place! I used to think that "home" belonged with the other f-letter words, but as I've gotten older I know now that home is truly where your heart is. Whomever we live with, whereever we go, my home will always be where my husband and child are.

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  44. RobinApril 9, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    Great post! I watch my two sons, 18 & 27, who have to be on the go 24/7 or life is just boring. I remember when I was young I was the same way. Now I stay busy still, but spend much more time at home and it feels good. I think I have kind of faded away, which I think is much better than burning out.

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  45. PetraApril 9, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    There's no place like home, except our real home. :-)

    Hey, we're one third of the way through. I think we're gonna make it to z finish line. :-)

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  46. Arlee BirdApril 9, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Back home safely now from my trip to Phoenix. Sad to leave my family members, but it was great to have been able to visit with them and it feels good to be back home.

    Thank you for your comments. Sounds like most of us think similarly on this one.

    Larry, I was hoping someone would catch my Neil Young reference.

    Gregg, I feel much the same about the road trips. While I'm out I'm loving it and wouldn't mind staying on the road, but when it's time to go back home I get excited and it feels so good when I get there. There is much to be said for road life and home life.

    Lee

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  47. E. M. ProkopApril 9, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    First off..I loved the Sex Pistols in the late '70's and I kind of wondered what happened to Johnny Rotten..I'm glad to hear he is still with us. I agree with the first commenter, statements like "I hope I die before I get old" are just cool things to say when you're young and stupid. Let's ask Roger Daltrey how he feels about that now,lol! Me? I hope I never die! lol! And, I prefer to be at home than to go anywhere...I don't even like to stay over night in a hotel. Mind you...if I was going somewhere far off and exotic, I could be persuaded to make an exception! :)

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  48. Sharon K. MayhewApril 9, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    I guess I've lived in so many places that I've never really felt at home anywhere. Saint Louis is the closest thing to home for me...I lived there 9 years and had time to develop relationships. I wonder if that is why I like to travel so much???? When I'm in England I'm not at home and when I'm in the States I'm not at home either.... No rest for the wicked huh?

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  49. Charmaine ClancyApril 9, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    My ideal holiday is everyone else going away and leaving me home alone... bliss.

    Wagging Tales - Blog for Writers

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  50. Sommer LeighApril 9, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    I used to love the Sex Pistols! Man, I haven't thought about them in forever.

    I like being home. Everything I need is right here. Though my current city doesn't feel like home anymore and the husband and I are looking to go West in the next couple of years. For some reason, that strange place I've never been feels like the correct home, and the one I'm in is just a stopping point.

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  51. SanApril 10, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    I don't know anything about the Sex Pistols (forgive my music ignorance) but I do know that home is where your heart is. As cheesy as it sounds, my home is full of love and peace and is safe and comforting. I would rather be here than anywhere else. Thanks for a great post and for your wonderful A to Z Challenge. Boy, howdy am I getting a wonderful education!

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  52. TMWHickmanApril 10, 2011 at 7:14 AM

    I used to feel restless and on the go all the time when I was younger, wanting to party and dance and be around other people. I still like to go exploring, but I am just fine sitting at home with a good book and letting my mind do the traveling!

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  53. AnonymousApril 10, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    Yes I feel very comfortable at home and miss it when I'm away. I'm a homing bird :O)

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  54. Arlee BirdApril 10, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    All of the comments for this post have been so wonderful. Yes, the house where I live is the place I call my home, but with family and friends scattered in faraway places I can't say that my heart is totally here. Maybe for me home is where most of my stuff is and I could always move it if I wanted to.

    Lee

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  55. Pearson ReportApril 10, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    Home is where my heart is.

    This means I split myself in two between two continents. I love it!

    But ultimately "home" is where ever my daughter is.

    Great post, as always,
    Jenny

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  56. LauraApril 10, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    Being home is nice. I can turn up the heat when I am chilly or just put on a sweater. I can hide away and have total quiet on days when I don't want to keep being nice to everyone and anyone.

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  57. T.F. WalshApril 10, 2011 at 3:44 PM

    Home it is for me. Don't get me wrong, traveling and visiting new places is inspiring and fun, but I always feel more relaxed in my home, doing exactly what I want, when I want:)

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  58. English tipsApril 10, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    Hello everyone, luckily I joined on blogging challenge, I'm a Brazilian tour guide and educator. Good to see you everyone.

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  59. LarriApril 10, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    I'm a happy homebody. :o)

    When I was a teenager, I always wanted to be on the go and become a 'city girl'. Then I visited the city and realized it wasn't for me. Those people move too fast! LOL

    Happy Sunday! :o)

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  60. Retired KnitterApril 10, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    I am more of a home body than I was when I was younger. It seems the older I get the more content I am to be at home.

    However, there still are a few places I wish I could see before I die.

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  61. Stephen T. McCarthyApril 10, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    BOIDMAN ~

    You wrote:
    >>...Larry, I was hoping someone would catch my Neil Young reference.

    What am I? Chopped liver?
    BEFORE Larry tried to steal my thunder, I wrote:
    "Sounds like Mr. Rotten rusted."

    That does it! This is the LAST TIME I ever post a comment on THIS blog.

    [Incidentally, I'm only kidding about that last crack, Chief. But, hell, if you love Larry more than you love me, I'll find another... "blogger".]

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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  62. Arlee BirdApril 10, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    Again thanks for the additional comments.

    StMc -- Oh yeah, I remember you. Didn't you used to have a blog or two? As I recall they were pretty good ones. Too bad you quit on us.
    But, hey-hey, my-my, my love for you will never die. No one could ever replace you. For that matter I don't guess anyone would want to replace you.

    One of these days I will make it to Phoenix and have a chance to meet up with you and Larry.

    Lee

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  63. Stephen T. McCarthyApril 10, 2011 at 11:38 PM

    >> . . . One of these days I will make it to Phoenix and have a chance to meet up with you and Larry.

    There's that "Larry" character AGAIN!

    (Is there something you'd like to tell us?!)

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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  64. Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis HallApril 11, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    I am happy at home NOW, reading blogs.

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  65. Arlee BirdApril 11, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Stephen McC -- You need to go home and get some sleep. And don't forget to watch American Idol this week to see if Brian is in the audience.

    Jingle -- Yes, I'm back home now as well, and reading blogs like you are.


    Lee

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  66. Susan KaneApril 11, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Home. I don't think there is any other word that stirs up so many emotions.
    This past week we buried my mother. Then we did all the 'closing down things' are required at the end of someone's life.
    Closing the door to her house and driving out of the community for a last time was hard,
    but going home with my husband was such relief.
    Thanks for an excellent post.

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  67. Arlee BirdApril 11, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    Susan -- Thank you for your comment and sorry for your sad loss. Wrapping up a life, a business, or whatever can be such a bittersweet time that makes us reflect and remember. The feelings are mixed, but our lives and the life around us must move on. A comforting presence and a home where we can find rest and shelter are such blessings to us.

    Lee

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  68. Michelle in a shellApril 12, 2011 at 6:07 PM

    Getting home after a long day or even a vacation is one of my favorite feelings in the world. Nothing like the comfort and coziness of home.

    ReplyDelete

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Lee