Journey to the Past: Part 1

Hallo All-

I think one can be on many journeys at the same moment, both physically and emotionally. Some paths cross over each. Some are on their own separate trek to who knows where. Some are so hidden that one only finds them after stumbling upon them unexpectedly. The dictionary defines this word as:

journey
noun
1. an act or instance of traveling from one place to another
2. passage or progress from one stage to another

And what words/feelings are associated with this word? I can think of plenty:

- planning
- unexpected
- long
- fun
- fear
- new
- excitement
- self-reflection
- ever-changing

I can't help but think of my favorite song (and I am sure it is many other people's too) from the 1997 film Anastasia, "Journey to the Past," Liz Callaway's version, of course. (*Side note: Ramin Karimloo will be returning to Broadway in 2017 to be in the new and anticipated Anastasia the Musical.) How can one not say the music is so memorable- that's Stephen Flaherty for you...Ragtime anyone? And we can't forget about the lyricist, Lynn Ahrens.  (Disclaimer: I do not own these words.)

Heart, don't fail me now!
Courage, don't desert me!
Don't turn back now that we're here.
People always say
Life is full of choices.
No one ever mentions fear!
   ... ... ...
One step at a time,
One hope, then another,
Who knows where this road may go?
Back to who I was,
On to find my future.
Things my heart still needs to know.

Yes, let this be a sign!
Let this road be mine!
Let it lead me to my past
And bring me home...
At last!

Even though I am no orphan like little Anya, knowing who and where you come from is very necessary. If you don't revisit the past, how will you know where to even start your own journey?

With my life and plans changing so much from where I wanted and thought they would be, I guess it is time to discover what journeys are in store for me.

Time to put on my rice hat, grab my walking stick, and journey to the past...

Much love,
Rog