New people, new place.

My Aunt and I came back from a morning of doing errands and then also to a visit to The Morikami Museum and Gardens. It was very very beautiful. My Aunt's friend Marsha is a docent there and she generously invited us to be toured around the entire place. Specifically tour me around, so nice. Her husband was a Buddhist priest and she has a wealth of knowledge about the place and subject matter of Japanese gardens and spirituality. My Aunt decided to sit out the tour because of her injured foot, so I traveled around with Marsha on my own for an hour and a half. This was my first time meeting Marsha.

i was grateful for the opportunity and how she extended herself for me and my Aunt... in my own awkwardness and labile sense, I worried that I wasn't getting along with her and or that she didn't like me. But I held on. I just kept the flame of hope alive with thought that I couldn't wait to get back to being at home and daily strength where I'd be around people who know me and love and accept me for who I am. In fact that thought just kind of relaxed me. Took the pressure off and I just didn't care so much anymore. I relied on my home base.

We then had lunch at the cafe there and I think the act of "breaking bread" and awkward moments still we eventually became comfortable. I kind just surmised that others in social situations probably have these kinds of insecurities too. 

it's all good. At the time to leave I hugged her and encouraged her to keep up her practice (meditation)

and my Aunt and I made a retreat to go back home. Marsha smiled and waved us off.

Things are good. It's been a great trip. I checked in with the airlines and have my boarding pass for my flight to Charlotte and then Baltimore tomorrow.... to see the amazing Aemiliane!